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digital-tape-measure-menards-function We will always strive for objectivity and transparency in our reviews. Abrasion results from abrasive particles falling through a guide tube and impinging the test specimen, until the substrate becomes visible. Join our newsletter and get the latest tool reviews every week! Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review - Tool and Product Review - Video Channel,cunction we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. I could spend dollars on a fat max but I can buy 2 or 3 komelons for the same price. Mail will not be published digital tape measure menards function. I underestimated the size of the track clip of the.

When you use a tool daily, hourly, or more, you become attached to it. One of the most critical tools required by all construction trades is the tape measure. So, who makes the best tape measure? Pro-grade tape measures must retain their accuracy while enduring the regular abuses, such as drops or bumps, that occur on job sites. W e evaluated 8 different tape measures from 7 different manufacturers, five of which had magnetic tips. While there are certainly many other tape measures to choose from, we chose to look at the more popular, pro-grade tape models.

We also chose to look at foot length models, as they are the most popular length tape measures sold on the market. We put each tape measure through the following tests:.

When repeated, full-speed rewinding of the tape measure causes damage to the inner workings, the end hook, and the blade markings. However, during our testing we did just that! We tested recoil from feet and feet to establish a benchmark speed. We then used our benchmark speed to test the tape after abrasion, debris and drop testing. For this test, we measured and marked the distance on our clean shop floor.

We pulled all the tapes out to this distance and recorded the recoil five times to determine their baseline average recoil speed. The Milwaukee tape [below left] bent on the 4th recoil test, one Lufkin tape [below right] broke off on the 3rd recoil test. Several others had their hook movement stretched. We used several of the same brands during our headhead testing. By using several samples of the tapes, we were able to complete and continue testing if a particular tape failed a certain test.

According to our data, Lufkin had the fastest recoil speed, at 1. Klien was second at 1. Tape measure readability is important; over time, tape markings wear off and make the tape difficult or impossible to read. Furthermore, wear down of the tape coating is the 1 failure of tape measures. The Falling Sand Abrasion Tester measures the resistance to abrasion of paint, lacquers, and other organic coatings. Abrasion results from abrasive particles falling through a guide tube and impinging the test specimen, until the substrate becomes visible.

The abrasion jig we used was more aggressive. Adhesive grit sandpaper was applied to the convex point and wax was applied to the concave side. The tape measures were placed in the jig, which had a very small gap for it to fit. We placed a 25 lb. Tape marking wear was then noted and photographed. The Stanley PowerLock had the least amount of visible wear to its tape.

Lufkin came in second place, Dewalt third, and Komelon came in fourth. As a result, many tapes wear quicker in these areas. Milwaukee, however, uses a Nylon extrusion process. This process melts down nylon pellets through proprietary machine, which coats the entire blade. This coating is then baked in a furnace.

Many contractors use magnetic tapes— from metal stud, to HVAC, and plumbing. Thus, we wanted to glean some insight on who sported the strongest magnet. On this test, we wanted to eliminate the risk of user twist or torque. We attached the tape measures that had magnets to bottom of ceiling non-galvanized joist hanger, extended the tape, applied the tape measure lock, and then applied blue tape to the tape and body to reinforce the lock. We used the blue tape because we found that many of the tape measure locks failed, before the magnet did.

For this test we placed pre-measured weights on top of the tap measure until the magnet failed. This test gave us an indication of how strong the magnet was. Second place was Milwaukee at 2. Followed by Klein, Komelon and Lufkin at 1. Water or dirt that gets on the blade of a tape measure can work its way into the mechanism and cause slug, rust or jamb up the winding.

For this test we designed a torturous debris chamber recoil test. We repeated this sequence 4 times. This test proved too much for most of the tapes. Many of them would not retract and close less than 6-inches.

We had to pull the tapes in and out to get them to close completely. Once closed, we tested their recoil twice, from feet while measuring for time. Stand out is big to some guys, because a long reaching tape is useful when measuring alone. Stand out basically refers to how straight you can extend your tape without it bending or losing is rigidity.

We made a jig with a degree angle and tested each tape three times for an average stand out measurement. All of our pro followers already know why the hook at the end of a tape measure is loose. But for any novices, the looseness is very intentional and plays a key role in using the tape for both inside and outside measurements.

