Tape Measures? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

A-RON · 10-30-2009, 01:59 PM

I'm going to buy two new tape measures for framing and finish work. Basically so my tape measure for finish work won't get mud / water on it and get beaten up.

I would like to know the pros and cons about the two tape measures you suggest for framing and finish work.

For framing it needs to be something durable and will stretch out in the air without collapsing quickly.

Fatmax fits the last part about stretching but i'm not sure about that being my overall choice. Stanley powerlocks seem good, but they recoil fast and if you aren't careful they break.. I seen this many times (not from me

). Craftman is ok. I like there set up.. (only stretches 8 feet then collapses) numbers read easily, nylon wears off revealing mettle for the first 2 inches but Craftman don't give you warranty.

Any suggestions about which tape measures I should buy?

Thanks.

WarnerConstInc. · 10-30-2009, 02:53 PM

Fast Cap all metric for finish.

I have been happy with the Kemoelon's this year, good price and pretty durable tape measure.

BKFranks · 10-30-2009, 02:54 PM

I've always used Stanley. Fat Max extends farther, but it's fatter and doesn't fit in my bags.

Dairylander · 10-30-2009, 03:49 PM

FASTCAP!!!
For finish work, it's the best, hands down.
It has both a scratch pad for jotting down measurements and a built in
pencil sharpener.
How many times have you had to search for a shim or scrap of paper or even the back of your hand for something to write on? Never again!
I like the little 16 footers because their small size allows me to easily get them out of my tool belt pouch, even with gloves on.

Warren · 10-30-2009, 04:04 PM

I have used just about every tape. Being a framer, I have put them through the worst of everything. The Fat Max's are pretty durable, but I hate the fact that if they do fit in your pouch, they are hard to pull out. Laugh if you want, but for the last year and a half I have been using the Kobalt tapes from Lowes. The one I have now has a stainless steel blade. They seem to last about 6 to 8 months on a full time frame job, about the same as any other good tape. They also come with Kobalts "no hassle" guarantee. Sometimes they give you a little hassle, but they always replace it.

Dairylander · 10-30-2009, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warren

The Fat Max's are pretty durable, but I hate the fact that if they do fit in your pouch, they are hard to pull out.

Remove that little metal belt clip off the side and that will help a little.

Greg Di · 10-30-2009, 04:59 PM

The Tajima's are very nice.

They have a new line out that is not yellow and black, the cases are red metallic and I've had great luck all season out in the crappy weather with it.

Whether it's laying out footings with spray paint or marking trim, it can do it.

TBFGhost · 10-30-2009, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg Di

The Tajima's are very nice.

They have a new line out that is not yellow and black, the cases are red metallic and I've had great luck all season out in the crappy weather with it.

Whether it's laying out footings with spray paint or marking trim, it can do it.

tomstruble · 10-30-2009, 06:30 PM

get a pouch with a metal tape clip on it

it will be in the same place every time

Inner10 · 10-30-2009, 06:32 PM

I've been through countless tapes...and for some reason I always end up going back to my cheap crappy Luftkin tape.

Greenlee was sweet, double sided easy to read, moderate extension, hooks top and bottom self locking. But the ends were wobbly and snapped off so they were discontinued.

Everyone knows my opinion on the fat max, too curled, too fat, too expensive, stiff...and its stanley.

My irwin is just dandy, but it has a metal plate on it WTF. The metal face makes it really heavy and if you drop you will damage a floor for sure. Oh well I got it onsale for 5 bucks. I did however use it as a hammer a couple times.

The Luftkin tapes are cheap but nice...and yeah that about sums it up.

Every tape I've had the beltclip screw hole gets stripped....the luftkin has lasted the longest thats why I give it praise.

My kingdom for one that will clip to me Veto/Belt and handle being bumped around without falling off!

XanadooLTD · 10-30-2009, 07:01 PM

I use the kleins. Especially the new ones that have the same reach as the fat max, but just arent as fat. Look into those.

