Toolsday: How to DECIDE which TAPE MEASURE to BUY
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- Опубликовано: 13 мар 2023
- For todays Toolsday, I share the attributes of a tape measure I consider when determining which tape measure to buy. No one tape is the best tape measure to buy. Let me know your feedback in the comments below. I do believe the tape measure you end up with is a personal decision and all tapes have positives and negatives.
My current Favorite
Stabila BM300
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Close Seconds if they just lasted longer
Stanley Fat Max
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RR Merchandise
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RR Plans
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Over 40 plus years I have used them all. What I find important is. Make sure your cut mans tape measures the same as yours. I have had tapes be off by a 3/8th of a inch.
Great point.
Great point
I would love to know which tape measure is off 3/8 an inch...
@@customsolutions7167 I was using a Stanley and the guy calling out measurements was using a Milwaukee, there was a 1/4” difference. We figured it out pretty quick lol
Never had this happen, but as a perfectionist this would bother me to no end. I’ve had the little end bit get crudded up so it messed up inside dimensions and that annoyed me enough…
This is a good book. Does provide a step by step introduction to how to build things ruclips.net/user/postUgkxhgbP-6hUnXu_QRaoHgLztgsI0YF3HqR0 , also does offer some steps. Includes pictures to give you ideas for layouts and such. If you are looking for a guide, this is not exactly what you want. But if you are trying to familiarize yourself with the way that pole barn building and other out buildings, are made, then this will work just as you need it to. A few things in this book are a barn (of course), detached garage, storage building, and coops.
RR I want to thank you for your detailed videos. I built a 42x42 metal building with friends and family with very limited construction experience. I could not have done this without you guys!
Awesome man
Been using Stanley classic 25' since the late 70's, tried other brands, always go back to Stanley!! Never let one retract back at full speed and contact tape housing,
slow it down to a crawl or put your finger in the way, been building custom kitchen cabinets since late 70's.
Exactly I use classic silver luftkin what I started with it's just like a bait caster you ride your finger!! Not rocket science
I have 4 35ft Milwaukee stud tapes. They are my favorite for the first 4-6 months. But they’re warrantied for life and I just have them on a rotation so I’m constantly getting a new one for free
I personally love the 25' "baseball" shaped Stanley fatmax. I believe that it performs well for my framing style because I like fast retracting tapes. I understand that my opinion differs from others such as yourself. I still love the content, and what you have to say is so informative. Thank you for what you're doing for our industry.
I've had 2 of the baseball shaped stanleys and the locks dont hold. U can fully lock it and push the tape back in easily. Other then that its a great feeling and looking tape with great standout and protection goes up to 9" on the tape. Too bad it has that major issue
One thing I like to consider is markings. I really like the dewalt series that includes fractional inches in black and red. It makes it super easy to identify measurements. My go-to for compact is the craftsman 12ft with auto lock and fractions
When I was younger I stuck my tip into as many trims as I could.
Great video Kyle! I'm a concrete guy and have always had trouble with grit ruining them immediately. I've had the best luck with the Lufkin G2, but I will have to give the Stabila a shot. Thanks again!
I use a stanley 8m tape that is relatively compact (medium with), great stand-out and otherwise good ergonomics. It is also not too expensive. The best tape I've used so far. I still wear out 1-2 tapes every year though. The main lesson I've learned with tape measures is to avoid pulling out the last 3-4 % of the length
there is also left or right hand tape, which can help to see better and make less mistakes then when reading upside down especially when running multiple times from the same direction like on a cutting station. and TAJIMA makes nice and very simple long lasting, accurate and clear to see the mm lines. thanks for the content:)
There is no tape measure I like better than Stanley, the out reach is great and very important to me and the way the measurements on their tapes is my favorite, besides that they last for years not months, like you said preferences are different hand sizes and types of work plays a big part in choosing a tape measure, I do remember one brand it's measurements was completely and totally washed away after I mistakenly left it out in the rain, I found at the time hard to believe but its absolutely true.
