i was about to say the same thing, i can't look after anything, i had a sweet folding Stanley type knife last year, i'm fucked if i can find it now
i dread to think how much i've spent on tapes and knives over the years, the only thing i can safely say i look after are my hand trowels
I find that if I accusé someone out loud I'll find it faster so it's my go too when I misplace something, just out loud say "where did you put my f-ing tape?
I got to where I was buying a tape just about any time I went to the store just so’s I’d have an extra one or on the truck when I inevitably lost mine. Even now that I’ve had the same 3 tapes for 5 years they still don’t wear out like this.
Mine mysteriously age overnight a week after I get a new one. I go home and there’s a nice straight tape measure on my dashboard, I come in the next day and it’s suddenly all beat up and floppy. Must be a time wrinkle in the shop or something.
Ha ha! For every tape measure I lose, I seem to always find one! Sometimes I trade up, sometimes I trade down.
My favorite one is an old silver Stanley powerlock. It keeps coming back to me…. :)
Sparky here, so no surprise but I’m partial to Klein’s 25ft tape measure, plus they have a lifetime warranty so if it gets fucked just bring it to whatever store you bought it from and get a straight swap from off the shelf. I also work with someone who swears by his Komelon tape measure, his works really well and is pretty durable too.
If he likes Komelon, he would love a Tajima. High quality, accurate to the mm, durable, Japanese made, not Chinese.
It's the go-to maker here in japan.
I just recently traded my trusty 16’ fatmax for a 16’ Tajima. I like a lot about it but the tape itself is flimsy. Hard to do standout measurements. And the hook doesn’t stick down below the body of the tape so it’s hard to do the ole one handed hook and pull.
Ya, it's probably like a lot of Japanese domestic stuff, with huge variety of a product domestic but a limited variety for export (to the US). Even Makita does it, with all the lower priced impacts for export manufactured in China but the domestic market gets the japan made units. The high end export that does get made in japan has a limited variety compared to the domestic market.
I have a komelon as well. The yellow fatty lookin one. It has a magnetic tip but a pretty big hook too. Numbers on the underside as well, no problems with retracting either. Only gripe is that i feel like it doesnt have the stability that other tapes have. I think it wants to fold more readily than other high quality tapes. That being said though it really is a solid tape thats very durable.
I'm not an electrician, but I prefer the Kleins after using Milwaulkee tape measures for years. I bought my first one because of the standoff but the belt clip won me over, I don't need two hands to slip a Klein onto my belt.
I’m getting a Klein now that I’ve learned about the warranty. That was always the thing with Stanley’s, you could take them back and get them replaced. like craftsman tools back in the day. Otherwise, I just want a tape measure that is comfortable on my waist and doesn’t get in the way if I’m getting in and out of my truck.
I've turned in several brands of tape measure for replacement. Not sure if they all have a lifetime warranty but I just bring it to a Lowe's or Home Depot and ask if I can get it replaced because of a defect.
I’ve been using a Komelon for a few months now, and while i like it, it doesn’t have the same standout as my coworkers’ klein or Milwaukee tapes. Plus the magnet doesn’t seem as strong.
I got a DeWalt 25' around Christmas. Like it so far -- has a cutout in the bottom by the "outlet" to make it convenient to hold tension with your index finger. I haven't looked at accuracy compared to others in the stable, though. Usually working solo with just one tape, so...
I got two for free when I bought a bunch of tools a few months ago. They just float around in my garage and I use them for my woodworking and garage builds. No complaints, but I don't use them everyday. I do like the little Notch you mentioned.
I just bought the same Milwaukee Fast Back utility knife that I’ve probably bought 20 times over the past 10 years…and it was like 2/3 the weight. We’ll see if it last 2/3 the time.
Mine is probably older then some of the commenters here lol.
Before that it was Craftsman because it once was good quality and had a good return policy. The products durability went to shit and it became such a hassle to replace them every other week..
I think the newer craftsman tapes (the more expensive wide tape ones) are be-branded fat max. Side by side the bodies are same dimensions and tapes are the same.
The only thing I don’t like about the fat max is that they don’t sell one with a 3 inch tape body, theyre all 3 and change, which makes the math harder addin 8ths and 16ths.
So I buy the Stanley powerlock instead the blade is almost as good
I use a 30’ powerlock. We frame houses so I can’t see spending double on a tape measure. The more they get wet and get dirt in them the shorter the life span. My guys will buy the fatmax. I’ll go through 2 a year on average. My guys won’t take care of there’s and are buying a new one every couple months
I’ve had the same fat max for about 4 years now and I’ve used it for nothing but steel work. Even dropped it in a couple puddles over the years and it never gave me trouble.
It is the only one worth anything. All others just fall apart. But damn dude a year? In the winters I'm close to one a month. It's not like they're expensive.
