I'm a finish carpenter and it drives me crazy when people retract the tape fast and let it snap back, it makes the hook less accurate in a short period of time which pretty much makes it useless if you need precision. Rant over...good video
The auto lock Stanley’s wear out really fast and then you can never fully lock the tape in position and any time you move the tape will retract. I prefer the old style Stanley lever lock. They came in bright green or bright orange and had a lever across the entire bottom. It was the most intuitive and smoothest running tape measures I’ve ever used.
I agree my buddy is love them but every time I buy a Stanley FatMax it gets these slices in the metal around the three to six foot mark real quick. The only last me a couple jobs.
I'm 66 years old. I've had the same 30' Powerlock, Made In The USA, silver Stanley bulletproof beast for about 4 decades. It still measures stuff. I did just break down and finally buy my first cordless drill to augment the Craftsman tank of a corded drill that's been poking holes in things for over three decades, so there's that ...
I have an old steel Lufkin ruler from the 1940s, made in Saginaw Michigan. Even though it's just a ruler, it's one of my most used tools. Perfect straight edge, perfect for small measurements and I can even use its sharp edge to mark 2x4s if I'm too lazy to grab a pencil. I haven't bought any new Lufkin products, but I do love that old ruler.
I really like the Fastcap family of tapes. They sell the tapes with a variety of marking styles, so you can pick the style that meets your kind of work or personal preference. They also have some features that are missing from most other tapes, such as a built-in pencil sharpener and an erasable notepad. This makes it easy to mark down measurements as they are made. They are smooth in operation, easy to read accurately, and durable. I used a Stanley for years. Now, my go to tape is made by Fastcap.
100 percent agree... I am a cabinet maker by trade, and you can buy a Lefty/Righty (Green) , a flat panel (Grey) and a Metric/US (Yellow) for the price of one Fat Max. I have about 10 of them hanging around everywhere, and when one breaks or gets out of whack because of abuse, it goes in the trash. Best tapes ever.
I own two LeftRighty's (16' and 25') and both tapes have worn/torn with average home DIY use. With that said, I own other FastCap products that are great. One last thing, FastCap is an fantastic company with wonderful service and amazing employees.
I looked up left handed tape measure One to be worn on the left hip, tape facing forward. Simple right?! Fast cap is the only company that makes that as far as I know, I just found out about them My favorite is the Milwaukee, I'm an electrician by trade/ framer background I won't get a tape that is not double sided, and able to hook on from top or bottom line Milwaukee Honestly the magnetic tip is kind of a must have for me to, if fast cap made a nice thick tape with these features, they would win hands down
I've been using Fatmax since they came out. My next one will have the magnetic tip and auto-lock features. I do predominantly residential wiring so no steel studs but the magnet would be handy for picking up dropped screws when installing fans or light fixtures. The one thing I wish Stanley would do is put the scale on both sides.
Stanley's waranty on their tape measures is awesome. I recently just had to make a phone call and confirmed I followed their instructions online about damages I may have caused and they asked for the numbers on my tape measure and sent me a brand new one that was as close to the older model I had that had internal issues.
Try out the Klein tools tape measure. Comes in 25 or 30 ft, 12.5ft stand out, has a magnet, and it has a pipe bending multiplier and shrinkage chart on the bottom. Which as an electrician is a pretty handy feature when having to make odd bends you don’t normally do that often
I bought this tape 6 months ago for that reason (the charts) and I'm already ready to replace it. It has only served me slightly better than the milwaukee I was using before.
The first Lufkin I bought, 30 years ago, was auto lock but I didn't know that until I got it home. I haven't bought a tape measure without auto lock, or Lever Lock since. I don't understand why one would ever go back to a standard tape. Cheers!
I've got like 6 different ones but the old Stanley is my fav when cutting sheetrock. The blade on my knife and hook match up perfectly to make mark free fast and accurate cuts.
I noticed that when I got my first fatmax, after using the regular Stanley for a while, it really messed me up switching tapes lol felt like I was back on day 1 learning drywall again
I'm a commercial carpenter and work with metal studs and drywall, I've used numerous different tapes and I always find myself going back to the good ol' 25' Stanley chrome. It's the only tape that I have found that feels good in the hand and the blade to my rock knife hooks perfectly in the tip for scribing a cut on the rock.
I'm a commercial carpenter, metal studs, TI work, etc..retired from all that. Anyway I used to use the narrow Stanley tape for cutting drywall to accommodate my knife blade better, then use the wider tapes for everything else. Sears used to carry a replacement tape you could just pull the old one out of the original case and put the new one in. We used to return our snips for new ones when ours got dull since they had the lifetime warranty on all of their tools but that went by the wayside eventually of course....the good ole days..lol
Have you ever tried a right handed tape measure? It sounds like a left handed screw driver but it is a real thing, and it sure does make things easier. The majority of tape measures sold today (including the 9 talked about in this video) are left handed. They are designed for you to pull with your right hand and mark with your left. But seeing how most of the world is right handed when we try to pull with our left hand and mark with our right the tape is upside down. I don't know why looking at numbers upside down is any different then right side up but most of my marking/measuring errors are due to an upside down tape. Right handed tape measures allow you to pull with the left hand and mark with the right hand keeping the numbers right side up. They are not the easiest things to find (I found some online but never in a store). However when you find one you will be surprised at how big of a difference it makes. Keep up the great videos.
I have always thought this also, been quite frustrating at times but eventually found one called the Advent Vice-Versa (8m metric) which is printed on both sides and can be read easily when used right or left handed. Have converted quite a few co-workers once I pointed out the left handed conspiracy! ;)
Years ago on the job, guys used to have tape measure races at lunch. Some would take em apart and add winding on the coil spring, polish and oil the guts, and place bets.
My daily tape is a 16’ fat max. I’ve tried them all and it’s my favorite by far . I had some lufkins back in the day and they’re retraction was so aggressive they were borderline dangerous and the numbers were hard to see . I’ll check the new ones out . I appreciate your videos as always!
Likewise. I keep 25' 's & longer for larger/layout work, but the small, lightweight, cheaper, long standout 16' Fatmax is my go to for most jobs. I've used a ton of good tapes, but she's yet to be usurped.
My big time go-to tape measure is an older Lufkin Self-Centering Hi Viz model. Three things I like: Locks well. Very accurately provides a center measurement along with your regular measurement. Is the only tape measure I own that no matter how far out I measure, it matches exactly my expensive Starrett measuring tools. I have a Fat Max which I like too, but it differs slightly as it's pulled out from 'zero' compared to my Starrett tools. Still a good tape measure though. I have a Colbalt handy in the kitchen for quick, not accurate, measurements when needed.
I work indoors doing kit cabin manufacturing which involves building windows and doors, floor and roof systems etc. I was introduced to the Komelon brand, specifically the Speed Gripper in 16’ and 25’. Love it. Perfect size, rubber moulded exoskeleton protects the hook from bending from drops/falls. White face, 1/16ths, easy to read. Beauty tape 👌 It replaced the FatMax 25 in my home workshop.
