Best Tape Measures for 2019: Toolsday
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- Опубликовано: 8 июн 2024
- Based on my opinion, these are the best tape measures for 2019, and truthfully each one of them have positives and negatives. I feel like the fat max is my most favorite and enjoyable tape to use... when its new, the Milwaukee stud has held up the longest in the field, and the Dewalt XP, is most definitely the most rugged, but comes at a price for weight and size. I know the tape measure is nothing new and nothing cool or fancy, but it is arguably the most important tool a carpenter can have.
Milwaukee Stud:
goo.gl/S8NcQ9
Dewalt XP
goo.gl/DaN8FP
Stanley Fat Max
goo.gl/VvohUk
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I think we’ve all been there...... when we’re doing some sort of construction and you are looking for a tape measure you can’t find one. I remember watching a TV show called “First Time Flip” (?) and the guy told his wife to go down to the hardware store and buy 10 tape measures because he was so tired of NOT being able to find a tape measure when he needed one.
I think we ALL can relate. Haha.
Keep up the good work!
It’s actually a very well written and comprehensive book ruclips.net/user/postUgkxhgbP-6hUnXu_QRaoHgLztgsI0YF3HqR0 . I wanted to pair this with an updated book on local codes to start planning a post-retirement dream shop. I think I have just about everything I need between the two. The extra plans available for purchase towards the end are priced almost as much as full home plans, not little sheds however.
Still rocking the silver Stanley 25’..
Mainly from my truss plant days- they’re the width of a 2x4, so they don’t get squashed like the fatmax when you press a truss and forget your tape on the table somewhere.
One day I was driving and saw a tape measure in the middle of the road. Better believe that I identified it as a Fatmax while cruising 60mph down the highway. Turned around and snagged it been using it for about a year now lol it’s beat up but no cracks in the blade yet
That was mine! It fell outta my truck! It’s yellow & black, right?! See it’s mine! Lol. Finders keepers!
thats awesome
Fantastic!!
Found a 40 ft fat max about 3 years ago still have it and works
Ha ha ha your I'll got mine of amerzon for 21 quid
21 years as an industrial electrician and mine was a 16' Stanley lever lock on the bottom. 16' with 10' conduit worked great and it fit my hand real good.
Great toolsday! I agree combine all 3 and you get perfection!!
The Milwaukee magnetic tape measure comes with a large head.
Milwaukee 25’ with the magnetic tip. If I’m on the ladder and drop a screw putting up registers or something I can reach it with the tip on the tape measure.
John Baeza why did I never think of this
That’s very clever
fat max is my go to for trim. for rough framing definitely the dewalt with the fat head. good review.
I'll have to check out that dewalt. I do some finish and some framing--I've had two fat maxes (old and new style) the last couple years and they both developed that annoying twist super quick... :(
I’ve been using a Milwaukee Magnetic tape for a few years. Great big hook, magnetic end. What I like though is the tape is 2 sided and on the back side it has a 1/4 inch and 1/8 scale. I find myself using that more and more
I use the double side far more than I thought I would. Some spots are just awkward and you want to get a good mark or measure.
Have been using a Lufkin Black Widow 25’ tape. Does a good job for my projects. Thanks for the video!
I have 2 tape measures I cannot be without, Fastcap 16ft lefty/righty; 1 standard and 1 flatback. They are perfect for the shop, and are packed with features. I cut a lot of plywood for my projects and the flatback tape measure is so nice. Since both are lefty/righty it doesn't matter which direction I measure from since they are printed for reading in either direction. Fastcap has a lot of quality products, but the tape measures are my favorite by far.
I have been using komelon for the last 5 years. Having the scale on the bottom is useful and they are rock solid tapes.
But it seems like most are dummy tapes.
Others have already mentioned the Fastcap tapes. They have several different types, targeted for different uses. They even have one for timberframe carpenters. One of the nice things most of them have in common is an 'erasable notepad' on the side case. It's a great place for jotting down your measurements (assuming you can find your pencil).
do they have magnetic tip ?
Old school original Stanley all the way
Same here, it's been run over and dropped 80+ feet and still going strong. The guys like to give me a hard time for not having a 'real' tape measure but mine still works
Craftsman way better
I use the fatmax, 25ft. I like the idea of putting em all together someone could make so much money making a tape like that.
Check out the Lufkin ShockForce Night Eye. Recently got it and it feels like the best tape I have ever used on the job site.!
