your favourite tape measure-recomendation

[tinytom]

hi i want a new tape measure as my three are worn, was wondering, what tapes do everyone else use?

i personally quite like the look of the stanley teflon coated ones, look nice and clear

tom

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Depends what they are being used for?
I don't mind the cheap and cheerful ones, as they generally end up in someone elses pocket/tool box. So don't really spend a great deal on tape measures.

 

[Monkeh]

http://www.stanleytools.com/default.asp?TYPE=CATEGORY&CATEGORY=HT_TAPES_LEVERLOCK

Love 'em.

 

[gregers]

used to regular buy the stanley tapes but now as i go through them every 3 months i just have the cheapo makes,but i do make sure they are at least 1 " blade and the end has at least 3 rivets on it.

 

[joinerjohn]

I'm with gregers on this. I bought one Stanley FatMax. Great tape, easy to read etc, then managed to get it caught on a door frame. Result?? bent to f**k. Shame it was only a couple of weeks old. Now I just buy cheap ones from B&Q , Wickes etc. Do the same thing as the more expensive ones.

If I'm doing something that requires greater accuracy (like the guitars I build) I use a stainless steel rule. Got 1 x 300mm, 1x 600mm and 1x 1200mm. Great for straight edges too.

 

[ChapiTheBricky]

http://www.stanleytools.com/default.asp?TYPE=CATEGORY&CATEGORY=HT_TAPES_POWERLOCK
i like the eight metre ones of these, cheaper five metre stanleys.
Fisco and Stabila are good too

 

[keenedge]

Fastcap Pro-tape, got one from Isaac Lord. You can write on it, it's flat, not curved and has a blank front to make notes on! Excellent.

 

[noseall]

I'm using a fat Stanley 8m fella with added protection on the low numbers.

 

[keenedge]

I've got a 5m Stanley one that is nice and solid, also an Advent inside measuring one that seems be the most useful inside cupboards, wardrobes and the like.

 

[noseall]

Stanley tapes will stand up to the rigours of outside work better than any other. Most cheap brands will instantly rust up as soon as the tape is dragged along a wet joist or rafter.

Gimmicky tape measures are also pants especially those that require you to push a button to allow them to return.

The pocket clips on cheapo tapes are also prone to failure as the screw loosens and the clip twists.

Finally, cheap tapes will also often fail when they are extended to the max as the return spring fails and you end up with a bunch of metal tape wandering all over the site.

 

[kevindgas]

whatever fits in my pocket when i'm in b&poo

 

[^woody^]

Stanley Fatmax XL 8m - amazing stand out distance before buckling. But a bit bulky

I also have a brilliant Fisco tape, not sure of the model or even if they are still available, but it has built in replaceable lead and is great for marking timber and plasterboard

And the Fisco Brick tape with all gauge and lengths for setting out

Don't forget to have a few cheap loaners for when you don't trust your mate with your good tapes - like when he kinks, splits , breaks the end off or runs it out through mud and rain