Tape measures - recommend me one

[Will C]

For years I had a simple cheap 10m tape measure from Lidl or somewhere it was regularly abused and just did it’s job, it finally gave up a coupe of months ago. Since then I brought a cheap one from screwfix, it snapped in 10 days so I went back and spent another tenner on top and came away with a Stanley one at about £20 that has lasted a month and won’t pull out or go back in. It hasn’t been wet or slung down in mud so I’m a bit peeved by it.

 

What tapes everybody using that last long enough to measure with? Not after the very best but don’t mind spending more if it means it will last a decent length of time.

Edited November 19, 2023 by Will C

[trigger_andy]

I treat Tape Measures as disposable items. If they last me a few months Im happy. I like to have a few laying around, workshop, house, car and in my milling kit.

 

I really like the Ox Pro  25 foot Tape. A little pricey but it really lasts. 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/OX-TOOLS-Blade-25-Foot-Measure/dp/B09RQ78VZ6/ref=sr_1_11?c=ts&keywords=Tape+Measures&qid=1700432487&refinements=p_89%3AOX+Tools&s=diy&sr=1-11&ts_id=1939126031

 

Ive a DeWalt 5m I got with a Lazer level for free. So far its held up well. 

 

I'll buy the twin 8m Stanley Tapes about once every three months though. 

[Will C]

I don’t expect them to last forever but 10 days for a cheap one and just under a month for a mid range one is taking the piss in my mind!

[Mark Bolam]

I have a 12 inch penis.

But I don’t use it as a rule.

[Sviatoslav Tulin]

Just now, Mark Bolam said:

I have a 12 inch penis.

But I don’t use it as a rule.

Ya that’s interesting……with that size you are in wrong industry!

[gdh]

I like my Milwaukee one, it's well made, but I usually just buy cheap ones because they usually end up getting broken before they wear out anyway.

 

Ironically I have a £2.99 one in my coat pocket that's lasted 3 years so I think it's just luck when you work around wood and sawdust.

[trigger_andy]

28 minutes ago, Will C said:

I don’t expect them to last forever but 10 days for a cheap one and just under a month for a mid range one is taking the piss in my mind!

I think you just got unlucky. I abuse mine and I’ve yet to have a Stanley fail that quickly. Normally they go through my own fault. 

[Mark Bolam]

I’ve given up on them all now Will.

It’s quicker for me just to accept the fact that I’ll f-up the measurements anyway and just go and buy more materials.

[daveatdave]

bit of Billy band with a knot in it is cheep. 

[scbk]

For outside work in the pissing rain, around stone, soil, etc just get cheap ones, they won't last long anyway.

 

Buy a nice one to keep dry inside the shed for sunday best