I have both the DeWalt and the Milwaukee tapes, and I gotta say I reach for the DeWalt more times than not. It just feels super durable! I used the older Milwaukee tape to death because it has a architect scale ruler on the back and it came REALLY handy when do some quick scaling. However, I am a commercial electrician, and EVERYTHING would stick to that magnet on the tip! And bunch up a ton of metal shavings! But if I had to choose just one tape, id prob take that DeWalt tape!
I'm a Fatmax guy from way back but the first time I used the new Milwaukee with that finger groove I was in love.
Fantastic review. You hit the nail on the head. Been framing and doing construction for 40 years and tape measures have always had drawbacks and the original Stanley 25' tapes had very little standout. I remember lumber yards selling blade replacement packs! If you do framing and trim you do need at least three measuring devices; a FatMax or like with a wide double hook, a regular 25' tape with a traditional hook, and a folding rule with slide out extension (Lufkin Hx46 Wooden 6` X 5/8″ Red End Folding Rule) for doing inside measures. Well, at least that is my opinion and works for me.
I think we all want a bigger tip
I see what you did there. 👍
Just the tip, right? 😂
That’s what she said
Great vid bro
Tip -as in advice?
Have used fat max for probably last 20 yrs. Just picked up a komelon high vis blade. Nice hook. Measurements on both sides. So far so good but only been using it for like 3 weeks.
I found a “komelon” brand 25’ self lock on a bottom shelf at Lowe’s for like $5 or $7, only an 8ft stand out but it’s my go to tape, I’d pay that price for 5 more of em over the $20-30 for the name brands. It even has building/measurement info on the backside like decimal/fractions, nail sizes and such.
I've been running Komelon tapes for over 12 years. Never let me down
Made in China
Maintenance determines the life of your tape..
I keep 4# 25 ft ,and 35,and 40...all fatmax.
Fencing,next to concrete is the worst for longevity.
To clean ,extend ..and wipe on retraction..extend again wipe down with whatever lube you have.
I've tried several brands,and always go back to fat max.
Buy multiples on BF,and anytime you see them on sale.
Nice work Kyle!
I use a Milwaukee magnetic tip and it is like all those things it’s an amazing tape no complaints at all
I use a Lufkin self-centering tape as I hang a lot of pictures, whiteboards and shelving hardware mostly inside work. I know an electrician, and he does the Fat Max to pull wires, so stickout is real important to him.
A tape I have not seen her used by anyone other than me is the Tajima tapes. I got a 25 footer, and I use it for masonry, and it’s extremely durable, has lasted me a very long time. A tape no one talks about that is fantastic!
@savior8017 Which tajima model do u like best?
use a tajima gs 25 and 16
I've always liked the Komelon brand. They also make Kobalt and the new Craftsman sold at Lowes. It has that magnetic tip which is good for picking up dropped metal objects so you don't have to climb down a ladder to retrieve it just touch it with the tip of your tape measure and draw it up . It also has markings on both sides of the tape. The magnet was designed for one person measurement it will hold the end of itself to something metal and assist with getting your measurement
I’ve used a 30’ Stanley fat max for years and have never had the problems he mentioned. I’ve loved mine and wouldn’t swap it for any other brand.
I use a Milwaukee 25ft magnetic and I'm pretty happy with it only down side is the stand out, falls pretty easy around 7ft or so
TxJonathan I think Milwaukee is making a magnetic stud. 14 ft stand out
The Dewalt 25 is my daily user. Best tape I've ever used. The stud has what seems like a durable blade finish but is too flimsy.
Stanley also makes a version with both imperial and metric on the same tape. Really handy.
Great insight. Glad you mentioned menards and fat max. Wanting to get another tape, choosing between new Milwaukee, or the lufkin (widow?). But great vid again.
Sitting in my office watching the toolsday video, look around and see a 30' Stanley FatMax sitting on the floor with some tools.
Thanks for this video. I recently lost my old Fat Max and just bought a 2-pack of Milwaukee’s for $15 at Home Depot. Now I’m thinking of returning them for the DeWalts! 😂 Can’t beat a lifetime warranty!
I usually can get by with buying the two pack sets that are sold during Christmas sales. I like to buy the Dewalt or Stanley US made tapes. I've been using a Craftsman 16' tape. It is identical to the Dewalt tape, but with a smaller tip. Good for interior stuff.
The thumb insert on the Milwaukee tape is very useful once you get used to it. Starts to feel natural and more comfortable
Hit every point I've had issues with. I use the Milwaukee for roofing, fat max for framing. And then one with bigger horns for cedar siding to pull off my corses. Good vid!
