Author Topic: tape measure recommendations (Read 2473 times)

HowardH · « **on:** October 19, 2020, 05:04 PM »

My tape measures keep disappearing for some reason so it's time to buy another one. I like having them with a metric/imperial combo blade as I work with both systems. I have used the Fat Max's for years but was wondering if there were any others out there I should consider before I go to Home Depot. I use them around the shop, mostly for smaller projects but I am doing a fence rebuild shortly that requires a longer stand out. Has anyone used one of these CO-Z 3 in 1 digital tape? Has a nice cool factor to it. It looks pretty narrow, though so I would imagine the standout is only 6-7' max.

ear3 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 19, 2020, 05:31 PM »

I really like the Stabila tape measure, but I don't know if I can recommend it -- I've broken two of them in the past couple of years by dropping them and having the locking button come off. For some reason though I continue to buy them despite this flaw.

I had a Tajima for a while until it got stolen at the installation site, and I quite liked it as well. The tab was inset to the body, so you didn't have to worry about it getting bent if it fell on the ground.

rvieceli · « **Reply #2 on:** October 19, 2020, 05:44 PM »

This does not help you on the stand out issue but for around the shop I really like the Fastcap ProCarpenter FlatBack. It comes in several marking versions including metric. It is very flexible and lays very flat on the surface of the work. Take a look.

Ron

https://www.fastcap.com/product/procarpenter-flatback-tape-measure?cat=308

FestitaMakool · « **Reply #3 on:** October 19, 2020, 05:58 PM »

I haven’t heard or seen the tape you’re linking to, but I’ve heard one speak good about this one in the link below. I know I’ve seen it under different colors and brand name.
I’m at least having a go when I’m ordering from Rutlands next time.
Being a bit sceptical, but a real workout is the best way of finding out the accuracy.

https://www.rutlands.co.uk/sp+hand-tools-digital-marking-measuring-digital-tape-measures-digital-tape-measure-rutlands+r9113

Roachmill · « **Reply #4 on:** October 19, 2020, 06:21 PM »

Can't help on the unholy matrimony of metric and imperial as I'm now pure metric, but I've recently jumped from Advent tapes to Tajima (G3 8m ones in my case) after hearing lots to love about them: sturdy, wide tapes, easy to read double sided markings and great clips. I bought one and shortly followed on with another two. They do a whole range so you may well get one in mixed-hellery mode (metric and imperial).

aloysius · « **Reply #5 on:** October 19, 2020, 06:33 PM »

I simply can't tolerate dual-measurement tapes. Metric only for me, but even if I wished to use medieval measurements as well, I'd probably prefer an additional feet & inches only tape instead of the dual measurement alternative.

I do however appreciate the accuracy & convenience of Lufkin's dual-scale tapes, with internal/external measurements possible with the one device. The shorter, wider 6M variety suits me best as the stiffer steel tape allows a long, convenient & stable standout of about 3M+ before the tape cracks its back & flops down.

For me, dual scale (metric only) tapes are my only accurate means of quickly determining internal measurements of apertures, fenestration etc.

FestitaMakool · « **Reply #6 on:** October 19, 2020, 06:47 PM »

Cannot else than agree on the dual metric and imperial. Most of the time I use folding rulers (2m ones) and every time I use the only metric ones, I ban the dual ones, as measuring from different sides on the all metric is sooo much simpler. But still have and use the dual ones. It’s just a thing..

manuc · « **Reply #7 on:** October 19, 2020, 07:23 PM »

I’ve been using Fastcap dual and metric. I do have the Festool one but don’t drop it. I dropped mine and the tape came of the guide inside. I did take it apart and fixed it but it was a royal pain!
No issues with dropping the Fastcap many times.

cubevandude · « **Reply #8 on:** October 19, 2020, 07:27 PM »

I like the stanley tape measures. One in metric and another in imperial, not together. Here in Canada if you watch, you can get them for 5.99 at Canadian Tire. In the US they have the Chrome style and that's my favorite.
They are accurate.
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/stanley-25-ft-tape-measure-0577026p.html
https://www.stanleytools.com/products/hand-tools/tape-measures/powerlock-heavy-duty-tape-measure

HowardH · « **Reply #9 on:** October 19, 2020, 07:48 PM »

Never thought that the dual measurement would elicit such strong opinions!

I saw one today that had measurements on both sides of the tape. I can see where that could be useful from time to time. I think I'll order one of each - metric and imperial. The fastcap Pro-carpenter would be great at measuring around a curve. Lot's of great choices!

Yardbird · « **Reply #10 on:** October 19, 2020, 08:27 PM »

Metric, imperial-heck I happen to own a tape measure that is in Pi. It is great for measuring pipe, the diameter of a tree, etc. It measures Pi to the 1/100th of an inch. I have had it for over thirty years, and have never seen another one.