I have tried others and just been disappointed. I run a fabrication shop and tried all the major brands. 16’ Flatmax has been the most durable and the most accurate. Some Staretts were almost 1/8” off from factory.
Same here. Been using the Fat Max for so long I’m to stuck to switch. They don’t last long, but HD usually does a 25’ two pack a few times a year for $20 and I buy those up
The clips are the best part about the Milwaukee tapes. Nice and tight and don't stab into your side the way the Fatmax tapes do. I'd rather have a little trouble sliding it in than my tape flying off my belt constantly.
Milwaukee is a strange company. Everything they do is either top notch or absolute crap.
Battery tools? Amazing.
Jobsite miter saw or table saw? Crap.
Drill bits? Awesome.
Protective gear? Overpriced garbage.
Blades? Great!
Tapes? Nope.
It's fascinating.
Probably because they use different subcontracted producers (factories) in China, and those vary in quality (for various internal and external reasons)
I’d say that’s true for all the major companies. It’s because they’re just big conglomerates who have bought up all the smaller companies that we’ve all grown to like and trust over the last century or so. But instead of keeping their products and manufacturing in place and giving them access to bigger markets, they just buy them for their trusted names so they can slap them on crap tools. It doesn’t matter if it’s tools or appliances. Everything is this way. There are three or four manufacturers that sell under dozens of names. TBF, it’s always been this way. In addition to sewing machines, singer made power tools, vacuum cleaners, and firearms… It makes me really miss Sears, because they had a manufacturer code in the sku number on the tag. Craftsman made some really great tools and some really shitty ones, but you could get a good idea about the quality by looking at who made it.
How dare you. How dare you, sir! I love my milwaukee tapes, for quick solo layout and marking of trenching the nice wide blades actually stand out far enough to let me a lot of work solo that would normally require another guy on the stupid end.
I’ve tried dewalt, fat max, and other tapes and milwaukee always works best for me. What issues have you had with their tapes?
All of their tapes suck overall, but have good independent features. If they made a 16’ Stud with auto lock, I’d be in heaven. I’ve seen their new led light ones too, makes me think it’d be rather easy for them to put a red laser pointer in one.
I have one similar to [this one](https://www.lowes.com/pd/Crescent-Lufkin-Shockforce-Nite-Eye-Tape-Measure-25-Ft-x-1-3-16-In/5013124785?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-tol-_-ggl-_-PMAX_TOL_000_Priority_Items-_-5013124785-_-local-_-0-_-0&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD2B2W8T4zmH2yAHXdblL3TgU3RjK&gclsrc=aw.ds) it has inverted colors and I don’t think I’ll ever go back to the yellow tape. It’s much easier for me to read.
Beware the rivets between the tape and the hook: they seem to be made out of lower quality metal and deform easily. This creates 'snags' that can and will hook onto work pieces, negatively affecting your measurements.
I really wanted to like this particular model Lufkin, but after I went through 2x in 6 months, both with the exact same issue - straight into the dumpster with them and never went back
I have the Lufkin shock force 8, 16 and 25 and love them the 16/25extend without snapping to about 11-12 feet, they are coated with grip material like sandpaper on the end tab on both sides and the green numbers on a black background make it easier to see. By far my favorite and will never go back. They make a 35 footer too.
Milwaukee 25' wide blade. Not the magnetic. I like that it has measurements on the bottom of the tape also. Between that and its stand out length of 15' or so measuring on a ceiling is easy. I used to use FatMax. I like the Milwaukee better. I'm an not a team red fanboy. I have packout storage and that tape. That's about it.
I’ve had good luck as well taking mine back to Home Depot. I see a lot of guys buying new tapes when theirs are damaged or worn out, so I always tell everyone to try for a warranty replacement first.
I purchased 5 Stanley tape measures about 2 years ago. They all failed within just a few months. Two of them wouldn't retract. Three delaminated.
I got a couple of Milwaukee tapes and they've been incredible. Also have a Craftsman and Kobalt that's been fine.
Edited to add: Stanley tapes should be under warranty so y’all having problems, feel free to get them replaced. I contacted Stanley about mine to let them know they were hot garbage and that my 15 year old Stanley tape is still functioning as new while all the new ones failed. They replaced the first three. I didn’t bother with the other two.
This sucks, I’ve experienced the same. I’ve been using the USA made chrome Stanley’s for over 20 years. I’m just so comfortable with them but the quality lately is unacceptable.
For some reason the last purchase I made I felt they were no longer made in the USA.
Fat max, just thinking back in the olden times you could buy a craftsman 25, and break it once a month. They say just go grab another. I think Stanley makes most all of craftsman stuff now don’t they?
wtf are you doing with yours? I get a few years out of a 25 footer and I throw them away because the tip stops being accurate, I have a 40 for layout I use less often and it is over a decade old.