I had the Milwaukee model before the STUD and it was my go to for nearly a year. Tape eventually sheared though so I grabbed a 25’ Lufkin on a whim because it had the same finger stop on the bottom side. I like it but the tape quality isn’t great so I’m happy to hear Milwaukee improved their last model by making the STUD tape so durable. Thanks for the video, I’ll be grabbing some Milwaukee’s again tomorrow.
My fav tape is Stanley fat Max’s. Been running them for years
Hi, I have never had a very good measuring experience because of the end catches on tape measures. I found a distance laser measure that also can keep all the lengths and is very accurate, it was not that expensive and now I get accurate sizes and also a list of the different places that I can label so that I know what they are.
the new craftsman heavy duty tapes are indestructible
They are made my Stanley, look at the cases they are identical except the colors
I believe that Stanley owns Craftsman now.
yellowzx7r it doesn’t mean that they aren’t great tapes. From my experience they don’t rust as quickly as the FatMaxs and they seem to be a lot more durable
Ive had two of the new craftsman tapes and kinked the blade on both
You are so right! Great vids keep it up!
My milwaukee magnetic has literally been thrown and dropped off roofs, left outside in the rain for weeks, and heavily used for 2 years and it's basically like new
Not made in the U.S though. Sorry not supporting Milwaukee
I call bs. Me and multiple other coworkers have gone through 3-4 milwaukee tapes in one year.
@@danielshepherd4259 probably dont take care of them? Or what length. My 35 ft was a piece if shit but other than that the 25s are damn near bullet proof
I have one that’s been water logged for days. I’ll see if it rusts and binds for the next week but so far it doesn’t care. Just keeps working. And I like the compactness and standout. Idk. Can’t really get into the fat max experience.
@@hunterwolfe9059 both 25 and 35. The only one I haven't had a problem with is my 16 footer that I baby and only use a small portion of the time.
I've haven't tried the stud version though and am curious if those hold up better.
I really love my millwaukee stud for roofing since I have to tuck the head of the tape in tight spaces and the durability is awesome! But for any other construction I love the stanley premium tape measure since it has the option for a smaller or larger head
So I would say to definitely check out the Stanley premium fatmax
The finger hole in the Milwaukee seems like a ideal place to collect water and sand. For the benefit, of being able to have your index finger 3/4” back from where is sits normally. ( cmon, no one actually uses the lock right). I’ve been building with fat max for my whole career, but I think I’ll try that Milwaukee just to see that durability for myself.
Thanks for the video
So...whats your review?
I just rrplace my standard dewalt tape with a milwaukee stud. I hope the tape holds up better this time. I had a Milwaukee once before and the tape tore within about 5 months i think.
I typically lose/misplace them before I wear them out. However, I did have a fat max 16' that I thoroughly enjoyed, but its re tractor broke and I was not happy. I do not typically use them enough in my DIY work that one should wear out. I buy the OG Stanleys in two packs to leave around the shop or house. My last pickup was the Milwaukee stud as I was doing a bit more work and wanted to try it. So far, so good. I wont be able to find it before to long.
Tajima tapes are really smooth and one of the best in my opinion
Neverseen one, BUT I have an EXTREMELY good straight edge ruler that is made from Stainless Steel and engraved. The very best I have ever seen. 100% quality Tajima product.
I cut, bend, and flare a lot of hydraulic tubing so I prefer the small 12' Stanley Powerlock with the metal case since 8' is probably the longest tube I have to deal with, typically 2' - 3'. Accurate, durable (unless they get soaked in fluid) and they'd last me a couple years if my friggin co-workers didn't "borrow" them and not bring them back.
Cheezy Dee I also like the size of the smaller 12’ Stanley for woodworking.
I love my little 12' power lock, it's my go to backup when I don't have my 35' power lock, or 25' Fat Max Auto-Lock. The 32th of an inch for the first foot is real nice for small finish work.
Nice review! I have found that the Kobalt 35 works great too and has a magnetic tip (I work in metal). They are like the Stanley’s though in that they’ll rust to pieces if you get them wet.
i been using the Lufkin shock force and it's been my new favorite bit pricey but worth the money
Im a welder/ fabricator and i really like the stanley fat max for the ability to get a magnetic tip works really good for bandsawing material
Same, being a welder but I can’t keep the iron shavings out of the magnet and it’s not really useful after a few months.
