Cliff Posted September 24, 2015 Report Share Posted September 24, 2015 Anyone got a favorite tape measure? I bought one a few months ago and it was great but suffered from a ridiculous flaw of not being immune to a utility knife. I may just buy the same one again, but thought I'd see if anyone had one that is awesomesauce. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted September 24, 2015 Report Share Posted September 24, 2015 I have several of the tapes they give away as promotions at Harbor Freight. They're ok, so long as you use the same one, not measure with one and mark with another. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendon_t Posted September 24, 2015 Report Share Posted September 24, 2015 I actually don't use a tape measure any more. Most of my measurements are in the short to medium space. I bought a folding rule from woodcraft and love it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodbutcher74 Posted September 24, 2015 Report Share Posted September 24, 2015 I use a Stanley that I got at Menards. It's bright fluorescent green. Makes it easy to spot when I set it down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post estesbubba Posted September 24, 2015 Popular Post Report Share Posted September 24, 2015 Fastcap left rightyhttp://www.rockler.com/fastcap-procarpenter-lefty-righty-tape-measure 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted September 24, 2015 Report Share Posted September 24, 2015 16' FatMax. Don't bother with anything else. It's the ultimate shop tape. I never thought I'd say a Stanley was the best anything...but I've found no rival. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted September 24, 2015 Report Share Posted September 24, 2015 I am another happy FatMax customer. Since tapes are 1/8" tools for me I don't expect much more than consistent results. The superior standout then is the determining factor. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted September 24, 2015 Report Share Posted September 24, 2015 Beware, one, either Stanley or Dewalt makes a tape that measures from 1" to 1', then 1" to 2', etc. Not 1" to 120". Darn thing drove me to taking it back and got a Fatmax! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davewyo Posted September 24, 2015 Report Share Posted September 24, 2015 I like the Stanley LeverLockIt's not as easy to read as the FatMax but I have incipient arthritis so I tolerate the leverlock feature better than pushing down the "lock" with my thumb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trip Posted September 25, 2015 Report Share Posted September 25, 2015 In the shop, I work in Metric and SAE... So I need a tape measure with both scales.. I found the Festool to be clearly marked in both scales, has a compass function and can be dropped off the bench hundreds of times without breaking... It's overpriced for what it is, but that's to be expected...For DIY, woodshed, garage, wife's toolbox, et al --- the 16' FatMax is the tape of choice.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cliff Posted September 25, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 25, 2015 Fastcap left rightyhttp://www.rockler.com/fastcap-procarpenter-lefty-righty-tape-measureThat's actually the one I just ruined! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Cancelleri Posted September 25, 2015 Report Share Posted September 25, 2015 I've got a dozen tape measures. My favorite is my Milwaukee https://www.milwaukeetool.com/hand-tools/tape-measure/48-22-5125 I've got a 16' and a 25' I also have 5 older stanleys, a 25 foot stanley fatmax, a couple of Kameleon fractional tape measures, and a Fastcap metric tape measure.I have a few folding rulers from lee valley that I prefer for certain tasks. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaneymack Posted September 25, 2015 Report Share Posted September 25, 2015 I have always used fatmax on the jobsite. For most tradesman around here, that is the go to tape. For the shop i find it to be too big because I carry it around in my apron. I use a 12' stanley for the shop. I bought the festool tape and it has never been used as the spring is junk and it drives me crazy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Wright Posted September 25, 2015 Report Share Posted September 25, 2015 I use a lightweight Stanley 12 foot tape measure. I've found that it is more accurate to use a smaller/shorter tape for shop projects rather than a big fat tape measure. I also keep that tape in my shop and avoid using it outdoors, etc.I have a 25' Fatmax that I use for construction projects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chet Posted September 25, 2015 Report Share Posted September 25, 2015 (edited) Fastcap left rightyhttp://www.rockler.com/fastcap-procarpenter-lefty-righty-tape-measureI like the lefty righty from Fastcap also. One feature that I really like is it locks when you extend and then you use the lock button to release and retract it.I also took the belt clip of like Steve below... for the same reason Edited September 25, 2015 by Chet K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted September 25, 2015 Report Share Posted September 25, 2015 Lefty righty here too. I take off the belt clip and keep it in my pocket. Dropping a tape on the hook ruins the accuracy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cliff Posted September 25, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 25, 2015 Thanks for the suggestions guys. I think I'll get another Lefty Righty and a 12' Stanley. I was pretty annoyed that I cut into my old Lefty Righty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4square Posted September 25, 2015 Report Share Posted September 25, 2015 Fat Max 16' for every measurement outside the shop. In the shop I use an old folding wooden rule that is still in pristine condition (I take extremely good care of it ) or story sticks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southwood Posted September 25, 2015 Report Share Posted September 25, 2015 Another 12' Stanley user. I get the chrome metal bodied from HD for around $8. I like the weight and the length is just right for the shop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom King Posted September 25, 2015 Report Share Posted September 25, 2015 (edited) 1x25' Powerlock for me for everything from framing houses to making cabinets. I've used them forever, and nothing else seems right in my hand. I take the belt hook off. There are probably over 20 of them laying around, fits perfectly in the tape pocket in my tool belt. Fatmax's always too big for me. I buy a couple every time HD has them on sale for $8.88. If one gets dropped on the hook, it gets tossed. Start of any job gets all the ones used synchronized, and any outliers get tossed. With the saw man using a sharp no.4 pencil, measurements get called to 64ths. It's a reflex action that I control the retraction speed with finger pressure on the tape, and always catch the hook with a finger, never letting it slap home on it's own.http://www.sears.com/stanley-1-in-x-25-ft-steel-tape/p-00997382000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&kpid=00997382000&pla=&kispla=00997382000P&mktRedirect=y Edited September 25, 2015 by Tom King 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryMcK Posted September 25, 2015 Report Share Posted September 25, 2015 Yes I go for the 25 foot Powerlock too. I don't like the FatMax. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardA Posted September 25, 2015 Report Share Posted September 25, 2015 Stanley 12'er's 3 or 4 of them and half a dozen HF free tapes... But for the work I do 6' Lufkin fold out rule every time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gilgaron Posted September 25, 2015 Report Share Posted September 25, 2015 I have a Craftsman my dad gave me a while back that I like a lot, although I don't believe they sell them anymore so if it breaks I'll have to figure out who manufactured it. I'd guess Stanley from Sears current offerings. For construction type duties I use the free Harbor Freight tapes, although for shop use I have taken to using a tape at all less and less as I've acquired more rigid and folding rules. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted September 25, 2015 Report Share Posted September 25, 2015 If your working in metric the Fastcap True 32 tape has all the standard 32mm spacings and associated points marked . This does speed up layout work for line boring for hardware and adjustable shelves.i sometimes switch to metric for accuracy. I find it easier to go straight to a measurement like 1568 mm than 5' 1 47/64 th . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Immortan D Posted September 25, 2015 Report Share Posted September 25, 2015 I recently started using my Bosch measuring tool to take inside measurements for shelves, then used the same instrument to set a miter saw stop (aiming the laser to the blade in continuous measurement mode), inserted a shim and made the cut... that worked out really really well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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