They are all junk now. Not just Stanley, but all of them. My dad has old craftsman tape measures that he used daily for 30+ years that are still in great condition. I have several tape measures that I have had a few years and they are warped, the numbers have worn off, or they don't close all the way anymore. Looking at the reviews of people w ho have used the tape measures and not just thrown them in a drawer, it looks like everything is junk now. As he says in the video, they don't last, but they used to.
For all metal framing, drywall and acoustical ceilings I’ve always used the Fat Max 25’. But your right after a few months don’t retract worth a crap. Think I’m gonna try the stabila tape out next. Looked like a nice tape for sure!
Your comment about the hail got me to thinking, have you had midwest weather damage any of the buildings you built? Could be a good topic for a video. I'd be curious what failed.
definitely the 30’ stanley power lock, best tape hands down:)
Actually looks similar to the stabila, thinner and not the best stand out, but a little more square but rounded corner’s, definitely easier to hang onto.
The tip probably isn’t the best but then it’s average to smaller for getting in j trim and tight spaces which is a must for me!
Great vid👍👍👍
I just love Stanley layout on the tape
getting your tip into trim is not only important but very satisfying ! !
Hello from germany...my go to tape is Shinwa, Tajima and also Festool. Thank you for your great channel! Only because of your reviews i use the Diamondback Toolbelt and the lovely Martinez M1 🤪
Great video as always. You explain things better than my high school teachers, keep up the good work
25’ fat max (without the magnet) the BEST! Nuff said! 👍
I use the stabila bm300 and i love it. The double sided marking and the belt clip is what sold it for me. The tip is also sensational.
Good to hear. I’ve been looking for a new tape
I’ve owned 2 Fat Max autolock tapes. The 1st one broke on the very first day I used it in the field after dropping from a 6ft platform ladder. I figured it was just bad luck & bought another one. That lasted about a month when the tip snapped off retracting. My current faves are my lil Milwaukee 15ft I keep on my desk at work for when I need a quick (shorter) measurement & my Klein 25ft with magnetic tip. I’ve dropped the Klein numerous times and it’s taken them very very well. It’s built like a tank but still comfortable to use.
Great toolsday! Another consideration would be size or length. A shop guy doesn't need a 25'. When in the shop I use a 12-15'
I love my Milwaukee 25' Wide Blade. The finger guard is great for running rips on drywall and plywood, no more splinters or pain on the rip finger.
I am trying out the Stabila tape at the moment and haven't decided whether I like the grip coat on the hook. In my experience, the most durable tape that I ever owned is Komelon Stainless Steel tape. It survives dirt and rain way better than others.
My favorites are the fat max 8 and 10mt. I also really like the milwaukee stud magnetic 8mt but as you rightly said, due to the magnet in the head, the tape tends to rotate sideways easily.
The lufkin night eye is my go to, it has the sandpaper like tip. I work nights and in dark spots a lot and it comes in super handy.
Starts good doesn’t last in my experience.
I have a Lever Lock tape. I love it. I pull out the blade and it locks in place until I squeeze the bottom lever, then it retracts.
Love the tools day Kyle. Keep them up.
The Lufkin is my goto tape...I love the visibility w/ the Black background on the actual tape.
I always bought the Stanley FaTMax but tried a Milwaukee last year, that was a pieceof junk! The last one I bought is a DeWalt, we'll see how it holds up.
I don’t know what it says about my maturity but there are so many innuendos here
I love Milwaukee tools but absolutely hate their tapes. I'm prefer Tajima tapes and find them very easy to read, have a nice spring and don't roll over at all.
My go-to tape is the i can find.
youre so right about coming back (retracting) too fast, that can be annoying! also a lot of the tapes today are too fat because they all want massive standout capabilities. im a finish carpenter and i primarily use the OG of tape measures the stanley powerlock! its super flexible for bending into corners. has horrific standout though!!
also sticking your tip into trim is the only way to roll. 😅
I have a Fat Max and a Makita tape measure. I like the Stabila stuff though. I have a level from Stabila that is the best! Thanks for filming Kyle. 👍😁
I heard it wasn’t even that fat
Didn't even know Makita made tapes. Not that I'd buy any of that modern teal anti theft device shit
I got the Stabila 5m since 6 months and it´s probably the best tape measure I ever use.