When you butt the end of the tape against a surface for an inside measurement, the tip is compressed against the end of the tape by the width of that hook. Spoiler alert — the first inch of the tape is short by the thickness of a hook.

When you go to take the outside measurement and hook it over the edge of whatever you are measuring, the hook moves away from the tape by the width of the hook. And we wanted to see how the hooks on the tapes stood up to after our retraction test. The results varied. Out of the box, the Lufkin was most accurate with the hook thickness of. The Milwaukee tape had the greatest difference at.

After the retraction tests, we measured which tapes held their tolerances and which showed a marked difference after that test. Our theory was that the rapid foot retractions would eventually loosen the tape hook, distorting its tolerance.

We were right. In this comparison, both Stanley tapes performed well. Milwaukee also matched the FatMax performance of. The Lufkin tape showed the largest difference, increasing by. Ergonomics is about designing for the end user. For ergonomics we look at:. The best tape measure in the ergonomic category was the Milwaukee. The crew liked the d etent on the back of the body, and finger brake on the bottom.

The Milwaukee body has plenty of rubber over-mold on top and base. The extremely durable hook has solid rivets, a super strong magnet, a screw- nail slot with Digital Tape Measure Menards 60 2 upper tabs. The Milwaukee tape measure features a unique belt clip constructed out of wire bale instead of a flat piece of metal.

The clip is specifically designed to reduce wear and tear to pants and tool bags. The crew noted that this belt clip was difficult to apply to a pant pocket one-handed, but once applied it does a phenomenal job holding the tape in place. It has a rubber over-mold on top back and bottom, a strong, secure, positive clicking tape-lock that can resist 4 lbs. The crew liked the belt hook, and low profile magnetic hook with its screw — nail slot on lower tab and two upper tabs extensions.

Third place went to Komelon which is a very comfortable tape to use, smooth recoil, and one of my favorites. Readability and durability are two words that stick when I think of tape measures. Three tapes tied for best tape measure readability.

On the back end of the tape the numbers allow you to read upside-down. This scale starts on the back of the tape at 10 inches and runs to 22 inches. One thing the crew noted was that after the inch markings, the tape markings get a bit busy to read. The markings are longer on this tape, and are labeled similar to the Komelon after inches. We dropped the tapes onto pavement, once at feet, and a second time at feet. We set up a personnel lift to do our drop testing.

Almost all of the tapes survived our foot drop test. The Klein tape measure sustained the most damage. The Tajima and Lufkin came in first place on the foot drop test.

Both tapes worked perfectly and had zero visible damage. On the foot drop test the two most durable tape measures after drop testing were the Dewalt and the Stanley FATMAX, both sustained the least damage and were still usable after the test. Lufkin and Tajima came in tied for second place with slightly more damage but less than the rest of the pack.

The Klein came in last, due to its case braking open on impact. It placed second in four other categories, securing the 1 slot in our testing. This dark horse sneaked by the competition and took the 1 slot three times in several testing categories, and scored 2 three times and 3 six times. After the testing it was apparent to me that these devices need proper care in order to provide you with accurate, reliable measurements. Caring for your tape measure is easy, here are a few steps for properly maintaining your tape measure.

Robert Robillard is a remodeler, general contractor, and principal of a carpentry and renovation business located in Concord, Massachusetts, and serves as the Editor of Tool Box Buzz and founding editor of A Concord Carpenter.

Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review - Tool and Product Review - Video Channel, , where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the remodeling industry. The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said! All posts by Robert ».

Next time, please test lockout, some trades use tape measure as an adjustable stand, for example when soldering verticle piping, or trying to hold light objects up at perfect height. We did — zero issues. In hindsight we should have discussed that. Thanks for the comment! Is a higher score better or worse? Hi Jeff- the lower graphs did better. Ill do the graphs differently next time — good feedback.

Fatmax extends well and that is all. Thank you for this article. As a tradesmen of more than 30 years I have been through my share of tapes measures.

I have always liked Stanley tape measures but recently purchased a Milwaukee with the magnetic hook. The majority of my work has been finish carpentry and I liked everything about the Milwaukee except the magnetic hook. It made it impossible to read the first inch of the tape.

