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Thread: Best 15-16ft tape measure?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Northern California
    Posts
    449

    Best 15-16ft tape measure?

    I know it sounds silly, but I have tried most of them and can't find one I really like. I do all of my work in a shop, measuring cabinets and shelving.

    Just curious if anyone has a strong recommendation.

    Thanks,

    Roger

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Bloomington, IL
    Posts
    6,009
    Try the Fat Max?
    Glad its my shop I am responsible for - I only have to make me happy.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Rio Rancho, NM
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    105
    I like the FastCap, either Pro Carpenter, or the Lefty-Righty. I use the Lefty-Righty mostly in the shop. Check Rockler, maybe even Woodcrafters.
    Measure twice - cut twice - Still TOO short!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Northern California
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    449
    I have the Lefty-Righty (it is actually the one I like the best so far), but it doesn't extend quite as far as I like and it gets bent if you retract the blade quickly, i.e. it comes back so fast it whips around and gets bent.

    I also like the pencil sharpener in it.

    Roger

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Mission, Texas
    Posts
    976
    You guys may get a kick out of this, but I've been using an old (15y. o.) Lufkin 16 footer daily for 15 years. I replaced the blade a few years ago, but only because I couldn't read it. Never had a bit of trouble, not even with the belt clip.
    Your mileage may vary.
    Mickey

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Mid Michigan
    Posts
    3,559
    There may be better tape measures out there but I am still happy with my 30 year old Craftsman. The Fat Max is fine as well. Haven't been introduced to the Lefty-Righty yet, will have to check it out on the Net.
    David B

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Sterling, Virginia
    Posts
    644
    I use and prefer Stanley Power lock tapes. Just got a flyer from McFeelys. They have all of the Fastcap tapes for sale.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Between No Where & No Place ,WA
    Posts
    1,339
    I have a 16 foot Starrett. Of all the tapes that I bought over the years, it is still easiest for me to read.

  9. #9
    I usually grab for my FastCap lefty/righty first and I also have a Luftkin that I like that I've had forever.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Washington State
    Posts
    404
    FatMax, FATMAX, FATMAX!

    Seriously though, once you use them, you get addicted to the standout ability of the wider/tougher tapes. And the fatmax and fatmax extreme are the class leaders as far as I am concerned.

    Now, a 9 or 11 foot standout isn't as important when making stuff in the woodshop as it is when framing or doing other construction. But still, I got addicted to them long ago and I can't really stand to use other tapes.

  11. #11
    My favorite tape is the old style Stanley LeverLock: 3/4"x16' for me. For in-the-shop use, a 1" or wider tape is too heavy/clumsy for me, but a 1/2" tape is not stiff enough. I've got a 30' of the same design for projects around the house. I find the LeverLock design (squeeze to extend, release to lock) more intuitive and efficient than a tape that needs to be locked in it's extended position. It looks like Stanley redesigned the LeverLock to a more ergonomic form, I haven't used on it that flavor so I can't comment to it's efficacy.

    Whatever tape you end up with, try to use the same one from the start-to-end of individual projects, you'd be surprised how different one tape is from another (even the same make and model).


  12. #12
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Hillsboro, OR
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    1,415
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    For cabs and shelves I prefer a story stick vs using a tape measure (greater accuracy & repeatability).

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Toronto Ontario
    Posts
    11,248
    The only comment I have on tape measures is........

    Make sure you get one with some sort of intelligent case dimension. That way when you're using it for inside measure you won't have to add 3 11/32" to the tape indication.

    Come on designers, how difficult can it be to have a 3" or 4" case on a tape?

    regards, Rod.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Northern California
    Posts
    449
    Amen. The old ones had nice one-inch increments. Talk about making things needlessly confusing.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Marquette MI
    Posts
    524
    +1 for the Lefty/Righty

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