I will never buy a Milwaukee tape measure until they completely scrap that platform and change it. It’s a shame that they break so quickly.
I prefer the Stanley, Lufkin G2 (non magnet), and I’ll use the dewalt tape measure for trimwork for quick 1/16” reads.
I threw my G2 NiteEye into the harbour. It was absolute garbage, got 3 months out of it before the blade snapped off at about 3 foot
@@HotForgeChaos haven't used the g2 niteeye so I wouldn't know
Just started using Klein 16ft tape. I’m pretty happy about it
Stand out, without having to use a lock button. 30’ tape, 12’ w/o collapsing is perfect.👍👍👍
Thanks
Right before your video I got an ad saying something like “do you want to build a pole barn like this?” No sir, I want a post frame shop. Not a pole barn thank you
Haha let’s go!!
As always dude, great stuff.
For over the last 25 + years. I have always used stanley powerlock. I have a few of the others but I prefer the powerlock
Fantastic timing! My toddler just pulled my FatMax out of my nail bags, and I found it in the dogs water bowl. Spoilers, at some point he must have had it in the sand box because it’s a gritty useless mess.
Reminds me of that time my kids found my relatively new Tajima black chalk box and dragged it around as many obstacles as they could find. Luckily it was outside, but it was getting dark when I found out and I just had to cut the line at some point because I couldn't even follow it. 😅
I know you don’t like complexity but I would love to hear your thoughts on Lever Lock tape holding mechanism.
Of the tapes I own my go to is the first gen of the Lufkin. I don't use it outside very often or near water. So far the tapes goes in an out fine. The first gen was super close at readability. The black background with hi vis yellow was great to read until you got at a foot mark and it kinda got easy to mis read. This is fixed in the gen 2.
Keep the oiled up with WD.helps protect from water.
Yes but then you feel the wd all the time I don’t want that
Ive always used stanley fatty but got a dewalt tough series and very similar but cant change the feel of the stanley
I absolutely love the milwaukee stud. I don't have something of equal quality to reference to though because it's the first "expensive" tape measure I got, so keep that in mind.
I use the fingerlock extensively, i always did so I found that feature really nice. Never used the autolock.
It's bulky, at first i was disappointed, but I've grown used to it. This might apply to most bigger tape measures, but I really like how I can measure wood and set the measurer on it and it remains in place while stretching the tape.
I can reach about 4m (~13feet?) (-the angle loss) which I found really impressive.
When this one breaks I'll most likely get another one, about 1yr old now and it's noticeable on the spring and alot of cosmetic damage
I absolutely hate the clip, it's a 2hand operation. I use makitas "universal clip holder" but the screw that holds the clip on the stud is really in the way. So tape measure holder is the way I suppose
One brand that I did not see on the table that should probably be evaluated in the bunch is the FastCap. I use them exclusively in the shop. The clip is the best I have ever seen on a tape, and the built in pencil sharpener is a major plus!
Never used thanks I’ll take a look
Fast caps for woodworking are excellent. I have all of them and they are lightweight and inexpensive and if you lose it, no problem. I have the stanleys and others and always revert to fast cap.
@@RRBuildings fast cap also adds 1/8 and 16th measurements on their tape measures.
@@Cullens_Workshop lol my old boss would be pissed if you're tape was that detailed with the numbers. He had stupid issues. Better you can do you job well with what you like that helps you vs.. has to be the type he wants...
I love the original Stanley with a stick on writing pad except when building cabinets which I use the inch/mm Fastcap for because hardware is mostly metric.
I love the carftsman high vis tape the blade is very easy to grab.
