Your BUYING and USING the WRONG Tape Measure!
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- We tested and compared twenty of the most common 25 foot tape measures available at The Home Depot and Lowe's home Improvement. The tape measure tool test comparison was based on Price, durability, readability, visibility, features, and standout of the measuring tape. The tape measures tested range in price from $5 to $30 and the list includes, Craftsman Easy Grip (CMHT37465LW), Craftsman High Vis (CMHT37125LW), Crafstman ProReach (CMHT37525LW), Crescent Nite-Eye (L1225B-02), Crescent Control (L1025C-02), DeWalt 25' (DWHT36107S), DeWalt XP (DWHT36225S), Kobalt Self Lock (KBSL53425), Kobalt Compact Magnetic (KB97325), Komelon Self Lock (L4825HV), Komelon LED (650056100256), Milwaukee Compact (48-22-6625), Milwaukee Wide Blade (48-22-0225), Milwaukee Compact Autolock (48-22-6825), Milwaukee Stud Magnetic (48-22-9725M), Stanley 25' (30-455S), Stanley Powerlock (33-425D), Stanley Center Scale Leverlock (STHT30758L), Stanley FatMax Classic (33-725Y), Stanley FatMax Autolock (FMHT33338L) . We show you the tape measure with the longest stand out. You see the tape measure with the best tape retraction. You'll see the tape measure with the most durable tape and blade, as well as the most visible and most easily read tape measure. Finally we give you the price of each tape measure, and just because a tape measure costs the most money doesn't mean it will perform the best. After you watch this comprehensive tape measure tool comparison you'll be a more informed contractor, tradesperson, carpenter, electrician, plumber, hvac mechanical professional, project manager, estimator, home owner, diy and consumer. After all these years of thinking you use the best tape measures you will now know you're buying and using the wrong tape measure!
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Here's the rankings incase anyone has forgotten the place holders. I'll also include the price for each one.
9th Place- Crafstman ProReach($18)
8th Place- Kobalt Compact Magnetic($20), Crescent Nite-Eye($28)
7th Place- Stanley Powerlock($11), Komelon LED($20)
6th Place- DeWalt 25'($16), Milwaukee Compact($11), Craftsman High Vis($9), Kobalt Self Lock($13), DeWalt XP($33)
5th Place- Craftsman Easy Grip($15), Crescent Control($16)
4th Place- Milwaukee Stud Magnetic($32), Komelon Self Lock($8), Stanley FatMax Autolock($26), Milwaukee Wide Blade($26)
3rd Place- Stanley FatMax Classic($23), Milwaukee Compact Autolock($17)
2nd Place- Stanley 25'($5)
1st Place- Stanley Center Scale Leverlock($8)
This is awesome!
Thank you for taking the time to do a quick ranking breakdown. Very helpful. That’s why I love this community.
Literally the cheapest 2 for 1st and 2nd place
Thank you. It’s really helpful xx
Entertaining video. The one test that had me questioning the method was the retraction test. Since the tapes were fixed at the hook end, the springs had to overcome the weight of the tape measure and any friction from rubber overmolding, hence why it looked like the light and cheap tape measures dominated the test. Less weight and inertia to overcome on those models. This is also the opposite of how a tape measure would actually be used since you are going to be holding the body with the hook end snapping back.
yes i believe the way youtuber project farm tested retraction was better
Really…. Get over yourself! Conduct your own test and post it! I bet you don’t even own a tape measure 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Agreed, but it’s way more entertaining the way VCG did it.
Agree, it would of made more sense to have a bar where they all attached to collapse, releasing them all at the same time making them retract to itself then work against the floor
If the retraction is too strong it beats up and causes twisting in the first foot or so. Then eventually causes a little break in the tape that comes back and cuts you. I used to use the Lufkin 25 and very nice tape but the twisting and cutting is not cool. Hard to beat the old fat max on real world job sites
Vince I'm not surprised about Stanley. They've been making tape measures forever and lots of framers love them because they take a beating. Great video!
Now please make sure you take time off for yourself because you clearly do this as a labor of love!
Thanks Dave, appreciate it!
Don’t forget their “sisters” DeWalt and Craftsman. All are top of their class.
@@ecoRfan 👍
Yep, I have no problem throwing my fat max to a guy 20 feet up in the air, the only thing that seems to hurt them is wet sand
Vince, as a Product Manager for a Power Tool Accessory company, your making my job easy today... Thanks for this video!