Been using the same brand since 2018 first got a Komelon tape from a giant door/mill company. Fantastic still have my original an still accurate within a 16th
Clint when you work by yourself there’s no one who will want to argue with you.😆😆. 👍👍for showing which ones do & don’t measure up. I have a fifteen year old Lufkin 25’ tape measure that I keep in the door pocket of my pickup truck just in case. When you get older your eye sight isn’t as good as before, so larger numbers are great. Keep’m coming
It is easy to fall in love with a Stanley Leverlock tape. The lock is always on, but the release mechanism is totally intuitive. It only releases one way, with a bottom lever. When you hold the tape, your hand is always on the bottom release. To release, just pinch the tape, top to bottom, and the retraction speed is easily controlled by the pressure applied. Build a house with a lever lock; it is addictive.
I am a sign installer and I like the Milwaukee wide blade magnetic tape. It will standout farther than the Stanly fat-max (my old favorite). It is also less likely to “role over” when stood out.
I used Stanley fat max 25footer.... And I can get it to stand out to 13.5 foot before it breaks down! Although it does bend hand sag more than the Lufkin does it seems... Thinner tape causes that. But Stanley fat max is my favorite tape and I've used them for over 20 years now faithfully. Only ever bought 6 or 7 of them to replace or to have an extra etc. Good tape. Could be better but I like em a lot! I customize my fast max by peeling the sticker off the front, and then using some black walnut edge banding; I super glue horizontally the wood strips of edge banding to fill the circle in the middle of the black rubber grips! Then I sand that area with 220 or 400 grit to knock down the edges on a micro bevel so they don't snag sand rip upwards! IT LOOKS REALLY COOL AND NOBODY CAN STEAL TAPE ON THE JOB SITE!!!!OR MISTAKE IT FOR THEIRS!!! It looks like a custom walnut wooden tape measure from Stanley!!!! 👍✌️✌️✌️👍
I'm with you clint on a Stanley fat max..they are my go to..they never let me down .. If I'm not using it I'm using my Bosch or fluke laser tape measure for longer more accurate measurements in buildings and such
The Sears Craftsman tapes were my favorite. 30' variety for working in a fabrication shop. I'd get about 12 to 18 months use out of them and then get a new tape refill under the lifetime warranty. No more though.
@@heavyd777 - They stopped replacing the tape refills back in 1995 I believe. I don't think they even carry them any more. Sears used to replace the entire tape measure then they started only replacing the tape refill unless the case was damaged which was rare. Usually the tape would fail at the rivets. Might have had something to do with us attaching axles and wheels and racing them. Idk. Either way they eventually stopped replacing/carrying refills though that might have changed. Idk.
I work in hvac so I find the magnet more annoying than anything it sticks to everything, I’ve also found that auto locking tapes tend to lose they’re hold over time. The classic fatmax is hard to beat but I got a lufkin nite eye like 6 months ago and it’s quickly becoming my new favorite. Definitely gonna have to pick up the new one.
Dropped my 25' fat max from a second floor framing job twice. It bounced on concrete like a ball and it's still going strong. Best tape measure I've ever used.
The black lufkin is awesome for reading, but I’m on my third one in a year. The tape keeps tearing on me. It’s just not as tough as the Stanley. That tape that is your favorite, would be my favorite if the darn thing would last it stops working after a short while. Mine wore down and stopped grabbing. I think it lasted about four months. I tried 2 different tapes, and both of them stopped holding after a few months. The black and green Lufkin is my favorite, I just have to buy several each year.
Tape measures have play in the metal tab to account for the thickness of it so you can get accurate measurements whether you are hooking and pulling or butting the end. How does the magnetic tape measure account for this when you attach it as a butt measurement but then pull on the tape?
Bro, i have had that Lufkin NyteEye since springtime and i LOVE IT!!! That blade is super grippy which comes in SUPERDEEDOOPER handy since i am a Loner too! Great content. Keep it up! Thank You.
Hope the Lufkin comes out with a smaller tape measure, I am a finish carpenter we mostly do cabinetry and having a smaller size tape to get get real precise measurements in those tight places is a must. Other than that the Lufkin works for me just fine. I currently also use a Milwaukee auto lock which is a lot smaller and works good so far. Great video 👍👌
My brother just replaced a brand new Lufkin with a Fatmax because Lufkin tapes suck. I have tried going back to Lufkin over the years because they're cheaper, but I keep going back to Stanley because the so much better than Lufkin.
My favorite tape measure was a 35 ft DeWalt fat max style that I bought years ago. I loved it because a lot of the jobs I worked on had things that were a little over 30 feet. So it was sturdy and reliable. I gifted it to my cousin and thought I could just buy another one but I haven't found one like that in a long time
@@ililxaphanlili2600 no it wasn't a Stanley. I know I said fat max but that's only because I can't remember what DeWalt called their version of the extra wide tape measure
I'm a structural steel fabricator in Arizona. Stanley tapes die a fast death in the shop. Lufkin self destruct in terror within 100 yards of the shop. So far, the longest lasting tape I've had in the shop is a 25' Milwaukee wide blade. The one with the magnet on the tip. Quite helpful, even though it does rampantly attract grinder swarf and filings.
For many years I was a Lufkin guy. I bought a 10' Stanley metal case used at a yard sale and it was my everyday tape til it broke several years later and haven't been able to find another. It wasn't snapback that broke it, it was dropping it.
I use the cresent night eye in my tool belt. I also keep a Milwaukee 25 ft magnetic in my tool bag. I got the14in cresent tool bag based off your review . From a while back. I use it for my electrical tools. It's a good bag. And that tape measure is good to. I build a lot of decks and I'm sometimes a special guest on a framing team. It's the ultimate test for any tape measure . Thanks for the video Clint
The nitize Lufkin is pretty nice for the house. I still use the Fatmax xtreme. I had bought at least 10 in different lengths over the years. The 16' Fatman xtreme is a unicorn
My favorite tape measure is the one I can find when I need one. I have at least 4 tape measures and they always seem to be hiding. I have an old Stanley 30ft that has the locking mechanism on the bottom. To release it you squeeze the tape measure. I've never really wanted to shut off the lock.
When using tapes with magnets always check for small pieces of metal ( carpet tacks, nail heads, etc. ) stuck to it before measuring. Especially if your running base on a remodel.
I have an old Black & Decker battery powered electric extender tape measure, I carried it for 15 years in structural demolition and construction. I still use it, and it's stupid large but durable and it does a stand out to 15' and it extends pretty fast electrically.
Gotta say I love my Komelon Tape Measure (SL72425): 25' reach, 9' standout, self-locking, magnetic tip, markings on both sides of the tape, 4th & 8th markings labeled the entire length.
I've used mainly Lufkin for years now. Mostly for grading work in the "hated" Engineers Scale. Dewalt put out an Engineers one a couple years back and it was pretty good as well. I wish they would make one with the Vertical numbers on the underside as well in Engineers scale. Would be great for shots. That being said my only gripe with most new tapes is the extra bulk in the cases.
