Replies

1. 
   Shoeman | Apr 11, 2006 02:31am | #1

   These are my favorite for the last few years.

   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009FAV8M/qid=1144711739/sr=8-9/ref=sr_1_9/103-4763788-0048669?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=228013

   View Image

    

   No extra markings like you want.

   Easy to read, good stand out, not huge like the fat max, available all over here in the midwest.

    

    

    

   
   

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   Edited 4/10/2006 7:33 pm by Shoeman
1. 
   rasconc | Apr 11, 2006 03:10am | #5

   Mine too!  Especially when True Value had them for a net $4.99 after rebate.  Sale price $9.99 then $5 rebate. 

1. 
   Shoeman | Apr 11, 2006 05:26pm | #6

   That's a score

   Think I generally pay around $12 - $16

1. 
   rasconc | Apr 11, 2006 05:43pm | #7

   That's what I thought.  They have done it twice, about a year apart.  I like the balance of size and strength too.  I have only broken one and it had been kinked and a customer managed to finish it off.  Still got the pieces.  I have considered trying one of the magnetic belt attachments but figured it would just get bumped off.

1. 
   Shoeman | Apr 12, 2006 02:35am | #9

   I bought a magnetic holder from Rockler a few years back.

   That thing holds tight.  Never had it bump off.  Few others that have used it want to know where the release is to get it off - you have to know how to pull it off.  Pretty handy. 

   I also like the white plastic discs that Fast Cap sells that stick on the side to give you a spot to pencil in lengths.

2. 
   PASSIN | Apr 12, 2006 06:27pm | #14

   Another vote for this tape! I love mine, the 25' fits perfect in my hand also have a couple 30' ones that i got on sale but are just a little to big for constant use.

   I hope they never change anything on them- great stand out, the blades and case hold up really well. 1 will last me about 8 to 12 months before i need to replace.

   I have a friend that swears by the Craftsmen line of tapes says " when you break one you just go exchange it" (Every couple of weeks). Ill pay the $14.00 for 8 months of use, and save way more in time and fuel! 

1. 
   docwatson | Apr 13, 2006 01:03am | #15

   craftsman fans may be dissappointed the next time you go in to exchange your tape- they're phasing out the yellow tapes for red ones made in the dominican republic, and the catch is, everything is guaranteed except the tape. the next time you return your tape, they'll give you a red one. the gig is up, unless you can figure out an "accident" that doesn't involve the tape.

1. 
   IMERC | Apr 13, 2006 03:48am | #16

   get wet... as in soaking wet in the payed out posistion and let it set over night...

   won't rewind...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

   WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

2. 
   JHOLE | Apr 13, 2006 04:16am | #17

   I am up for the challenge.

   I bought my tapes under certain conditions and those conditions WILL be adhered to.Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City

2. 
   dustinf | Apr 11, 2006 02:48am | #2

   View Image

   My current favorite.

   If you have any poo, fling it now.

1. 
   JHOLE | Apr 12, 2006 03:18am | #10

   I guess I'm replying to you because I agree.

   10 years ago I went to sears and bought three 25' tapes - and have not bought one since.

   And the best part is - they are GREAT tapes!

   I'm not going to tell anyone that when they get a little long in the tooth, and get hard to read, they seem to have an "accident" which qualifies them for replacement.

   I own some of the best tools available and can tell you Craftsman tapes are  the best buy and not akin to hokey Craftsman stuff.

    Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City

1. 
   dustinf | Apr 12, 2006 03:25am | #11

   I'm not going to tell anyone that when they get a little long in the tooth, and get hard to read, they seem to have an "accident" which qualifies them for replacement.

   Must be a design flaw, because my tapes always seem to have the same mysterious "accident".   Although, I heard from a friend that they aren't going to warranty the tapes anymore.  Too many abusers, I guess.

   I own some of the best tools available and can tell you Craftsman tapes are  the best buy and not akin to hokey Craftsman stuff.

   I agree.  The ergonomics are perfect.  I'm thinking about stockpiling 10 or so, just in case Sears decides to redesign them.If you have any poo, fling it now.

2. 
   JulianTracy | Apr 12, 2006 03:32am | #12

   My experience with the recent Craftsman tapes is that the blades are about as wimpy as I've seen on a tape.I recently discovered the Big Johnson tape measure, and have to say it's my new favorite.It has a very accurate end slide on the tape for good inside and outside measurments, and also is one of the only tape measures I've ever seen that has two "pointer" - indicators at the tape body for accurate inside measurements - read at pointers + 4" (tape body) = final measurement. No more bending the tape and guessing.Also has the lever lock hold switch - can't stand the thumb slide models cause they always get gummed up. And - has a great quick-release swivel belt clip system that works very well.Good stuff Maynard!JT

1. 
   zak | Apr 12, 2006 04:17am | #13

   I had one of those Big Johnson tapes, and I thought it was great- until it kicked the bucket, in about a month and a half.  I think I must have got it wet somehow, working in the rain maybe.  The spring broke into a million piece when I went to use it.

   My favorite parts about the thing:  The 16' model had a little tab at the back for accurate measurements when you were including the tape body, and those little pointers out the front were very nice.  Also, the hook had a clear plastic top, so it was easier to read fine measurements under 3/4". 

   I like my fastcap now- the pencil sharpener and the writing pad are great, and they're cheap.

   zak

3. 
   blue_eyed_devil | Apr 11, 2006 02:49am | #3

   Justin, I'm not understanding what you are after. Are you looking for a tape that has increments on the top and blank on the bottom?

   blue

    

4. 
   Gene_Davis | Apr 11, 2006 03:08am | #4

   Fastcap sells a couple different tapes that have a write-on surface, blank white, on the lower half of the blade.  Regular fractional graduations on the upper edge.

   The use is as a story pole.  You can write on, say, "stud", "plate", "jack", etc. for layout, and when done, wipe off the marks.

   View ImageThe side of the tape case also has a write-in, wipe-off surface.

   Sold in two sizes.  The one shown is a 25-footer.

   
   

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   Edited 4/10/2006 8:13 pm ET by Gene_Davis

5. 
   RobWes | Apr 11, 2006 11:28pm | #8

   Starrett does not have the markings on the bottom for the idiots.

    

   Those have to be the worst tapes to read.

    

   I learned my fractions in grade school. 18 years out of machine shop and I still remember most of my decimals.

6. 
   Gordo1 | Apr 13, 2006 04:38am | #18

   my in laws give me tapes for christmas every year , One of every kind . Most are junk but the price is right .About two years ago I got a stanly that have the markings that you want . I cant read it to much cluter

7. 
   MisterT | Apr 13, 2006 01:42pm | #19

   My tape is completely blank...

   no marks or nos. whatsoever...

   just hold it up and mark it and then transfer the mark to the workpiece.

    

   Mr. T. 

   There's a steering-wheel in me pants and it's driving me nuts!!!

    

8. 
   MisterT | Apr 13, 2006 11:58pm | #20

   my massive forearm is a cubit and a half!!!

   is volume measured in cubic cubits???

    

   Mr. T. 

   There's a steering-wheel in me pants and it's driving me nuts!!!