Who makes the best tape measures? Oh boy, that’s a tough one, as there’s so much subjectivity to sort through. Maybe you’re a self-locking tape measure kind of user. Or maybe you like regular slide locks. 16-foot vs. 25-foot? Do you care more about blade standout, or quicker use?
I thought long and hard about all of the different tape measures I’ve used over the years, some of which I posted about here previously. Most of my favored tapes haven’t been posted about, although once I find them all and get them in one place I might eventually do a roundup.
Advertisement
Which is the best tape measure? I cannot really say, but I can tell you about my favorite tape measure.
I’ve taken a real liking to Milwaukee’s 16-foot magnetic tape measure, which first came out about 2 years ago. Their 25-foot tape measure compares very favorably against Dewalt’s best, but I can often get away with using a 16-footer, which is smaller and lighter. Milwaukee recently came out with new lower-cost tape measures, which trade the finger-stop feature for greater self-standing stability.
But is Milwaukee’s tape measure the best? I really want to say yes, but it’s not without its faults, such as its super-sized hook and the distinct swish sound the tape makes as it moves in and out of the housing.
I also like Stanley’s new LeverLock tape measure, but I can’t seem to find it at the moment. If I really, REALLY liked it, I wouldn’t have lost it, right?
Stanley’s PowerLock 25-foot tape measure is another personal favorite, but it’s far from being the best tape measure. It’s inexpensive, works pretty well, and is reasonably durable.
Advertisement
I’d like to tell you all about my Fisco Big T, but they’re so hard to find in the USA. I bought mine from Sears back in January of 2009, back when Sears had a great tool buyer that brought lots of offbeat brands to their catalog. Johnson’s Big J was a relabeled Fisco tape, but it has since be discontinued. None of this changes the fact that my Fisco dual-markings 16-foot/5-meter tape measure is probably among my top 3 tapes, but my opinion won’t help you if you can’t buy one for yourself.
Tape measures’ blades wear down with use, and housings break. I tend to misplace tape measures much more often than I wear them down, and so I can’t really comment about which make or model might be especially more durable than the rest.
There was always a special place on my bench for my Craftsman tape measure. Until I misplaced that one too. If I wanted another one and fast, all I could do is raid the one I think I gave my father a few years ago. Because Craftsman decided to leave the tape measure business. Sigh.
Okay, so which would you say is the best tape measure? Or maybe the best tape measure for YOU?
I’ll continue to round up all of mine, primarily because I’m down to just 2 that I can find, but also for eventual comparison purposes.
Justin
For the longest time I was using a 12-foot Target no-name tape measure which served during my apartment days. Moving into a house, I found myself needing a 13th foot and went with the Stanley FatMax 25′. I think I agree with you that I liked the LeverLock better, but I’ve been on a quest to buy USA-made tools whenever practicable now and the FatMax checked that box where the Leverlock did not.
The 12 foot has been moved to my “sock drawer” toolbox. We live in a 3 floor townhouse and the tools are on the first floor. However I keep that tape measure, a Milwaukee stubby 10 bit driver, and Weiss snips (for opening blister pack) literally in my sock drawer on the 3rd floor.
jan
Milwaukee is junk after 3 to 9 months 6 tapes from 9 damaged if you use it on the job site every day it looks solid but will not last.
Tajima with rubber coating is the way to go not a junk from home depot or similar store
Clint
You are correct. I burned up two 16 footers in less than a year doing residential wiring.
Tom
For finish carpentry work, this thing is amazing:
Fastcap PMS-12
http://www.amazon.com/Fastcap-PMS-12-12-foot-Standard-Measuring/dp/B000GFDFAG/
Write on label, pencil sharpener, metric and imperial measurements….
And it has all the 1/16ths numbered on it, which really makes things so much easier.
Bill
Yes, absolutely right. I have a couple like that. They beat all the others hands down.