Bugsysiegals · « **Reply #11 on:** October 19, 2020, 09:48 PM »

I have a Stanley Imperial/Metric and because it repeats 1-9 between each 10cm, it caused me to read it wrong and cut two important pieces short. I’ve now the FastCap True32 which reads metric in both directions, helpful for upside down measurement, but more importantly reads 10,20,30,etc. between each 10cm so you read 100cm 10mm (1010mm) rather than accidentally converting the 1 to a 100 and thinking you have 1100mm.

DeformedTree · « **Reply #12 on:** October 19, 2020, 10:28 PM »

Quote from: cubevandude on October 19, 2020, 07:27 PM

I like the stanley tape measures. One in metric and another in imperial, not together. Here in Canada if you watch, you can get them for 5.99 at Canadian Tire.
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/stanley-25-ft-tape-measure-0577026p.html

Dear god, who ever made that listing needs to be removed from society. What a mess of specification if there ever was. I have no idea what it is from that. Is it metric? Inch? Dual. They used "all the units" in the spec table.

thorp · « **Reply #13 on:** October 19, 2020, 10:47 PM »

Quote from: Roachmill on October 19, 2020, 06:21 PM

Can't help on the unholy matrimony of metric and imperial as I'm now pure metric, but I've recently jumped from Advent tapes to Tajima (G3 8m ones in my case) after hearing lots to love about them: sturdy, wide tapes, easy to read double sided markings and great clips. I bought one and shortly followed on with another two. They do a whole range so you may well get one in mixed-hellery mode (metric and imperial).

I have also settled on the Tajima. Rob Cosman has a good video on a couple of Tajima tape measures.

Holzhacker · « **Reply #14 on:** October 19, 2020, 11:50 PM »

In the shop I use one of the various fast cap I have. Really like the flat back.
On a jobsite, I'm a chrome 25' Stanley man all day long. They have good stand out and tend to last well except for my abuse. More importantly HD, Menards or Lowes pretty much always has them on sale or on a good deal with some sort of package combo. Tape and drywall knife or tape and pencil set, whatever. I go through 5-8 a year probably. I could probably make them last longer but for the $10-$15 I don't care.
Don't like the black and yellow competition. Too heavy, too bulky.

mkasdin · « **Reply #15 on:** October 20, 2020, 02:57 AM »

I have a few tape measures so when I misplace them I still have backups. Komelon 5 meter - dual imperial and metric. The idea was to ease myself into the world of metric. Honestly hasn’t helped much, I’m metrically challenged. The small Milwaukee tape lives on the tool bag so it has a home. Then there’s a floater, that moves around and gets misplaced. There’s the 5-7yo junker Stanley tape measure, which has been abused far too long and I just don’t have the heart to toss it away. In the tool cart lives a 30 foot Stanley chrome fat max along with a 100 foot rolled tape. Plus in the tool bag I have a folding Festool metric ruler which never gets used. It’s strictly for show. I couldn’t make up my mind so I just bought a few, ask me in 2022 and I’ll have an answer? I think it comes down to the closest tape I can find?

Doug S · « **Reply #16 on:** October 20, 2020, 03:38 AM »

I have used many tape measures and these are by far my favourite

https://www.hultafors.com/products/tape_measures/H0038-short-tape-steel-bt/79367

Peter_C · « **Reply #17 on:** October 20, 2020, 10:13 AM »

There is no "one" tape measure.

Laser measure device
100' Tape
35' Stanley Fat Max Chrome
25' Stanley Fat Max Chrome
Lots of Fastcap tape measures in standard, metric, and standard/metric.
Luftkin's too.

Order many, be happy

DeformedTree · « **Reply #18 on:** October 20, 2020, 11:30 AM »

dual scales are ok for when you need direct conversions, where you are working something inch on some of the bits, metric on others. So say inch framed house, but when you walk over to the table saw with metric scales, you can direct translate. It's also handy to have a small one to carry to the store to cover all bases. Beyond that, they basically just make for a bad inch tape and a bad metric tape. They definitely are not a path to converting to metric. As you will just stick to looking at the inch stuff. I would say the same is true in reverse, but I doubt there are metric people trying to convert themselves to inch.

Hopefully in time we will see more pure metric tapes in the US. There is certainly not one to rule them all. The options are rather limited.

morts10n · « **Reply #19 on:** October 20, 2020, 11:57 AM »

Ive tried many of the above mentioned tapes but have always gone back to Stanley 16' imperial only. Ive never built a 25' cabinet so I have no need for a bigger tape measure. The Stanley is the only one Ive found whose first inch markings are not obsured by the rivet plate for the hook. As for the anti imperial comments...gfy...just kidding !!

afish · « **Reply #20 on:** October 20, 2020, 12:31 PM »

Im another one that uses either an imperial or metric tape for what Im doing. If its construction related its generally a FatMax. If its cabinet building I really like the True 32 (Blue) tape from Fast cap. The only "dual" tape I use is the True 32 stick on rule for my tablesaw, it has both imperial and metric. The true 32 helps keep me from making reading errors as my eyes and memory aren't what they used to be.

