Swivel Belt Clip for Measurements
An easier way to remove and secure a tape measure.
When working in the shop or on small jobs, I usually don’t wear my tool belt. I just clip my tape measure to my belt instead. But sometimes it can be difficult to find the edge of my belt or pants, or the tape doesn’t clip all the way and falls off. To solve this problem, I bought a swivel belt clip like the kind used with cell phones. I took the clip (held on by one screw) off my tape and replaced it with the round tab that comes with the swivel belt clip as shown in the drawing. Then I attached the swivel belt clip, and now it’s much easier to remove and secure my tape measure to my side. These belt clips can be found on Amazon for about $10.
— Tim Roach, Virginia Beach, Va.
Edited and illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #266
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View Comments
I don't understand how this solves your problem. Either way, you still have to find the edge of your belt or pants.
Indeed. Only the magnetic clips avoid the problem of constantly fumbling for an edge to clip onto.
AOK, The clip that comes with most tapes has a small space to slip on to your belt or pants pocket. Also, some of them tear up my belt/pocket.
The advantage of the phone style clip is that you can open it much wider than the narrow gap that comes with the tape, which makes it easier to hit your target without looking.
I don't think there is any magnet on the phone clip. It screws on.
You'll find, in the shop, steel rules are much more accurate, and take the place of your tape measure for most tasks. Then you don't have to carry around, and/or use some bulky piece of hardware that isn't going to be on point every time, any way. If you're worried about having to look for the steel rule every time you need it...buy several, in different lengths, if so desired, and spread them around the Shop.