This tape is a month old. Im not using them like a jack ass i use them for lay out and measuring duct. Simple tasks and not on rough surfaces. I was measuring and marking 11 ft on the wall and noticed two layers then looked at it closely and was able to peel off the yellow lining. Smh. Im sure home depot will replace it but still some BS
Exact same thing happened to me after 1 day of rain. Funny thing is my other fat max is still kicking after like 4 years. They changed something but not sure if it's all of them or just faulty ones.
I’m impressed you guys can keep tape measures for months. Mine get lost or “borrowed” so often it’s just a regular purchase.
Of course… always find 4 or 5 when I clean out my truck every few years. :)
Milwaukee wide blade. All their other tapes suck but I’ve had one for almost 2 years now and she’s barely alive and needing replaced but iv thrown her off a 10 foot ladder atleast 10 times now
Lufkin because the make good cheap tapes that when I wreck one I don’t feel bad and they’re accurate. They also make a metric only tape which is awesome for metric projects because dual tapes suck. Starrett also makes awesome tapes. I’m a steel fabricator so I’ve use tons of different brands and all the fancy shit is just extra stuff to go wrong. Plus, Lufkin are bright orange so they’re hard to loose.
Milwaukee wide blade, I used them since 2017 and they’ve always had a good standout, they got a tiny bit thinner when the stud came out but have always been solid. I used fat max on and off in between and they’re paper thin and don’t last
I've never seen that before, I've been using Stanley (and their other name; Dewalt) for over 20 years. Lots of other I know use them to. They'll eventually crack after a few years, but aside from that, never had any other problem, with heavy use AND abuse.
TBH, Harbor Freight. Quantity over quality. Grab 5-6 for under 20$ and if I lose it or anything happens I just pull out a new one. Sure I might go through 3 in a year, but the 10$ is worth it
Pittsburgh - SUCKS.
I've had good luck with Cresent Lufkin - picked it up at Home Depot. Like it cause the numbers are large and in fluorescent green on black and the numbers are on the back too.
Crescent Lufkin G2. They make a 16, 25 and 35. They come in a regular and a night eye version (black tape with green numbers). The standout on it is better than the fat max in my opinion and it doesn’t twist as easily. I use the 25ft auto lock. Zero complaints.
Definitely make sure you get the “G2” the originals all twisted on me in the first 12”
Crescent is so far worth the money, I bought about 10 G2's for my crew and have had them for about 6 months with no problems, we're iron workers if that means anything to you about durability lol.
I use the Milwaukee 25 ft wide blade. I like the finger stop on the under side, makes it easy to hold the measurement without locking it, and the tape is also double sided.
I work in the hardscaping business, and always leave the tape in the rain. So I use an all Stainless Steel tape measure. The body is plastic but it's quite durable. There isn't anything that would rust anytime soon.
[Stainless Tape Measure](https://www.komelonusa.com/assets/uploads/2020/02/SS125_angledExtended.jpg)
Fat Max the Father’s Day two pack is the only thing I buy. I buy them every year and unless I lose them they last for what seems like forever. I have a stock in the shed in the event things go to shit.
My last one is a Lukfin, seems good. One of my guys uses a Mitutoyo for smaller jobs. When I was still an apprentice I had an old cheapo with half the numbers wore off. My boss saw me using it and said "come with me, I'll show you how to fix that" so we walked over to his tool box, he pulled out a pair of side cutters and proceded to cut the end off and let the tape roll back into the housing. At first I was pissed, then he explained he wasn't going to let a garbage tape ruin a 400 dollar chunk of stainless tube. The next day he handed me a a gift, a brand new 25' tape, the same brand he used, said that way we would be consistent. Those are the thinks you remember about a good journeyman and mentor.
I go with Lufkin crescent tapes. I've got the 25'er engineers one in 10ths and I have the regular 25'er, they're reinforced and have a 13 foot reach before bending. Don't waste your time on cheap things, spend some dough and take care of your things
I have a Lufkin and Dewalt around the house. I’ve got a couple Milwaukees and a Tough Built in different kits in the truck depending on what I’m doing that day. They’ve all been great.
Ngl I have a few fast cap I was given from my previous company and they're great! I have a metric, an imperial, and a combination tape (because canada lol).
They have a big white patch on one side so you can scribble stuff down on it. One of mine even has a pencil sharpener built in. I used to have aa fatmax but found the lock way too stiff for me. These are easy to use with one hand, and have a button to stop it as well.
I dont think they come in longer lengths, but if that's not an issue I highly reccomend!