Sparktrician · « **Reply #21 on:** October 20, 2020, 01:35 PM »

I prefer to work in metric, and when I do, it's one of two Hultafors Talmeter tapes; one in 3M and one in 6M. The 3M tape is pocket size and has no belt clip. The 6M tape comes with a clip-on holster arrangement. When I have to work in imperial, I use a 16' ~~DeWalt~~ Bostitch tape that has proven to be both accurate and sturdy.

16' imperial tape was mis-identified earlier as a DeWalt. It's really a Bostitch.

mkasdin · « **Reply #22 on:** October 20, 2020, 03:29 PM »

Quote from: Peter_C on October 20, 2020, 10:13 AM

There is no "one" tape measure.

Laser measure device
100' Tape
35' Stanley Fat Max Chrome
25' Stanley Fat Max Chrome
Lots of Fastcap tape measures in standard, metric, and standard/metric.
Luftkin's too.

Order many, be happy

the laser measuring devices are very good. I have an old Hilti and the red laser is dying. It goes about 75 feet instead of 300 plus. Not real happy about that, it was an expensive purchase. But it’s extremely accurate within 1/8” over a long distance and 1/16” close. I’ve leveled ceilings with it.

rst · « **Reply #23 on:** October 20, 2020, 04:20 PM »

I'm with Sparkie, I also use Hultafors Talmeter tapes if I'm building cabinets. I work in a lot of trades so I use various measuring devices...Wiha 1 meter/imperial folder lives in my carpenter pants pocket, 8' imperial folders, Irwin Night Ezes and Milwaukee 16-35' retractables and a Leica D-8 that I got for a great price years ago, accurate out to about 400 meters, has 4 power magnification, 5 second delay and all kinds of functions. The newer ones are really cool...bluetooth download to phone, tablet and computer...close to a grand though.

xedos · « **Reply #24 on:** October 20, 2020, 04:32 PM »

Metric / Imperial tapes are really useful in the USA where job sites are still “roughed in“ using imperial inches and feet by all trades. 16” on center framing , 8,9,10,12 foot ceiling heights, 36” counter height , ect..... The metric becomes useful when constructing and marrying Euro cabinetry into these structures. Converting back and forth is confusing and a waste of time. Carrying two different tapes is a waste of space and resources and time if I forgot the right one.

aloysius · « **Reply #25 on:** October 20, 2020, 05:33 PM »

Quote from: Ron B on October 19, 2020, 08:27 PM

Metric, imperial-heck I happen to own a tape measure that is in Pi. It is great for measuring pipe, the diameter of a tree, etc. It measures Pi to the 1/100th of an inch. I have had it for over thirty years, and have never seen another one.

Extremely common in the Forestry industries. I think I might have a couple of old ones from the 70s & 80s myself still somewhere.

They're called "Diameter Tapes", as they display the given diameter for a measured circumference.

Great for determining the diameter & cubic volume of logs, etc., but essentially redundant if not actually useless for "measuring" pipes that are only available in standardised & easily identifiable diameters anyway.

Charles959 · « **Reply #26 on:** October 20, 2020, 10:27 PM »

That Hultafors model mentioned by Doug S is EU Class 1 certified. These accuracy classes are seldom mentioned in American discussions of tape measures. I asked Starrett about theirs the last time JLC Live! was held in Providence, and was told that some of their models meet that standard, and some do not. The distinction was not in their product literature at the time.

From https://www.thetapestore.co.uk/knowledgebase/Articles/The_Advantages_of_a_Class_1_Tape_Measure.html :

As an example let’s compare a class I with a class II tape. EU guidelines state a class I tape up to 2m in length must be accurate to within a margin of 0.3mm. Under the same guidelines a class II tape of the same length should be accurate to within 0.7mm

Bert Vanderveen · « **Reply #27 on:** October 21, 2020, 05:34 AM »

BMI, (Sola or Hultafors) TAL and the Festool branded tape measure (made by — can’t remember). The latter whenever I am able to locate it, because it is a shifty one; keeps running away from home.

Claimdude · « **Reply #28 on:** October 21, 2020, 09:44 AM »

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ELMSX0C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?SubscriptionId=AKIAJO7E5OLQ67NVPFZA&ascsubtag=852615170-2-362948022.1603287550&tag=shopperz_origin3-20

Starrett imperial and metric 16' tape measures in silver cases. My Fastcap and DeWalt haven't been used since I got my first Starrett several year ago.

Jack

Banana · « **Reply #29 on:** October 21, 2020, 09:58 AM »

Like everyone else here I have, and have tried, too many tapes and i'm still searching. But I will say the ‘BMImeter’ (2m only) is worth having around or throwing a few in tool bags or systainers. They come in very handy as a supplement to traditional tape measures. If I lost them I would immediately replace them with same.

I do like the Tajima’s (imperial / metric) when new, but of all the tapes I have tried they have been the shortest lived - in my case.