The Odd Tape Measures

[Oka]

Over the years, I have bought hundreds of Tape Measures , (you know you really never own them, they are just rentals). They disappear or get damaged, stolen, kited or lost.

Anyway, I have kept a couple for near 45 years and still have them. But, there are two I find most amusing.

The first is my stainless tape with a pock holed case. Just randomly cool, they still sell it so this is still available.

The second is the US Tape that is a long sorta rectangle. Fun to use but definitely odd.

The last one is my Klein, nothing really different but I like the layout of the tape when breaking down stock. It is easy to use and easy to read.

I have in the shop probably 20+ tape measures ......... but I'm not OCD .....

Anyway thought ya'll might like to see these. What do you have that warrants the name "odd" ?

 

[Bill Clemmons]

The question is, if you put them all side-by-side do they measure exactly the same? At 1" they're all pretty much equal, maybe a microscopic difference. By the time you get out to 24" or 50" you start to see a noticeable difference. For that reason I got in the habit of sticking with one brand in the shop. I keep two of the Stanley 12' tapes in the shop and do all my measuring with them when working on a project. Don't know if they are 100% accurate, but at least they are consistent.

 

[Oka]

But these all measure within 1/128" at 24", I know I checked. That is really plenty accurate for woodworking but that is not the subject of this post.

The posting is looking at some of the odd tape measures made.

 

[prototype3a]

I was recently on the hunt for a Stanley Fatmax inch/metric. For whatever reason they don't appear to be sold in the US but a few people ( I think ) buy them in Canada and resell them for considerable markup.

 

[Dreuxgrad]

Put my Fatmax in the designated spot on my tool belt and then proceeded to "disrobed " to be able to use it, (get it out ). Kinda miss my Stanley 12' with the Formica on the side for measurements. I, like Bill, had two Stanleys.

 

[Phil S]

This one makes me smile -- what were they thinking
And from Starrett, the folks known for attention to details
A metric only tape measure, but look at their add for insIde measure

 

[mkepke]

I once bought a new level from the Johnson tool company. It came with a free tape measure.

Here it is. Go ahead - say it out loud.



-Mark

 

[Berta]

I have a small thin one that I can carry in my purse, because you never know when you’re going to need one.