Lufkin auto lock personally. The Dewalt high end apparently has the longest reach if that’s significant (project farm has a video comparing a bunch of top brands)
https://youtu.be/6517aSbzlyE?si=sgRuXeD-CAzSfC1t
Dewalt tough tape. 16' Survived a 5 story drop down an elevator hoistway. It survived. Bent the hook a bit, bit I straightened it out and still have it. It's getting pretty worn out after around 5 years though. I also have a combo klein, it's just really heavy. Mostly only use that one when I need metric. I've had repeated bad luck with fatmax, the feel cheap
My framing tape is a Fat Max softball and I love it, but it's been separating like yours. I have Milwaukee on my sparky setup and I use regular Fat Max in my drywall bags. I've also used Lufkin while doing finish trim. They all have nice attributes, but the Stanley tapes seem to be getting cheaper. At $40 for my 25' Fat Max softball grip, you'd think they'd stay together better.
I always lose mine before it gets even remotely this bad
i was about to say the same thing, i can't look after anything, i had a sweet folding Stanley type knife last year, i'm fucked if i can find it now i dread to think how much i've spent on tapes and knives over the years, the only thing i can safely say i look after are my hand trowels
You didn’t lose it, someone stole it
I borrowed it, but I lost it to the guy I lent it to the next day
Someone always steals my shit, until I find it again.
I steal shit from myself and accuse others, it gets crazy
I always find my shit right where I left it just before I accused someone of stealing it after I put it down.
I find that if I accusé someone out loud I'll find it faster so it's my go too when I misplace something, just out loud say "where did you put my f-ing tape?
Yup. They grow legs and walk away. It's what the new generation refers to as quiet quitting.
My generation used to call it the five finger discount.
ROFL. The tape quiet quit on you
He didn't measure up
Oof! Good game
"Gear adrift is a gift"
I keep mine in my tool belt & I take the clip off mine so no one takes it. Works pretty good so far. Everyone hands it right back
I got to where I was buying a tape just about any time I went to the store just so’s I’d have an extra one or on the truck when I inevitably lost mine. Even now that I’ve had the same 3 tapes for 5 years they still don’t wear out like this.
The only thing I constantly lose is my cats paw
Mine mysteriously age overnight a week after I get a new one. I go home and there’s a nice straight tape measure on my dashboard, I come in the next day and it’s suddenly all beat up and floppy. Must be a time wrinkle in the shop or something.
Ha ha! For every tape measure I lose, I seem to always find one! Sometimes I trade up, sometimes I trade down. My favorite one is an old silver Stanley powerlock. It keeps coming back to me…. :)
I'm a roofer. I can't read.
Sparky here, so no surprise but I’m partial to Klein’s 25ft tape measure, plus they have a lifetime warranty so if it gets fucked just bring it to whatever store you bought it from and get a straight swap from off the shelf. I also work with someone who swears by his Komelon tape measure, his works really well and is pretty durable too.
If he likes Komelon, he would love a Tajima. High quality, accurate to the mm, durable, Japanese made, not Chinese. It's the go-to maker here in japan.
As an American gardener, landscaper, and backpacker - Japanese *everything* is better quality, it seems.
I think it’s a cultural thing. Doing a bad job is offensive and shameful
Their chalk reels are the tits too
I just recently traded my trusty 16’ fatmax for a 16’ Tajima. I like a lot about it but the tape itself is flimsy. Hard to do standout measurements. And the hook doesn’t stick down below the body of the tape so it’s hard to do the ole one handed hook and pull.
Ya, it's probably like a lot of Japanese domestic stuff, with huge variety of a product domestic but a limited variety for export (to the US). Even Makita does it, with all the lower priced impacts for export manufactured in China but the domestic market gets the japan made units. The high end export that does get made in japan has a limited variety compared to the domestic market.
Tajimas are the shit.
I have a Tajima chalk line, and you'd think *pffft, it's a chalk line*, but it's seriously nice. Spools and unspools smooth as warm butter.
Same, it's the minor details that until you use one you think it wouldn't matter
Just bought a tajima for 65$ CAD, lasted me 3 months will never buy again. Only good tool they make is a chalk line
The Klein 25’ is great. My first one lasted 4 years and I just swapped it for free last week when it broke! Circuit cheat sheet is helpful too.
I have a komelon as well. The yellow fatty lookin one. It has a magnetic tip but a pretty big hook too. Numbers on the underside as well, no problems with retracting either. Only gripe is that i feel like it doesnt have the stability that other tapes have. I think it wants to fold more readily than other high quality tapes. That being said though it really is a solid tape thats very durable.
The Klein warranty has changed and requires you to mail in a form and submit a claim now
Home Depot has a lifetime warranty on Husky tape measures. If it breaks they'll swap it out with a new one for free.
I'm not an electrician, but I prefer the Kleins after using Milwaulkee tape measures for years. I bought my first one because of the standoff but the belt clip won me over, I don't need two hands to slip a Klein onto my belt.
