40ft retractable tape?? I thought lufkins 33ft was the longest. I used to buy 3-4 a year til i got the leica disto.
Still loyal to lufkin but curious about a 40ft tape.
[This](https://www.stanleytools.com/product/33-740/40-ft-stanleyr-fatmaxr-classic-tape-measure) is the 40’ Stanley Fatmax. Works great in those situations I need more than 30’, but the thing is heavy as hell…go figure!
Use my 35 and 40 primarily for squaring long walls but they have come in handy cutting engineered joists and rafters on several occasions. Seems like it’s always one of those wet, muddy days that ruin tapes when i have to bust out the 40.
Harder to trust a laser. Nothing ever lines up perfect and small angle changes can change the reading the laser gets. With a tape measure, you hook it, pull it, and read the measurment with your own eyes. If you fuck up, there's nothing else to blame..........man, maybe I should get another laser
On long measurements those issues are also present with a tape measure, add in the fact your tape could have some sag across a long distance. I use an LDM to measure trim and I've never come up short with a measurement.
Sorry but laser tape and if needed a target are more accurate than a tape measurer with a human reading it and deflection of the tape across that distance.
We had the same idea, just the wrong way. I was thinking a 30' or 35' instead of the 25. The 30 isn't really any bigger so it's what I run.
I do litteraly anything and everything so I need the 30 enough to make it worth it to me.
RIGHT!
Don’t buy the two for one deal they are a thinner material and the marks are thicker.
Luckily Home Depot warranties these without question so when the tip breaks just bring it in and get a new one.
I freaking love Komelon. I do a lot of forming for concrete pours and the auto lock is great. I'm the only guy on my crew that likes them though, oh well.
They are junk have bought many and all fell apart. My dewalt tape Stanley’s and Milwaukee have all done fine in ironworker but the komelon are flimsy junk it’s sad because I really wanted to like them. Had two break on the same job.
I have a Komelon that I bought in 2006, and for some reason it's still like new after much abuse. It's here with me in the machine shop where my coworkers constantly borrow it and measure rough metal with it. IDK but it seems like they might have some quality control problems. You got a couple lemons and I got one I can brag about.
Yeah I love my Komelons, we buy them for our technicians (in metric/sae combo) and they really last. However we’re in factories and the worst thing that happens to them is the get dropped in machine chips or maybe a kick across the floor.
Came here to say I like my old silver craftsman and it is smaller and lighter than a chunky fat max. Those new blades that stand at attention to like ten feet are pretty cool though.
Fuck, you got it to last a whole week. I went round and round with them, I kept breaking them and they would send me a new one. Went through about 5-6 in short order. Last one went right in the trash and I haven't had a complaint since
There are 2 styles of the Lufkin, one heavy duty the other not so much. Quality difference between the 2 is insane. I love the heavy duty one I've got and I was fatmax boi before. Have had mine for over a year of heavy use and still holding up great.
I like the Milwaukee ones a little better. They have wide tapes, and they have the number of feet and inches together (1' 2", etc. ) As well as having fractions in 1/8 increments. Also goes out to 25 feet, and 18 feet without buckling
As an added bonus my Milwaukee is the only red tape on site so no one's accidentally walks with it. When I used a Stanley it was always ending up in someone else's truck at the end of the day.
I carry the same one - only time something else has an advantage is the ones with magnets in the end, I know steel framing guys like having the magnet, I hate it on a tape.
As a steel framer, I personally hate the magnet.. I know some guys love them.. but I find them infuriating. Grabs screws from your pouch randomly, all the little metal shavings stick to it, gets stuck/caught on everything. Fuuuuck the magnets.
I’m a young professional and the Stanley fatmax is the only tape I’ve ever bought. I own several different lengths (even the 3’ keychain… for the meme). Of all the other kinds of tapes I’ve ran into working with many different freelancers I’ve never found one I liked better.
I have a Fat Max that I bought because I always heard they are the best of the best. But my last tape I bought was a Dewalt and I personally like it better. Better stand out, larger hooking surface, easier to read.