Lenny
25′ FatMax is always my go to tape. When doing any type of framing I use a similar version with a bigger hook. Made in USA, reliable, nothing fancy, easy to find. My son bought me a Milwaukee 2 pack of tapes one day because the price was right. They stay in the truck. The blade is too floppy and they’re made in China.
Greg
I’m a hardwood flooring contractor. I go through tapes like crazy. Fastcap 25′ “old standby” is the tape I most often reach for when running trim. Lately I’ve been using the newer dewalt 16′ tape for installations. I like that the blade is 1″ wide and it fits comfortably in my hand…
Joel
I just bought the 16′ Fatmax Xtreme yesterday. I have a couple of cheap tapes but I’ve just been so tired of their lousy standout performance on my most recent job that I finally pulled the trigger on a new one. Stanley says this model has a 13′ standout — if that is even remotely close to being true, I’ll be satisfied.
fred
Tape measures were one of those things that were forever getting “lost” or evaporating into thin air on the jobsite. Some of the guys had a preference – and we were happy to allow them to buy what they wanted with their own money. I recall that one of the guys had a non-conductive (all plastic I presume) tape measure – but I think it was metric. We also bought tape measures in quantity from time to time – mostly Stanley (USA) – maybe some Lufkin (USA) earlier on – some from Komelon (China) and some from Keson (USA). We also had some from BonTool that were graduated for bricklaying and/or cement blocks – and some from Wheeler Rex (#71)that were specific for pipe diameters.
In my own shop – I have a few oddball ones – worth mentioning:
RICH LUMBER CO. BFR-0016 BOARD FOOT TAPE MEASURE
BAKLUND-HELLAR 251 CENTER FINDER
FASTCAP PTF.30 TIMBERFRAME TAPE MEASURE
KOMELON 433IE ENGINEER SCALE
SPT
fastcap all the way!!! Never use anything else anymore.
Leo
That’s really thnkiing out of the box. Thanks!
JayT
My go to tape is still a 16′ Stanley Leverlock that’s at least 20 years old. Small and slim enough to not bump into everything as you carry it, but long enough for most light duty uses.
I really like the new premium Milwaukee tapes, but don’t have any reason to get one at the moment.
Scott
FASTCAP Lefty/Righty 16′ Tape Measure is my favorite. Have multiple of them throughout the shop. I love that I can easily view it from either side. Easy to read 1/16 markings.
In my pocket when running errands is a cheap Project Source 10ft measure from Lowes. Have several of them for when I loose them. They are the best combo of weight/size (nice and flat for in pocket) while still being 10ft. Wish they where just a bit stiffer though.
Dean in Des Moines
I too use this tape and love it. I use it almost daily and won’t buy anything else.
Dean in Des Moines
The FastCap, that is.
Craig
Tajima G-plus! http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001S2QNP0/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?qid=1436287733&sr=8-12&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=Tajima+Tool
Mahalo
In general, I think the Stanley Powerlock is best for me, and that’s for a lot of the reasons you mentioned above. I.e., if I lose it, it’s affordable to replace. Even while being affordable, it works fine, is okay on durability, and the standout isn’t horrible. If I wasn’t worry about replacement cost, I would rather have one with a better standout, but a lot of these come with ridiculous oversized hooks. The FatMax is an exception and I like it a lot.
Dennis
I’ve been using the Milwaukee 25′ for the past year, its become my favorite. I also find the Festool tape measure useful when I need measurements in tight places or in centimeters. I dont know if it counts for this discussion, but I’m a big fan of my Milwaukee laser tape measure as well. It makes measuring large spaces on you own easy.
Charlie Stopczynski
Over the years, I have purchased tape measures for both myself as a homeowner, handyman, woodworker, as well my employer for a workshop of 50 men (electrical manufacturing). The Stanley tape measures were good. However, the el cheapo $4 for an 8 meter tape for our metric needs from HD worked really well.
The guys complained that the Stanley’s didn’t hold up. My opinion is they do if you take care of them. NEVER let the tape rewind itself without a little braking applied with the index finger on the bottom side of the tape. The finger acts as a nice soft shock absorber.