Glad the video is helpful
I switched from DeWalt tapes for a Crescent Lufkin about a year ago and love it. I would have to buy a new DeWalt every 3 yo 6 months. I should also state that I have the high visibility Lufkin. It's been good to me so far
Another test that should have been included in my opinion is a hook test to see which tape has a hook that will stay on different materials the best and how many degrees from flat the hook stays attached. This is the biggest struggle I have with tape measures, by far.
Out here preachin 👍
The nite eye would win that one with its grit in its hook
That's what's really missing here. Also the fact that a 2 second adjustment with pliers restores the Crescent/Lufkin to dead-on.
I don't normally comment but I can appreciate the scientific angle of these videos compared to the barrage of two deals I keep seeing on a channel that had lost my interest. This has rejuvenated the channels image and I look forward to seeing more of it. Testing the science of these tools is essential to our performance on a job
I'm a big a Stanley fatmax classic guy for the past few years now. I've used all the big brands. I absolutely love the way the crescent Lufkin looks and feels, but I've never bought one for the sole fact that it retracts too hard. Stanley fatmax classic has the perfect retraction that doesn't beat the shit out of your fingers
Lufkin is awesome but I agree. The retraction is way too strong. Bends the tape and eventually causes a break that comes back and cuts you
Lufkin makes nice tapes though I'll never buy one. I've never seen one with inch hashes on both sides. They always have cm on one side and idk about you but I do my construction with inches and want whichever side of the tape is closest to my work to have the proper markings
I used Stanley and lufkin on our job sites before. We build docks and I will tell you that lufkin out last the Stanley at least 5 to 1 especially if you get the Stanley wet or sawdust the are so hard to clean and to oil to keep from rusting. I can disassemble lube and re tighten the lufkin. I have had 1 lufkin die in 2 years
Love the Stanley tapes for a little over 30 years and the higher end tapes are manufactured in the USA 🇺🇸 . Very good stuff.
I work in construction ,i build house basements so i am always working outside under the rain mud and dirt ,once your tape measure gets wet or falls in a mud hole the inside gets filled up with the same dirty water and rocks ,i noticed that with Milwaukee tape doesnt have that problem ,it will be a very interesting test 🙂
I’m a PhD scientist and I LOVE how you close out this video. I’m subscribed!
My favorite tape measure is the one I can actually find
It’s funny. I made this comment before I finished the video. Once I got to the end, I realized the one I can find the most is the Lever Stanley lmao
I wanna say that it really is an excellent tape. I’ve been using them for a couple of years now. They don’t stay locked very well, but they’ve been through hell and back, so it’s a small price to pay for a durable and inexpensive tape
Yeah, I have 4 relatively new tape measures and even after dedicating a shelf in the cab of my farm truck (like where the CB would be overhead) my favorite one is usually the only one I can find. Especially during the fall when all hell breaks loose
The klein tape measure with the conduit bend multiplier is probably the best I've ever owned. Durable, nonconductable, and a rare earth magnet.
I really love my Klein tapes but man they just aren’t as durable as a fat max in my experience. But usually Home Depot is great about honoring the warranty.
@@WxMcGee66 Klein's yessir has a decent warranty?
I’m a dewalt guy but love my milwaukee magnetic 25’ tape. Love the finger guard on the bottom so you can just retract and slow it down with your finger.
My favorite wasn't in the testing. Klein double sided with magnetic end. As an electrician, I love that it has the pipe bending multipliers and circuit color chart for quick reference. I average about 1 1/2 years on a tape
Mine lasted 5 months before it ripped at 4 inches. I typed with electrical tape and it held up for 2 more months but broke last night. I'm gunna try magnetic fatmax stanley. I wish it had numbers underneath but I have all those conduit math burned in my brain from that kelin tape.
It just a nice reference. But, I was looking at the new tough built tape the other day. If you can deal with the fatter tapes, that thing is nice. All the same qualities minus the reference charts. Really strong magnet and tough built makes awesome stuff for the price range.
@@stevenblack7509 I've been looking for one of those, and I can't find it anywhere.
I love videos like this! I would recommend "low visibility" readability for those times when your dealing with limited time/light.
