We also found that the durability of the PowerLocks blade extends beyond a resistance to grit and debris into kinking and general abuse as well. With the DTAPE Laser Measure, theres no hooking a tang over a nail head or recruiting a helper to hold the end of the tape. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Large font numbers and distinct blade markings make it simple to read. Whether youre an electrician or not, Klein makes some durable tape measures and its magnetic models hold stronger than most. Testers found it had an impressive standout of 13 feet and 5 inches. Spec. Metric and standard (SAE) Tape Measures at Lowes.com It winds at an easy pacenot too quicklybut it doesnt take a long time, either. You can also sit in a chair, but make sure your feet are firmly planted on the ground. The FastCap tapes that we tested,the Old Standby and Lefty/Righty, have a similar feature, but its a button at the bottom of the case rather than a cutaway. Of the tapes we tested, only the Johnson Big J had a significant amount of metal in the case and at no point did we get the sense of any significant added durability. Take the best features of a combination square (easy adjustability and measurement markings), mix in the best features of a machinist square (precision and pocket portability), and you'll see why we like a 4" double square. Fat Max for everything. For instance, it engaged at 4 feet, but the blade slipped a bit at 20 feet. Best Tape Measure Reviews for 2022 - Pro Tool Reviews But there are also times when you might not want it. One was a 1/32" divided normal tape, the other was a "self-centering" 1/16" tape. Crescent Lufkin Shockforce Dual-Sided L1125. If you stop it during a recoil, it may have difficulty returning to its case without the assistance. In the Machinist community, what's the preferred tape? The 16-foot tape measure had an average standout of 9 feet and 7 seven inches during testing, surpassing the advertised 9 feet of standout. The lock could be operated with only one hand, but testers thought the wire belt clip was extremely difficult to use. Unless youre working with steel studs or metallic electrical conduits, theyre a problem. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. I just posted a question about a thing where had a picture with two tape measure for scale. If I need it more accurate, it's caliper time. At around $10, the Stanley PowerLock is one of the least expensive quality tapes on the market. Ive seen it go off scaffolding, down stairs and off roofs. Everyones eyes are different, and fortunately, you can easily see the difference for yourself in the store. All tape measures have markings to indicate each length increment. Too much mass will make the hook flip when youre trying to grab on the side. For this article, she thoroughly researched the best tape measures and important features to consider when purchasing a tape measure, then compared her research to testing insights gathered from our lab tests in Des Moines, Iowa. For all of this goodness, the PowerLock still has a couple slight flaws. The tool features a 3-rivet tang and a solid-feeling lock button that doesnt leave the user guessing which direction is locked and which is unlockedits labeled. Metric. There have been no updates to our recommendations yet. In the PTR round-up, DeBoer writes, believe it or not, we found the Stanley PowerLock to be the epitome of how a tang should moveforward and backwards with almost no lateral movement. Now, by the advice of this site I tried the DEWALT. #1 I just posted a question about a thing where had a picture with two tape measure for scale. is the most common. Tough to beat a Stanley. Read on to learn more about what makes the best tape measure options stand outand dont miss the pros and cons we discovered in our hands-on testing. Used Stanley lever locks for years but their quality has seemed to have diminished. Learn more . The movement on the blade is smooth, and the retraction is controlled and even. $13 *. 2. Compared to most of the 1 tapes, the tang on the FatMax is small. Ironically, that was also one of the only tapes that marked increments of 1/32. Because of its durability, accuracy, and affordability, this is the best tape measure for those looking for an inexpensive option. The Zabiki comes with a 3-rivet tang for durability and features a sturdy case with a partial rubberized grip. The Tajimas and FastCaps got high marks for their compact size, but they each have their own flaws that well get to in a bit. Many Pros throw it out there, then continue extending the blade across the top of the material until it reaches the end. Length: 25 feet | Markings: Imperial | Standout: 7 feet 7 inches | Autolock: Yes. This type of tape measure is not suited to making precise carpentry cuts, but it wasnt designed for that work. The blade slides through the body for gauging reveals on cabinet doors or for setting up saw blades and router bits . Most tapes have some sort of protective coating, but over time, it gets worn off. The Milwaukee name is nationally known for high-quality construction tools and accessories, and the Milwaukee 25-foot self-lock tape measure is no exception. Some tapes have a blade that falls even when a little amount of extension is added. For this guide, we only looked at tapes with traditional locking buttons. The median price of the tape measures we tested was $19. The rubber-coated body makes it comfortable to hold and grip, and the blade lock can be easily operated with one hand. The thumb-operated blade lock is smooth, strong, and easy to operate with one hand, unlike some other more cumbersome models. In other words, its perfectly manageable. Now, premium tapes can cost $30 or more. 301 stainless spring steel stock in relatively small quantities. The PowerLock has a fairly typical warranty. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Irwin Strait-Line Tape Measure at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Komelon Self-Lock Evolution L4825HV at Lowe's Jump to Review Best Splurge: Stanley FatMax Tape Measure at Home Depot Jump to Review Best Small: Milwaukee Compact Tape Measure at Walmart Jump to Review Best Magnetic: To check the durability of the blade itself and to simulate the destructive grinding that takes place once dirt and grit make their way into the case, we extended the tapes and dragged a piece of 60-grit sand paper, weighed down with 5 pounds of pressure, down the blade for a distance of 1 foot. Our testers noted that the belt clip slips on a pocket or belt smoothly, and the lock can be used with just one hand. After our drop test, the tape measure had no visible damage, and the tape functioned the same after each drop. Were familiar with the Stanley brand, so we were not surprised that this 25-foot tape performed exceptionally well. My experience is that tapes below $8 or $10 arent worth the cheap plastic theyre made of, and no tape measure is worth more than $20. HART has an impressive depth to its line of tape measures that includes keychain, standard, and chrome models. You dont have to be in the building trades to need this tool, thoughanyone doing demanding work at home, from renovating a room to cutting lumber for carpentry projects, will soon appreciate its tougher design. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. Tape measures are found in most homes, workshops, tool boxes, and tool belts, and for a good reasontheres always something that needs measuring, it seems. Who Makes HART Power Tools and Are They Any Good? These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists. The Crescent Lufkin Control L1016C-02 had a decent standout measurement of more than 10 feet during testing, but testers found it uncomfortable and difficult to use. In case of sale of your personal information, you may opt out by sending us an email via our Contact Us page. Get a tape measure thats easy for you to read, says Danielle Guerrero, a DIY blogger for her website Our Nest on Powell. Wood Glue Dispenser, 16 Oz Btl, Drip less. Ease it out for better standout or throw it out for quicker work? We also recommended avoiding magnetic tangs. The tape is a bit flimsy, so its not the best for long-distance measurements. The tang is reinforced with three rivets for durability, and the Ryobi blade is smooth and durablewe were able to extend it to nearly 8 feet (standout) before the blade bent. Editors Note: Think you know everything about tapes? While there are several great options, its the Crescent Lufkin Shockforce G2 Nighteye that stands out above the rest for us. Length: The Milwaukee Stud comes with a 25-foot length, which is pretty standard for construction use, but there are also 30-foot tapes. After all, when theyre not in our toolboxes or on a workbench, we usually clip tape measures to our belts. They also noted that they could control the speed of the blade as it fed out and retracted, which prevented the blade from whipping around wildly. The case is made from heavy molded polyethylene and features a partial rubberized grip along the top and bottom edges. The solid feel of the tool and the smooth locking lever were also noted as high points. Its a bit bulky, so it might be a tight fit for a tool belt pouch. The only downside we found with this tool was that the blade lock had a tendency to stick, and we had to apply quite a bit of pressure to engage it. She has conducted research and testing for hundreds of home products ranging from bed sheets to vacuums. Tape Measure Self Adhesive for Easy Use on Sewing Machine Table. Over and over again, we hear from Pros in the field and from our readers that Stanley FatMax is the only tape measure theyll use. The bottom of the tape measure features an opening behind the blade hook that allowed our testers to control the recoil speed with their finger. Its bright yellow blade contrasts against black markings and large font, so testers didnt have to struggle to see their measurements. Testers said the tape measure was comfortable to grip and handle, and the lock could be easily engaged or released just using their thumb. While you might need the longer length for job site work . The longer standout is better because you can measure longer distances without needing to hold up the tape. Stuart Deutsch of ToolGuyd also reviewed the PowerLock and the only fault he had with it was that he felt the smooth design of the case and sweaty hands dont mix too well. about practical machinist With more than 10.6 million unique visitors over the last year, Practical Machinist is the most visited site for metalworking professionals. The nylon-coated blade extends the durability of the tape measure and reduces glare. The people we asked to handle the tapes had similar experiences. Following this advice often requires the use of a tape measurea flexible cloth, metal, or fiberglass ribbon of variable length with measurement markings. A good tape measure is all you need. Instead, the tang needs to have a smooth back-and-forth movement so the tape will be accurate both on pull measurements, where you hook the tang over something like the edge of a board, and on push measurements, where you press the tang against an inside surface. RUNNER-UP: Ryobi 25 ft. Show 14 Results. But part of my job then was field measuring dental offices for cabinets, and most times very little light. Of course not. Best hook on the end and simplest lock.They have the cleanest markings - no extraneous stuff on them. According to the press release, [users] can connect the over-sized hook attachment for framing applications or remove it for standard applications. Although the tool likely has the FatMaxs durability, the added cost and the unusual tang put it out of the consideration here. That tape paid for itself so many times. Since everyones hand is different, there are a lot of different opinions about which size feels the best. The auto-lock feature makes one-handed measurements quick and painless. The PowerLock features a stainless steel case and comes with a strong blade lock that holds the extended blade firmly without slipping. Length: 16 feet | Markings: Imperial | Standout: 13 feet and 3 inches | Autolock: No. All of the metal tapes were tested for standout length, or the length to which it could be extended in the air before it bent. Junk! If Im doing a room thats long, I like to be able to just have the one tape measure to do the measurements, Guerrero says. For the best budget tape measure, this tool from Komelon is an affordable buy if you only need a tape measure occasionally. Some companies make tape measures with auto-locking features that automatically hold the tape in place once it is extended. On the clock, Kenny dives deep to discover the practical limits and comparative differences for all kinds of tools.
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