Doing some comparison shopping I purchased a number of “Komelon” tapes from Lowes. Used to be bright green, now neon yellow. The tape pulls out nice, rewind release button is 2/3 the way up the front. Held up well. A lot of tape measure for the money. Not sensitive to triggering a rewind as the Stanley’s were when you sat it down with tape extended on a flat surface. The Komelon tapes were an excellent tape for the price. Have one in the kitchen tool drawer for household use. I still use two Stanley’s in my woodshop, as well as my little 10 foot mini that fits the watch pocket of my jeans very well. That’s for when you need to measure something quick and you’re not close any of the standard tapes.
My little lifesaver tape measure is the “Centerfinder”, now that’s a really neat idea in a measuring tape when you need to mark centers on something quick and easy. highlandwoodworking.com
Then there are the “Why didn’t I think of that” tape measures from Fast Cap.
Such as left hand, dual scale, story stick, and more. Many versions to choose from. Available from p’treeusa.com – Peachtree Woodworking Supply, Norcross, GA, USA.
I hope my comments will be found to be useful.
John
I probably own a dozen tapes. This is because I know that’s it’s practical for me to have at least 3 or 4 (upstairs, downstairs, shed, car, etc). Aside from the one in my car, I can usually only locate one, no matter where I look. And so, that’s the best tape for me: the one tape I can find.
Joseph C
I bust out the 16’/25′ FatMax tapes when doing rough work, but I primarily use the Fastcap tapes in my cabinetry/finish carpentry work. They make a “Lefty/Righty” model that helps avoid a lot of subtle confusion.
Btw, one of the people I apprenticed to taught me a habit that I still use- we only call out measurements in /16ths. For instance, instead of saying 5/8ths, we say “10.” +/- 1/32, we call out plus or minus. Primary benefit is the efficiency and accuracy of calling out fewer numbers and less translation; 5/8ths will never be confused with 5/16ths. By thinking in /16ths, it makes math a little easier too; a colleague related it to adapting SAE into something closer to metric simplicity. The Fastcap L/R tapes have all the 16ths labeled, which makes this even easier.
Grady
I prefer the Stanley 16′ power lock. Don’t have much use for the 25′, just don’t need that much lenght. Don’t care for their FatMax either, it’s just a lot of unneeded Bulk. I kinda like the lever lock now days also the thumb locks depending on the location and length of travel. I guess my favorite of all time was 16′ Lufkin circa 1979 with a thumb lock. Back then the cases were solid, and you replaced the blades whenever they wore out. I wore out 3 cases and countless blades. The blades were really great and more accurate than a Stanley. It was always on my side and out and in every 5 minutes. They had silver blades that were great for the work I was doing , unfortunately the blades wore out the end quickly.
Mike
Another vote for the FatMax here. Durable, easy to read, excellent standout, and as indestructible as a tape measure can be. While not cheap, it isn’t obscenely expensive like some of the newer high end tapes. It also doesn’t have such a large curl to the tape like some of the others with good standout.
But you can’t really declare any tape measure the “best” overall. What fits my needs, preferences, and price range won’t ever exactly fit someone else’s.
Troy
I vote AGAINST the DeWalt “Fatmax” looking tape. I used mine for a weekend long outdoor project when it was damp and there was light ran. Before the end of the project, the tape rusted like nobody’s business and was ruined.
As a repalcement I bought a two pack of the Milwaukee 16′ and 25′. I like how they feel and the finger catch, but the standout has not been impressive.
pete
I have found that most dewalt hand tools tend to rust quite easily.
Personally I use a fatmax and it keeps on ticking! I had a fatmax EXTREME! and it lasted a good while till I accidentally welded it to something… lol
firefly
Another vote against the Dewalt tape here.
Troy
UPDATE: I noticed this weekend that the latch on BOTH my 16′ and 25 Milwaukee tapes were significantly bent out of square. Both were giving me measurements 1/8″ off or more. I assume the bends are from random drops (no more than 4-5 feet). I’m very surprised because I’m not a professional, only an avid DIY’er, so it’s not as if I’m abusing my tools.