The new 25’ Milwaukee tape measure with built in rechargeable 100 lumen led light. Excellent for anyone working commercial particularly welders for those dark areas where u can’t see if u chipped all the slag off the weld or not without a light. 15ft of stick out scale ruler on the back for 1/8”=1’ and 1/4”=1’. Magnetic tip, double sided print, heavy duty pocket clip and extra wide hook
I'll a tape measure to your list to check out for people that do woodworking, like cabinet construction (not general construction use)... a lay-flat tape... FastCap PMS-FLAT-16. It only does outside measures (a.k.a. pull measures), but lays flat for accurate marking that a curled tape just can't do.
Agreed. I'm a cabinet guy and have used FastCap tapes for years. They have several models. The stand by which is a regular tape, the lay flat, metric and story pole. My favorite is the green Lefty/Rigthty that the numbers are facing out on both sides so you dont have to read upside down(its the little things, lol). Key features of all of their tapes are the Write on space for measurements, the built in regular pencil sharper and the lever belt clip. Also all the tapes have a mat type finish so you can mark with a pencil and easily rub off after. They also have them in 16' and 25'. That said they may not be as well made but their cost out weighs it.
@@chrisgaiser I was surprised how much more I like my Fastcap Lefty/Righty than my other tapes. The retraction control button on the bottom of the tape is great. The numbers on both sides are really useful as well.
I really wanted to like the lufkin nite eye, because it's easier to read, for me, but I kept having the same problem with them. The tape starts getting little kinks in it too quickly, especially near the hook, after so many times retracting the tape from more than, say, 12'. Those little kinks eventually turn into tears, and then you have to buy a new tape. This happened to me two or three times within the span of about six months. I got tired of it, and switched over to the fat max with the autolock. Haven't looked back. It has stood up to daily use really well, almost a year later.
FastCap ProCarpenter 12 ft. tape measure with both U.S. Imperial AND Metric scales! A great woodworking tool (one nice feature doesn’t help with mechanical pencils, but it also has a built-in sharpener). Also, a Lee Valley 8 meter tape, and a tiny, DeWalt 9-ft. has a belt clip for pants or shop aprons and a magnet for attaching to steel cabinets and benches. I also have both 16- and 12-ft. versions of the classic, old Stanley PowerLock tape measures - smooth, durable and reliable. Finally, a fat, 16-ft. DeWalt that stands out to about 12-ft.
I have had my Stanley PowerLock 30' tape measure for over 20 years. Looks new, still works just like it did when I bought it new. But, maybe it is time to upgrade... Good review.
I still use my old school metal Stanley. Probably my favorite but I also have and like the Milwaukee tapes as well. I have the standard 25 foot, the autolock, and the magnetic. I always end up using whichever is closest to my work. Thanks for your review
I have probably 6 old school Stanley tapes, they're great. Love my 25' magnetic Milwaukee. I like the all sided ability to hook what I'm measuring. I have used the magnet to measure... but also have retrieved lots of things with them. Down pipes, something dropped in a puddle or sump crock, tools inside concrete wall forms and bolts and nuts that followed Murphy's Law and bounced waaay under a piece of machinery in a factory we were doing work at or something under my truck that I didn't want to crawl after.
I am a plumber at a production business I use a tape a lot. I hade a Lufkin I loved the big teeth on the end for measuring inside fittings and the fact that it is double sided but it broke around the 5" mark in less than 2 weeks. So I bought a fat max and it is my new favorite tape I just wish it was double sided.
My old Harbor Fright tape just died, it's dangerous, it will slice your fingertips off. I searched for a new one gonna try this out, I am sold! Def worth a like and a sub.
Feature you didnt mention on the lufkin is the hole at the back of the tape you can put a pencil in and use it as a center radius when drawing a circle Huge feature for me. Nice reviews thanks
That old Stanley power lock I probably got 10 of them in the garage my favorite that you cannot get anymore is the lever lock when you're returning that tape you can use that lever to let it go slow and stop I love that feature for whatever I was using it for I have a couple and I guard them with my life and a couple of pitbulls 😁
Anyone who doesn't think the new Stanley that you just showed with the auto lock isn't the best tape on the planet, is wrong. I've been using the 16' for about 2 weeks now and I love it. I didn't think the fatmax could be improved on, and I was wrong. That auto lock is dope, and it might just be me, but it feels like it comes in and out of my tool bags a little easier than the original too. If you put that nite eyes tape blade in the fatmax, then you have a PERFECT tape. Yes, I realize I just contradicted myself by saying the fatmax couldn't be improved on and then saying they should put a high viz blade in it.......sue me. 🤙
I just bought 4 Stanley Lever locks after Vance recommended them. I like them a lot especially that it locks automatically until you press to retract it. Makes more sense to me…my wife not so much. I keep finding them on the floor unrestricted.
I have an old Stanley 16 ft tape measure with metal housing that’s at least 30 years old (maybe 40+) that I like to use because of it’s size (not bulky). Still has smooth action. The only big issue is it doesn’t “stand out” as much as those wider, bulkier tape measures.
I figured another boring tape video but the title had me intrigued so I watched and it was not at all boring ! I subscribed and if you need a friend I'm there for you ....good job !
I like the Milwaukee one because it has the fraction numbers. Coming from metric system that is a must for me. Otherwise I have to think. Lowe's also carries a 12 ft one with numbers that I use all the time.
Lol I will never buy one with the fraction layout I laugh every time I see it but it makes sense if you do shit backwards like they do in Europe j/k I know yeah yeah metric system is superior
Komelon! Happened on 1 at local hardware and hooked now. Double sided, magnet, holds out long, stays hooked at 16' plus, and Always Opens with Gloves on (1 finger pop). Got 1 w/ metric, 1 w/engineer scale, and 2 reg
K I’ve got a lurking 35’ shock force with nite eye ,my favorite so far 12’ stand out! 2 years of use and I stop it with my finger in between the tape case and end keeps it accurate!
Any tape where the metal hook hangs down and is exposed will end up bending when you drop it. I now use the Milwaukee wide tape with big writing and a magnet. It's a bit heavy but it's so accurate and the hook is true even though I've dropped it 50+ times because i drop everything.
I had a Chrome 16’ Stanley FatMax Extreme, (with the highviz yellow tape, not the classic Stanley yellow that the og fatmax has, ) as my every day tape in the industrial plumbing/pipefitter trade, we are notoriously known for destruction of tape measures, we jam them down drains, throw them in dirt and sand, always around obnoxiously heavy objects and are subject to open flame, 9000 rpm grinder discs, and welding slag on a regular occasion, that little chrome 16’ lasted about 9 years, I can’t imagine any tape outliving it’s abuse, I’d buy a case of them if Stanley still made them.