I absolutely need a magnetic tip and a fair sized hook. I currently use a fat max and it has survived two years of snow and mud and oil sands. It is great but I can't find another one with the magnetic tip to replace it.
Love the big hook with 20' sticks no point walking when u can throw the end down the board
The fat max extreme is by far the best for me! I usually use the regular fat max, but anytime I had that huge anchor on the end of my tape... it was awesome!
Agree man. Hard for me to find anymore.
I’ve been in the hvac/sheet metal trade for a about 2 years an I’ve used 3 tape measures but the Milwaukee Premium Magnetic Tape Measure has been my favorite,
For one , the clip is easy to get in an out of pants or holders
Second , extremely durable (I drop my tools often)
An third , I’ve only replaced it once (because I left it under a house an didn’t feel like going back for it) an about a year later , returned To the home an retrieved it , been using it since after a year under a house in the moist dirt an still runs like new .
I love tape measures and have far too many of them. My day to day most used tape measure is a 25' Fatmax, however if its raining I use the Milwaukee Stud 25' or 16' as the blades don't get destroyed in the rain. I've also just purchased the Milwaukee Wide blade Gen2 and its really good as well. The stud would be used much more by me if it wasn't ENORMOUS! The 16' is the size of a fatmax 25' and the 25' stud is just a massive tape to be carrying around.
Have you ever used a BMI tape? Not sure if they are available in the US but they are really nice quality made German tapes
Like a year and a half late, but I do metal fabrication and home DIY stuff. My go to is my well worn Stanley 16' tape. Fits my hand nicely and only worked with 12' sticks of metal at work as well as it works great for doing smaller measurements for small parts . I do have the 25' one for getting field dimensions or doing floor layout or if I need more standout (like measuring a wall at home)
I've liked the FatMax and the Milwaukee stud. I work as a framer in Utah so moisture and mud are big issues in the winter. So I had the issues with both of them pretty badly because of that. Have you tried the Lefkin or Craftsman tapes? How do they compare to the ones you reviewed? Any tips to keep your tape last longer and retract better in the winter?
Great information, but I have a question on how you make a tape measure end stay on the edge of your workpiece? I'm always having to hold it down with tape or put a pin nail in the hole on the end. So frustrating!!! Thanks.
I like the Stanley Lever Lock, but would love to figure out how to tune it up when it stops locking on the short pull. It's convenient for the way I like to work, mostly kicking around the shop and home improvement projects.
I have been using the Milwaukee stud since it came out. And I do custom metal handrails and it is the only tape that you can read after a month of use that said I still buy a brand new one every other month or so
Hey bud!. I'm an iron worker!. High drops are good for me to know. Great video great info keep up your hard work!.
I use the fat max, 16’ for finishing
30’ for everything else.
Usually go through 1 a year.
Nothing like the joy of brand new
Agree that new tape feel is worth having to buy a new one.
Always been a fat max guy but was given a Milwaukee and the finger hold is just great. I'm on my first one but I might be falling in love. Standout length is a give and take, a blade that flexes lasts longer.
2 years later, I am 100% certain that you changed your mind
I just started to use the stabila 8m tape and it's the best I've ever used but I don't now if they make it for you imperial guys
I have a few Stanley tapes and have no complaints.
i know its 2 years later but just bought the new milwaukee 25 ft stud tape good price got 13 feet and 1 inch of stand out so i am not sure what was changed on them but i would for sure check them out
I’ve only used Stanley tapes, mostly because our crew all uses them so measurements transfer well, but man, that little finger slot in the Milwaukee? That’s awesome. Ima have to give that a try
I've gone though 3 dewalt tapes in 2 years. Ink wares off in the 1st 12"...... I'm going to try fatmax. Have you had any ink issues?
Still loving the Stanley lever lock 🔒 the classic and cheap!!
I absolutely love Milwaukee's Autolock tape, it's severely underrated.
What you think of a Back & Decker and Hitachi cordless drills. I like stanley tapr measures.
The mini key chain Milwaukee tape is the shit for AG type metal fab or when you just need a quick rough measurement under 6 ft.
Ive been using the Milwaukee 25' magnetic tip for over a year and I really like it.
You been using the same tape for a year.