Chris Fyfe
My ” Go To” tape is the Milwaukee 16″ magnetic . I have a 10 M. Tape of theirs , but it hardly ever gets used .
Chris
fred
Interesting – most of my guys eschewed most things magnetic (tapes, levels etc.). They said that they collected bits of swarf and other iron detritus – but since they hardly ever used magmatic-end tapes I’m not sure that their prejudice was anything more than that. Since tool companies keep making them – I figured that some folks must like them.
Tony
For the most precise work, I use tapes for the pound shop
Dimakiir
Talmeter (Hultafors) ofcourse!
The 3 meter lengst is my favorite.
Search for it on YouTube.
firefly
Very unique!
Travis
I just looked up the Talmeter (Hultafors) tape measure. Amazing! I ordered one off of Ebay – $25.24 (free shipping)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/121687558512?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
William
I like the Milwaukee tapes for trim work. The large hooks that can hook on their side are good for outside miters. I like the Stanley PowerLock equally as much, but for different reasons. I like having as little space between the edge of the blade and the outside of the housing of the tape. It makes it easier to put the edge on the surface for marking a measurement. I HATE tapes with metric AND inch rulers on them. I work in inches so it makes it difficult to measure/mark off of both sides of the blade.
Eric
I’ll second your Milwaukee vote. I use the 25FT with the dual-magnets and wide hook hundreds of times each work day (Weights and Inspections). The markings on both side of the tape are invaluable, the wire belt clip doesn’t tear my pants pocket, and the durability is top notch.
brian
i really like my Olympia ez read tape, it is compact for a 25ft tape, can fit in a pocket if needed and ez to and quick to read.
http://www.amazon.com/X25-E-Z-Read-Tape-Measure/dp/B0091A8BZ6/
Mark
For readers of a tool blog, this one’s probably a winner. The video demos are amazing. I haven’t been able to find them in inches though…
http://www.hultafors.com/about-our-products/tape-measures-with-precision/talmeter/
For personal use, I’m always reaching for the Komelon 12′ self locking. For me, the small size and self locking trump other features. The big 25′ guys with giant magnetic hooks and huge standout, are very occasional use for me.
John
Watched the video, and now I want a Talmeter tape.
Maybe Stuart can find out if they’re coming out with an inch/foot version.
Travis
I just looked up the Talmeter (Hultafors) tape measure. Amazing! I ordered one off of Ebay – $25.24 (free shipping)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/121687558512?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Bob
Komelon-Chinese……nuff said!!!
ktash
I have so many tape measures and use them for different things (if I can find them). I like the design of the new lever-lock that has center read. It does not seem quite as sturdy as the older leverlock that I’ve had for a long time. But I use the centering feature a lot when laying out cabinets. I also love the design of the Fastcap lefty-righty. I use it especially when squaring drawers or cabinets. Fastcap has a good metric tape measure, too. I also have a fat max xtreme that I don’t use for making cabinets, but rather for measuring walls, etc. Oh, and the Festool tape, I never use it. Certainly not up to Festool standards at all.
It’s not a tape measure, but I do like the folding ruler with the moveable brass rod, it comes in handy a lot, I often use it as a story stick kind of thing.
I admit to having a bunch of free harbor freight measuring tapes. When I can’t find other tapes, I just grab one of those. Also, they live in the car and the van. If I ever get organized enough to round it all up, I’ll probably donate most of the HF’s to Habitat for Humanity. I’ve gotten more particular about measuring tapes since I started building cabinets and some furniture.
I have a real old craftsman someone gave me. It’s pretty beat up, but I wish they’d make them again, too, Stuart.
Pas
BMI – I use this for measuring in tights spots like areas inside the transom of sailboats, etc. The idea is that the tape pushes out – need not be pulled.
Here’s a youtube vid :
Rusty
Just going by the numbers it’s got to be the free Harbour Freight ones. They get the job done and I can afford to have them absolutely everywhere.