If you use a tape measure hundreds of times in a day. The cheapest Stanley is the best option. You'll end up buying multiple tape measures a year anyway. Spending $12 for the cheap one or $35 or more for the max. Isn't economical. I've gone through the max as fast as the cheap ones. If you buy 6 tape measures a year times $35 equals $210. 6 times $12 equals $72. It's common sense. You learn how to use tapes by yourself without magnets, with easy tricks. A tape becomes a part of your hand when you use them all the time
I've always used the Stanley Fatman 25' classic. I love them but I go through at least 2-3 each year. Do to extreme use and water, sand, salt air... So yesterday I bought the dewalt tough series 25' to see if it's any better. Fingers crossed. If it's not. It's back to Stanley. 😉
Have so many tape measures as i lose so many. but still have my old 25’ classic metal case Stanley. do like that magnet at the end, but can make my own and compensate. And surprisingly, it was either at at Northern atoll or Harbor Freight where I picked up some tapes and i enjoy the tapes as my wife finds them easy to read. (think they are Pittsburgh. Currently have 3 Milwaukees as i forgot i had them and were on sale or can’t find them. so put one in each bag. my 25’ stays in my big tool box. think the first one I ever bought. And i would favor a Lufkin over the Stanley with that extended reach. thanks for info
Stanley is probably the industry standard, but I never use them. I like the Craftsman ones. The tape doesn't lose the film on it like a Stanley, the standout has always been better, the cases are smaller and more ergonomic and always have been. I have always owned a 30' Stanley since they started making them because no one else had them for the longest time, and sometimes you need that extra 5'. Stanley has always been a quality tool, but I find the cases broke too easy and your new favorite tape, the autolock, is the most annoying tape in the world. I happen across tools all the time when I buy lockers, and I give away every tape I come across to those in need, but I throw away the autolocks, lol. Have a nass day. I enjoyed watching you crack yourself up, it cracked me up. Oh, and edit: on the Milwaukees, I am a huge red tool guy, but their tapes are crap. The lines are 3/32 thick so you cannot do accurate marks with them and they aren't consistent with other tapes length for length. What for the revision.
The best tape measure out there right now is the 25 ft FatMax best tape measure out there right now for the all-around general contractor especially when you just do remodeling. Hands down the best. I've been doing this for 30 years.
I really like my Milwaukee Stud tape measure. It has good standout and easy to read markings. I also like the finger slot underneath so I can slow down the tapes retraction. I’m a finish carpenter and I’ve never had an accuracy issue with this tape. Definitely recommend.
I used a 35' fat max when I framed houses... They have a 12' to 13' stand out... Love those tapes... Dropped them off wallboards 3 stories up straight down on concrete floor...bounced through first floor ceiling joists and landed on a piece of plywood lol... Grabbed my buddies fat max and sent it out and down, hooked my tape case and pulled it up to me ... Called the peon when it first fell and by time he got there I already had it. Lmao
Have you ever used a komelon led light tape measure? Do do alot of bathroom remodels and the led light comes in very handy. Sometimes I just use led light for a flashlight.
The machines I work on have galvanized metal grated platforms built around them. I’m always dropping my wrenches through the grates. I only have a Stanley Fatmax with the magnet to retrieve my tools 😂
25ft classic Lufkin. Fits great in the hand, and not too bulky in a leather pouch. Like the classic Stanley, but has a rocker switch instead of the slider.
I’m just a homeowner who does home projects. I bought the Stanley Fatmax magnetic 25’. First, the magnet wouldn’t stay in the tape. Then the tape wouldn’t wind back up. If you added up the hours I used the tape, it wouldn’t add up to a full day. I was totally pissed about it and still am. I haven’t even thrown it away because it still looks new and I can’t bring myself to do it…yet
I mainly have Milwaukee and Stanley tapes. Lately been using a kobalt. I just seen at harbor freight the new Hercules 25' tape they have now. It doesn't look to bad 1 1/4" blade numbers on both sides. It has magnetic and non magnetic. Supposed to have 14' stand out but i could only get a out 11' store.
time is the real test. If it still retracts after a year and being used on days that its raining when wet saw dust will get swept into the casing then it is a good tape measure.
Have used all of these recently, the dewalt is the smallest and most durable, some 30'ers are too big for my hand. I use that exact dewalt, they have a couple more expensive lines I don't like as well, but they all have lifetime guarantees one usually lasts me around 4 to 6 months. Lufkin was nice for a minute but as I expected the blade broke pretty quickly (a few weeks).
I have the first generation Lufkin Nite Eye. Purposely bought it for easy reading and numbers on both sides. I also have Stanley and Craftsman. Craftsman does not seem to last very long.
I'm a finish carpenter and it drives me crazy when people retract the tape fast and let it snap back, it makes the hook less accurate in a short period of time which pretty much makes it useless if you need precision. Rant over...good video
Glad I wasn’t the only one cringing every time he snapped it 😕😕 it’s not an expensive tool but it should be taken care of to keep it accurate
I think the same thing every time I see that, lol
ehhh whats 1/8th of an inch anyways 😂
Ahh we don’t baby the tools c’mon.
Framers: bro, we work in 1 inch tolerance! Chill
The auto lock Stanley’s wear out really fast and then you can never fully lock the tape in position and any time you move the tape will retract. I prefer the old style Stanley lever lock. They came in bright green or bright orange and had a lever across the entire bottom. It was the most intuitive and smoothest running tape measures I’ve ever used.
Thanks for the feedback brother
Yeah, i miss those old lever lock Stanleys. I picked up the milwaukee auto-lock, while not as good, it’s ok.
Yes. the auto lock one has a shorter use time
Agree , I have bought 2 because I loved the first one , however they do not last and blade is not very durable at least for the masonry guys
I agree my buddy is love them but every time I buy a Stanley FatMax it gets these slices in the metal around the three to six foot mark real quick. The only last me a couple jobs.
I'm 66 years old. I've had the same 30' Powerlock, Made In The USA, silver Stanley bulletproof beast for about 4 decades. It still measures stuff.
I did just break down and finally buy my first cordless drill to augment the Craftsman tank of a corded drill that's been poking holes in things for over three decades, so there's that ...
I have an old steel Lufkin ruler from the 1940s, made in Saginaw Michigan. Even though it's just a ruler, it's one of my most used tools. Perfect straight edge, perfect for small measurements and I can even use its sharp edge to mark 2x4s if I'm too lazy to grab a pencil. I haven't bought any new Lufkin products, but I do love that old ruler.
They make good crack in Saginaw too
I had a superintendent try to lay out a building with a ruler never seen that crap in my life never seen someone to use a ruler😅
Will you leave the ruler to me in your will please
I really like the Fastcap family of tapes. They sell the tapes with a variety of marking styles, so you can pick the style that meets your kind of work or personal preference. They also have some features that are missing from most other tapes, such as a built-in pencil sharpener and an erasable notepad. This makes it easy to mark down measurements as they are made. They are smooth in operation, easy to read accurately, and durable. I used a Stanley for years. Now, my go to tape is made by Fastcap.
I second the vote for a Fastcap, but standout and longevity are a little short.
Same thoughts. I really like the fastcap tapes as well.
100 percent agree... I am a cabinet maker by trade, and you can buy a Lefty/Righty (Green) , a flat panel (Grey) and a Metric/US (Yellow) for the price of one Fat Max. I have about 10 of them hanging around everywhere, and when one breaks or gets out of whack because of abuse, it goes in the trash. Best tapes ever.