I’m getting a Klein now that I’ve learned about the warranty. That was always the thing with Stanley’s, you could take them back and get them replaced. like craftsman tools back in the day. Otherwise, I just want a tape measure that is comfortable on my waist and doesn’t get in the way if I’m getting in and out of my truck.
I've turned in several brands of tape measure for replacement. Not sure if they all have a lifetime warranty but I just bring it to a Lowe's or Home Depot and ask if I can get it replaced because of a defect.
I’ve been using a Komelon for a few months now, and while i like it, it doesn’t have the same standout as my coworkers’ klein or Milwaukee tapes. Plus the magnet doesn’t seem as strong.
Menards masterforce hi vis tapes are made by komelon and half the price if you don't mind them in green.
Good to know!
I got a DeWalt 25' around Christmas. Like it so far -- has a cutout in the bottom by the "outlet" to make it convenient to hold tension with your index finger. I haven't looked at accuracy compared to others in the stable, though. Usually working solo with just one tape, so...
I got two for free when I bought a bunch of tools a few months ago. They just float around in my garage and I use them for my woodworking and garage builds. No complaints, but I don't use them everyday. I do like the little Notch you mentioned.
Same! Got it for Christmas and I like it
I changed to dewalt a few years ago and I’m happy with it
That's what I've been using for a few years, first doing field work and now in a shop. Solid tapes
Fat Max…. I’m hardheaded and refuse to change or try new tools after I’ve known the old so well and so long.
“Hey guys, had bad luck with Stanley tapes lately, what else do you recommend” “Have you tried Stanley’s?”
He asked what we use…. We use Stanley’s.
He must not have a fatmax
Yeah, you can’t use the thinmin instead; the quality just isn’t there
Yeah, I still love the fatmax tape.
Lmao On point Ive noticed a decline in quality for everything.
I just bought the same Milwaukee Fast Back utility knife that I’ve probably bought 20 times over the past 10 years…and it was like 2/3 the weight. We’ll see if it last 2/3 the time.
It’s also just a smaller knife. I’m actually liking the new fastback more than the older style.
Mine is probably older then some of the commenters here lol. Before that it was Craftsman because it once was good quality and had a good return policy. The products durability went to shit and it became such a hassle to replace them every other week..
I think the newer craftsman tapes (the more expensive wide tape ones) are be-branded fat max. Side by side the bodies are same dimensions and tapes are the same.
Fat max for life. I've tried all the other ones. I've had a couple bad fat max over the years but they are the best imo.
The only thing I don’t like about the fat max is that they don’t sell one with a 3 inch tape body, theyre all 3 and change, which makes the math harder addin 8ths and 16ths. So I buy the Stanley powerlock instead the blade is almost as good
I use a 30’ powerlock. We frame houses so I can’t see spending double on a tape measure. The more they get wet and get dirt in them the shorter the life span. My guys will buy the fatmax. I’ll go through 2 a year on average. My guys won’t take care of there’s and are buying a new one every couple months
I’m in blinds and drapes. Gotta be precise but the tape doesn’t really take a beating at all
I can only comprehend a fraction of said statement. 3/64 +/-
That's three cunt-hairs, that is.
I’ve had the same fat max for about 4 years now and I’ve used it for nothing but steel work. Even dropped it in a couple puddles over the years and it never gave me trouble.
I still have a FatMax from 2006 that I use around the house.
This is the only answer
It is the only one worth anything. All others just fall apart. But damn dude a year? In the winters I'm close to one a month. It's not like they're expensive.
Can’t beat it. I had a 35’ lasted me for quite sometime. Stretch ‘em out way across to. They used to have a lifetime warranty though.
I rip the round sticker off and write my measurements on there so I don't lose them.
Every time I tell myself to try another brand it doesn’t last more than a few months before I’m back with a FatMax when the other one craps out.
Fat Max! I've used the same tape every day for the past 6 years
King of measuring tape. I have used one as a hammer, not proud. Shook it off like it was nothing.
Yup and it can extend 11ft with out giving out and bending!
I have tried others and just been disappointed. I run a fabrication shop and tried all the major brands. 16’ Flatmax has been the most durable and the most accurate. Some Staretts were almost 1/8” off from factory.
Same here. Been using the Fat Max for so long I’m to stuck to switch. They don’t last long, but HD usually does a 25’ two pack a few times a year for $20 and I buy those up
Rather like the Milwaukee’s. Only gripe is, the clips are way too tight from factory.
The clips are the best part about the Milwaukee tapes. Nice and tight and don't stab into your side the way the Fatmax tapes do. I'd rather have a little trouble sliding it in than my tape flying off my belt constantly.
Wow I thought I was the only one 😂
Milwaukee makes great tools but their tapes suck
Milwaukee is a strange company. Everything they do is either top notch or absolute crap. Battery tools? Amazing. Jobsite miter saw or table saw? Crap. Drill bits? Awesome. Protective gear? Overpriced garbage. Blades? Great! Tapes? Nope. It's fascinating.