Splinter · 10-30-2009, 07:19 PM

Fastcap Lefty-Righty tape. The built in pencil sharpener is great, and the little thumb tab on the belt clip allows you to open it up before sliding it on your pants pocket. Keeps the pants from getting ratty looking.

A-RON · 10-30-2009, 07:47 PM

I'm not going to lie, I never heard of the Fastcap until now.

It looks nice with the pencil sharpener and writing area on it, but i'm always with my toolbelt on with a utility knife and I keep paper with me (in my tool chest) but I mostly have a cut list setup with measurements.

I'm most likely going to buy the Stanley powerlock 30'. You can't beat a tape measure being 3 inches long meaning I can stick it in a doorway, measure, and add 3 inches.. pretty convenient. Although it doesn't stretch 13'-15' like the Stanley Fatmax extreme it won't kill me. One reason I didn't consider the Fatmax isn't because of the size, curve, or weight but because of the gap that if I remember correctly is like 3/32 or 1/8 inches haha.

A-RON · 10-30-2009, 07:49 PM

By the way, thanks for all the helpful advice everyone.

Kgmz · 10-30-2009, 08:29 PM

For framing and general use I have used the Stanley powerlock for as long as I can remember. I am comfortable with them and they just feel right in my hand, probably from using them for so many years. I have them in 25', 30', and 35'. I mainly use the 35' or 30' in my belt for framing, and the 25' are spares or for the laborers to use. I buy the 25 footers by the box and get them for under $7 each.

I have looked at the Fat Max's and don't like them, they are just too big and they don't fit in my tape pocket on my belt.

For site work and finish work I have been using CST Berger 25' tapes. Site work I use their tape marked in 10ths, and for finish work their normal inch tape which has graduations in 32nds. I get these tapes for about $6 each.

CookeCarpentry · 10-30-2009, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kgmz

For framing and general use I have used the Stanley powerlock for as long as I can remember. I am comfortable with them and they just feel right in my hand, probably from using them for so many years. I have them in 25', 30', and 35'. I mainly use the 35' or 30' in my belt for framing, and the 25' are spares or for the laborers to use. I buy the 25 footers by the box and get them for under $7 each.

I have looked at the Fat Max's and don't like them, they are just too big and they don't fit in my tape pocket on my belt.

For site work and finish work I have been using CST Berger 25' tapes. Site work I use their tape marked in 10ths, and for finish work their normal inch tape which has graduations in 32nds. I get these tapes for about $6 each.

Where are you buying in bulk?

Kgmz · 10-30-2009, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CookeCarpentry

Where are you buying in bulk?

The Stanley tapes I get from my lumber supplier, formerly Lumbermens and now ProBuild after they got bought out a year or so ago.

http://www.probuild.com/

The CST Berger tapes I get from my local survey supplier.

hughjazz · 10-30-2009, 11:55 PM

anyone tried "task" tapes?

http://www.task-tools.com/Commerce.W...arge_TX111.jpg

Some times they go on sale for like $15 (25')

they seem to last as long as the fatmax. 4-6 months

I take the belt clip off as soon as I buy one, it goes in and out of the bags better.

JohnLINY · 10-31-2009, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Splinter

Fastcap Lefty-Righty tape. The built in pencil sharpener is great, and the little thumb tab on the belt clip allows you to open it up before sliding it on your pants pocket. Keeps the pants from getting ratty looking.

+1 Being a Lefty this is a great tape. Especially for finish work. Another good FastCap tape for finish work is their flat tape. There is no curve to make it stand out so it lays flat on your work. Great for cabinets when a 1/6th makes an expensive difference.

http://www.fastcap.com/procarpentertapemeasures.aspx

Splinter · 11-01-2009, 12:08 AM

Yep, got the Fastcap Flat tape too.. That one stays in the woodshop though...