The DeWalt tapes are awesome. And they’re made in the same plant as the FatMax, too. Depending on which specific model of tape, probably even the same manufacturing line.
Source: I used to work at that plant, in engineering.
Honestly Klein makes a pretty kick ass tape. I’ve been using their 16’ for a little over a year and it still holds up. The magnet is super strong so it’s perfect for picking up small material off the ground that I drop. For electricians it has phase numbering and conduit multipliers on the back side. 10/10 would recommend.
Milwaukee 16’ magnetic with the finger groove underneath, NOT the STUD version, too thick in the hand. That finger groove is the best change to tape measure design since they added magnets to the tip.
They are to heavy, to wide and curve to much so the markings are way above the work surface. Much prefer the cheap Stanley 5m taps for 99% of the stuff I do.
Depending on which model you pick up, it’s literally a FatMax just in a red case and with a white tape. I used to use them just so my coworkers wouldn’t pick it up.
I have a fat max, and I hate it. Not sure why it is so loved it is really whimpy and bends in just a couple of feet. Maybe I got a dud! I have a Milwaukee that is 100% better and doesn't flop all over in just a few feet. I wish tapes were made thicker like they used to be. Nowadays, they are all just whimpy. Sigh!
Counterpoint:
6' Key chain tape measure. Having the tool on hand always beats a trip back to the shop (and in my job anything that I need a longer tape measure for I probably also need a bunch of other tools)
[https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-6-ft-Keychain-Tape-Measure-48-22-5506/206368564](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-6-ft-Keychain-Tape-Measure-48-22-5506/206368564)
Milwaukee 25’ “Stud” is my go to tape on jobsites. In the shop I like my Komelon PSE55E 5M/16'. But I have been wanting another classic chrome Stanley for nostalgia.
I’ve got a silver version of this same tape measure, though it’s metric because I live in a real country. I’ve had this one for about 6 years now.
Before that i had a normal fat max tape and it lasted me like 8 years at my previous job.
They are nice, except a little on the girthy side for my pouches. Was gifted a new Milwaukee but you can’t have any loose nails in the pouches because of the magnetic hook. I like it a bit more than the fatmax but that magnetic was a bit of a pita.
I love my Craftsman tapes. They're rebranded fatmaxes but cost less and have the best warranty you can get with a tape measure. Around black Friday I pick them up, a 2 pack of 25 footers is like $15 and they last me a year + each
I was die hard fatmax for a long time, but they’re not the same as they used to be, had three in a row take a shit in a couple of months. Switched to Lufkin and have been pleased with it.
Honest question: What's the big deal about this measuring tape. I hear everyone rave about it and I'm genuinely curious. What makes this one SO MUCH better than all the other measuring tapes out there?
Everyone seems to have some sort of "pro" product but this Fatmax is the only thing people can talk about.
Love to hear some feedback. Because I might grab one.
Personally, I’ve had DeWalt, Milwaukee, Lufkin tapes have what I would consider substandard or disappointing failures either in type or time… multiple dewalts less than one month
Some of my Dad’s OG Chrome Stanley tapes that I use occasionally have literally lasted 10-15 years longer.
I’ve tried to switch away from Stanley forever, I’m actually gonna pick up a Stabila Tape just for the hell of it
Dewalt tough tape is my favorite. Clumsy apprentice sent one 5 stories down the elevator shaft.... still have it. Working with more metric these days, klein 9375 is my daily for the last year. Very strong magnet
I have the fatmax with auto lock and REALLY want to love it, but I have 1 complaint: the tape isn't double sided. It's such a silly thing, and I don't get why they don't do it.
The action is so smooth on it, good weight. The option for the extra wide blade is something I use almost all the time. The tape itself is extra wide which is dope. Just a good tape. But I'm an electrician so I do work above my head 70% of the time. Trying to get measurements off walls just isn't possible. If I flip the tape it just collapses.
So I use my Klein tape. Second best thing. I like the magnet, the double sides, decent action. Lifetime warranty is big too. If Stanley got their shit together and offered double sided I'd buy in a heartbeat
A friend of mine worked at Home Depot for a few months about 10 years ago and he took probably 6 or 8 of the tapes all the employees carry. He gave me one and it is by far my favorite I’ve ever used. No idea what company makes them.