Pretty timely..........I was using my older model Lufkin this past weekend and the tip broke (blade broke at the tip rivets) off when retracting into the housing. Loved "I like to stick my tip........into trim"🤣
Nice. None last long with me and none have all the qualities I would like. Number one for me is being not made in china, (very difficult), 2nd being able to read it easily and now being able to read both sides (although not used that often as I thought), you are right that it needs to fit in my hand comfortably, I like a clip that is usable but few work easily (if I do not have a clip I tend to lay it down) when I try to put it in the pouch not easy to take out, large hook is important. I have started using a couple different ones depending on the project and seems to work out better. I have been using 35' ones although most of the time 25' is fine. Again None really last with getting wet, dust or having to bend the tape. Thanks for the information.
Thanks for the videos, DEWALT ones are my to go to for crap work like nasty work that i don’t care about replacing it, toughbuilt and shock force G2 are my main to go tos for eveyrhing else they seem to have a larger tip and decent feel. I can’t wait for the DEWALT led one to come out
I too like to stick my tip into trim!
do yourself a favor and just get fat max, I worked as a sheet metal guy for 1 year and as a sparky for almost 7 years, been through so much hard use, even in the rain, (I will admit I dry it properly every time) I still have my first fat max I bought around 2016, what a great tape! the only thing that changed is that is retracts a little bit slower now.....
Fatmax 25', never had an issue with the tips, my crew and I have been using them for at least 10 years. I probably get 4 years out of a tape, never broke a tip or had one get out of line. The stronger spring comes in very handy with longer measurements, and after some time, the spring relaxes a bit. (not that baseball looking one, just the standard one. And not the autolock, those suck after using it for a little while, the auto stop stops working
Good stuff Kyle. I was waiting to see the ones with paint on them from when first laying out a plot... I still crack up from all the flack you took on that one video. That's what those Harbor Freight tape measures are for right? Can't wait to see what's next.
Haha so dumb … it comes right off
I personally prefer the 25' Stanley all metal tape usually priced😅 fairly low at HD. $10.99 and my favorite. Easy to read and has the 3" add on for inside measurements. Not bulky to carry. Durable. Easy in/out. I have tried just about all of them, including 35' and do not care for any others.
Not even the same all metal Stanley in 35'.
I did not see that in your trial of samples. It has been around forever and 25' is my max to own.
I do not bend tape for inside measurements. The Stanley 25' in all metal is excellent for all phases of your work and that 3" add on is very accurate to use.
Good job my friend.
I have a channel Lock tape that I like, it lasted about six months through the fall and winter in Michigan. Much better than the two Milwaukee tapes I have in my toolbox that twisted at the end after a few weeks.
I had a Milwaukee tape that lasted a week and it fell apart internally, and I wasn't even thrashing it
I buy 25' Stanleys for use in the shop. They are cheap, and work well enough. Not a fan on the jobsite though, they just dont hold up.
I tried the 35" Fat Max for in my tool belt, wasnt a fan. Currently using a 35" Komelon which seems to be working well. Yes the 35s are huge, but I used to hang alot of vinyl siding and all the siding is 150" so to measuring a wall that would need 2 pieces of siding plus a cutoff, a 25 is too short, and a 30 just always seems to come up short.
If you use your finger to slow the tape down it doesn’t slam on the tip helps preserve your tape. The Stanley fatmax one is design to be rounded like a baseball and has a double spring there actually really good tapes
Any tape in my immediate vicinity does the job for me 😅
I will always miss the Stanley Fat Max Xtreme. That baby had such a wide tip, like 3/8 wider on each side than the blade. Had to pour one out when my last one of them died and I couldn't get them anymore
True. I just looked at all 25’ tapes thinking that’s the most common but size does matter
Last i checked fatmax xtreme is still available here in Australia if you wanted to stock up. It will probably be metric and imperial on it and that would be a deal breaker for me but if you really love it and it is still the same recipe here then it could be an option for you. When you find a tool that fits just right then it is worth stocking up on!