Lukas
16′ FatMax for me. I need the standout height. I wouldn’t want a magnet on there. Just too much of a hassle working around metal shavings and metal tools. One thing I would like is the markings on both sides of the tape.
glenn
I have a few that I have gathered over the years but the two I like the most are the Milwaukee 8m and a Stanley Fatmax Extreme 8m. The Stanley has a longer standout which can be useful but overall for me, the Milwaukee is the better to use due to the finger stop and the magnetic end.
glenn
I nearly forgot, the Stanley 2m tape is pretty handy too, I keep this one in my pocket for when I am up a ladder.
Chris Fyfe
I like magnetic tapes , for stuff like EMT , threaded rod , etc .
Chris
Lukas
Then when you cut the EMT and all thread doesn’t the tape get covered in shavings every time you put it down?
Charles McDaniel
75% of what I measure is to find centerline. So the tape for me is a lufkin self centering.
Fax max is ok but I don’t like how the blade doesn’t flex. The new ones from milwaukee are nice but the polyester cover means I can’t write on it with sharpie and wipe it off with wd-40 at the end of the day. Had a komelon, the magnets stuck to a steel I beam and pulled out of the tape ( maybe they were too good).
The 12′ tapes are good for getting od on pipes and tubes in 25 I’ll stick with lufkin.
Jerry
I have a little Zippo tape measure that I grab when I want a truly pocket sized tape measure of decent quality, kind of my EDC tape.
For workshop use, the long ago discontinued Craftsman version of the old style LeverLock was my favorite. I think it was pretty much a rebadged LeverLock, but it seemed to have a better rubber bumper to protect it from falls.
Matt
Milwaukee hands down. Its one tough tape.
Justin
I am a big fan of the Stanley Fatmax 16′ & 25′ packs. They’re cheap when on sale, durable, and the stand-out is great. The 16′ I find to be the perfect size to stay clipped onto a belt or in my pouch, and then the 25′ mostly stays in my toolbag for when I’m working on those rare projects that require that much length.
Ken
The Bostitch (Stanley) tapes. I have a Flatback 16′ for my archs, Stanley Powerlocks, FatMax, old Stanley Leverlocks, Big Johnsons j’s, Milwaukee Tapes, etc… but when I’m working on a detailed project or just grabbing a tape from the shelf, I always grab or have the Stanley-Bostitch 16′, 25′, or the 35′ in hand.
Why? I can’t really say why but the feel is great, tape’s stiff, reads well and bright without a lot of extra markings or unnecessary fractions. They’re just plain nice tapes. The only reason to go to lowes and now they discontinued them. So I stocked up on two of each size. Try one. You will be pleased.
Chip
For cabinets ,I use a 16 ft Lufkin.
35 or 40 ft fatmax for my day job (fencing/handrail/decks/screen rooms)…..they get rained on,stuck in the dirt etc…….but when your getting a beam measurement on a ladder on a 40 ft tall balcony ,in the wind the13ft stand out is a must.
When a tape is dirty,and will not retract, it’s dry wiped….then cleaned again with an oiled paper towel.
I get 1.5 years on average.
Tyson L
Komelon self lock is my go to. You can get them at Walmart for $7. They have fractional increments and it’s easy to spot because of its color.
Doug C
Frame/finish almost every day. the 25′ Kobalt at <$10 holds up well, good for well over a years worth of work. when it does give it up, walk into lowes and get all my money back and buy another.
AngryDrumGuy
One of my favorites-
http://www.amazon.com/Lufkin-Inch-Quikread-Power-Return/dp/B00002N7P4/ref=sr_1_5?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1436382433&sr=1-5&keywords=lufkin+blue+tape
The turned numbers let me read it so much faster from either side.
Mkbrbkr
For basic woodworking my rule of choice is the Lee Valley Blindman’s Tape. The numbers are big (for us blind men) and the fractions have tapered point lines that are easy to distinguish.
http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=32565&cat=1,43513
I hate those new tapes with all the little fraction numbers, so when it comes to precision I prefer the Fast Cap metric tapes because when it comes to math, Metric beats Imperial every time.