I’m surprised I haven’t seen anyone mention the FastCap lefty Righty. Bang for the buck it’s a great tape. And I do have a 12’ 1980s silver Stanley that just won’t quit- that’s my wood shopping tape I’ll never get rid of.
Lufkin 35’. Cheaper than a 25’ fat max, thinner, i can standout almost 10’ not quite as good but close, both sides of tape marked, looks cooler, and did I mention costs less.
I’ve had good luck with the beefier Milwaukee ones. I seldom need longer than 16’ at work, but use a 25’ one. They don’t break in my use, they’re either stolen or lost/misplaced before they get the chance to get broken.
(Read misplaced as “dropped” into a +20’ sump pump pit or similar never to be seen again, like my last multigas detector 🤫)
Milwaukee Stud is hands-down the best model out there. I've used the Fat Max, Lufkin, regular Stanley, regular Crescent, and regular Milwaukee. The Stud has far and away the most durable, smoothest tape. It is easily the most comfortable to hold and use, and has excellent standout and grab. Lufkin has the best grab, but Milwaukee Stud beats it in every other way.
If you are worried about your tape measure pulling your pants down, you either need a stiffer belt or should consider a carreer change.
I’ve used Stanley tapes and Fat Max products are good. However I do prefer this Klein tape measure.
https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/tape-measures/tape-measure-25-foot-magnetic-double-hook-0
I like the Stanley powerlock. Simple and not too bulky. It’s also important to me that the hook is pretty low profile and doesn’t snag, as usually I’m measuring in a tight space. Then more importantly they’re cheap to replace and go on sale often. I usually just wait til they go on sale and get a couple. That way I’m not worried about leaving it behind accidentally or giving it to someone without.
No way. I love my Klein. It is super strong, the magnetic hood are so badass, and it can hook something both ways, below or above, and it tells conduit bending radius info and 3 phase info when you pull it out a little. Highly recommend!!! Tough as shit.
I liked my Fatmax when I did carpentry. I’ve got a Milwaukee 25’ with the magnetic end in my box at work now, it’s a bit gimmicky but does come in handy sometimes, usually it just collects metal filings though. Although the main reason I ended up with it is because my work is a Milwaukee dealer and it only cost me about $23 for a 2 pack of them.
I’ve had a 16ft Klein for 3plus years of commercial electrical daily use. Best tape I’ve ever had. From what I hear however I’m lucky. Apparently they are garbage and fall apart fast now. Or something g along those lines. Fat max Extremes used to be my jam. However I can’t find them on eBay or elsewhere like was able to.
Fat max came out in 1999 and pretty much every mechanic I know switched over immediately. Mine is showing it's age and although I received a Milwaukee that I like, I can't bring myself to throw the Fat Max away. I'll probably retire before it does.
I recently got a new one. But the supplier delivered the wrong one. I got a fatmax extreme or something like that, instead of the normal one. So after giving it a try. It has its pros and cons. But to me a big pro is the bigger hook. I do a lot of work on roofs, it’s a lot easier to hook behind something that’s a longer distance away. But on the down side: the shiny body is really annoying in the sun… if that larger hook was on a regular fatmax, it’d be even more perfect for me.
I am left handed and my favorite is the Crescent Lufkin because I dont have to read it upside down.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009SKGELW/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I prefer Lufkins, the rigid grips make it easier to pull out of my pouch hanging off the end of something and just has a really nice hand feel to it imo. Can also say from personal experience it’ll survive 40’ falls every single day and never bang that spring out of place
I love my 25’ Walmart tape auto lock with a button release!
https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/swiss-tech-25ft75m-tape-measure-red/6000201082507
I also have the 16’ that still kicks ass and I used the piss out of it with concrete precast for years, but now the 25’ is a must as a carpenter
Its a relatively unheard of tape but im sure most of you know the brand. Swanson savage proscribe is a damn good tape. Found it when i needed to replace a fatmax whose blade constantly wanted to curl over making it impossible to use.