I own two LeftRighty's (16' and 25') and both tapes have worn/torn with average home DIY use. With that said, I own other FastCap products that are great. One last thing, FastCap is an fantastic company with wonderful service and amazing employees.
I looked up left handed tape measure
One to be worn on the left hip, tape facing forward. Simple right?! Fast cap is the only company that makes that as far as I know, I just found out about them
My favorite is the Milwaukee, I'm an electrician by trade/ framer background
I won't get a tape that is not double sided, and able to hook on from top or bottom line Milwaukee
Honestly the magnetic tip is kind of a must have for me to, if fast cap made a nice thick tape with these features, they would win hands down
I've been using Fatmax since they came out. My next one will have the magnetic tip and auto-lock features. I do predominantly residential wiring so no steel studs but the magnet would be handy for picking up dropped screws when installing fans or light fixtures. The one thing I wish Stanley would do is put the scale on both sides.
agreed, i cant live without the autolock. its be cool to have the black tape from the lufkin nighteye on the fatmax
Indispensable for measuring off I beams
Fat max sucks,weak blades breaks easily, I like the Kobalt with a break button.
Now I know where they hid Jimmy Hoffa!
In that messy Husky tool box behind ya! DANG SON!
Ha Ha Vince, hey I hear some more doughnuts callin’ yer name, SON! Yeah! 🤔🙄😆
Dam and all this time I thought they hid Jimmy Hoffa in a Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
@@2121contreras Now that’s funny Dude! LOL 😂 😝
Stanley's waranty on their tape measures is awesome. I recently just had to make a phone call and confirmed I followed their instructions online about damages I may have caused and they asked for the numbers on my tape measure and sent me a brand new one that was as close to the older model I had that had internal issues.
Try out the Klein tools tape measure. Comes in 25 or 30 ft, 12.5ft stand out, has a magnet, and it has a pipe bending multiplier and shrinkage chart on the bottom. Which as an electrician is a pretty handy feature when having to make odd bends you don’t normally do that often
And guaranteed for life, if any part of the tape fails, take it back to your Klein dealer for a new one.
I bought this tape 6 months ago for that reason (the charts) and I'm already ready to replace it. It has only served me slightly better than the milwaukee I was using before.
So...Lufkin has been doing auto-lock for at least 50 years. Glad you discovered it,
The first Lufkin I bought, 30 years ago, was auto lock but I didn't know that until I got it home. I haven't bought a tape measure without auto lock, or Lever Lock since. I don't understand why one would ever go back to a standard tape. Cheers!
I've got like 6 different ones but the old Stanley is my fav when cutting sheetrock. The blade on my knife and hook match up perfectly to make mark free fast and accurate cuts.
I noticed that when I got my first fatmax, after using the regular Stanley for a while, it really messed me up switching tapes lol felt like I was back on day 1 learning drywall again
I'm a commercial carpenter and work with metal studs and drywall, I've used numerous different tapes and I always find myself going back to the good ol' 25' Stanley chrome. It's the only tape that I have found that feels good in the hand and the blade to my rock knife hooks perfectly in the tip for scribing a cut on the rock.
I'm a commercial carpenter, metal studs, TI work, etc..retired from all that. Anyway I used to use the narrow Stanley tape for cutting drywall to accommodate my knife blade better, then use the wider tapes for everything else. Sears used to carry a replacement tape you could just pull the old one out of the original case and put the new one in. We used to return our snips for new ones when ours got dull since they had the lifetime warranty on all of their tools but that went by the wayside eventually of course....the good ole days..lol
Have you ever tried a right handed tape measure? It sounds like a left handed screw driver but it is a real thing, and it sure does make things easier. The majority of tape measures sold today (including the 9 talked about in this video) are left handed. They are designed for you to pull with your right hand and mark with your left. But seeing how most of the world is right handed when we try to pull with our left hand and mark with our right the tape is upside down. I don't know why looking at numbers upside down is any different then right side up but most of my marking/measuring errors are due to an upside down tape. Right handed tape measures allow you to pull with the left hand and mark with the right hand keeping the numbers right side up. They are not the easiest things to find (I found some online but never in a store). However when you find one you will be surprised at how big of a difference it makes. Keep up the great videos.
I have always thought this also, been quite frustrating at times but eventually found one called the Advent Vice-Versa (8m metric) which is printed on both sides and can be read easily when used right or left handed. Have converted quite a few co-workers once I pointed out the left handed conspiracy! ;)
put that tape in your left hand and read it then put it in your right hand and read it... now, tell me that tapes are left handed again
Years ago on the job, guys used to have tape measure races at lunch. Some would take em apart and add winding on the coil spring, polish and oil the guts, and place bets.
My daily tape is a 16’ fat max. I’ve tried them all and it’s my favorite by far . I had some lufkins back in the day and they’re retraction was so aggressive they were borderline dangerous and the numbers were hard to see . I’ll check the new ones out . I appreciate your videos as always!
Likewise. I keep 25' 's & longer for larger/layout work, but the small, lightweight, cheaper, long standout 16' Fatmax is my go to for most jobs. I've used a ton of good tapes, but she's yet to be usurped.
My big time go-to tape measure is an older Lufkin Self-Centering Hi Viz model. Three things I like: Locks well. Very accurately provides a center measurement along with your regular measurement. Is the only tape measure I own that no matter how far out I measure, it matches exactly my expensive Starrett measuring tools. I have a Fat Max which I like too, but it differs slightly as it's pulled out from 'zero' compared to my Starrett tools. Still a good tape measure though. I have a Colbalt handy in the kitchen for quick, not accurate, measurements when needed.
Keep the Kobalt in your kitchen. It dies rapidly on job sites. Great for home duty though.
you need to come up with 15 minutes of standup and you will be a boss at the comedy clubs. you got skills
I work indoors doing kit cabin manufacturing which involves building windows and doors, floor and roof systems etc. I was introduced to the Komelon brand, specifically the Speed Gripper in 16’ and 25’. Love it. Perfect size, rubber moulded exoskeleton protects the hook from bending from drops/falls. White face, 1/16ths, easy to read. Beauty tape 👌
It replaced the FatMax 25 in my home workshop.
Been using the same brand since 2018 first got a Komelon tape from a giant door/mill company. Fantastic still have my original an still accurate within a 16th
Clint when you work by yourself there’s no one who will want to argue with you.😆😆. 👍👍for showing which ones do & don’t measure up. I have a fifteen year old Lufkin 25’ tape measure that I keep in the door pocket of my pickup truck just in case. When you get older your eye sight isn’t as good as before, so larger numbers are great. Keep’m coming
My Dude James.....that's an excellent point my brother 🤣🤣🤣
It is easy to fall in love with a Stanley Leverlock tape. The lock is always on, but the release mechanism is totally intuitive. It only releases one way, with a bottom lever. When you hold the tape, your hand is always on the bottom release. To release, just pinch the tape, top to bottom, and the retraction speed is easily controlled by the pressure applied. Build a house with a lever lock; it is addictive.
I am a sign installer and I like the Milwaukee wide blade magnetic tape. It will standout farther than the Stanly fat-max (my old favorite). It is also less likely to “role over” when stood out.