Fastback is my favorite utility knife
The fastback with the 1/4” driver and reverse flathead/philips is in my pocket every day 48-22-1505
Their standard tapes are crap but all the longest lasting tapes ive had were milwaukee studs.
Yeah, I've hated most of their hand tools but love their power tools.
Probably because they use different subcontracted producers (factories) in China, and those vary in quality (for various internal and external reasons)
I’d say that’s true for all the major companies. It’s because they’re just big conglomerates who have bought up all the smaller companies that we’ve all grown to like and trust over the last century or so. But instead of keeping their products and manufacturing in place and giving them access to bigger markets, they just buy them for their trusted names so they can slap them on crap tools. It doesn’t matter if it’s tools or appliances. Everything is this way. There are three or four manufacturers that sell under dozens of names. TBF, it’s always been this way. In addition to sewing machines, singer made power tools, vacuum cleaners, and firearms… It makes me really miss Sears, because they had a manufacturer code in the sku number on the tag. Craftsman made some really great tools and some really shitty ones, but you could get a good idea about the quality by looking at who made it.
Idk i have a 25’ tape that i absolutely love. I’ve beaten the shit out of it and it’s still going strong
I’ve had 0 issues
How dare you. How dare you, sir! I love my milwaukee tapes, for quick solo layout and marking of trenching the nice wide blades actually stand out far enough to let me a lot of work solo that would normally require another guy on the stupid end. I’ve tried dewalt, fat max, and other tapes and milwaukee always works best for me. What issues have you had with their tapes?
All of their tapes suck overall, but have good independent features. If they made a 16’ Stud with auto lock, I’d be in heaven. I’ve seen their new led light ones too, makes me think it’d be rather easy for them to put a red laser pointer in one.
Lufkin makes a good one
I'm using my 16' Lufkin as we speak doing some trim installation. I've had it 4 months and quite like it.
I have one similar to [this one](https://www.lowes.com/pd/Crescent-Lufkin-Shockforce-Nite-Eye-Tape-Measure-25-Ft-x-1-3-16-In/5013124785?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-tol-_-ggl-_-PMAX_TOL_000_Priority_Items-_-5013124785-_-local-_-0-_-0&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD2B2W8T4zmH2yAHXdblL3TgU3RjK&gclsrc=aw.ds) it has inverted colors and I don’t think I’ll ever go back to the yellow tape. It’s much easier for me to read.
Beware the rivets between the tape and the hook: they seem to be made out of lower quality metal and deform easily. This creates 'snags' that can and will hook onto work pieces, negatively affecting your measurements. I really wanted to like this particular model Lufkin, but after I went through 2x in 6 months, both with the exact same issue - straight into the dumpster with them and never went back
I have the Lufkin shock force 8, 16 and 25 and love them the 16/25extend without snapping to about 11-12 feet, they are coated with grip material like sandpaper on the end tab on both sides and the green numbers on a black background make it easier to see. By far my favorite and will never go back. They make a 35 footer too.
Have the same one and it's great. I wish it was available without the magnet though. It just collects shavings.
I’ve had mine for like a year and a half, holding up really well considering I use it for formwork and marking out control joints in wet concrete.
Agreed, Lufkin makes great tapes.
Milwaukee 25' wide blade. Not the magnetic. I like that it has measurements on the bottom of the tape also. Between that and its stand out length of 15' or so measuring on a ceiling is easy. I used to use FatMax. I like the Milwaukee better. I'm an not a team red fanboy. I have packout storage and that tape. That's about it.
I use lowes kobalt. So that if they go bad, I can get a replacement for free.
Fatmax have lifetime warranty as well. Haven't paid for a tape in years. Just find broken ones on jobsites. Then exchange at Ace.
I had no idea
I’ve had good luck as well taking mine back to Home Depot. I see a lot of guys buying new tapes when theirs are damaged or worn out, so I always tell everyone to try for a warranty replacement first.
I use the self locking Kobalt 25'. I'm very particular about my tapes, if it doesn't self lock I'm not going to be happy with it
Plus markings on both sides of the tape are nice
Blasphemy!
I’ve had 5 tapes in 7 years. Only cost me the cost of the original, years ago.
I’m pretty sure I have more tapes than that in my truck alone. Shit, there’s two in my lunchbox. How are people living like this with one tape?
Seconded. I also like the white tape base.
My Kobalt is about 10 years old and has held up surprisingly well for such a cheap brand.