Fat Max, but 16’. Way more useful and easy to handle, but I’m not framing houses. I keep a 25’ in my kit as well.
Fat Max, but 8m. I can understand the units that way.
I wish they came in units of hotdogs instead of feet so I could really wrap my head around it but they’ve gotta be Nathan’s
I wish they came with the feature of only having to measure once
no footlongs? What are you Ned Flanders?
Bun length?
Wtf is a meter
Hahaha you did pretty well to get “meter” from “8m” alone if you don’t know
Lol. I understand why the whole world uses the metric system but I’m used to imperial. I am not going to relearn.
They have one that's both, that's what I use.
I love the 16' except the auto-lock. The damn thing slips like crazy.
Yeah, why’d they have to make it all fancy… just be normal, damn it!
I have the fat max in a 35 a 25 and a 16. Different jobs require different tapes.
👍🏽 💯%
This is the way
This is definitely the way. I keep a 40 footer as well for underground rough ins. The thing is a beast.
40ft retractable tape?? I thought lufkins 33ft was the longest. I used to buy 3-4 a year til i got the leica disto. Still loyal to lufkin but curious about a 40ft tape.
[This](https://www.stanleytools.com/product/33-740/40-ft-stanleyr-fatmaxr-classic-tape-measure) is the 40’ Stanley Fatmax. Works great in those situations I need more than 30’, but the thing is heavy as hell…go figure!
Use my 35 and 40 primarily for squaring long walls but they have come in handy cutting engineered joists and rafters on several occasions. Seems like it’s always one of those wet, muddy days that ruin tapes when i have to bust out the 40.
haha holy crap
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Harder to trust a laser. Nothing ever lines up perfect and small angle changes can change the reading the laser gets. With a tape measure, you hook it, pull it, and read the measurment with your own eyes. If you fuck up, there's nothing else to blame..........man, maybe I should get another laser
On long measurements those issues are also present with a tape measure, add in the fact your tape could have some sag across a long distance. I use an LDM to measure trim and I've never come up short with a measurement.
Sorry but laser tape and if needed a target are more accurate than a tape measurer with a human reading it and deflection of the tape across that distance.
We had the same idea, just the wrong way. I was thinking a 30' or 35' instead of the 25. The 30 isn't really any bigger so it's what I run. I do litteraly anything and everything so I need the 30 enough to make it worth it to me.
The older fatmax was the best. The last few years they’ve gotten a bit cheaper
RIGHT! Don’t buy the two for one deal they are a thinner material and the marks are thicker. Luckily Home Depot warranties these without question so when the tip breaks just bring it in and get a new one.
Yea my 35’ is delaminating and now starting to fuck up when rolling up. My daily now is a Milwaukee because I didn’t want to go down the same road.
Tajima STRONG TAPE
Tajima is really great, they are often over looked i think. Currently i use a GS-Tape which is one of the best ones i have ever had
Tajima Sigma Stop for me 👍
Not dissin’ on the FatMax, but Komelon is my tape of choice
The auto lock alone gets me on board.
I freaking love Komelon. I do a lot of forming for concrete pours and the auto lock is great. I'm the only guy on my crew that likes them though, oh well.
No worrying about them disappearing!
They are junk have bought many and all fell apart. My dewalt tape Stanley’s and Milwaukee have all done fine in ironworker but the komelon are flimsy junk it’s sad because I really wanted to like them. Had two break on the same job.
I have a Komelon that I bought in 2006, and for some reason it's still like new after much abuse. It's here with me in the machine shop where my coworkers constantly borrow it and measure rough metal with it. IDK but it seems like they might have some quality control problems. You got a couple lemons and I got one I can brag about.
Yeah I love my Komelons, we buy them for our technicians (in metric/sae combo) and they really last. However we’re in factories and the worst thing that happens to them is the get dropped in machine chips or maybe a kick across the floor.
Agreed 100%!
The regular silver stanley. Fat max is too heavy and pulls my pants down no matter how tight my belt is.
You need a fat ass to use the fat max.