I bought the Milwaukee Auto Lock when I got tired of my junk drawer tape measures and they magically flew across my yard and disappeared. It's been solid for all of my diy projects that have turned out awesome.
Those $5.00 Stanley tape measures are awesome!!! They are bomb proof!!! The numbers will wear off in about a year, but if you only got to spend $5.00 a year on measuring tapes then it’s a fair trade off!!
I just spend the extra on a fatmax knowing if something happens with it it has a lifetime warranty
This is what the people have been waiting for. Well done VCG.
I only use the 16’ fat max for my work, it’s small and durable and extends a ton
You're really upping your video game Vince, and I'm loving it!! I just got into the Crescent Nite Eye, I got some 35 footers on sale. My eyes aren't as great as they were, and these tapes are the easiest for me to read. It sucks they lost the drop test, I wonder how the others would do if they landed on the same spot.
I think i would just bend the clip back on the crescent and continue to use it i like mine alot.
Nothing wrong with the nighteye. I’ve dropped it 40 ft off a sorter and still no issues. If the weight lands directly on the clip then half these would’ve had same results. He makes entertaining videos, not based off science. If it were based off science for example in the retraction test they wouldn’t just set them on the floor because some of the tapes were smooth while other like the night eye are rubberized. You’d need to set them on sliders taking into account the weight as well so they all have equal resistance. They do make entertaining videos though.
Stanley, I have to say, I think they have outdone the competition here. I give them all my money for tape measures from now on, despite previously wanting an all Milwaukee tool kit.
Ughhhhhh I have gone through a few of the Milwaukee tape measures I’m glad all you gotta do is call and get a new one
That was a awesome 😎 video
Personally I can't stand milwaukee tapes. Every one I've ever owned always splits in between 7 and 8 inches and won't close anymore. Home depot will no longer replace the old ones for free. I switched to Fatmax with the magnet. I really like them.
I bought 2 pack Milwaukee 25' for 15 bucks I hate them. Hard to read.I will only buy Fatmax from now on.
YES i work with alot of guys that use that milwaukee tape and it always breaks right after the protective plastic on the first 6 inches i own one as well and it did the same thing the auto lock is great but i need the magnet 😤
@@lunestog yea the magnet is clutch. Can't tell you how many times I've dropped sheet metal screws off the ladder and I can pick them up with the tape measure. Lol
Yeah but they break at the two inch mark for me
Had the original stud about four of them since release no issues, the green two stud protective film stops after six inches unlike the original stud
Very surprised that the Stanley Fat Max was not number one, but no matter what that’s my go to tape for sure. Great video as always.
Good evening Vince. I am NOT in the trades. I am a disabled DIYer. I use several measuring tools. I have 2 Milwaukee 25 foot magnetic tapes. These are my least favorite. They twist very easily. I have a Lufkin 25 foot tape. It’s blade is very busy, but it was available years ago when I needed a tape. My preference is my Milwaukee 40 foot tape. It resists twisting, is easy to read; but large and heavy. I have a Lufkin 50 foot tape measures. I have a Stanley 12 that sits in my leg pocket. This travels with me daily as does my Lufkin 10 foot plastic pocket tape measure. These are reliable, trustworthy, workhorses. My treasured companion is my
Fluke 417D laser distance measuring tool. It is a basic, but excellent tool.
Great video, thank you.
Loving the new video format/style. Definitely looking forward to more test and review comparison videos like this! No need to be concerned if others are doing it too, you guys have great insight and feedback by being tradespeople. I think a video title adjustment might help more viewers find it too, maybe include some words like: Best, Tape measure, Review, test or comparison.
Gimme dat kobolt tape! I’m never leavin the milwokee thumb notch tho. Thanks for the fantastic tape tests Vince!
Thanks Joe, appreciate that!
The bent hook doesn't make the tape trash in my opinion. You can bend the hook back with pliers and compare it against a known good tape to get it reading true again. I have one tape I've had for over 15 years that I've bent back into shape several times.
Seriously. Writing off the entire tape just because of a little bend?
Plus, the drop test causing a bent hook is very random. How many tape meaures landed on their hooks? At what angle? If it were dropped from 1 foot higher would have rotated to a different point of impact? Yes, of course it would. Then no bent hook? That's like dropping a group of flashlights from a high point on to rocks. First one lands lens first, first point of contact, breaking lens. The others land on body/side/ rear/casing, no lens break. So, the first flashlight sucks because it's the only one that happened to have it's lens struck by a rock.
