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Tape measurer that doesnt cost a fortune
- Thread starter fordguy
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A speed square, not a measuring tape.
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Umm a square.
SomeGuyFromOlympia
Well-known member
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I'm going to say that you should send that job out if you are asking that question
arse_sidewards
Contrary to everything
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Found a handful of metric tapes at a yard sale. Same effect.
I'm surprised nobody is making 75/80/90% scale tapes.
They would really aid in documenting that all your shit is to code.
Don't buy that one. Hot garbage. The tape is thinner than the made in USA ones and immediately bends/kinks/limpdicks under normal jobsite use.Stanley powerlock is my preference. Bought two at home Depot last month, didn't realize how bad my old powerlock was getting
Spend the extra $8 and get these ones
AlxJ64
Rust is Paint
I buy these and for some reason they divide my friends as much as they divide measurements... they get picked up and its either, "oh shit, thats cool" or "what the fuck is this? I can't read this shit!"
Its great for finding centers, or breaking things down into even spaces, divide to center, divide to center, etc.
Its great for finding centers, or breaking things down into even spaces, divide to center, divide to center, etc.
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I buy these and for some reason they confuse a few of my less than brilliant friends whenever they pick one up.
Its great for finding centers, or breaking things down into even spaces, divide to center, divide to center, etc.
Yea fuck that thing.
AlxJ64
Rust is Paint
I was editing my post above to include people like you while you posted this... I see you're of the second group.
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Yea i would fuck up alot of a stuff if I used one of those
Jbevs
Well-known member
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I "discovered" the Komelon self-lock tape measures a few years ago and it was a game changer for me. I always hated trying to fumble around to lock a tape single-handedly or unlock it when I was done. With these, pull the tape out and it stays out until you push the button and it reels back in. Brilliant!
Harbor Freight has Bauer versions: Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977
Stanley has the lever lock as well.
AKnate
Icehole
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Hhaven't seen any with accurate measurements.
Fine for framing, b
Fine for framing, b
I mistakenly bought a box of those. I gave them away.I buy these and for some reason they divide my friends as much as they divide measurements... they get picked up and its either, "oh shit, thats cool" or "what the fuck is this? I can't read this shit!"
Its great for finding centers, or breaking things down into even spaces, divide to center, divide to center, etc.
- Joined
- Sep 9, 2021
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Few notches in a speed square for the tip of a plasma cutter. It works pretty slick.
KacksterK5
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For metal work and car building I like the 3/4" Stanley 12 ft leverlock. It's small and works great with one hand. They used to have them with metal bodies, still have a few.
Stanley Levelock 25 or Fat Max 25. That's what's in my store room.
I bought the Milwaukle two pack and don't like them, they don't seem to stay hooked and aren't stiff enough. Gave them away
Stanley Levelock 25 or Fat Max 25. That's what's in my store room.
I bought the Milwaukle two pack and don't like them, they don't seem to stay hooked and aren't stiff enough. Gave them away
- Joined
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Can you make a video so we can learn how to use one of those things?
clodhopper
Get off my lawn, punk!
Tapes are a manufactured item. You need to check them when brand new. HF may have a higher incidence of rivet issues, but ALL brands can screw up from time to time.The rivets at the end get sloppy on the HF tapes. Gotta know how much slop is in your tape.
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Tapes are a manufactured item. You need to check them when brand new. HF may have a higher incidence of rivet issues, but ALL brands can screw up from time to time. The tapes below were "high dollar" stanley.
I bet that caused a good fight or two, before shit was figured out
Tapes are a manufactured item. You need to check them when brand new. HF may have a higher incidence of rivet issues, but ALL brands can screw up from time to time.
That top tape is cut short...
But you do realize that most tape measure ends move a bit to account for thickness of the latchy/catchy thing.
clodhopper
Get off my lawn, punk!
Yep. Came from the stanley factory that way. Discovered in use at an accredited manufacturing plant during an audit. The floor manager was a bit embarrassed.
Point being, it isnt that uncommon that the tapes are cut wrong when made. Even from a reputable maker. Or the rivets are jacked up, or the hook is bent, or.... It isnt hard to compare a newly purchased tape to one you know/trust to make sure they measure correctly.
I do, probably more than most. Metrology is part of my job.
I mean, as long as you're using the same tape measure repeatedly for every measurement/cut it, a little inaccuracy isn't the end of the world.
If you're trying to build something to spec or with multiple tapes, then ya, big issue lol
PAToyota
Red Skull Member
The lever lock you have to hold the lever for it to lock. The self locking ones stay locked until you push the button - so you can sit it down with the tape extended.
Captain Call
No
Lufkin 10ths/100ths tape. If I have to use...gasp...inches, Stanley USA made.
Jbevs
Well-known member
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I thought I remembered it the opposite, but it has been 10+ years since I handled one.
PAToyota
Red Skull Member
And his demonstration shows that it can be difficult to work with one hand... Much easier if it locks automatically until you release it.
clodhopper
Get off my lawn, punk!
For me I guess it has to do with what you are used to. I like the push to lock button. What I used most of my life. I have a few leverlocks and I get frustrated when I use them cause they kinda work backward from what I expect. All a personal preference, no perfect system.
D Nelly
professional dingdong
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New craftsman tapes from Lowe's or Ace. Mines identical to a fatmax but has a lifetime warranty. My work tape is probably 2 years old now which is as good as anything else ever lasted
They were 2 for $15 on a holiday sale last time I bought them. I should have stocked up
They were 2 for $15 on a holiday sale last time I bought them. I should have stocked up
WESTOF7
Fueled by hate and boric acid
I like these. Haven't been able to find them though just the 🏳️🌈 overmolded transformers looking onesDon't buy that one. Hot garbage. The tape is thinner than the made in USA ones and immediately bends/kinks/limpdicks under normal jobsite use.
Spend the extra $8 and get these ones