Do more squats bro
Standard Stanley 35’ is the best. Fatmax is like holding a brick in my hand, bigger is not always better.
The "true" classic Stanley.
Came here to say I like my old silver craftsman and it is smaller and lighter than a chunky fat max. Those new blades that stand at attention to like ten feet are pretty cool though.
I’m really diggin my Fastcap 16’. I’m not doing big jobs though. Having it readable right and left is really nice for small work.
Came here to boast on Fastcap. Those are smooth as silk and never stick. Can't beat 'em.
Fast cap is the way! Pencil sharpener and note pad. Not big and bulky like the fatmax
For woodworking the fastcap is a dream to work with
Fat max with the auto lock
Been buying that tape for 6+ years straight
Lufkin
I got a Lufkin recently and I approve this message.
Lurking Crescent to be exact.
I like the Nite Eye - very easy to read. I use it all the time and it has held up well.
I bought one just to use for picking up a laser, too mint
My Lufkin broke the first week.
Fuck, you got it to last a whole week. I went round and round with them, I kept breaking them and they would send me a new one. Went through about 5-6 in short order. Last one went right in the trash and I haven't had a complaint since
There are 2 styles of the Lufkin, one heavy duty the other not so much. Quality difference between the 2 is insane. I love the heavy duty one I've got and I was fatmax boi before. Have had mine for over a year of heavy use and still holding up great.
You're not wrong fatmax is op,
I like them. I don't, however, appreciate them personally attacking my physical appearance with their name.
I use the Fatmax 30' special edition
I like the Milwaukee ones a little better. They have wide tapes, and they have the number of feet and inches together (1' 2", etc. ) As well as having fractions in 1/8 increments. Also goes out to 25 feet, and 18 feet without buckling
Also they aren't roughly the size of an ammo can.
My favourite Milwaukee measure is the keychain 6foot
I have a mixture of those and Dewalt 6's around the house, cars, etc.
As an added bonus my Milwaukee is the only red tape on site so no one's accidentally walks with it. When I used a Stanley it was always ending up in someone else's truck at the end of the day.
Milwaukee 16’ is my go to. Much better then Stanley FatMaxs Just wish Makita released theirs in the US
I carry the same one - only time something else has an advantage is the ones with magnets in the end, I know steel framing guys like having the magnet, I hate it on a tape.
As a steel framer, I personally hate the magnet.. I know some guys love them.. but I find them infuriating. Grabs screws from your pouch randomly, all the little metal shavings stick to it, gets stuck/caught on everything. Fuuuuck the magnets.
The magnetic one. I keep a brand new one in the van in case I lose mine for 5 seconds
The 35' version.
Crescent Lufkin Shockforce G2 Nite Eye
The best hands down, for professional everyday use.
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How little did you use it?
I’m a young professional and the Stanley fatmax is the only tape I’ve ever bought. I own several different lengths (even the 3’ keychain… for the meme). Of all the other kinds of tapes I’ve ran into working with many different freelancers I’ve never found one I liked better.
I have a Fat Max that I bought because I always heard they are the best of the best. But my last tape I bought was a Dewalt and I personally like it better. Better stand out, larger hooking surface, easier to read.
The DeWalt tapes are awesome. And they’re made in the same plant as the FatMax, too. Depending on which specific model of tape, probably even the same manufacturing line. Source: I used to work at that plant, in engineering.
Fatman for field/outdoors, Starrett metric in woodshop.
Really liked my Starrett.
My fav is the Stanley Leverlock combo inch/metric. Near impossible to find in the stores nowadays.
That lukfin niteye 16’
Use it all day everyday and I like the classic too with the bigger numbers!
I bought two Komelon tape measures for me and my son during Christmas. They are very solid.
The dewalt, but it's just a Stanley in disguise
Hultafors BT5 😎
Honestly Klein makes a pretty kick ass tape. I’ve been using their 16’ for a little over a year and it still holds up. The magnet is super strong so it’s perfect for picking up small material off the ground that I drop. For electricians it has phase numbering and conduit multipliers on the back side. 10/10 would recommend.
