What's Your Favorite Tape Measure Brand?

[Andrew Pitonyak]

I am with Rich Riddle on this one... Fast Cap tape measures. I usually use the Lefty/Righty

http://www.amazon.com/FastCap-PSSR16.../dp/B0001GUE3G

I also have a flatback version, which is sometimes useful

http://www.amazon.com/FastCap-Standb.../dp/B005CR7DL0

I also have at least one model that can be used as a story stick but I don't remember (off hand) which model I use for that.

I probably own four different varieties of the Fastcap tape measures.

[John Gregory]

I like the Stanley Lever lock too. Just seems easier for me. I like 12-16 feet for woodworking. The important thing is to use the same tape through out the project.

I prefer the Stanley Lever Lock tapes over the power lock, much simpler to use, crisp tape, excellent markings, and quite accurate tapes.

I've thrown away other branded tapes because some are not accurate. Had received a free tape from Mirka years ago, built many things with it and started to notice an issue when using other measuring tools. Damn Mirka tape was 1/32 to 1/16 off from anything else I had.

I compare tapes to a Woodpecker ruler and only use the ones which all match. Alleviates a lot of problems.

[Mark W Pugh]

For layout and marking I like the Fastcap Flatback PS-FLAT-16. The blade is limp and has no curve so it lays flat on the work piece making it easy to mark accurately. They make a couple of different versions, including one that you can write on to use as a story stick, but I prefer the one with markings that go to both edges. It does take some getting used to, and it is pretty useless for typical measuring tasks where you need the rule to standout. For that I like the FatMax line. I keep the Flatback on my workbench and a FatMax in my apron and toolbelt.

Also not too crazy about the spring clip on the Flatback. It works fine, but because it works differently than the typical clip it's not second nature to use. But since I just mostly leave it on the bench, it doesn't matter much.

+1 on everything Paul said. I have compared the accuracy of couple of my Fastcap tapes. They seem to give me the same measurements. The Flatback is outstanding because you can mark a measurement, accurately, without having to roll the tape.

[paul cottingham]

I use the Lee valley center finding tapes. Mostly just for stock breakdown as I don't really measure for length as much as proportion. So I tend to use dividers or story poles for crucial measurements (proportions.)

I like the LV tape cause it's small, and has a handy way to make quick half measurements. I'm as math crippled as an early Pentium chip.

[Malcolm Schweizer]

+1 on everything Paul said. I have compared the accuracy of couple of my Fastcap tapes. They seem to give me the same measurements. The Flatback is outstanding because you can mark a measurement, accurately, without having to roll the tape.

Thanks to both of you, I just spent another $10. A flat tape comes in very handy.

[Ben Rivel]

Yep, I just ordered a FastCap Lefty/Righty. Already have the Flat Back and love it, figured for the cheap price might as well add one of the Lefty/Rightys to the collection and give it a try.

[Gene Takae]

I'm terrible when it comes to finding a handy tape measure, pencil, or pair of scissors so my favorite is the one that I can find.

[Mike Heidrick]

16' Fatmax

[Jim Dwight]

I also use free ones from Harbor Freight. I have at least half a dozen so I can put them around the house and not have to go searching.

I do not think any tape measure is terribly accurate. I don't like to use them for fine woodworking. I use a steel ruler whenever possible and set stops rather than cutting to marks when I can too. I have a 4 foot aluminum ruler (Starrett) and steel ones in 1, 2, and 3 feet lengths. So for a lot of things, I have a ruler that will work. But for crude things, like the fence gate I made yesterday, a HF tape measure works fine. But even on that simple project I used a steel ruler when setting the rip fence on my table saw.

[Curt Harms]

I have a Stanley 12' and Kameleon inch/metric. Metric is handy when dividing spaces among other tasks. The bigger/wider tapes are better for construction but I find them awkward for cabinetry and furniture type tasks. I also picked up a couple Stanley 6' tapes that sell for a couple bucks at the borgs. I find those pretty handy because they fit nicely in a pants pocket - no need for a clip that wears pockets - and I find them long enough for many around-the-house tasks.

[Al Launier]

I'll throwm recommendation in - Lufkin: http://www.amazon.com/Lufkin-PHV1425...r+tape+measure

[jack duren]

I'll only buy a tape with reinforcement. I bought Service Star in the 80's. Craftsman in the 90's. Since then I've gone from IRWIN and now moved on to the Milwaukee brand. Variety is limited. The longer I'm in this trade the more "good" tools have become vintage.

I honestly hate Milwaukee, but until something impresses me I'll use them.

"I do not think any tape measure is terribly accurate. I don't like to use them for fine woodworking."Jim Dwight

Tapes not accurate? Learn how to set them so they are...

[Mac McQuinn]

For this type of work, I have (2) small, older Lufkin tape measures I use. Feel good in the hand, easy to read and have some sort of rewind mechanism which doesn't snap back, just slides back easily with minimal resistance. I can usually pick them up for $3-6 at garage sales, antique shops, etc.
Mac

[Chris Parks]

I'll only buy a tape with reinforcement. I bought Service Star in the 80's. Craftsman in the 90's. Since then I've gone from IRWIN and now moved on to the Milwaukee brand. Variety is limited. The longer I'm in this trade the more "good" tools have become vintage.

I honestly hate Milwaukee, but until something impresses me I'll use them.

"I do not think any tape measure is terribly accurate. I don't like to use them for fine woodworking."Jim Dwight

Tapes not accurate? Learn how to set them so they are...

Accuracy meaning over the length of the tape not just the tip setting.

[jack duren]

That's a whole can of worms you don't want to get into. Every tape varies if you have enough around,except mine...