Creighton
I’ve wanted the Milwaukee ever since I looked at it in the store but just had a hard time justifying the $$$, Ace ran a 4th of July sale on some Craftsman ones for $3, I loved the price and grabbed 1, took it to the jobsite and used it for the day, went back and bought 3 more!
http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=37662146&cp=2608353.21503026.21503036.35644366
Tomas
I want to add my vote for the Komelon 12′ self locking tape. The whole idea of the tape staying out until you press the button to retract it is the way all tapes should be in my opinion. Everyone else has designed their tapes in reverse of what makes sense. The 12″ is perfect for EDC in terms of weight and I have plenty of other traditional tapes if I need longer – but more often than not, I dont.
firefly
Another vote for the Komelon 12′ self lock from me. I learned about the Komelon tape measure from fred 🙂
Jeff
I have switched to a Milwaukee 16′. A little smaller than Fat Max , a great magnet on tip and I love it.
CB
I really like the Milwaukee 16′ but use Fastcap way more often. The Milwaukee is bomb proof but also huge and heavy. It’s mainly only used for demo work or lending it to meatheads.
Think of it in these terms. When traveling you almost always end up using a pocket camera to take pictures than a big SLR camera because even though the SLR is better , it’s just a pain to haul around. A pocket camera is easy to take everywhere and therefore used way more often.
Same thing goes for measuring tape’s as long as they are durable enough and easy reading which Fastcap does with flying colors and they give you all sorts of choices of tape’s to choose from.
tarbellb
Different tapes for different jobs I say.
My go to tape nowadays is Komelon, great tapes for good prices.
Bulk of my work is with steel fab, so a MAG hook is essential = Komelon 25″ MagGrip Monster
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BQN8E8/
For large scale work, framing, decks, etc.. = Fat Max
Anything metric = Fastcap
Jeremy
I love the milwaukee tapes. I was diehard fatmax and fatmax extreme because i loved the standout. I do all kinds of work but predominately cabinets and trim and the milwaukee are strong and durable. I thought i would really dislike the large hook on the end but it actually works very well and has become one of my favorite features. I also really like the clips on their tapes and knives much more than the rinky dink clips on the fat maxs
dave
best tape i had was a stanly 10 meter power lock tape shell with 8 meter tape in it ..it would always retract all the way even if you got it muddy…nothing worse than measuring up in the pouring UK rain and struggling to get the last 4 feet of tape in …..i would then clean it back at base
Evan
I would say that by far the Stanley Powerlock 25′ is the best tape measure. For years I grew up using my fathers then when I got a job at a welding shop I started buying a lot of my own tools. When I needed a tape measure I went for a Powerlock. I worked the for 2 years and it never failed. On a daily basis it beaten and abused. Anything from dropping 20′ up in the air to having hot slag landing on it was common. The durability can’t be beat. For the weight and size its perfect. The standout is pretty good too.
On the other hand while most of my tools are USA made and are snap-on, Williams, Kline, Knipex, Craftsman, and etc. I do have my share of “throw away tools” though. I won’t lie, I have several Harbor Freight tape measures. How can you not. I get a free tape measure every time I go. Keep one in every car, the garage, my room, every toolbox, and really anywhere I can fit one
fm2176
If I could choose any of the numerous tapes I’ve owned, it would be the old yellow Craftsmans. I still have 1 or 2 of the 25′ and maybe a 30′ left. They are pretty heavy duty, and best of all Craftsman would warranty the blade. I only snapped blades once or twice, but getting a replacement blade for a perfectly good (if scarred) case was great. Craftsman stopped the blade warranty when they came out with the red tape measures, but you could still buy replacement blades. Now I don’t even think you can find blades for most models.