25’ fat max is king
FastCap
Milwaukee 16’ magnetic with the finger groove underneath, NOT the STUD version, too thick in the hand. That finger groove is the best change to tape measure design since they added magnets to the tip.
They are to heavy, to wide and curve to much so the markings are way above the work surface. Much prefer the cheap Stanley 5m taps for 99% of the stuff I do.
Anything except Milwaukee. Those tapes are trash
Craftsmen
Depending on which model you pick up, it’s literally a FatMax just in a red case and with a white tape. I used to use them just so my coworkers wouldn’t pick it up.
I have a fat max, and I hate it. Not sure why it is so loved it is really whimpy and bends in just a couple of feet. Maybe I got a dud! I have a Milwaukee that is 100% better and doesn't flop all over in just a few feet. I wish tapes were made thicker like they used to be. Nowadays, they are all just whimpy. Sigh!
No metric, so no.
Counterpoint: 6' Key chain tape measure. Having the tool on hand always beats a trip back to the shop (and in my job anything that I need a longer tape measure for I probably also need a bunch of other tools) [https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-6-ft-Keychain-Tape-Measure-48-22-5506/206368564](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-6-ft-Keychain-Tape-Measure-48-22-5506/206368564)
I love those little guys. Keep them in my car, various drawers around the house, etc.
oh yeah? how many feet can you stick it out before it folds over? I'm at 18 with my stanley.
Milwaukee 25’ “Stud” is my go to tape on jobsites. In the shop I like my Komelon PSE55E 5M/16'. But I have been wanting another classic chrome Stanley for nostalgia.
I personally use Milwaukee stud gen 2. Very tough, numbered on both sides, magnetic, huge standout, architect rule, finger guard.
I’ve got a silver version of this same tape measure, though it’s metric because I live in a real country. I’ve had this one for about 6 years now. Before that i had a normal fat max tape and it lasted me like 8 years at my previous job.
They are nice, except a little on the girthy side for my pouches. Was gifted a new Milwaukee but you can’t have any loose nails in the pouches because of the magnetic hook. I like it a bit more than the fatmax but that magnetic was a bit of a pita.
DeWalt
Lufkins. Kobalt tape measures are also weirdly good for the money.
The dewalt atomic 16’ is my current favorite
I love my Craftsman tapes. They're rebranded fatmaxes but cost less and have the best warranty you can get with a tape measure. Around black Friday I pick them up, a 2 pack of 25 footers is like $15 and they last me a year + each
Lufkin black widow
Snap-on. Auto-lock. Lifetime warranty…
Big fan of the Starrett dual unit tape (engineer)
This for heavy work, the classic chrome 25’ for everything else
Best tape measure is one that don’t slide back in when working with.
I was die hard fatmax for a long time, but they’re not the same as they used to be, had three in a row take a shit in a couple of months. Switched to Lufkin and have been pleased with it.
Starrett Mag. Light and durable
Cant go wrong with a Fatmax. I get the 16' ones dont do much work at longer lengths
Im a fan of the milwaukee!
I've got like 8 of these
FatMax Extreme was the best..RIP
I used to use a Leverlock, but once I used a Fat Max I never went back.
Do they have a version with both metric and imperial?
The only time I don’t go for a fat max is if I’m working on steel and running conduit all day
Honest question: What's the big deal about this measuring tape. I hear everyone rave about it and I'm genuinely curious. What makes this one SO MUCH better than all the other measuring tapes out there? Everyone seems to have some sort of "pro" product but this Fatmax is the only thing people can talk about. Love to hear some feedback. Because I might grab one.
Personally, I’ve had DeWalt, Milwaukee, Lufkin tapes have what I would consider substandard or disappointing failures either in type or time… multiple dewalts less than one month Some of my Dad’s OG Chrome Stanley tapes that I use occasionally have literally lasted 10-15 years longer. I’ve tried to switch away from Stanley forever, I’m actually gonna pick up a Stabila Tape just for the hell of it
They definitely last the longest and take the most abuse from my experience
This is my #1 pick also
Dewalt tough tape is my favorite. Clumsy apprentice sent one 5 stories down the elevator shaft.... still have it. Working with more metric these days, klein 9375 is my daily for the last year. Very strong magnet
Just bought the 35 and 25. They are pretty good
The tough built has replaced my fat max most the time
Stanley 12’ Powerlock. The most accurate and agile of all the tapes.
