Dissecting how a tape measure works by trying to fix it

[@smplunkett2010]

My dad had given me a small tape on my 18th birthday, Nov 1971 - I have carried, and used it many times, a few months ago I couldn't use it at all - watching this allowed me to take apart, and even though it wasn't exactly like the one I had - I was able to get it to work again - thank you - I was not going to trash it.

[@MrClassichandyman]

I had a similar situation and I did excactly what you did since it was the obvious way of repairing it. After I watched your video, I realized we were both doing it wrong since we couldn't make it work. That's when I got the idea of doing it the reverse, meaning recoiling the spring the opposite way. Hope you did not throw away the stuff yet. it shoud work again, guaranteed. In other words. your video was helpful for me. Thanks.

[@PhillipJermakian]

12 years later but anyhow I had a similar problem but for me it was that I wound it too tight in the housing. The little keychain tape measure I have needs loose play in the spring to have someplace to wind down to.

[@SaturnElf]

Great video! My son actually broke one of my measuring tapes and this gave me hope to fix it rather than throwing it away and create more garbage. Good instructional video please make more :)

[@randomcow505]

for anyone watching this the repair was correct all the way up to tensioning the spring, just put the spring into its holder with no more tension than it needs to just sit in there, then attach the tape, wrap it around the spool, then once its around put it into the tape body, once its in give it just 3 reverse twists of tension by just spinning it, because it goes under more tension when you take the tape out, and that tension is what spools it back in

[@gulsahbaltac3721]

789i08

[@skwebs]

Your video just helped me fix my tape measure. I wasn’t anchoring my tension tape and after your video it made sense. Thanks!

[@petermartin3986]

Inspirational effort, thanks. I finally fixed mine, but the final hurdle of reassembling the locking gate was a challenge! Cheers, Peter Martin, Kangaroo Island, South Australia

[@Karmakredits]

I fixed mine by connecting the yellow measure to the black spring end. Then winding the yellow tape measure around the blackspool. Then placing the spool in the case, then using pliers to tension the spring one turn before connecting it to the center axel (or just twisting the spool one revolution after spring attached to axel) to create tension. You know you did it right if you hold th spool in place and pull the yellow tape out a litte bit and it retracts back inside. Then finish up with the case. Video was helpful regardless, I didnt know how the spool/spring connected to the yellow tape as the connect part was hidden in my spool.

[@FilmedbyM12]

Watching this video helped me fix my tape measure even though you weren't able to complete yours. I just needed additional reasoning on how to get it spun up correctly. So, thank you!

[@danfan6343]

Thanks very helpful, thinking of modifying a tape measure to make a retractable sling for a gun. Wasn't sure if it was going to work but now that I see how the tensioner works I'm confident it will

[@johnnyzuniga9821]

Now that's the kind of thinker that Inspires and motivates me..Hope you come away with other ways of using parts if anything..☺️

[@billgator2005]

assembly of the tape measure is simple once one knows how. first exam the spring. there is a subtle clue as to how it is wound. that clue is not the hook that attaches to the center pin nor the hook that attaches the rule. second : the direction of wind for the spring and the rule are opposite if i remember correctly. it's been a while so if i have mistaken i'll have to dismantle one and have a look see. it does take several turns to preload the spring and those turns are in extension with the rule end following the turns before seating in the mouth. the reel open side is facing out so one can install the cap once the hook is attached to the center pin. they work 100% if the spring is correctly wound. if yours doesn't retract correctly your spring isn't wound correctly.

[@trailb1aze]

This was very helpful. In general, I like process rather than result. That's what teaches us to find solutions. Thanks.

[@edwardalbert3391]

I love this video! You have so much more patience.

[@mrscorpio007ify]

Sears use to sell kits to repair theirs.