Spot on. The drop test had way too much variance in what part of the tape actually contacted the ground. @@fishfood8719
Now this was an entertaining episode! The power tools should be tested in this format, not speed tests (really WHO cares if a tool is 2 seconds faster, in driving a faster) I care if my tool will last, from the drops, rain shower, overheating, etc. That's how tool tests should be done!!!!!
try project farm on youtube
@@lunestog It takes a while to get used to the fast talking, I'm finally used to it.
@@Realism91 you know what I never noticed but now that u mention it I have to rewind a lot lol
YOUR video is quick and concise. YOU’RE doing God’s work.
Good video. The drop test had too many variables. You should do what my wife does with mine (including Bluetooth headset, wallet, and keys) and just run then on a dryer or tumbler type device.
Milwaukee Wide Blade is my favorite. It's double-sided, has the nice big blade on the front which is becoming more difficult to find with newer tape measures (except for the $33 dewalt which imo is way overpriced) and has the little hole on the bottom to use your finger as a quick stopper. Even when Milwaukee was selling the 2 pack of tape measures for $15, I'd still choose the wide blade for full price because it's just that much better. Had an accidental drop test onto a concrete driveway from 20ft in the air, barely a mark and still true! The blade housing has a robust metal reinforcement that helps the blade from getting bent.
I really appreciate this video. The discrepancy between some tape measures (and the occasional inaccuracy) drives me absolutely insane. Also, I hope I don't come across as a busybody jerk for saying this, but I wanted to point out that as of the time I made this comment, in your video title, you want the contraction "you're" (for "you are") rather than the possessive adjective "your" (as in your car, your house, your phone, and so forth). I just felt it worthwhile to point out because I can tell that you appreciate precision as much as I do, and we all make mistakes, so the important thing is to keep learning, growing, improving, and helping each other out.😊 Much respect for this video, and thanks for the tests. This is most helpful in choosing a tape measure for the future.
There's something incredibly satisfying about the retraction test...
You guys did an awesome job on this video!! Solid tests! My favorite is the Milwaukee Auto-lock. Have a great night! Well done 👍🏻
Thanks ZZ we appreciate it! Have a great night my friend! 👍🏻
Another great vid VCG👍 I've had may brands and models of tape measure over the years and I've liked certian features of some and disliked others. I've had good luck durability wise with Stanley over the years, and have had many of the lever lock tapes in 25' , 16' , and 12' sizes. However my best advice for buying tapes is to buy the deals of whatever brand has the best deal as long as the tape has the features you need. Why? Because in my experience all brands will get damaged with hard use and more importantly all brands will get lost or left or walk away lol. So affordability is key for replacement reasons. Holiday 2 for deals at the Depot is the way to go imo.
That’s not bad advice Sean, thanks for sharing! 👍🏻
Stanley has a lifetime warranty. I've seen guys cut them in the parking lot at ace. To go get a new one lol.
@@matthewbeaver5026 Ya but aside from the occasional fluke all of my Stanley tapes have seen years of hard service and have earned their failures when they happen if you know what I mean. So I just go buy a knew one when that happens for several reasons. First I consider myself a fair guy and if a product gives me years of quality use and it fails due to abuse or life cycle use then I'm not looking to get a free replacement. Second I want Stanley to continue to produce quality products and to do that they have to make a fair profit so they can continue to produce quality. When too much gaming of the system happens on all sides you basically get poorer quality products that cost everyone more headache and problems. So I pay for quality when I can and when it delivers I'm happy to invest in a new quality product when the original one finally wears out.
@@duncdunc76 honorable if everyone could be as honest the world would be a better place.
I've only returned one. It was actually jacked up and only a couple months old. Though I have witnessed this gaming of the system. To be sure.
👏👏for this video, I’ll stick with ole fashion Stanley, we’ve been around for along time
Crescent nite eye for me. Switched to this tape about 6 months ago. Has survived plenty of drops from ladders onto concrete. I would imagine that most if not all of the tape measures shown here would suffer the same "bent hook" if they landed exactly right on the hook.
