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Last year Stanley Tool Works discontinued production of our favorite tape measure. It was a sad day indeed. My finish carpentry crew and I had been using their #33-446 “contractor grade” 16’x1″ tape measure for years. It was light, compact and easily fit the small hands of the women on our crew. The longest millwork we deal with is sixteen feet and the one inch width is necessary for our work so it was an ideal size for us. Ten months ago I got in touch with Stanley. They found some old stock and very kindly made arrangements to send us eight tape measures.
Well, I’m down to my last three and cannot find anyone who makes that particular size. There are lots of sixteen foot tapes out there but they are all 3/4″ wide, which is not wide enough to be workable. I guess we will just have to go out of business when our last 16’x1″ tape breaks… unless someone out there can help us.
If anyone knows of a source for these tapes or a similar make or model please let us know. I just can’t bear to lift another 25′ tape.
Thank you,
Ross Welsh
Replies
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Check at the electrical supply- Klein Tools #922-16. They've always looked a lot like Stanley might make them, though.
*I checked the Lufkin site (always been partial to Lufkin)...they have a 1" by 20', but don't seem to have a 1 x 16'.http://www.coopertools.com/brands/lufkin/pdffiles/lineart/HV420.pdf
*Ross, I feel for you and your crew. I have several of these, and they have always been my favorite. I looked in mc master-carr and they still have them listed in their catalog online, so they may still have some in stock. Have you tried out the 16' FatMax tape? I have a 25' version and like it, though it is a little more bulky than the 1" rule (it is 1-1/4" wide). The long stand out is great, though.Here is the link to mcmaster carr page; click on tapes/rules item in the measuring section; the second page will be the one with the tape still listed; the next page has some others:http://www.mcmaster.com/Hope this helps. Rich.
*What'd ya do to 5 tapes in only 10 months? Take care of the next three! Jeff
*Thanks for all the responses! It looks like were on to something here. If I can get a similar tape they will be stocking stuffers for all the good little boys and girls.By the way Jeff, the five tapes in 10 months is spread over six carpenters.Thanks again for all the help!Ross
*Good! I thought the early morning nips were making ya a bit too forgetful! Be sure to let them know the latest tapes may be the last! Jeff
*Ross,Yesterday I went over to McMaster Carr site, and ordered some of the tapes exactly what you were looking for (you got me paranoid, now) They arrived today, so I know they are in-stock items. Stock up now for the holidays!!!McMaster's part number is 6802A91. They can be reached by phone at (732)329-3200.Hope this helps. Rich.
*Rich:I talked to Stanley the other day and they sent me their "last two" from their "company store". I saw the McMaster listing and yes, they are exactly what we have been using. Maybe they are back in production.I found similar tapes via Amazon.com so I will let everyone know what they are like and what seems to be the best quality and value.Thanks again for the help. This has been kind of an interesting search......to be continued.
*Glad to help. Maybe McMaster has them in a warehouse somewhere and it's time for a "clean 'em out" purchase - I typed in 20 on their web site, and said still in stock, su they must have quite a few left. I got my order for 2 overnight.rich.
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Last year Stanley Tool Works discontinued production of our favorite tape measure. It was a sad day indeed. My finish carpentry crew and I had been using their #33-446 "contractor grade" 16'x1" tape measure for years. It was light, compact and easily fit the small hands of the women on our crew. The longest millwork we deal with is sixteen feet and the one inch width is necessary for our work so it was an ideal size for us. Ten months ago I got in touch with Stanley. They found some old stock and very kindly made arrangements to send us eight tape measures.
Well, I'm down to my last three and cannot find anyone who makes that particular size. There are lots of sixteen foot tapes out there but they are all 3/4" wide, which is not wide enough to be workable. I guess we will just have to go out of business when our last 16'x1" tape breaks... unless someone out there can help us.
If anyone knows of a source for these tapes or a similar make or model please let us know. I just can't bear to lift another 25' tape.
Thank you,
Ross Welsh