[@dipanshisharma6807]

I tried it but instead the holder is giving out the tape 😂😂 then i tried it to do it in opposite directions now it doesn't goes in the box that holds it as the holder mouth is in opposite directions. So after long 2 hours of struggle it comes out " if the tape comes out of the mouth of the box than there will be no tension in the inside coil and if there is tension in the inside coil that will not fit in the box " in short it doesn't work i have to throw the whole thing away

[@Scottland89]

Just saw this video and thanks, it inspired me to fix my tape. Originally the tape would retract no matter water making it a pain to use (you had to hold the button out to have a fighting chance to keep the tape out for measurement. Tonight I made the decision to open up the tape and look at it and I saw the spring for the wedge which stops the retraction wasnot doing a good job so I needed to pad the wedge or assist the spring. While inspecting it, I pulled the spool out, had a look about but when I put the spool back in, the tape wanted to eject as quickly as possible. I tried a few things and found this video to see if I could learn the way the tension coil was suppose to be set up. Figured out the flat bit near the end at the centre of the spool was suppose to go into the centre piece that goes through the middle of the spool, thanks to your video. Couldn't fix the initial problem but at least my tape is working the way it was before I broke it more!

[@dorothyjbond]

That is wind the marked tape around the outside of the spring housing. It will have no tension on it at that stage. It is the pulling out that winds up the spring. Screw it together and then the tape will pull out and put the appropriate amount of tension on the spring. What a clever little invention!

[@mirelavb8751]

Shouldn't you push the begining of the tension tape (the end that is in the center of coil) through that slitted "pin" that goes through the middle? Without it you can't get tension.

[@johnnyzuniga9821]

Good stuff..This is the way I've learned how many things operate.. I'm 0 for three myself in the "repair the tape measure" situation..But there are positive things we come away with when all is done..And This coming from a journeyman drywall specialist.. Sometimes tearing things up that no longer serve us , gives us a bit of satisfaction if nothing else..

[@stewarttuttle]

Thanks for your sacrifice, I was able to successfully fix my 6ft $1 tape measure!

[@marcoigr]

It helped a lot to figure out what the initial problem was; and I found to make it retractable you need to put tension after the tape is in the "box" by spinning clockwise, I did it an now my tape measure is working again

[@paulosejose4654]

Marco Israel García Rodríguezp

[@ryanb1874]

Yea, so if a spring joint didn't snap, the ones that have the no splitable spring cassette ate probably easier to rewind, with a square socket, they have nice big corner radiuses so it's not that easy to do d a tool that fits it perfectly

[@mo_bra3340]

It took a lot of effort for me to finally wind my spring back up (which I did with bare hands and do NOT recommend to anyone else!), but I think that your issue with the spring, in this video, is that you need to wind up the spring against the way in which it wants to wind up. That's what I did with mine, and that's what I found to give it springy tension again! :) I think that may be what OPNS Anthony Gines was saying, down below in the comments.

[@RagedContinuum]

so it winds in reverse? As the tape is pulled, it compresses?

[@mo_bra3340]

@@RagedContinuum Yeah, I believe so. The tape is held in such a tight space/case that it's forced to stay in a backwards, wound-up spring. I believe the tension of the tape being held in a backwards manner, and always 'wanting' to coil back up in the direction it was originally formed to go/be in, creates the tension which helps to pull it back into it's container/casing.

[@RagedContinuum]

@@mo_bra3340 Yeah I found out after doing this repair.. cut out a key with a dremel, wound the spool as if it were unwinding a few turns to preload the spring, then attached the tape.. it's a beat up lufkin that I got out of the trash at work but it takes up from 10 feet so far

[@mo_bra3340]

@@RagedContinuum Nice! I'm always a fan of reusing/recycling old things... and I LOVE DIY projects! Kudos to you for getting it to work again! 🙂👍

[@RagedContinuum]

I got a broken lufkin from work and the spring has ejected about a foot out of the spring holder. I cut a new catch and would the tape around but it wouldn't retract all the way so I have to wind it up to draw the spring back into the holder if possible

[@RagedContinuum]

yeeaup it worked and it's useable again.. just preload the spring a few turns then attach the tape.. I would recommend cutting out a new key in the spring with a dremel to retain more material.. I'll definitely be more gentle with measuring tapes after understanding their assembly