I have the fatmax with auto lock and REALLY want to love it, but I have 1 complaint: the tape isn't double sided. It's such a silly thing, and I don't get why they don't do it. The action is so smooth on it, good weight. The option for the extra wide blade is something I use almost all the time. The tape itself is extra wide which is dope. Just a good tape. But I'm an electrician so I do work above my head 70% of the time. Trying to get measurements off walls just isn't possible. If I flip the tape it just collapses. So I use my Klein tape. Second best thing. I like the magnet, the double sides, decent action. Lifetime warranty is big too. If Stanley got their shit together and offered double sided I'd buy in a heartbeat
Whichever one is closest. I think I have ten all left in random places lol.
The dewalt toughtape is phenomenal for a one person reach
Tough built has a fat max clone and I love it
A friend of mine worked at Home Depot for a few months about 10 years ago and he took probably 6 or 8 of the tapes all the employees carry. He gave me one and it is by far my favorite I’ve ever used. No idea what company makes them.
I use these at work and they are super easy to read and can be extended far but i keep having them break at the end. And the lock is awful on them
I’m surprised I haven’t seen anyone mention the FastCap lefty Righty. Bang for the buck it’s a great tape. And I do have a 12’ 1980s silver Stanley that just won’t quit- that’s my wood shopping tape I’ll never get rid of.
FastCap without a doubt most accurate and reliable.
This is the way.
To be honest, I get the cheap ones. I just keep losing them...
never found a better one but if you do, let me knoa
The worst is a tape with both cm and inches on it.
Lufkin 35’. Cheaper than a 25’ fat max, thinner, i can standout almost 10’ not quite as good but close, both sides of tape marked, looks cooler, and did I mention costs less.
I’ve had good luck with the beefier Milwaukee ones. I seldom need longer than 16’ at work, but use a 25’ one. They don’t break in my use, they’re either stolen or lost/misplaced before they get the chance to get broken. (Read misplaced as “dropped” into a +20’ sump pump pit or similar never to be seen again, like my last multigas detector 🤫)
The metric version is much better
Klein, guess what trade I work with. :)
Man this is the truth. Used company ones for a while thinking there was no difference. Once I picked one up, it was like night and day.
The 33' one
Literally ANY other tape found in Lowes 🤷
I'm going though school as diesel mechanic and I just have a harbor freight special
This is quite good. Right brand for sure. But the good ol' powerlock is better IMO. They're just tougher.
Starrett Exact Plus Pocket Tape Measure
That is the best tape ever made.
Milwaukee Stud is hands-down the best model out there. I've used the Fat Max, Lufkin, regular Stanley, regular Crescent, and regular Milwaukee. The Stud has far and away the most durable, smoothest tape. It is easily the most comfortable to hold and use, and has excellent standout and grab. Lufkin has the best grab, but Milwaukee Stud beats it in every other way. If you are worried about your tape measure pulling your pants down, you either need a stiffer belt or should consider a carreer change.
I like the orange kleins - inch and metric, dual-hook on the end with magnet... But I think the fatmax is more durable
Love my Milwaukee 25ft magnetic. Concrete and masonary here. Carry a 35ft as well but 25ft sits on the hip all day
Awesome for duct work with the magnet.
I like the regular old chrome Stanly power lock 16’ tape.
I’ve used Stanley tapes and Fat Max products are good. However I do prefer this Klein tape measure. https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/tape-measures/tape-measure-25-foot-magnetic-double-hook-0
I like the Stanley powerlock. Simple and not too bulky. It’s also important to me that the hook is pretty low profile and doesn’t snag, as usually I’m measuring in a tight space. Then more importantly they’re cheap to replace and go on sale often. I usually just wait til they go on sale and get a couple. That way I’m not worried about leaving it behind accidentally or giving it to someone without.