@@philwort1873 yeah the metric is a deal breaker for me unfortunately. Ive found listing of old stock online of the metric/imperial combo and just couldn't do it
@@philwort1873 Yep we get them in NZ too, the other apprentice bought one and I couldn't believe how big that dingus end was on it
I tried the Milwaukee tapes. Stud 16 and 25 ….After 3 months both toast… Tapes cracked 6 to 8 inches from the tip ….Don’t waste your time. Back to Fat max . I do have a liking to the Tajima.. luv their chalk lines
Switched to the Dewalt 16 footer for daily use 3 years ago and wouldn't go back. Feels way better in hand then a fatmax and lasts as long or longer, I find that the numbers wear less on the Dewalt (yes i know theyre the same parent company) and while I don't NEED the fractional markings, it definitely speeds things up and is great for newbies that need to borrow a tape.
Readability?
Never listened to a man talk about his preference of tip let alone been interested in it until now
The Irwin is my favorite
Enjoying my Milwaukee tape right now. Easy to grab the tape and a good hook. Fat Max 16footer easy my second choice. I like the belt clip on my Milwaukee, as I have a metal rack on my right hip for the tape.
Stanley fat max and believe it or not Craftsman has a good one made in the USA I have the 16’ and 25’.
I hate the Milwaukee tape, gave all mine away.
Cool tool review
The problem with reducing the spring is the possibility that at some point the spring will no longer retract the tape completely.
Surprising you didn't consider ease of reading the scale as an important criteria. Another option I've found handy is the direction that the tape is read. Ie Left to Right vs Right to Left reading. Makes a difference when you're using a miter saw all day long.
I agree. I tried keeping it simple
He's not old enough to have trouble trading the tape numbers yet.. lol
Probably used up more Fat Max tapes than I care to think about. The tape cracks, the locking mechanism bends the tape too (so I use the finger lock method). I find that every one of them has that "curl" or twist very quickly, which is annoying as heck. I guess I should replace the things more often, but I'm the frugal type.
Come to think of it, I need a new one....or two. 😀
I've probably also worn out the r/h front pants pocket edge on a bunch of pairs of jeans, because I don't always have a workbelt on.
The DeWalt brand actually falls under the umbrella of Stanley Black & Decker. This parent company also owns Irwin Tools, Craftsman, Lenox, Porter-Cable, Proto, Bostitch, Vidmar, and several others.
@rrbuildings I'm really liking the stabila. The shape fits my hand well and stand out doesn't mean anything unless it hooks onto what your reaching for and the hook grip on the stabila is great and doesn't slip off easily. Haven't ran it long enough to speak on durability but so far so good. Also any tape measure that doesn't have measurement printed on the back now is out for me, also if the hooks don't got any ears and a little wing action it's also a no go. It's 2023, all tape measure should be printed on both sides at this point. Stanley has probably sold more tape measures then anyone and they still cheaping out on back printing🤦🏻♂️
Currently rocking the 25 stud, not in love with it. I have similar issues with tape wear around the 1-2 ft mark, the ergonomics is spot on wide body and finger stop, the tape end is sub par old design, so far no perfect ruff frame construction tape standard. The tape needs to upgrade Kevlar gortex graphene it has to work no matter what. Homeowner proof, trade ready, handyman abusing, workhorse. 35' are rocked by lazy greenhorns that don't grab the 100 footer. Greenhorn are unaware of impending arthritis. Skinny tape same problem improper pinch point. I'm obsessed with ergonomics.
I get the thin 25' because they fit in my left tape holder in my tool bag but I have to remove the clip that I never use anyways.
The new Toughbuilt pro blade is amazing. Have owned pretty much all brands, this one is great… had it for a month so cant really talk about durability… but it looks and feels like it will outlast everything else I have.