I used the nite eye for the last 10 months and it's still working great, not disappointed at all! I've seen many videos testing this model and most of them had troubles after the drop test, but I dropped it maybe 5 times from the top of the ladder, highest point was like 13ft and while going down the ladder to recover it I was thinking this is the end of that tape, but no, works just fine. You're right about the bent hook, but what drove my attention most was the standout test presented as the nite eye test for which they show another model, the standout for nite eye is amazing and the ratings are from the end of the body of the tape measure, where is better support for the blade and it depends on the angle too....
Vince, great job with all the details on the testing process, great insight to share with all of us. Much appreciate all that you do for us!
I’m pretty surprised, after watching this I had to check what I’ve been using past 10+ years, and I’ve got 2 Stanley’s and one Johnson. My Stanley fat max is in the best shape. Thanks vcg, should like to see similar videos of power tools going up against each other
Komelon is the best value and my favorite for auto lock ,BUT that Nite Eye is so easy to read!
Y’all should test Klein tools , Ox , Walmart brands hart, hyper tough and harbor freight Bauer
The fatmax has always worked for me. To me you could give an apprentice the best tape measure and they will still cut an inch short. It is about the carpenter not the tape. It helps to have good tools but know how to use them is just as important.
If you buy a cheap enough tape, it can be about the tape. I had a tape that measured incorrectly, eventually after 2 hours or so of aggravation I compared it with my Lufkin and the thing was literally 1/4 inch short by the 8ft mark. Closer investigation revealed blurred numbers about 5 feet in so anything shorter than 5 feet was accurate, anything longer than 5 feet was 1/4 of an inch out, must have gotten stuck in the printing machine or something.
I was rooting for the night eye, I bought one a year ago based on the video you did on it and I still love it. I've dropped mine off gas station canopys a couple times with no issues.
broke mine after 4 months, just bought another
Hi Vince! I thought Milwaukee would win, but I'm glad Stanley did. I have been using an 8m Stanley (the one on the 2nd place) for many years and I am very happy with it. Very durable! Nice video! Keep Going!
Thanks for the feedback Fredy, glad you liked the video!
I "upgraded" my old tapes to the Milwaukee 25ft magnetic for my new project, as I love their cordless tools. They are the last Milwaukee tapes I'll ever buy. Both tapes creased by the rivets very early. I went back to my old Stanley and will buy them forevermore.
a kid I worked with had a leverlock lol, the blade got bent and it would always flop over to the side when he tried to get any standout. I had a G30 that did the same thing. Tapes like that with the narrow blade and no blade armor are better for finish work and get messed up real quick framing a house
I have a lot of tape measures for some reason, I’ve used the fat max and enjoyed it, but I’ve recently been using the Milwaukee Stud and I really like it.
Literally just bought a Stanley LeverLock 3 days ago. Glad I bought a good one. I've always loved the Stanley tapes. Cheap, durable and accurate.
Awesome
I have the Stanley Lever Lock and the Milwaukee Auto Lock. I love them both. Great test. My problem is I have arthritic thumbs and I need the locking assistance I get from both of these tape measures. You make me very happy with your verification of my choice of tape measures. Thanks
This is fantastic! You forgot one test.
"Where the hell is my tape measure? test."
Thanks for this meticulous review. I hope you have some stock in Stanley, because I'm now gonna buy a few....maybe. Still love my Milwaukee Fat Maxxxxxx
Where’s my tape! 🤣🤣
@@VCGConstruction How did it score?
I appreciate the info you delivered with this video. My favorite since the 90's has been the Stanley FatMax. I always make a conscious effort to buy products made in the USA, and I was glad to see it rated well in your test. Never would've guessed at the LeverLock though! Thanks again - I'm a big fan of your channel!
I do not do construction for a living, just a guy that does honey doos. I couldn't wait to get the Milwaukee 25ft Compact Wide Blade Tape Measure and was thrilled with the performance. The readability on the front and back is great. However, when I tried to reach to measure a 10-foot window the blade cracked at 6&1/8" when it hit my walk board. It was less then 4 months old.
I use the caraftsman high vis tape every day and i like it. I disasembled it and adjusted the spring and it now has great retractability.
As always, great videos with entertaining content Vincent. I can watch your reviews all day. aside from accuracy the one thing that is really important to me is the belt clip. Nothing more annoying than a belt clip that doesn't open or is tough to slide off your tool belt. Milwuakee has that annoying wire clip that's too bulky for a lot of tool belt clips and it never seems to work when you want it too. I've been using the Dewalt impact tape for years. Might have to try a fat max now after watching this.
