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A short while back the local Menards store had a made in America sale and while I went in for yet another item the set of 3 tape measures for under $10 caught my eye. The set has one tape that has a 5/8" wide tape 12 ft long, a tape with 3/4" wide tape 16 ft long and then a 1" wide 25 ft one.

The tapes claim to fame is the self lock feature. When you pull the tape out it locks where ever you leave it. You can then pull more tape out or push a button to rewind. Beware the rewind spring is STRONG and the rule snaps back in very quickly. Beware and control are key words here.

The tape itself has a nice yellow nylon coating and black marking which are easy to read. The black part you see in the pictures has a hard rubber feel to it that allow for easy grip.

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I'm liking the self lock but I'm still trying to deal with the speed and force of the rewind. I tend to get started thinking about what I'm doing and loose track of the fact I must keep thinking about the recoil that happens when you push the little green button.

Summery, not bad for the price but it has a learning curve, not something I'm use to in a tape measure.

Ed

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I have My Dads Leverlock (32-575). He was a Blacksmith and his tools were HARDLY used. Its kinda square, w/add 3" for the case. The bottom is the lever that rocks back and forth to STOP the tape, Very convenient. Anyway, I lost if for a couple months, IT HAPPENS and started looking for one like it on eBay. Used ones were more than other styles that were new.

I checked the Big Box store for this style. No Joy, until one trip had a box of tapes in blister packs of 4 in the center aisle w/o a price. Took 4 days to swing back, still no price and had to ask. Under $!0 ($10). The 25' is add 3", the 16' is add 2 3/4", and the 12' s are add 2 1/4" .

So now I have 5 Leverlocks, with one of the new ones lost. IT HAPPENS.

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I've had an auto-lock tape for years, and it has become my preferred tape to use.

Having a tape that defaults to the lock mode, and only retracts when you push the button is highly addictive. Wish I'd have thought of it myself.

Mine does not get used hard, I'm not that active with it. But I can say that however it works, it has not worn the marks off the tape, and shows no indication of wear or slippage from use.

Side benefit of the way it retracts is that you can regulate it very easily. This has turned out to be a nice boon, as many times I wish to make a second measure, and can quickly adjust the tape length with just a squeeze. You find yourself slowing the tape down as it comes in to the final fully closed position, no longer slamming and gradually malforming the hook end of the tape.

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Hi,

As of yet mine seem to be holding up. I do have the collection of 3 and mostly use the smaller two, as well as about a half dozen other tapes so my usage is quite distributive.

I'll keep this tread in mind and try to remember to report back if and when I start seeing problems.

This might also apply:
http://www.komelonusa.com/files/defective_policy.pdf

Ed

judaspre1982 wrote:Hi Ed

I picked up two 16' Komelon tape measures about 6 months ago.Your thread prompted me to check out this brand. As I stated earlier in this thread , I was always fond of the Stanley Lever Lock tape measure.
One has been in my tool bag and hasn't had much use. The other has been used frequently.

After a couple months use, I noticed the auto lock would not hold the tape in the locked position. The tape will slowly return a few inches and it seems the braking/locking mechanism is slowly wearing out.

I was wondering how your tapes have been holding out and if you have experienced the same symptoms. I like the tape, but the locking mechanism seems to be the weak link.

BTW, the newer Stanley Lever Lock tape measure has the same issue, from what other contractors I've spoke to said. All the guy's that know the older Stanley Lever Lock tapes miss the old style and quality.

I will switch out my tool bag tape and put some more miles on it to see how it holds up.

Dave

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Has anyone tried the Fastcap Tape Measures. I have two in the show and both my son and daughter have them. I have only used them for four or five years but so far am very pleased. Jim

fjimp wrote:Has anyone tried the Fastcap Tape Measures. I have two in the show and both my son and daughter have them. I have only used them for four or five years but so far am very pleased. Jim

Hey Jim I'm a fan too.

Some may want to check this post too.

https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=9189

Ed