👆👆👆👆👆👆 I second that. The best tape measure I’ve used that actually lasts and isn’t a floppy piece of shit when extended.
Belt is also better & won't rip as easily
I used Stanley fat max 25footer....
And I can get it to stand out to 13.5 foot before it breaks down! Although it does bend hand sag more than the Lufkin does it seems... Thinner tape causes that. But Stanley fat max is my favorite tape and I've used them for over 20 years now faithfully. Only ever bought 6 or 7 of them to replace or to have an extra etc. Good tape. Could be better but I like em a lot!
I customize my fast max by peeling the sticker off the front, and then using some black walnut edge banding; I super glue horizontally the wood strips of edge banding to fill the circle in the middle of the black rubber grips! Then I sand that area with 220 or 400 grit to knock down the edges on a micro bevel so they don't snag sand rip upwards!
IT LOOKS REALLY COOL AND NOBODY CAN STEAL TAPE ON THE JOB SITE!!!!OR MISTAKE IT FOR THEIRS!!! It looks like a custom walnut wooden tape measure from Stanley!!!!
👍✌️✌️✌️👍
I'm with you clint on a Stanley fat max..they are my go to..they never let me down .. If I'm not using it I'm using my Bosch or fluke laser tape measure for longer more accurate measurements in buildings and such
The Sears Craftsman tapes were my favorite. 30' variety for working in a fabrication shop.
I'd get about 12 to 18 months use out of them and then get a new tape refill under the lifetime warranty.
No more though.
Now we know y sears went under
Some Ace Hardware stores carry Craftsman and will honor the lifetime warranty.
@@heavyd777 - They stopped replacing the tape refills back in 1995 I believe. I don't think they even carry them any more.
Sears used to replace the entire tape measure then they started only replacing the tape refill unless the case was damaged which was rare. Usually the tape would fail at the rivets.
Might have had something to do with us attaching axles and wheels and racing them. Idk.
Either way they eventually stopped replacing/carrying refills though that might have changed. Idk.
I work in hvac so I find the magnet more annoying than anything it sticks to everything, I’ve also found that auto locking tapes tend to lose they’re hold over time. The classic fatmax is hard to beat but I got a lufkin nite eye like 6 months ago and it’s quickly becoming my new favorite. Definitely gonna have to pick up the new one.
Dropped my 25' fat max from a second floor framing job twice. It bounced on concrete like a ball and it's still going strong. Best tape measure I've ever used.
The black lufkin is awesome for reading, but I’m on my third one in a year. The tape keeps tearing on me. It’s just not as tough as the Stanley. That tape that is your favorite, would be my favorite if the darn thing would last it stops working after a short while. Mine wore down and stopped grabbing. I think it lasted about four months. I tried 2 different tapes, and both of them stopped holding after a few months. The black and green Lufkin is my favorite, I just have to buy several each year.
I like the tapes with the finger stop.
Tape measures have play in the metal tab to account for the thickness of it so you can get accurate measurements whether you are hooking and pulling or butting the end. How does the magnetic tape measure account for this when you attach it as a butt measurement but then pull on the tape?
Bro, i have had that Lufkin NyteEye since springtime and i LOVE IT!!!
That blade is super grippy which comes in SUPERDEEDOOPER handy since i am a Loner too!
Great content.
Keep it up!
Thank You.
shut up dude
6:49 I really felt that. Any time I try to ask a "friend" you quickly learn you have none. Maybe a lufkin tape can be my new friend. lol
Hope the Lufkin comes out with a smaller tape measure, I am a finish carpenter we mostly do cabinetry and having a smaller size tape to get get real precise measurements in those tight places is a must. Other than that the Lufkin works for me just fine. I currently also use a Milwaukee auto lock which is a lot smaller and works good so far. Great video 👍👌
12ft right
I typically use the Milwaukee 16 ft. Compact Auto Lock Tape Measure, which reaches up to 12’.
My brother just replaced a brand new Lufkin with a Fatmax because Lufkin tapes suck. I have tried going back to Lufkin over the years because they're cheaper, but I keep going back to Stanley because the so much better than Lufkin.
My favorite tape measure was a 35 ft DeWalt fat max style that I bought years ago. I loved it because a lot of the jobs I worked on had things that were a little over 30 feet. So it was sturdy and reliable. I gifted it to my cousin and thought I could just buy another one but I haven't found one like that in a long time
you mean Stanley?
@@ililxaphanlili2600 no it wasn't a Stanley. I know I said fat max but that's only because I can't remember what DeWalt called their version of the extra wide tape measure
I'm a structural steel fabricator in Arizona. Stanley tapes die a fast death in the shop. Lufkin self destruct in terror within 100 yards of the shop. So far, the longest lasting tape I've had in the shop is a 25' Milwaukee wide blade. The one with the magnet on the tip. Quite helpful, even though it does rampantly attract grinder swarf and filings.
For many years I was a Lufkin guy. I bought a 10' Stanley metal case used at a yard sale and it was my everyday tape til it broke several years later and haven't been able to find another. It wasn't snapback that broke it, it was dropping it.
I use the cresent night eye in my tool belt. I also keep a Milwaukee 25 ft magnetic in my tool bag. I got the14in cresent tool bag based off your review . From a while back. I use it for my electrical tools. It's a good bag. And that tape measure is good to. I build a lot of decks and I'm sometimes a special guest on a framing team. It's the ultimate test for any tape measure . Thanks for the video Clint
You want the best tool bag you'll ever have, chk out Veto pro pac
@@AllTattedUp13 at those prices, I'll never know
The nitize Lufkin is pretty nice for the house. I still use the Fatmax xtreme. I had bought at least 10 in different lengths over the years. The 16' Fatman xtreme is a unicorn
The 16' FatMax is my go to.
Agreed. 👍🏻
My favorite tape measure is the one I can find when I need one. I have at least 4 tape measures and they always seem to be hiding.
I have an old Stanley 30ft that has the locking mechanism on the bottom. To release it you squeeze the tape measure. I've never really wanted to shut off the lock.
That was called the Stanley Leverlock. Probably the best tape measure next to the original Stanley Power lock.
When using tapes with magnets always check for small pieces of metal ( carpet tacks, nail heads, etc. ) stuck to it before measuring. Especially if your running base on a remodel.
I have an old Black & Decker battery powered electric extender tape measure, I carried it for 15 years in structural demolition and construction. I still use it, and it's stupid large but durable and it does a stand out to 15' and it extends pretty fast electrically.
Gotta say I love my Komelon Tape Measure (SL72425): 25' reach, 9' standout, self-locking, magnetic tip, markings on both sides of the tape, 4th & 8th markings labeled the entire length.
Me too Komelon is my favourite I own several tapes for different reasons but I found the komelon the most versatile and reasonably priced
I use komelon too, by far the best tape imo. It's lighter than most other tapes also
I've used mainly Lufkin for years now. Mostly for grading work in the "hated" Engineers Scale. Dewalt put out an Engineers one a couple years back and it was pretty good as well. I wish they would make one with the Vertical numbers on the underside as well in Engineers scale. Would be great for shots. That being said my only gripe with most new tapes is the extra bulk in the cases.