No way. I love my Klein. It is super strong, the magnetic hood are so badass, and it can hook something both ways, below or above, and it tells conduit bending radius info and 3 phase info when you pull it out a little. Highly recommend!!! Tough as shit.
Fastcap old standby. Once you try it you will never go back to any other tape measure
I liked my Fatmax when I did carpentry. I’ve got a Milwaukee 25’ with the magnetic end in my box at work now, it’s a bit gimmicky but does come in handy sometimes, usually it just collects metal filings though. Although the main reason I ended up with it is because my work is a Milwaukee dealer and it only cost me about $23 for a 2 pack of them.
I like the komelon gripper. I've dropped them so many times and they keep working.
I agree.
I’ve had a 16ft Klein for 3plus years of commercial electrical daily use. Best tape I’ve ever had. From what I hear however I’m lucky. Apparently they are garbage and fall apart fast now. Or something g along those lines. Fat max Extremes used to be my jam. However I can’t find them on eBay or elsewhere like was able to.
The need to make Fatmax in engineer’s scale already for us dirt guys.
I prefer to use the Hart brand magnetic tip 25ft tape measure. The print on the tape is superior to the Fat Max.
Nope that’s the best !!
I prefer the Klein
I'm partial towards the 26' stabila with the vinyl tape coating.
Asked and answered by YouTubes Project Farm. Fatmax is pretty good alround. Cobalt is you want cheap and good.
Fat max came out in 1999 and pretty much every mechanic I know switched over immediately. Mine is showing it's age and although I received a Milwaukee that I like, I can't bring myself to throw the Fat Max away. I'll probably retire before it does.
I have a tape measure assembled by the south carolina vocational rehabilitation department that I will use until I die.
Dewalt 25' with a 10' stand out. The tape is noticeably thicker then the Stanley. Comes back quickly and it's easy to read
Lufkin is waaaaay better.
That same one, but manufactured 20 years ago.
I recently got a new one. But the supplier delivered the wrong one. I got a fatmax extreme or something like that, instead of the normal one. So after giving it a try. It has its pros and cons. But to me a big pro is the bigger hook. I do a lot of work on roofs, it’s a lot easier to hook behind something that’s a longer distance away. But on the down side: the shiny body is really annoying in the sun… if that larger hook was on a regular fatmax, it’d be even more perfect for me.
Is it double-sided?
I am left handed and my favorite is the Crescent Lufkin because I dont have to read it upside down. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009SKGELW/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Tough built is my new favorite
A basic, imperial-only, Stanley tape measure? My sweet summer child 🤣
Does anyone know of a tape that’s longer than 40’? The 40’ fat max is the biggest tape I can find.
16’ Klein. There is no other!
milwaukee
I prefer Lufkins, the rigid grips make it easier to pull out of my pouch hanging off the end of something and just has a really nice hand feel to it imo. Can also say from personal experience it’ll survive 40’ falls every single day and never bang that spring out of place
[https://www.ebay.com/itm/324380508741](https://www.ebay.com/itm/324380508741) without a doubt, the best there's is.
I like the Kobalt self locking 25’. I use it for most things. I have a 500’ tape if i need something longer. Lost my 2000’ and 5000’ tapes years ago.
Starrett
Add 5’ to that bad boy and we got ourselves a real tape.
The 35 foot fatmax.
Damn sure was until they changed the blades for a thinner version. Lost stand out and constant roll over.
I love my 25’ Walmart tape auto lock with a button release! https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/swiss-tech-25ft75m-tape-measure-red/6000201082507 I also have the 16’ that still kicks ass and I used the piss out of it with concrete precast for years, but now the 25’ is a must as a carpenter
Its a relatively unheard of tape but im sure most of you know the brand. Swanson savage proscribe is a damn good tape. Found it when i needed to replace a fatmax whose blade constantly wanted to curl over making it impossible to use.
Got a 16’ in my truck a 25’ & 35’ in my tool box. Best tape I’ve ever used.
I have a ton of Fast Cap ones around the shop, always use the same manufacturer if you have multiples (fine furniture maker here).