Which Tape Measure

RDB85 · Dec 9, 2020

Can anyone recommend a decent tape measure?

ruston · Dec 9, 2020

Since the demise of Rabone Chesterman , I suppose Stanley that acquired them would be a safe bet.

Mike Johnson · Dec 9, 2020

I wonder if the Digital tape measures are any good: Digital Tape Measure | Next Day Delivery - https://www.rutlands.com/sp+measuring-digital-tools-digital-tape-measures-digital-tape-measure-rutlands+r9113

I like my Frestool tape measure with its top window and radius marking gauge, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Festool-495415-Tape-Measure/dp/B002UKRNG2#descriptionAndDetails

telectrix · Dec 9, 2020

screwfix doing a 5m and a 8m milwaulkee for £9.99 the 2. nice tapes.

Milwaukee 5 & 8m Tape Measure Set 2 Pieces

Order online at Screwfix.com. Compact and ergonomic slimline tape measures. Incorporates a 4-point reinforced frame for maximum jobsite durability. Nylon-coated blade protected against debris, dirt and water. Soft-grip rubber for extra comfort. Flat base for horizontal stability and back rest...

www.screwfix.com

Mike Johnson · Dec 9, 2020

For those that have never seen the Festool tape, you read the measurement from the top window so the overall length of the tape and housing is used, good for inside measurements, the radius marking is between the fold out point and a pencil hole in the tape about 25mm in, the dimension/radius is also read through the top window on a different scale, these markings are on the underside of the tape when pulled out so the tape can be used conventionally with the tape extended and read as normal.

pirate · Dec 9, 2020

My local screwfix has a twin pack of Stanley 8m tylon ones for £9.99. i treat them as expendable, and that's a cheap price. If you break one, a wetpants "borrows" one, or you simply lose one, they're cheap enough. I have about 10, 1 in each bag and elsewhere in house and car.
I also use a Leica Disto2 laser measure for some jobs, and it is excellent...but quite expensive.

ruston · Dec 9, 2020

pirate said:
My local screwfix has a twin pack of Stanley 8m tylon ones for £9.99. i treat them as expendable, and that's a cheap price. If you break one, a wetpants "borrows" one, or you simply lose one, they're cheap enough. I have about 10, 1 in each bag and elsewhere in house and car.
I also use a Leica Disto2 laser measure for some jobs, and it is excellent...but quite expensive.

I have loads lying about in various tool boxes too, along with small spirit levels that I can never find on the spot.

Mike Johnson · Dec 9, 2020

They all fall through the rip in the space time continuum that devours my pencils. ?

No matter all the fancy tapes I have to one I use the most is the 2m FatMax Stanley, fits in the pocket without pulling my trousers down. ?‍

nicebutdim · Dec 9, 2020

Mike Johnson said:
I wonder if the Digital tape measures are any good: Digital Tape Measure | Next Day Delivery - https://www.rutlands.com/sp+measuring-digital-tools-digital-tape-measures-digital-tape-measure-rutlands+r9113

I like my Frestool tape measure with its top window and radius marking gauge, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Festool-495415-Tape-Measure/dp/B002UKRNG2#descriptionAndDetails

I often use a digital measure, but never trust them for accuracy. Hard to beat reading a tape.

In defence of digital measures, I like that they make calculations for height etc.

Mike Johnson · Dec 9, 2020

I used to have an Engineers tape that came with a spring balance to load it to the most accurate length just above the ground, this was before obtaining the Wilt T2A theodolite with distomat accessory, that was accurate to .005mm as long as the wind was not blowing the target around. ?‍

telectrix · Dec 9, 2020

year or so ago i bought a 8m tape with a 30m laser range measure. never use it as a tape. it's calibrated in metric only. use the laser then have to transfer the reading for translation into english.

GBDamo · Dec 9, 2020

The lad got a Kline bundle from CEF as a started tool kit and in it came their tape measure and it is very good.

So, kline I guess. ?

buzzlightyear · Dec 9, 2020

i have been looking for a tape with fractions on, I hate mm . i wear glasses now so bigger marking will help ,and yes have been to specsavers .

telectrix · Dec 9, 2020

buzzlightyear said:
i have been looking for a tape with fractions on, I hate mm . i wear glasses now so bigger marking will help ,and yes have been to specsavers .

here be wot yous needs.