I’ve been using an auto lock tape for the last 3 years for work and I will never buy an non auto lock tape ever again. It is very helpful
The new 25’ Milwaukee tape measure with built in rechargeable 100 lumen led light. Excellent for anyone working commercial particularly welders for those dark areas where u can’t see if u chipped all the slag off the weld or not without a light. 15ft of stick out scale ruler on the back for 1/8”=1’ and 1/4”=1’. Magnetic tip, double sided print, heavy duty pocket clip and extra wide hook
Wow, didn't see that one. Now I must buy it!!!!
I am totally blind out of Fort Worth Texas, are there any good talking tape measures and if so can you do a review on them?
That magnetic tip make it great for retrieving nuts, bolts, screws, etc. out of tight places.
I'll a tape measure to your list to check out for people that do woodworking, like cabinet construction (not general construction use)... a lay-flat tape... FastCap PMS-FLAT-16. It only does outside measures (a.k.a. pull measures), but lays flat for accurate marking that a curled tape just can't do.
Agreed. I'm a cabinet guy and have used FastCap tapes for years. They have several models. The stand by which is a regular tape, the lay flat, metric and story pole. My favorite is the green Lefty/Rigthty that the numbers are facing out on both sides so you dont have to read upside down(its the little things, lol). Key features of all of their tapes are the Write on space for measurements, the built in regular pencil sharper and the lever belt clip. Also all the tapes have a mat type finish so you can mark with a pencil and easily rub off after. They also have them in 16' and 25'. That said they may not be as well made but their cost out weighs it.
@@chrisgaiser I have several as well, including the story pole and lefty-righty (2 of those, since I like it so much).
@@chrisgaiser I was surprised how much more I like my Fastcap Lefty/Righty than my other tapes. The retraction control button on the bottom of the tape is great. The numbers on both sides are really useful as well.
I really wanted to like the lufkin nite eye, because it's easier to read, for me, but I kept having the same problem with them. The tape starts getting little kinks in it too quickly, especially near the hook, after so many times retracting the tape from more than, say, 12'. Those little kinks eventually turn into tears, and then you have to buy a new tape. This happened to me two or three times within the span of about six months. I got tired of it, and switched over to the fat max with the autolock. Haven't looked back. It has stood up to daily use really well, almost a year later.
FastCap ProCarpenter 12 ft. tape measure with both U.S. Imperial AND Metric scales! A great woodworking tool (one nice feature doesn’t help with mechanical pencils, but it also has a built-in sharpener). Also, a Lee Valley 8 meter tape, and a tiny, DeWalt 9-ft. has a belt clip for pants or shop aprons and a magnet for attaching to steel cabinets and benches. I also have both 16- and 12-ft. versions of the classic, old Stanley PowerLock tape measures - smooth, durable and reliable. Finally, a fat, 16-ft. DeWalt that stands out to about 12-ft.
I have had my Stanley PowerLock 30' tape measure for over 20 years. Looks new, still works just like it did when I bought it new. But, maybe it is time to upgrade... Good review.
I bought a Lufkin nite eye 35 '. It the lightest smallest 35' I've used. I'm hooked
I still use my old school metal Stanley. Probably my favorite but I also have and like the Milwaukee tapes as well. I have the standard 25 foot, the autolock, and the magnetic. I always end up using whichever is closest to my work. Thanks for your review
I have probably 6 old school Stanley tapes, they're great. Love my 25' magnetic Milwaukee. I like the all sided ability to hook what I'm measuring. I have used the magnet to measure... but also have retrieved lots of things with them. Down pipes, something dropped in a puddle or sump crock, tools inside concrete wall forms and bolts and nuts that followed Murphy's Law and bounced waaay under a piece of machinery in a factory we were doing work at or something under my truck that I didn't want to crawl after.
I am a plumber at a production business I use a tape a lot. I hade a Lufkin I loved the big teeth on the end for measuring inside fittings and the fact that it is double sided but it broke around the 5" mark in less than 2 weeks. So I bought a fat max and it is my new favorite tape I just wish it was double sided.
My old Harbor Fright tape just died, it's dangerous, it will slice your fingertips off. I searched for a new one gonna try this out, I am sold! Def worth a like and a sub.
Feature you didnt mention on the lufkin is the hole at the back of the tape you can put a pencil in and use it as a center radius when drawing a circle Huge feature for me. Nice reviews thanks
That old Stanley power lock I probably got 10 of them in the garage my favorite that you cannot get anymore is the lever lock when you're returning that tape you can use that lever to let it go slow and stop I love that feature for whatever I was using it for I have a couple and I guard them with my life and a couple of pitbulls 😁
Anyone who doesn't think the new Stanley that you just showed with the auto lock isn't the best tape on the planet, is wrong. I've been using the 16' for about 2 weeks now and I love it. I didn't think the fatmax could be improved on, and I was wrong. That auto lock is dope, and it might just be me, but it feels like it comes in and out of my tool bags a little easier than the original too. If you put that nite eyes tape blade in the fatmax, then you have a PERFECT tape. Yes, I realize I just contradicted myself by saying the fatmax couldn't be improved on and then saying they should put a high viz blade in it.......sue me. 🤙
I just bought 4 Stanley Lever locks after Vance recommended them. I like them a lot especially that it locks automatically until you press to retract it. Makes more sense to me…my wife not so much. I keep finding them on the floor unrestricted.
...chicks man.
I have an old Stanley 16 ft tape measure with metal housing that’s at least 30 years old (maybe 40+) that I like to use because of it’s size (not bulky). Still has smooth action. The only big issue is it doesn’t “stand out” as much as those wider, bulkier tape measures.
Stanley basic 25ft tape is all I have ever used in 28 years of building homes. I've tried many others but always went back to the old Stanley.
I figured another boring tape video but the title had me intrigued so I watched and it was not at all boring ! I subscribed and if you need a friend I'm there for you ....good job !
I like the Milwaukee one because it has the fraction numbers. Coming from metric system that is a must for me. Otherwise I have to think.
Lowe's also carries a 12 ft one with numbers that I use all the time.
Lol I will never buy one with the fraction layout I laugh every time I see it but it makes sense if you do shit backwards like they do in Europe j/k I know yeah yeah metric system is superior
@@theguy192 I love your sense of humor. LOL
Been using Stanley tapes for 45 years and see no reason to change.
Komelon! Happened on 1 at local hardware and hooked now. Double sided, magnet, holds out long, stays hooked at 16' plus, and Always Opens with Gloves on (1 finger pop). Got 1 w/ metric, 1 w/engineer scale, and 2 reg
Please clean your jointer Infeed/outfeed tables. Apply your favorite automotive wax to keep the rust at bay. Great video and keep up the good work,
I need my tape to have numbers on both sides. It has just become a must for me. Great vid like always man.
I perfer my DeWALT xp 35 foot tape measure the thing at the front is big so it can grab on wood easily and that’s what I like
I own three of those Stanley powerlock. Its the only one that has held up to the grit while doing rough-ins.