[@joshuacornell6667]

The only problem with the spring mechanism is when you kink (bend) it like you do with paper when you crease is that is becomes junk and no longer usable. Or you break of the complete connector end that attaches to the measuring tape it will also be useless then. He just shortened it by half an inch then he broke off the tab part of the connector

[@Mrberlinnh]

A little history on the tape measure: originally invented by Hiram A. Farrand in the 1920s for aiding in the paper making process for the Brown Company of Berlin, New Hampshire. Farrand started the H. A. Farrand Inc. in Berlin and mass produced it. He later sold to Stanley Works due to the Great Depression, I guess he thought he would lose money because of that. He made 100 thousand dollars in the first year making them.

[@nrgsmrt1]

I'm real proud of you; you overcame many obstacles that most would never have even tried. The length of your video was fine. I would have liked more over head lighting; because I was also interested in how this tool works. I think you did a very fine job with your video. Please make more, Tim.

[@Buffie7770]

Worked for me a 2nd time in about 5 years, on the same tape measure😊

[@mvchurchill]

Thank you. Can someone please tell me how I would contact to "make" a measuring tape for me? i.e., would I look for a mechanical engineer on craigs list, or what would you suggest I Google to find a person who can design one for me.

[@anthonygines3828]

Spinning of the tensioner spring in 2:00 should not be done that way, do not follow the loop pattern, instead, reverse the tensioner spring so the loop inside forms a big circle sticking on sides of the spool.

[@knightflyer6693]

Your comment about the direction of the loop pattern helped me solve fixing my children's toy tape measure. A dad can never say no to his children's request to try and fix a free "throwaway" toy. The things parents do for their children. Throw it away and buy a cheap $10 replacement? Or spend two hours working on it and amazing the children so they will always think mom and dad can fix anything. THAT is priceless!!!

[@1022sato]

Could you explain bit more on what exactly you did differently compared to the video? I am trying to fix mine and no success so far. Thanks a lot!

[@bharatsarkarw]

Hey man thanks for the video, It was really helpful for me...... and yes don't be disheartened by pissants or their comments who can only sit back home slothful and discourage people from doing some good ...... :D

[@chillinvillin1566]

thanks for the vid.. i been looking everywhere to see how the inside works!

[@Anabonilla21]

My unspent and end up cutting my finger. Please be careful when you do this.

[@electrabizzz]

Same thing happen to me put it in the recycling

[@skyniitzs5942]

ufff, este es el video q encontre q mejor explico la parte centrar de la cinta que era lo que no entendia. Muchas gracias por el aporte

[@nickb8755]

Came here pissed When the spring flew out in an explosion that shit pissed me off

[@asannder]

at least you gave it the ol' college try! I like your style.

[@reemb6571]

Thank you. It worked for me.

[@cgrobe21]

The spring was backwards

[@TopFlightPhotography]

I got a suggestion for you... take requests from people at the end of every video... that way you can build up a diverse database of how-to videos and a loyal following.. but the only way you're going to get the latter is if you learn more about editing and interesting dialect... show more character.. maybe some witt.. sorry bout the last post, I broke my tape measurer and thought u were going to show me how to fix it, and i got friggin frustrated! lol good luck man

[@amwbh7419]

Thank you

[@druxha]

After watch this, I tossed mine in the trash. Gotta hand it to him though, for being to patience. However, I couldn't stop laughing!! Must be my soulmate, for that how my stuff rolls! :D

[@janecopes4316]

Good for you! I learned a lot too.

[@pabloesteban4048]

" i should probably wrap it this way"... no shit Sherlock!

[@MAD4MALAGATANI]

Hey thanks for the effort, my daughter followed in the footsteps of our other curious kids and broke my dollar store item (but hey I still wouldn't trash it for the learning experience). Although you failed it was a great effort like Arnie Sancnosome in J. Verme's Journey to the Center of the Earth (tapemeasure). If you know the plot of Verne's book thanks for leaving a trail for future explorers. And yes, Dtape is as highly overrated as Packing tape is underrated, I agree.