I went on a tool buying spree earlier this year and ended up getting the 16′ and 25′ magnetic Milwaukees, 16′ and 25′ DeWalt, 35′ FatMax, 12′ and 25′ Komelon, a couple of the 16′ Gripline (couldn’t beat the deal with the 2 Speed Squares at Lowes), and probably one or two others. So far I find myself using the Milwaukees more than anything. They are nice all the way around, as are the DeWalts and the FatMax. The Komelons are lighter duty but still decent, while the Gripline has a funky rotating hook that makes it look and feel weird to use.
Tor K
Hi guys! Without a doubt the best tape measure is Talmeter, made in Sweden.
Frank D
I personally like the milwaukee 25ft. very rugged and easy to read, Home depot has a digital one i am looking into as well. does cm and in its called the etape.
Stuart
I haven’t tried the ETape before, but it does look interesting. Posted about here: https://toolguyd.com/etape16-digital-tape-measure/
Fazal Majid
I have owned a 3m-10ft Stanley Powerlock P3M/E 33-203 seemingly forever. Made in France, with inch/metric graduations, a metal case and detachable steel belt clip. Unfortunately, it seems all Powerlocks nowadays have flimsy plastic cases. I’m not sure why you would need any longer than that now that laser rangefinders like the Bosch GLM15 are under the $40 mark.
cody
How about a Menard tool.shop. They give free replacements when it becomes unusable.
Dov scheiner
If you’re debating between the klein or milwalkee magnetic tape measure go with the klien. My current tape measure is a milwalkee I hate it I should have stuck with my previous one, a klein
jan
all is junk I try everything and it not last one you really use it on the projects hard it is worth to pay little more
http://www.thisiscarpentry.com/2011/05/06/six-tape-measures/
BEST BABY ON THE MARKET MADE IN JAPAN
https://www.amazon.com/Tajima-GASFG3GLM2550BL-GASFG3GLM25-50BL/dp/B003TEAATU/
komelon is good as well …………… please notice that you are looking for the comercial grade tape with rubber coating
https://www.amazon.com/Komelon-SM5416-Gripper-Acrylic-Measure/dp/B008AGWNL0/
Ramiro Lopez
My favorite tape measure was the 25′ Husky one HD use to carry. Tried using the Milwaukee 25′ magnetic after my Husky got lost on a jobsite. Had all 3 Milwaukee tape measures break on me at the same spot within a 2 month time. Will never use them again. Now I use the dewalt 25′ and it’s been working great for me for the past couple of years. I am an electrician btw
Mike Nowakowski
HI Guys and Gals…..40+ years a Welder/ Fabricator…Were a lot harder on our tapes than usual … I have 5 tapes that are used daily HARD…. 2..16’s,2..25’s and a Fat Max 35…( we build huge frames )….most of which are 20+ years old. I WILL NOT USE A THUMB LOCK TAPE ! ! ! ! Lever Locks are much easier because that tape MUST get out of the way quickly OR be burnt or cut.
My newest purchase is a Kamelion from Lowes….Has BOTH thumb and lever locks ( use either ) and so far works WELL and is of high Quality.
My 2 cents……Mike N from Nowa’s Arc in Springfield OH.
Mihai Mos
After over thirty years spent continuously hands-on in home improvement business, without any hesitation the best of all is the FatMax line of Stanley’s tape measures.
They are missing one thing: an efficient built-in marking device , which eliminates in most cases the need for a separate pencil to be handled simultaneously with the tape measure. In fact I have made myself such a device, which I can use for marking everything, even ice. No kidding. Unfortunately I couldn’t find by now any manufacturer interested in it, And is patented.
Ask any professional tape measure user for the need of such a device. I did my survey on this category of users, and the result is excellent. No more to add.
Randall
I hung drywall for ten years. During that time I used many brands of tape measures. the best and most reliable was the 25 foot Stanley. The always replaced those that i wore out over time. These were the most reliable and the blades were replaceable. the springs were the strongest. You can’t beat a Stanley.
Ray
For years I used engineering tapes at work and got very comfortable with them. Still use them for fences and other large projects. For wood work type stuff I really like the Stanley Fat-Max that I was gifted.