I'd like to compare tape measures. I have a Stanley Fat Max 25' footer that has around a 12' stand-out. It's about the favorite among our workers, I think. One of them tried to steal it from me, and I had to beat him with it. Almost killed him.
I have heard that stand-out is over-rated, other things such as a strong spring for smooth retraction, cushion grip, and a rugged durable casing are important to some folks...
What do you use?
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
Oh boy, this is going to be good.
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
The one that is in my installation kit is a "house brand" Mastercraft tape measure from Canadian Tire.
It is pretty rugged with a 1" tape but the best feature is that it is encased in rubber. I took the belt clip off it so now when I am working on vehicles or vessels I can set it down on a nice shiney new surface and there is no danger of scratching.
Posted by Jill Marie Welsh (Member # 1912) on :
I have a 33' big-ass tape measure, very girthy. But I prefer my 3-foot yardstick over that limp thing anyday. It also doubles as a bum-beater. love....jill
Posted by Barb. Shortreed (Member # 1730) on :
Hi Jon...if your looking for a cool tape measure then SignCraft has it.
CenterPoint Tape Measure
Here's a new tool that's so helpful we decided to offer it to our readers - an 8-meter "centering" tape. The top edge has metric tape measure markings. The bottom edge has a unique, center-finding scale. Measure the panel with the top scale, and then find the same measurement on the bottom. That's your center. It's the fastest way to find the center of almost anything!
#343 Price: $12.95 Also available in Metric #370 Price: $15.95 Order here Posted by W. R. Pickett (Member # 3842) on :
What is "stand out"? ...Is it like the ANGLE of the DANGLE?
Posted by Dusty Campbell (Member # 4601) on :
Barb, those are the greatest for sign people who always need to find the center. Thanks for the reminder, my list just got 3 of them on it.
I've been using the $5 lifetime guaranteed workforce 25' from ho-de. I've got 3 of them color coded with scrap vinyl. One for the van(orange), one for the shop(black), one for my office(blue).
I got one of those automatic ones from B&D because it was supposed to be able to run out its entire length without snapping and dropping, but it's just like a normal tape in that regard, about 8-9 feet, so it sits in a tool bag somewhere.
I should find it and take out the batteries so they don't ruin the connectors inside.
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
I use the same on Jon Jantz uses. I'm always having to measure things up high or in the wind. You can have my Stanley Fat Max when you pry my cold, dead fingers off it.
I also have some of the SignCraft centering tapes for mathematically challenged shop help.
Posted by Peter Schuttinga (Member # 2821) on :
Mine's old school I guess, simple chrome jobby, easy to spot when you misplace it, or in the dark. Name has long since worn off, too much handling I guess. Retraction has slowed somewhat over time, yet it still measures up like it was brand new. Standout, when it was new, and happy to be out, it stood 11' straight up. Now, the exitement has worn off, to many times being left out extended and unattended, one too many attempts at pushing the 11' barier, permanent kinks have developed, and its lucky to achieve 5'. Sometimes its reluctant to fully retract, it needs a gently nudging. And being Canadian it goes both ways.... imperial and metric.
Posted by Craig Sjoquist (Member # 4684) on :
Use what ever I can get my hands on 2 left out of 4 left cause they break to easy so just glad I have a tape measure when needed, most use to measure here, is a 3 footer alum 2nd 4 footer alum. cause I can't get the plastic one's with level's no more which were great and miss them, just place on marked surface level draw line....THANK YOU & ENJOY LIFE
Posted by Ricky Jackson (Member # 5082) on :
The size of the tape is important, regardless of what some people say. You just can not reach some spots with a little 12 footer. Stiffness, or "stand out" as it is commonly called by ametuers, is a highly desirable trait. Phizer Pharmaceuticals, in partnership with Binford Tools, have come out with a great tape measure and it's the only ones allowed in my shop. I can pull out the entire 25' with absolutely no sag. Amazingly enough I've even driven nails with my tape - for demonstration purposes only. Here is the pic off their website: Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
Ricky that one is in Metric! How did you sneak it across the border?
Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
Fat Max is all we use.
That's all I got to say about that.
Posted by Jon Jantz (Member # 6137) on :
My brother in law carries a tape called the Big Johnson... NO, I'm not kidding, look 'em up on Ebay. He thinks it is the mac and is always bragging on the stand-out or as Ricky said 'stiffness' he is able to achieve.
Well, he came by today and we had a little stand-out competition. Needless to say, his Big Johnson could not hang.. no... um.. obtain the extension my Fat Max could. My tape was protruding a full 12' and he could barely maintain 9'.
He now has a severe case of Fat Max envy.
Posted by goddinfla (Member # 1502) on :
Tell the truth Ricky, you got that free with your hundredth prescription of the blue pills.
Posted by Chuck Churchill (Member # 68) on :
My 57 year old one still stiffens to 12" but I don't use it as a rule.
Posted by captain ken (Member # 742) on :
i prefer the 25' LeverLock, it has all the 'stand out' I need and automaticly stays stiff as long as i need it too, no fumbling for the lock button in the heat of the moument.
Posted by Jason Davie (Member # 2172) on :
Yup LeverLocks are the way to go.. but the tape is still flimsy 8 -9 ft max
Jason D
Posted by Jerry VanHorn (Member # 4704) on :
I hate it when you are about to reach that critical moment of extension, it prematurly goes limp and hits the floor. It is the worst when you are trying to do it on a ladder and have an audience.
[ August 25, 2006, 11:42 PM: Message edited by: Jerry VanHorn ]
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
mine has a stand-out that is controlled by the "job" iam lookin at.......hehehehehehehehee
Posted by Ricky Jackson (Member # 5082) on :
Stephen, I brought it across in my empty pistol case! My college major was medical technology so I did study metrics in college.
![[Rolling On The Floor]](graemlins/rolf.gif)
Oh boy, this is going to be good.
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![[Smile]](smile.gif)
My college major was medical technology so I did study metrics in college.