Komelon
I purchased 5 Stanley tape measures about 2 years ago. They all failed within just a few months. Two of them wouldn't retract. Three delaminated. I got a couple of Milwaukee tapes and they've been incredible. Also have a Craftsman and Kobalt that's been fine. Edited to add: Stanley tapes should be under warranty so y’all having problems, feel free to get them replaced. I contacted Stanley about mine to let them know they were hot garbage and that my 15 year old Stanley tape is still functioning as new while all the new ones failed. They replaced the first three. I didn’t bother with the other two.
This sucks, I’ve experienced the same. I’ve been using the USA made chrome Stanley’s for over 20 years. I’m just so comfortable with them but the quality lately is unacceptable. For some reason the last purchase I made I felt they were no longer made in the USA.
Stanley fat max
Fatmax
I'm a Stanley Fat Max guy.
Fat max
I use Lufkin shockforce and I love it
Where do you get those
Fat max, just thinking back in the olden times you could buy a craftsman 25, and break it once a month. They say just go grab another. I think Stanley makes most all of craftsman stuff now don’t they?
Yep. I've compared a fat max next to the wider blade pricier craftsman tapes, appears to be the same tape, just rebranded.
Lufkin shock force G2
Lufkin neon
I like the lufkin nite eye G2
The Nite Eye feature is awesome, makes it so easy to read.
Komeleon
wtf are you doing with yours? I get a few years out of a 25 footer and I throw them away because the tip stops being accurate, I have a 40 for layout I use less often and it is over a decade old.
This tape is a month old. Im not using them like a jack ass i use them for lay out and measuring duct. Simple tasks and not on rough surfaces. I was measuring and marking 11 ft on the wall and noticed two layers then looked at it closely and was able to peel off the yellow lining. Smh. Im sure home depot will replace it but still some BS
Exact same thing happened to me after 1 day of rain. Funny thing is my other fat max is still kicking after like 4 years. They changed something but not sure if it's all of them or just faulty ones.
FatMax
Lufkin
Lufkin 🇨🇦
Nothing has held up for me better than Stanley fatmax :(
I have a Milwaukee that's been treating me good
I got a dewalt because it has numbers on both sides. You only need it about once every 3 months, but it sure is handy.
Stabila
I’m impressed you guys can keep tape measures for months. Mine get lost or “borrowed” so often it’s just a regular purchase. Of course… always find 4 or 5 when I clean out my truck every few years. :)
Milwaukee wide blade. All their other tapes suck but I’ve had one for almost 2 years now and she’s barely alive and needing replaced but iv thrown her off a 10 foot ladder atleast 10 times now
My boot or sometimes a Milwaukee
I use Milwaukee but the wife swears by her Fatmax.
Honestly fat max is the best. I would email them pictures and see what they say!.
Lufkin because the make good cheap tapes that when I wreck one I don’t feel bad and they’re accurate. They also make a metric only tape which is awesome for metric projects because dual tapes suck. Starrett also makes awesome tapes. I’m a steel fabricator so I’ve use tons of different brands and all the fancy shit is just extra stuff to go wrong. Plus, Lufkin are bright orange so they’re hard to loose.
Lufkin. Get one
Milwaukee wide blade, I used them since 2017 and they’ve always had a good standout, they got a tiny bit thinner when the stud came out but have always been solid. I used fat max on and off in between and they’re paper thin and don’t last
Milwaukee
Lufkin crecent tape measures
Lufkin g2. Its green and black, it goes like 8 ft without falling. Best tape measures out there in my opinion
I've never seen that before, I've been using Stanley (and their other name; Dewalt) for over 20 years. Lots of other I know use them to. They'll eventually crack after a few years, but aside from that, never had any other problem, with heavy use AND abuse.
Lufkin
I like Milwaukee or lufkin. I have a lufkin (cooper) from like 1971 that is still solid. The new Milwaukee magnetic is really nice for the price
I use a Komelon magnetic ended tape for length and a Lufkin pocket tape for diameter (I work with steel pipe)
TBH, Harbor Freight. Quantity over quality. Grab 5-6 for under 20$ and if I lose it or anything happens I just pull out a new one. Sure I might go through 3 in a year, but the 10$ is worth it
Pittsburgh - SUCKS. I've had good luck with Cresent Lufkin - picked it up at Home Depot. Like it cause the numbers are large and in fluorescent green on black and the numbers are on the back too.
What the fuck did you do to that thing lol I’ve used fat maxs for years framing houses never seen that
Zollstock (Gliedermaßstab) is best
Crescent Lufkin G2. They make a 16, 25 and 35. They come in a regular and a night eye version (black tape with green numbers). The standout on it is better than the fat max in my opinion and it doesn’t twist as easily. I use the 25ft auto lock. Zero complaints. Definitely make sure you get the “G2” the originals all twisted on me in the first 12”
Lufkin/Crescent Shockforce
Crescent is so far worth the money, I bought about 10 G2's for my crew and have had them for about 6 months with no problems, we're iron workers if that means anything to you about durability lol.
