Let’s talk tape measures! Spoiler alert…. Just get the Stanley.

I use a tape every day of my life. I can’t believe I’ve never done a video on it.

[@themaintenanceman1]

Great great video. I started my own handyman business in November last year. 25ft power lock is great. Just got a lufkin I like a lot. Depending on what you’re doing of course but I prefer the smaller hook at the end. The big ones get hung up on gosh darn everything. But I agree the Stanley fat max has by far the stiffest tape for sure. Very well constructed.

[@Eddy63]

I've been using Center Point the last several years although I have others as well ... I just like the way Center Point ''Measures''upGood vid & demo as usual ... Thx

[@MattHmm-rq6dn]

I'm a tajima guy myself as long as it's not concrete or something nasty. The milwaukee takes that don't come in holiday specials are better made and are a tie with nite eyes for second choice. Magnetic wide blade or stud really do hold up well I wore out my first one after 5 years but it had alot of use on it.

[@realworldtoolreviews]

I’m going to have to get my a stud. That’s Milwaukee’s last chance to win me over in the tape measure department. You are the second person that has mentioned Tajima. I had never heard of them, but I looked them up and am intrigued. They look real nice

[@MattHmm-rq6dn]

If you loose tape measures often tajima is not for you! I use the 16ft mag x2 tape and its tough but not bulletproof. I like the magnets on rbe back left and bottom if returned tape they can self support it on a a metal surface. They are so 38 to 55 dollars and limited ones come in imperial. So take that for what it is. I don't like the stud as much as the wide blade magnetic so try then out and keep that in mind. Nite eyes is another great tape at the blue store and that high contrast is very pleasing to look at. Just this bf time they had 2 for 20 fat maxes and I noticed a huge difference in quaily for the 2pack it was made in Vietnam not usa with global materials like the singles. The powerlocks do the same thing around that time it's something to keep and eye out for. I dont loose or misplace/lend my tapes so I don't mind a expensive ones. I do however buy thoes crappy milwaukee is for my crew 20+yearly at holiday special time with the buy 3 get 20 off so they can destroy them to there hearts content.

[@TylerSnyder305]

My favorite is an original Stanley leverloc that belonged to my grandfather. That Craftsman looks like it could be based on the original Stanley leverlocks, but styled completely differently. I prefer metal case tapes and really love the old Lufkun tapes, but the old 12 foot leverloc is my most used. I hate how chunky and bulky the modern tapes are, and aside from grips on pliers I just don't like rubber coatings on my tools. I'm just a DIY'er with a love / addiction to tools though. As a maintenance worker at a truck stop I've got a small basic tool roll that I frequently use, but I'm not exactly an official maintenance tech...etc so there's plenty of tools I'm only using at home.

[@realworldtoolreviews]

I feel the same way about how chunky tapes are these days. That’s why o like those Stanley power locks. They are pretty compact. I wish they were metal. That would be perfect. I like old Lufkin tapes too. I have one. I’m also with you one rubber grip. I hate it on most tools.

[@TylerSnyder305]

@realworldtoolreviews have you checked out US TAPE ? Maybe there are different ones, but near me none of the power locks I find in stores are American made.

[@RonaldNorwood-kn4bo]

Like you I use a tape measure all day long. Have a load of em but Stanley suits me best along with a long list of other Stanley tools.

[@jackof1]

Lowe’s had a clearance deal a week or two ago for 2 Klein 25ft tapes for $7. I bought like 10 and threw one in every bag/drawer😂

[@zachrowe6271]

Ive got the Milwaukee stud. Its held up pretty nicely the last 6 months though i have noticed the blade retraction slowing down quite a bit becuase its got some dirt in it. Everything else about it is very nice - drop resistance, blade coating, and the pocket clip is incredible. It's magnetic so the blade does like to twist on you but if youre not working in the dirt then i would say its worth it. Only a few bucks more than the fatmax when i bought it

[@jeroendemol2387]

You got me worried I needed to wait for another year again😂

[@megaman2016]

😂

[@marko11kram]

for visibility with my old eyes, I like the Lufkin Nite Eye

[@realworldtoolreviews]

I have thought about buying one for years. I just don’t know if I could get used that different color scheme. They are very legible though. They seem like good quality too.

[@sparkydstoolboxtalk1024]

Considering Dewalt is owned by Stanley, it would not surprise me if they are the same, and it would be disappointing if it weren’t.

[@BruceAllgire]

I probably have a dozen different tape measurs from Stanley, Klein, Milwaukee, Craftsman, etc. in different lengths. I can't believe how bulky they have gotten over the years. My most used is a Bosch laser measure. No worry about stand-out and it calculates square feet and volume. 🤪

[@stevenhenry8149]

The Milwaukee wide blade is so much better then that Milwaukee u have. I use it everyday its my preferred tape. Highly recommend

[@Kelso3000]

Loved the vid ........ as always 👊

[@realworldtoolreviews]

👊 Thanks!

[@AToolWithTools]

Tajima Strong Tape for me, don't know if they have a 35-foot though, I just needed a 16. Black-on-white, 32nds for the first foot, double-sided printing, and if I'm doing the twist test right it seems to do about as well as the Fat Max. They also put some work into durability which I can appreciate given what I'm doing. The end hook is thicker than usual, and the rivets holding it on has some reinforcement. The molding on the tape protects the hook really well when retracted, and it has a little spring buffer in the body so quick retractions don't put so much shock on the rivets when it hits the stopping point. Between the stronger and more protected hook, and the fact the hook doesn't have the nail slot in it, makes it great for my application.

[@texfire75]

Odd timing of this video for me. As an iron worker in the mid 90’s, the only tape measure I’d use was the Craftsman lever lock until they changed the design and didn’t offer the chrome ones anymore. I’ve been on an eBay kick lately buying NOS Craftsman and on a whim today I searched for the Craftsman lever lock 39393 and purchased a NOS 25ft. Probably paid way too much for it but it was nostalgic to be able to buy one again.

[@realworldtoolreviews]

There’s something about that tape that I just love. I use it in the office so I don’t take it out in the field and break it. I miss old craftsman so much.

[@VRCM_Skywarn_XUSA]

Old school....Power lock.

[@americanautomobiletech]

I’ve recently been on the quest for the best tape measure as well. My control is the old, USA made Powerlock 30’. I just bought a Stabila tape that I really like so far, but I’m not sure if it will unseat the Powerlock. The old blades were thicker than the new Stanleys as well. Have you seen the Crescent Nite Eye tapes that have black background with green numbers? I played with one in the store but didn’t pull the trigger yet.

[@gabem7112]

As someone who tried the g2 I liked the ease of reading the tape with the bright color on the black backing however the tape isn’t coated and much sharper on the edges compared to a Stanley overall giving it a cheaper feel imo.

[@reconbbs360]

Kind of funny. A tape measure is my least used tool. Can honestly say I haven't touched it in months at work.

[@zachrowe6271]

What type of work doesn't require a tape measure? That would make me sad

[@reconbbs360]

@zachrowe6271 I'm a pinsetter mechanic at a bowling center. Brunswick A2's. Preventative maintenance via lubrication, adjustments and replacing parts.

[@reconbbs360]

I could never be a contractor. Can't stand working with wood. Just not my thing.

[@anarchonorris80]

I always carried a Stanly Powerlock 30', I loved the that style but carpenters would walk off with them, I'm a painter, ive resorted to carrying a bright green BenchTop branded measure and it has yet to walk off, it's kinda tacky looking tbh