Vince this is EXACTLY the type of video a lot of is were hoping for. GREAT JOB!
+Maxb49 thanks we appreciate that!
Nice test. Love the head to head testing.
+Goosedowner thanks we appreciate that!
I’ve bought the Dewalts and the Milwaukee tape measures and they where nothing but junk. Now I just use Stanley power lock. Great video.
I commonly see several of these 15-25 dollar tapes for around seven to ten bucks which suddenly makes them a bit more attractive. Example. Ive bought the 4th place Milwaukee wide blade for ten dollars in the past and the Kobalt auto lock for under eight bucks just last week. Keep that in mind when out shopping because these are both really solid tapes imo that scored ok here but at full price. Great review guys!
Good job guy delivering facts
GREAT VIDEO, it does exactly what i would expect a VCG Construction video to do. Wasted 21 minutes of my time to learn absolutely nothing and loved every minute of it. Obviously as a tradesman none of these tests really mean anything to me save the standout test. I was surprised the manufacturers have such bold claims regarding standout. I wouldn't mind seeing a youtuber do a review of tapes trying to survive a foundation in the wintertime where I'm from. Anyways enjoy the algorhythm boost
You have to watch. Some manufacturers claim stand out others claim reach. Reach= standout + arm reach.
How classic is that silver Stanley Powerlock? I remember when I was a kid (1980s) it was pretty much the tape measure everyone’s dad had. Also why I’m not surprised a Stanley was the #1. They’ve been making tape measures forever. I’m pretty certain that’s what they used when they built the pyramids.
🤣 it can’t be denied that Stanley makes a great tape!
It's just, "science"! Lol
I still have an old silver, was my dad's for years. Still reading true.
@@matthewbeaver5026 I still have my dads too! My husband always tells me it’s not a real tape measurer 😤🙄
@@emeraldgemini19 that was the standard for a long time.
If you didn't have a Stanley power lock in those days. You didn't have a real tape!
The Milwaukee 16' magnetic wide blade is the best 👌
for what I do you can't beat the milwaukee wide blade magnetic it's got like a heavy blade coating and the wind doesn't effect it as much as my stanley or creasent
I've been using the Stanley Lever Lock for about 10 years. (Not this newer version)
It's been dropped, kicked, thrown, left overnight in the rain, used in dirt, and in sandy conditions. Still works like new.
The lever lock can save your a*s in situations where if the tab slips off whatever it's hooked to, it will not automatically retract leaving you to reset.
Customer for life.
A tape that maybe isn't too common is the Klein tools tape. It's very durable and robust. Very sturdy blade and I've come to love it. The only thing about is that the coating on the back side starts peeling after a few retractions. It doesn't affect the actual side of the blade that matters so it's not a deal breaker 😎🤟🏻
That thing is great! Been using mine everyday for electrical roughs for almost a year and it finally met its end today!
I agree, Klein makes the best tape measure in my opinion also.
that peeling will happen to any tape if you use it outside in the rain/dirt. Even top quality tapes wont last 6 months if you retract it with mud on the blade
My wide body Dewalt and Milwaulkie tapes, turned out to be trash. Stanley Fatmax Auto-Lock has been decent but hate the auto-lock feature which barely works and makes it a hassle to use. My absolute favorite tape I bought in a pinch not expecting much at all is a simple 16’ Komelon with white scale. It’s the tape I always look for. Good video guys!
Try tajima strong tape you be amazed
You need to test the pocket clip too!
25 years in the trades and my favorite is the Stanley Auto lock 16’
Best tape I own and will purchase again and again
My personal favorites are Kobalt and Milwaukee. I saw another video that showed dust and debris exposure. The Kobalt tape measures continued to retract when others didn't. I have lots of sawdust so I use Kobalt but I'm happy with my Milwaukee tapes also. I think if any of them are dropped directly on the hook they'll fail.
I have 2 Stanley's, a Craftsman, and a 35ft Kobalt Compactm. The Kobalt is hands-down my favorite right now
I remember back when Stanley first came out with Fatmax back in the late 90s iirc, thought the name and products looked silly. Quickly realized they were some of the best items on the market. Especially compared to Craftsman which at the time quickly turned into junk.