I think the glossy tape hook slip off alot of material and it is huge. The tape itself is nice and wide and easily readable but the hook kills it for me no grip. I feel like a regular fatmax even hooks onto things better then that slippery glossy metal they use
For me Stanley Fat Max 16’ , 25’ , 30’ Stanley used to make a magnetic holder that clips to a belt than you glue a metal part on your tape, another company sells it too . I could never use a lever lock tape
Stabila BM300 Nylon Wrap 8m. Tape of my choice.
i think I got like 20. I use the Tajima simply because I deal with clients that are more familiar with the metric system, so I need to have a tape showing both metric and imperial measurements. The one that I keep around the house is the Stanley Fatmax simply because it was a measuring tape handed to me by my father on first day of work and then I always carry a cheap $5 25 ft measuring tape from Ryobi because it just feels perfect on my hand in terms of how compact the tape is. I mean many brands have a compact measuring tape, but none of them make it like the Ryobi.
Did you ever use a fast cap tape measure I have 3 and love them
I have and use Fatmax type where you can hang out a lot of tape, but the downside is that the tape has more curve, and I don't feel it lies as well on the work. This applies to all the wide tapes.
I have used most. I don't like. Dewalt but I love their atomic tools form factor. And I think the tape measure is the best.
Hi Kyle
Milwaukee wide blade is my favorite. Not too bulky.
Do you use the finger guard feature to slide against sheets for marking rips?
Wide Blade is my preferred tape and the finger guard is a game changer if you're marking plywood or cutting drywall all day.
Im Drywall.. for me Fatmax top ..
Perfect timing, I just lost my 25’ Milwaukee tape… on the market for a new one
Nice video Kyle. I was tape shopping a few months ago and was thoroughly disappointed, why do tape manufacturers put the”1/8,1/4” 3/8” etc. on something that a professional construction worker uses. Seems if you are in the trades ,you should know how to read a tape measure. I don’t need the numbers on the tape.
I have one of the milwaukee tapes but just leave it by the saw and use cheap tapes. because im going to go through them quickly i keep an extra tape and speed square all the time
As a scandinavian its the fiberglass folding ruler from hultafors thats the number one.. second is a 20m(65ft) handcrank tape that fits in you pocket, its like 5" diameter.. third is a hilti pd5 laser, forth is a stanley fatmax.. mostly uselesss imo🤷
Some tapes have a lock on the bottom it's spring loaded
I don't know what it is with some of my colleagues but they're buying a new tape a month, because they misplace them. I always say to them the tape should be in your belt not strewn across the van. I started with a couple of cheapie Fuller brand tapes (I only buy 8 metre tapes) and I still have both of them, one is a spare in my van and the other lives at home, the magnetic end is nice but its a cheap tape, its nothing flash. Then me being a Milwaukee fiend I bought the 8m magnetic tape. It lasted one week before it fell apart internally. I swapped that for a FatMax and about 18 months on I still have it and use it daily. I lost it in the van briefly buried under garbage but bought that Lufkin G2 NiteEye tape. It lasted 3 months before the tape snapped at about 3 foot. I proceeded to throw that tape into the harbour and went back to the Fatmax. I will continue to use it until it breaks, but I am eyeing up a Hultafors 6m tape that has the scribing points on it and the scale for internal measurements. Its rare I ever measure past 6 metres so I'll likely have that and a 10 metre tape of some description in the van
Stanley power lock ll and the Fat Max 25’ has served me well for 30+ years
as a regular user of all brands, having to measure houses for design, I noticed that the most important thing you didn't mention is the tape itself. After measuring existing conditions, with walls and other areas, to compliment my laser measure, I find every brand to be a disappointment. my key concerns is length of extension without collapsing, sturdiness, and the tip not twisting, after a number of uses, causing the tape to twist so much it is unusable and needs to be tossed. I go through tapes monthly and it is frustrating. I lean to Milwaukee mostly, since they hold up best but wish there was better
I agree, LOL, (11:11) I like to stick my tip into trim also. Sorry but that was too good to let pass.
Every time you snapped those tapes back I wonder why you don't use lever lock style so you can control speed back if you don't like the snap.
Hey Kyle, I'm thinking you may want to try the new toughbuilt tapes for reviewing. They seem great but I don't use them as much as you would. I'd like to get an opinion of what you think about them.
Interesting thanks
30' Stanley Fatmax special addition always on sale for like 20 bucks CAD or less!