[@topc5826]

Duck tape was made to seal ammo boxes in the boats that were used on D-Day when the invasion of France was made. Yes it is called Duck Tape, not Duct Tape. You should not use Duck tape on HVAC ductwork; use aluminum metal tape. Duck tape was meant to provide water resistant sealing around the seams and box edges of the lid of ammo boxes and was never meant for permanent use. We use it all the time, but the fabric deteriorates, and the adhesive eventually fails to adhere.

[@Sandeepkumar-xs3zt]

Very good informative ❤🇮🇳

[@jhnraynunezca3866]

it's 29th of September,2022 and I'm watching this video...cause i have this same problem lmao

[@abhinavrai5616]

good work bro

[@mathiasc.647]

Instructions are perfect for a Stanely 5M tape : just roll it tight so it will retract as when it was new.

[@franciscosanchez272]

Este Tipo Tiene dano Cerebral o que, Porque No edito el Video y Nos ahorro ver todos sus ERRORES, COMO ES QUE PONE UN VIDEO TACNICO SI NO TIENE IDEA DE LO QUE ESTA HACIENDO. QUE PARDIDA D TIEMPO

[@mariotinoco488]

Yeah lo mismo pensé yo perdida de tiempo thumbs up compa

[@LimTheanLeong]

This 'gentleman' is genius, may be a measuring tape craftmen...company produce measuring tape not allow to let user know this matter...

[@ramcity05]

Nice 👍

[@techupdate8399]

Thanks

[@asianthor]

Is this inspector Clouseau trying to fix a measuring tape? The only thing he didn"t do was set it on fire or sprung from he's hand's and go through the window and hit someone in the head walking on the sidewalk 3 stories below! Man, I really needed to see how a measing tape actually work's; how it re-track with tension and all. This guy better not try to fix anything that has to do with electricy.

[@jewelsjc84]

I too couldn't fix the tape my 2 and 4 year old took apart

[@ihsan3779]

Thankyou brother super video

[@marydavid8289]

Somebody ! Anybody? FIX MY TAPE!!!

[@leviatan6669]

smadoslasaaaaaaaaaa

[@leviatan6669]

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[@leviatan6669]

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[@leviatan6669]

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[@leviatan6669]

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[@Fish-xu4rj]

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[@thekingofmadscience9878]

thanks for the help

[@sync7019]

cool

[@stevengai2343]

good vedio for me.it's helpful.

[@thejoyofacrylicpouring1346]

My husband is having a cape giveaway on how to easy Easy to tips and tricks ect ect excetera KZbin this is pretty cool good idea

[@Kevin-bn2fz]

I learned a little but stopped watching. There are extended periods of tinkering around with no preparation or prior knowledge, dim lighting contrast, no closeup shots and no clear explanation of critical details. (I was hoping for simple clear demonstration of how a factory worker might assemble a tape measure.)

[@kareno8634]

Like, Not that way! Yes way. Nice idea - but it's not tight yet. Was in your drawer for awhile, huh? Ha ha ~ LOL U can't possibly have more moments than I. Just another day, 'fixing' many things to get 1 job done. need help? = ] much GR8 fun!

[@jethrobodean8585]

Shole

[@adreesahmed7467]

thank you for

[@Mikey-ym6ok]

For?....

[@richardentwistle8980]

One of the worst mistakes an elementary school teacher can make is teaching something wrong ! Taught correctly most students will remember something correctly for at least the near future. If you teach something wrong every student will remember it exactly wrong forever. You should learn how others solved the problem and avoid their mistakes. You are the person who didn’t learn from history and is doomed to repeat it.

[@scottmyers-c8i]

thats 13 minutes of my life i will never get back! How boring mate!

[@PIROOZAN]

Why Laugh??????🙉🤐

[@sillyswanlet]

Lol, Omg!

[@venurao8721]

Waste of time

[@pranayrai5855]

Waste of time Bakwas...

[@dhanalakshmiprakash5729]

Thanks