Love the “ Can’t argue with Math, Science and Truth “ 😂😂😂 so applicable on so many levels 👍🏼
I'm glad you're doing videos like this. I've tried so many tapes over the past 25 years that I've lost count. Some of my favorites include the SnapOn tapes, the Lufkins, Comalong, and one of my favorites I haven't been able to find a similar version of since the early 2000s. I originally bought for the name which was 'Big Johnson". I got it at Lowe's and I still have it. I used mostly for trim and upholstery work and it was perfect for that. I retired it and put it up for safe keeping since I couldn't find anything similar. I bought a Lufkin Shockforce G2 16' for work Friday 11/4 because I like the look and feel of it. At Lowe's it broke at 13' 4". The kid in the tool section had no idea what I was doing lmao!
I've had my komelon led for almost 2 yrs now and use it everyday all day. I find the led light to be very useful when I'm in some dark corners on a remodel.
The Fastcap lefty/righty is definitely the best tape I’ve ever used… It’s awesome for woodworking… Probably not so great for general construction
I'm a carpenter, and I make furniture, it took me a year to wear out my Fastcap tape, the belt clip metal snapped in two and the coating wore off, I'm very easy on my stuff so maybe I just got a lemon, I have a DeWalt pocket tape I had 3 years and it hasn't wore out.
Agree with Layne in chains
When I was a framer I only used the stanley Fatmax but as a diy guy I love my milwaukee
The tapes race was very funny. I use the Stanley cheap 6$ CAD tapes and I like them the most. I used many brands because i tend to loose my tapes and always get back to them. I fact that these are light, yellow in colour for traceability, they retract no mather what make them winners for me. The precision is spot on. Heck I recently bought 12ft 3$ smaller tapes for shopping and I just love it. Great video from a new subscriber.
I love your new scientific/lab style of testing. I still would have loved to see a line up of 5-10 pros and had them, after considering the test, explained what they use and if they're going with anything different in the future. I run Stanley Fatmax and Milwaukee stud. Stanley and Stanley Fatmax are corner stones.
That was one of your best videos ever. Extremely informative with awesome testing all while making it very entertaining and really funny. Still laughing 😂 🤣definitely will watch a few more times this weekend. 👍
Thanks Skolsaw!
You're using the wrong "your". Just a friendly jab. I appreciate the info that you share in your videos. I'm subscribed.
So embarrassing, I thought I corrected this already! Thanks for the heads up!
Love the video! Would have loved to see a Stabila tape featured.👍🏻
Btw you can always just bend the hook back so it reads true..🤷🏼♂️
I use the crescent night eye and I love it. I’ve dropped it 3 story’s with out issues and they just recently upgraded the tape material for increased durability
They are awesome tapes. Have you had any problems with the retraction being too strong? Bends the first foot or so then eventually causes a tear in the end that comes back and cuts you
Mind blowing I knew each would have small differences, but seeing them actually put to the test is wild! Great video
Thanks Austin!
I still use a folding ruler bud 😆 fits in my back pocket, and works for what I do which is residential plumbing.
My grandfather was a master carpenter, licensed architect & contractor, whose passion was custom cabinetry. I still have 2 of his wood folding "stick measures" that must be 70+ years old! Said he had them for "years b4 you were born, son" - and l'm 65 already...
My go to tapes are Stanley powerlock and dewalt magnetic(not in this video). Stanley for hanging drywall and dewalt for steel stud framing. The measurements on both sides of the dewalt tape make it very convenient and magnet is powerful.
Vincent thanks for this. I was on a pre order for kickstarter to buy a new tape. I ended up not going through with it. I would like to hear your take on it, I don't believe you have covered it. T1 tomahawk by Reekon.
What would you like me to do?
@@VCGConstruction Just review it. Let us all know what you think. It is not your typical tape that you would be going up and down a ladder with. Maybe they could send you one for review.
If enough people want me to do it I’ll buy it and test it. Hit the 👍🏻if you wanna see it!
@@VCGConstruction I was almost in the same boat as Jeremy. After seeing this new tape in a few shorts on RUclips, it checked all the boxes for me when it comes to what I want from a tape measure. But after seeing the price tag of $200+, I couldnt justify buying it over another power tool I need. I'd love for you to review it and hear your thoughts. Thanks Vince!