Just went through two milwaukee since November
I have in my arsenal a Klein 25'. #86225. It has a magnetic tip, has both the large style head and the smaller one on top. Has a push button lock underneath similar to the Milwaukee open style for the finger, and has measurements on both top and bottom of the tape. Pretty good tape for my trade. Great video, good day sir
Iowa postframer and I use Milwaukee stud every job site I see at least one fat max broken laying on the ground stud keeps on going
I like my Klein tape measure. Has measurements on both sides of the tape along with conduit calculations that I use a lot.
I have two Milwaukee premium Mag and they are super heavy duty! But for lighter Jobs i love the Stanley tylon
Milwaukee Magnet is the best In my opinion. Decent hook and magnet, double sided print, 1/4in and 1/8in architect scale great belt clip, and comfortable
Framing in Michigan, I can make a 35' fat Max last all summer, but usually buy one replacement every month through winter.
Been a Fatmax guy for years, tried a Dewalt 25ft, worked great for a month or so last summer, but after fall and winter it's developed a weird curve to the tape. If Im up on a ladder and need to drop it down 16 feet to hook on a freeze board or something the whole blade is curved about a foot out of plum. Its like the tension thats giving you the standout is now on steroids. About to toss the thing.
Used a DeWalt 25 for a couple months before the rivets let go. A FatMax 30 replaced it and is still going strong
I have the STANLEY "Write-On" 25' tape measure. What I like about it is that all the scales are numbered except the 16th scales. This tape measure are for those who can't remember the fraction scales in standard unit of measure. Which is why metric scale is much easier.
Stanley 35' fat max with detachable blade hook
Part # 161KDQMG.
I picked mine up at my local Lowe's.
Fyi..the craftsman tools that Lowe's sells are made in China.
I personally do not use the big hook,,but it is in my occidental nail bag if needed.
I’ve got the DeWalt 35’, very good tape.
DeWalt 30' DWHT33374. Really smooth pull out, easy push thumb lock, feels great in hand, hook could be a bit wider. Had it 6+ years feels like new.
Is that the new bosch 12v trim plane on the bench next to you? I'd love to get your impression before I buy one. (unless you already did a video and I missed it)
(or unless I'm wrong and thats not a planer)
Yes I did a toolsday on it
I’ve been using the green kamelion for a year doing concrete flat work so far been pretty good
I never had one before and I picked up a two-pack both 25 feet pretty cheap. My son and I are doing some remodeling and he loves them. I keep one at our drywall cutting station and one in the room and I just call out the numbers to him to cut. They are bright and easy to read and if they crap out they are cheap to replace. I have a Stanley in all chrome that still works to this day and I bought it new about 30 years ago now.
What do you do to your tapes for them to last only 6months? I work as a steel framer and I've had my 8 meter stanley for over 2 years now and It works almost as good as the day I bought it aside from a slightly grittier pull-out feel.
I do a lot of remodels and have to measure existing lease/office spaces and i use the 35' Fat Max. I like it, but the recoil spring sucks most of the time, have to manually shove the tape back into the casing. Didn't know DeWalt mad a 35' tape, going to get one this afternoon. \
This was by far my favorite episode of Toolsday.
The Stanley auto-lock fat max they Mande actually did come with a large hook if you prefer it and that’s has been my favorite ever since I just can’t find them anymore. Any suggestions?
Komelon 16' self lock. I can't go back to regular tapes now. I have at least 4 around the shop. I do like the Fastcap PMS flat tape for other layout work.
I have two go to tapes. For framing and general construction projects a new FatMax that has a detachable upper hook that will solve your issue with too small of a hook or lack of an upper grab. For finish work or detail design work I use a Festool.
Thanks
I’m almost completely at trim guy. I’ve been using Stanley tapes since I was a kid.
My current goto tape on the job is the fat max auto lock. Love it.
Now, in the shop, I use tapes from fastcap. They are cheap, accurate, and have some cool features. Check them out.
I have used most of the other brands to see what they were like, but I always find my way back to Stanley.
Keep the great vids coming. Love the content. Thx Man.
Stanley Leverlock 25 feet perfect size not too heavy is my favorite and fits in my carpenter belt front holster, the bigger longer tape don't fit.
The Milwaukee is my go to. Just not the stud. I use the 25 with magnet tip. It also has an enlarged hook and is bigger than the one on the stud.
All the DeWalt tapes I ever got we're not built to last. The springs broke way to fast and the tapes never retracted very well making them irritating. The Stanley faxmax was my favorite go to. But then the price just got out there. It is by far the most expensive of the bunch. But I do have a 15 year old 16ft fatmax.
The fastcap tapes are nice, they have a story pole tape as well.