I replaced that Milwaukee tape with there non magnetic hook and the first inch is good to read. I find it surprising how vast a difference there is in the pricing of the tapes. I guesss it proves the saying if you want something that works and is going to last you are going to pay more for it. One last thought, I find myself checking where the product was made before I purchase it.

Almost anything with a built or made in the USA is good with me. Thanks again for suck a detailed article. As a Woodsmith I have found that the Craftsman sidewinder tape measure is a godsend to use.

Before I would try to make a mark on a board and then the tape measure would fall over, but not with this one. How about accuracy? Recently, we laid a few different tapes, side by side and noticed a difference. There are a few Accuracy Class I tapes out there…. Thanks for your comment.

I had not come across the distinction before. EU guidelines state a class I tape up to 2m in length must be accurate to within a margin of 0. Under the same guidelines a class II tape of the same length should be accurate to within 0. Accuracy was great out of box, no story there — but in retrospect we should have reported it. Great feedback thanks. It was interesting until I got near the end and saw the prices. I have a tape in all the work stations in my shop where I might need one.

These are the Harbor Freight tapes that are often free when You are purchasing something else. I lose them before they ever wear out and since I have seven tapes in my shop one at the rip saw one at the table saw one at the radial saw one at the chop saw one on my bench and one at the drill press.

I can replace them for next to nothing and I will. Had to replace a tape a couple of months ago and bought a stanley powerlock. Whatever stanley did with their most recent manufacturing process, it sucked. Threw it in the garbage and bought a milwaukee. Stand out on mine is at least 9 foot plus and the blade is significantly thicker. Stanley tools seem to have declined significantly in quality. Finally, the hooks are to short and will not catch on a board by just using one hand and pulling the tape measure.

Stanley quality is, IMHO, non existant. A cheap Menards brand, Performax, is better quality; not the best quality but better than Stanley. Nice test! So when I measure with the tape in my left and pen in my right hand, I will not have to read the numbers upside down.

I would be ready to pay a little extra for that feature! You know its funny that all the tapes you checked out are all read upside down numbers. These taps are make to hold in the left hand and hook on the right hand side which the numbers will be up side down and hard to mark. Why are not the tapes made to have the numbers right side up?

In the meantime, I did some research. Louis: I have 2 theories why this is the way it is: 1 In math, 0 is always on the left side, so tapes comply. In that case, fair enough! Somewhere out there is a post from a pro. When measuring, holding the tap in the left hand and hooking the end at the right end of the tape, why are the numbers upside down.

As fare as I can see, all the manufactures make their taps the same way. When marking a measurement with the number up side down it is not hard to make an error in marking. Can someone explain why.

Thanks: Lou:. The auto lock feature that you can turn on or off is an excellent option if you are working on your own, along with the 3. Also the magnet is detachable, another plus, along with the spare attachable wide blade for hooking underneath objects.

Ever since the Fat Max came out 18 or so years ago I have enjoyed the wider blades resistance to turning over in windy conditions. However, it seems as tho the same Fat Max as manufactured today doesnt have that same quality as those originals.

And for the last years, every Fat Max I have purchased has trouble winding back in from about 4 feet and less… what used to be a one handed op when marking multiple boards to cut now requires both hands to bring the blade back in. Very frusteating. I would hazard a guess that not too many products mass produced today have the same quality from 20 years ago. They engineer it that way. This makes it tough to grab onto the hook. They made one body for both the magnet and non-magnet options.

The brand I use and love is the komelon. For the price I paid for mine I could spend dollars on a fat max but I can buy 2 or 3 komelons for the same price. Who cares about abrasion or debris tests.

Some of these tests are useless to the every day use of tapes. Matt, the abrading of the markings is the 1 reason for failure of tape measures. Maybe not in your area of carpentry but in the industry as a whole. We also did a stand out test, indoors with no wind, which is what you would encounter measuring crown. For your scenario a laser distance measure would work quite well. Connected Laser Measure with Camera Viewfinder. Select to compare.

Laser Measure. Laser Measure with Color Display. GLM 50 C Ft. Open contact form. Ask your question! Click to Text. Join our mailing list. Send us an SMS. Enter your phone number. Send successfully Your message has been sent successfully.

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