I’ve been thinking about getting one of these. It seems like there’s too much stuff going on with it for me though. It has some features I really want but then also a bunch of other stuff that adds to the cost that I don’t care about.
Stanley Fatmax 25' for me... Simple, robust and just works day in and out with lots of abuse on the job.
Autolocks all start to fail after time, the stop wears out quickly on the job.
The problem with your test is that the best tape in your eyes, I will bet no tradesman will use, because it's a diy tape. It's flimsy and bleh. Just because it doesn't over promise and is cheap, doesn't make it the best.
I use those last two more than my fatty TBH. I do a lot of home and kitchen stuff and I like the lightest portable I can use. I like my right sided hammer loop on my wranglers with the tape in the pocket with the leather corner and my fasteners and racks in my big pocket denim jacket.
I'll use the fatty and my belt and such during the whole roofing season though.
@@hasanmatthew5204 one of my guys had one of the flimsy ones, I needed to borrow it one day quick for a 8' measurement... I ended up chucking the tape as far as I could and buying him a new one. 5 tries and couldnt measure an 8' section of crown...
We do a lot of custom remodeling, never saw a need for a small cheap tape
I think it's more of a general test. I think the average tradesman will know that the number one result is pretty terrible at most trades
@@dantefierro6701 I agree, just don't agree with the metrics applied to the stated standout. With that logic a stated standout of 1', but it goes 2, gives a higher score than 13' stated but it only went 11'.
Hey Vincent just wanted to say thanks for your do Intel and upfront testing not engine is grateful but your videos are the best I've seen before I go buy a tool I'm a mobile mechanic so your videos help alot with choices to be made I just bought the brushless Ryobi angle drill for easy out on engine thanks for your previous video of that tool otherwise I wouldn't have bought it
Glad the videos are helpful Dominic!
I have always liked the komelon since I was using one about 12 years ago. They hold up well and feel good in my hands.
What's the best longest lasting tape measure? My milwaukee wide magnetic seems to not have lasted very long. From start to the first 12" it's a little bent so when I try pulling from material edge it'll pop off too often. The first 6" have the plastic lining put its peeling also. 😒
Currently using the niteye G2 25' by Lufkin.
I buy Stanley bc my local ace honors their lifetime warranty
fatmax tapes are the best, can't deny that
As an owner of the Komelon I have to say its one of the best tapes I've used. However I've had mine for a while and the one that was tested here had a white tape compared to mine that's yellow. Especially for the price of $8. I loved the video but really think if you compared the costs of these tapes with their performance Komelon would have come out on top. Easy to read, great spring and lock, and if you are new to working on things yourself it has a very convenient conversion chart built into the back side of the tape! Grab two of the these guys for less than the price of the last place tape in this video and enjoy.
I love my Milwaukee magnetic wide blade 16ft and 25ft tape...But I DIDN'T KNOW THEY MADE those in a STUD version now too! - But we all know the KING is the Stanley FATMAX...the 30ft i have is just amazing, just too heavy for every day use! I only used it when I was working in traffic signals cutting traffic loops! LOL
Super cool head 2 head! Thanks #VeryCoolGang!
I love that tool channels are so supportive for other channels. It contributes to some awesome tools content!
Thanks for watching!
@@lievais For what it's worth, this happens far more often than you think, it's just behind the scenes. We're in communication with each other often. Vince specifically has been an enormous asset to us at Belts And Boxes. Even going so far as to advice us on our own YT production, and his advice had a significant affect on our own growth. This community doesn't always support each other publicly, but trust me... behind the scenes, there are great people helping each other, and VCG is a big asset to many of us.
Dewalt my personal favorite hands down I’ve never really had any issues with it, man that thing has taken a beating !!!
Stanley Fat Max is my go to! Although I've mostly used Stanley tapes and seen plenty of failures on them . Used to be able to replace the scale on them Stanley tapes, but I don't see that available these days. No 1 failure is the retraction spring failing especially if one pulls it out to the max length now is the end popping off. I've been using tapes for about 50 years or so. My father was a union carpenter and contractor. I have tried other brands, by and large I've found Stanley's to be the best overall, but learned to always have a spare or 2 in my tools just in case!
How funny! I was a novice shop tool user when I chose my Stanley Center Lock tape measure! Yay! I'm glad I take great care of it!
This is awesome
Thanks TTC, we appreciate that!