K I’ve got a lurking 35’ shock force with nite eye ,my favorite so far 12’ stand out! 2 years of use and I stop it with my finger in between the tape case and end keeps it accurate!
Any tape where the metal hook hangs down and is exposed will end up bending when you drop it. I now use the Milwaukee wide tape with big writing and a magnet. It's a bit heavy but it's so accurate and the hook is true even though I've dropped it 50+ times because i drop everything.
I had a Chrome 16’ Stanley FatMax Extreme, (with the highviz yellow tape, not the classic Stanley yellow that the og fatmax has, ) as my every day tape in the industrial plumbing/pipefitter trade, we are notoriously known for destruction of tape measures, we jam them down drains, throw them in dirt and sand, always around obnoxiously heavy objects and are subject to open flame, 9000 rpm grinder discs, and welding slag on a regular occasion, that little chrome 16’ lasted about 9 years, I can’t imagine any tape outliving it’s abuse, I’d buy a case of them if Stanley still made them.
If you use a tape measure hundreds of times in a day. The cheapest Stanley is the best option. You'll end up buying multiple tape measures a year anyway. Spending $12 for the cheap one or $35 or more for the max. Isn't economical. I've gone through the max as fast as the cheap ones. If you buy 6 tape measures a year times $35 equals $210. 6 times $12 equals $72. It's common sense. You learn how to use tapes by yourself without magnets, with easy tricks. A tape becomes a part of your hand when you use them all the time
I've always used the Stanley Fatman 25' classic. I love them but I go through at least 2-3 each year. Do to extreme use and water, sand, salt air... So yesterday I bought the dewalt tough series 25' to see if it's any better. Fingers crossed. If it's not. It's back to Stanley. 😉
Have so many tape measures as i lose so many. but still have my old 25’ classic metal case Stanley.
do like that magnet at the end, but can make my own and compensate.
And surprisingly, it was either at at Northern atoll or Harbor Freight where I picked up some tapes and i enjoy the tapes as my wife finds them easy to read. (think they are Pittsburgh.
Currently have 3 Milwaukees as i forgot i had them and were on sale or can’t find them. so put one in each bag. my 25’ stays in my big tool box. think the first one I ever bought.
And i would favor a Lufkin over the Stanley with that extended reach.
thanks for info
" cause I'm a damn good person" 🤣🤣🤣. That was a damn good one Clint
Stanley is probably the industry standard, but I never use them. I like the Craftsman ones. The tape doesn't lose the film on it like a Stanley, the standout has always been better, the cases are smaller and more ergonomic and always have been. I have always owned a 30' Stanley since they started making them because no one else had them for the longest time, and sometimes you need that extra 5'. Stanley has always been a quality tool, but I find the cases broke too easy and your new favorite tape, the autolock, is the most annoying tape in the world. I happen across tools all the time when I buy lockers, and I give away every tape I come across to those in need, but I throw away the autolocks, lol. Have a nass day.
I enjoyed watching you crack yourself up, it cracked me up.
Oh, and edit: on the Milwaukees, I am a huge red tool guy, but their tapes are crap. The lines are 3/32 thick so you cannot do accurate marks with them and they aren't consistent with other tapes length for length. What for the revision.
Hahaha, appreciate the awesome comment Tim 👊
The best tape measure out there right now is the 25 ft FatMax best tape measure out there right now for the all-around general contractor especially when you just do remodeling. Hands down the best. I've been doing this for 30 years.
You’re welcome
I really like my Milwaukee Stud tape measure. It has good standout and easy to read markings. I also like the finger slot underneath so I can slow down the tapes retraction. I’m a finish carpenter and I’ve never had an accuracy issue with this tape. Definitely recommend.
I used a 35' fat max when I framed houses... They have a 12' to 13' stand out... Love those tapes... Dropped them off wallboards 3 stories up straight down on concrete floor...bounced through first floor ceiling joists and landed on a piece of plywood lol... Grabbed my buddies fat max and sent it out and down, hooked my tape case and pulled it up to me ... Called the peon when it first fell and by time he got there I already had it. Lmao
Bro, you are the man. You make it easy and exciting.
Thanks brother
Have you ever used a komelon led light tape measure? Do do alot of bathroom remodels and the led light comes in very handy. Sometimes I just use led light for a flashlight.
Even though I'm a Milwaukee addict, the Lufkin night eye would've been great with the magnet and auto lock feature. Good vid brotha!
Agree completely. The night eye is so easy to read but needs to added features.
The machines I work on have galvanized metal grated platforms built around them. I’m always dropping my wrenches through the grates. I only have a Stanley Fatmax with the magnet to retrieve my tools 😂
25ft classic Lufkin. Fits great in the hand, and not too bulky in a leather pouch. Like the classic Stanley, but has a rocker switch instead of the slider.
I’m just a homeowner who does home projects. I bought the Stanley Fatmax magnetic 25’. First, the magnet wouldn’t stay in the tape. Then the tape wouldn’t wind back up. If you added up the hours I used the tape, it wouldn’t add up to a full day. I was totally pissed about it and still am. I haven’t even thrown it away because it still looks new and I can’t bring myself to do it…yet
Can you return it?
@@ToolReviewZone no idea where the receipt is
I'd still call or go to the store and see if they will replace it. Sometimes you'd be surprised
I mainly have Milwaukee and Stanley tapes. Lately been using a kobalt. I just seen at harbor freight the new Hercules 25' tape they have now. It doesn't look to bad 1 1/4" blade numbers on both sides. It has magnetic and non magnetic. Supposed to have 14' stand out but i could only get a out 11' store.
Ive seen a lot of kobalt tapes in the garbage they do fail to retract sometimes.
I've always liked the Stanley lever locks, I've got a green 16' and a 25' and use them all the time, their pretty old but they still work good.
time is the real test. If it still retracts after a year and being used on days that its raining when wet saw dust will get swept into the casing then it is a good tape measure.
I have a Lufkin Control Series and love it. I actually bought a second the next trip to store.
i dont care
Love the review and guy giving the review is great.
I've been using the Stanley tapes for about 30 years. The regular Fatmax is my favorite.
Hell yeah. Night eyez gen 2 is solid.
Have used all of these recently, the dewalt is the smallest and most durable, some 30'ers are too big for my hand. I use that exact dewalt, they have a couple more expensive lines I don't like as well, but they all have lifetime guarantees one usually lasts me around 4 to 6 months. Lufkin was nice for a minute but as I expected the blade broke pretty quickly (a few weeks).
I'll take 2 of each! Great video as Always. And, And entertaining too!
Hubby still uses the old school metal Stanley tape measure.
Tried and true brand for 30+ years of construction.
Lufkin has been around for decades. I have one in my shop I bought as an apprentice..... 35 years ago.
I use one from Tajima because it's not so bulky
I have the first generation Lufkin Nite Eye. Purposely bought it for easy reading and numbers on both sides. I also have Stanley and Craftsman. Craftsman does not seem to last very long.
I have a craftsman 25 ft tape measure from 1999/ 2000 n still use it today. U gotta see all the marks on it from over the years lol