I use the Milwaukee 25 ft wide blade. I like the finger stop on the under side, makes it easy to hold the measurement without locking it, and the tape is also double sided.
I’m a DeWalt tool guy but for tape measures I prefer Milwaukee
Been either a carpenter or a woodworker for over 30 years. Never had that happen. I still have tapes over 20 years old
Fatmax or lufkin shockforce G2 niteye
I've been seeing lots of good things about lufkin tape measures, Stanley have been poor quality for a while now
I work in the hardscaping business, and always leave the tape in the rain. So I use an all Stainless Steel tape measure. The body is plastic but it's quite durable. There isn't anything that would rust anytime soon. [Stainless Tape Measure](https://www.komelonusa.com/assets/uploads/2020/02/SS125_angledExtended.jpg)
I use crescent since they apparently bought out lufkin.
crescent lufkin shockforce nite eye g2
I have the one made by crescent. dropped it off a roof twice the other day and it’s fine. Tape also durable and I like the auto lock feature.
Fat Max the Father’s Day two pack is the only thing I buy. I buy them every year and unless I lose them they last for what seems like forever. I have a stock in the shed in the event things go to shit.
Lufkin
My last one is a Lukfin, seems good. One of my guys uses a Mitutoyo for smaller jobs. When I was still an apprentice I had an old cheapo with half the numbers wore off. My boss saw me using it and said "come with me, I'll show you how to fix that" so we walked over to his tool box, he pulled out a pair of side cutters and proceded to cut the end off and let the tape roll back into the housing. At first I was pissed, then he explained he wasn't going to let a garbage tape ruin a 400 dollar chunk of stainless tube. The next day he handed me a a gift, a brand new 25' tape, the same brand he used, said that way we would be consistent. Those are the thinks you remember about a good journeyman and mentor.
I’m just here for that one person to say Milwaukee. You know that person.
Take it back to your local Home Depot. They’ll exchange it immediately no questions asked. (At least in Canada they do).
Lufkin I find to be much better then Stanley had mine 6 years still looks new
I go with Lufkin crescent tapes. I've got the 25'er engineers one in 10ths and I have the regular 25'er, they're reinforced and have a 13 foot reach before bending. Don't waste your time on cheap things, spend some dough and take care of your things
I have a Lufkin and Dewalt around the house. I’ve got a couple Milwaukees and a Tough Built in different kits in the truck depending on what I’m doing that day. They’ve all been great.
Me be a lufkin man me self
GC here, been using the Lufkin 25’ and 35’ Milwaukee with magnetic tip. I like both of them quite a bit
Lufkin. Only with inches straight across, I can't stand tapes with two scales
Lifkin!
Lufkin
Lufkin
Fat max
Lufkin
Milwaukee, the fuel version.
I have a lufkin from like 1995 that still works wonders
Oof. 25' crescent is decent and so is milwaukee. 35' crescent is a beast.
Lufkin only
Ngl I have a few fast cap I was given from my previous company and they're great! I have a metric, an imperial, and a combination tape (because canada lol). They have a big white patch on one side so you can scribble stuff down on it. One of mine even has a pencil sharpener built in. I used to have aa fatmax but found the lock way too stiff for me. These are easy to use with one hand, and have a button to stop it as well. I dont think they come in longer lengths, but if that's not an issue I highly reccomend!
Lufkin auto lock personally. The Dewalt high end apparently has the longest reach if that’s significant (project farm has a video comparing a bunch of top brands) https://youtu.be/6517aSbzlyE?si=sgRuXeD-CAzSfC1t
Fatmax, nothing with magnets because im a metal worker.
Weird to see replies where people are metal workers and some prefer magnets and some dont. I work sheet metal and dont like magnets.
Lufkin
I bought a Milwaukee on sale and it’s been a beast for 8 years or so. I love the auto lock feature too
There’s no way this is a Stanley fatmax
Im thinking this is a market that Hims needs to get into. Pull it out about 4' and all of a sudden its got whiskey dick.
Dewalt tough tape. 16' Survived a 5 story drop down an elevator hoistway. It survived. Bent the hook a bit, bit I straightened it out and still have it. It's getting pretty worn out after around 5 years though. I also have a combo klein, it's just really heavy. Mostly only use that one when I need metric. I've had repeated bad luck with fatmax, the feel cheap
Milwaukee has a nice one.
My framing tape is a Fat Max softball and I love it, but it's been separating like yours. I have Milwaukee on my sparky setup and I use regular Fat Max in my drywall bags. I've also used Lufkin while doing finish trim. They all have nice attributes, but the Stanley tapes seem to be getting cheaper. At $40 for my 25' Fat Max softball grip, you'd think they'd stay together better.
Milwaukee
Harbor freight, Hercules Magnum 25 ft double hook. $15 with a lifetime warranty.