![]() Because this spring always wants to get back to its original shape, it provides the retraction force required to bring the tape all the way back into the casing. The reason the tape retracts automatically is due to an integrated spring coil which attaches from the rear of the tape to the center. The end of the coiled tape features a tang that slides forward and back to allow itself to be used as a catch for pull measurements or to press up against materials for a push measurement. Within the housing (typically plastic) lies the coiled tape. ![]() While all of the tapes in our test use the SAE scale, a tape measure can indicate length in inches, centimeters or both. And length markings are imprinted on either the top or both sides. They use metallic tape that doesn’t stretch with repeated use. Unlike most of the tools we review, a tape measure is fairly simple on both the outside and the inside. It’s quick and easy to use, and it eliminates the need to carry around a separate scale. My guess is they figured, “Why not?” In any case, this is the tape to have if you’re matching your plan to the build-out in the field. I suppose if you’re working on a really really big project that might come in handy. #Quickdraw tape measure review full#The reverse side of the Johnson PlanReader tape has 1/8″ = 1′ and 1/4″ = 1′ conversion scales that extend a full 10 feet. A backside rule also means you can reverse hook the tape from below a fastened deck or board, for example, and still read it without having to twist it around and possibly lose your anchor. This tape gives you a unique scale on the opposing, or bottom, side that makes it particularly easy to read vertical measurements without having to turn your head sideways. On top of the physical and mechanical features of a tape, you have to consider if you would benefit from particular markings. Others, like both of the Tajima models, had tangs that tilted ever so slightly upwards-a factor that resulted in their being +1/32″ off when tested with the Lixer Master Tape Calibration Tool. Maybe that’s why that tape’s been around for 50 years. Believe it or not, we found the Stanley PowerLock to be the epitome of how a tang should move-forward and backwards with almost no lateral or vertical movement. Both of those conditions can affect tape accuracy. You don’t want side-to-side movement and absolutely no top-to-bottom tilt. What you want in a tang is a nice forward and back movement to allow for accurate measurements when pushing the tape up against your work material, or when pulling away from it. These are models like the aforementioned Johnson tape but also include the new DeWalt DWHT33372 and the Stanley Bostitch 33-000 whose tang, were it any larger, would…well it can’t really get any larger. Still other features include extra wide tangs, which grab onto material from the sides as well as the bottom or even the top. Some people love it, while others prefer the quick-pull, finger-stop method that we’ve all used for years. Pushing the button then allows the tape to retract. Some tapes, like Johnson’s Auto-Lock series, lock the tape automatically for you once it’s pulled out. And while having a 10+ foot standout is neat, it may not be necessary to carry around the thicker tape that’s required to pull that off.Īside from size, you can also give preference to particular mechanical features. If you’re constantly making measurements under 16 feet, for example, there’s no need to carry around a 30′ tape that’s twice as big and weighs twice as much as a 16′ model. In terms of the basic dimensions, you want to make sure you don’t oversize your tape. After all, they vary in size and length, but they also come with lots of different feature sets. When looking at conventional tape measures, it’s hard to get a true apples-to-apples comparison. Call it what you will, this was going to be fun! Tape Measures-The Long and Short of It Once 12 of them finally showed up, I knew I had the makings of a good tape measure review…or tape measure shootout…or tape measure face-off. So I ordered some tapes-a whole lot of them, actually-and from more than a few manufacturers. There’s so many to choose from these days. Doing a tape measure comparison review just made sense. And honestly, you’ve got to have some respect for a tool that dates back to around the late 1860’s. I think it’s the construction industry equivalent of sizing each other up. We still hold “stand out contests” every time one of my friends gets a new tape. Tapes hold a certain fascination, even if they are rather utilitarian. After all, this is probably the first tool I ever used…I was three, but that still counts. And I can’t think of anything more basic than a tape measure. From time to time it’s just good to get back to the basics. ![]()
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