Side by Side Comparison of: Stanley

I had previously ordered (twice) tape measures after breaking the one purchased from a local dollar store. Both were clunky and heavy although well made. I needed something to measure common household articles: blade length on a knife, width and length of a spare bed mattress, height of the hanger for a clock, etc. This tape measure is a compact, light weight, light duty item that is perfect for these occasional needs Finally! Good little measuring tool.

This is a small, slim, lightweight tape measure. It is always in my front pocket.I started carrying one of these when I was a kitchen repair technician. The vast majority of things I had to measure were under 10 feet long. I've moved on from that job, but have kept one of these Stanley 10' tapes in my pocket - it's just plain handy!

Rides in my pocket every day. Never know when something needs to be measured and this is small and light. Replacement for my old 3' tape which was plastic and wore so thin it cracked. The metal tape case is perfect and after a few weeks, seems no worse for the wear. Has it been used, of course ... new battery ... will it fit. Measure it. And you have the answer.

I've recently been doing a lot of house repair and renovation and this has come in very handy. I started carrying this around as I found myself needing to take measurements at fairly random times (moving furniture, comparing timber sizes, looking at other people's houses and material for inspiration, etc). It is very light, fits nicely in my pocket, and is sturdy (I had a different one that broke once I got to the end of the ruler).The only potential downside is that the narrower tape can make it less sturdy, but I've found it hold up pretty well for everything I measure, which tends to be 5 ft or less. My guess is that it would be easy enough to find a work around if it starts to flop at longer lengths. The trade-off of being lighter is more than worth it.

Nice highly flexible tape measure to have handy. I bought three and distributed them around my house so i always have one nearby. Added benefit of the diameter gage on the back side of the blade. While I do wish that this were updated with the new style and look of cases (e.g., fat max, etc), this thing works just as it should. Note, there is no belt clip with this little guy, it's for stashing in a pocket!

It's tiny so great to throw in the pocket before heading out to the hardware store in case I need to measure things. It is very slim and light like you'd expect. The only downside is the metal tip doesn't slide in or out that tiny bit to offset when you measure by pressing the tip against a wall or pull by anchoring it on something. If you anchor it it's dead on but if you push it against something, like say the inside of a window sill it's 1/16" longer than what it really is. The other downside is it's not like the big tape measures and can't support itself when held horizontal, or for that matter in any direction.Really this wasn't meant for actual work so I can get past this. Really I bought it so I don't buy something that says it's 2" when there's an inner diameter to consider as well. Stuff like that.

These are one of those items that you'll lose before you break it. You'll hand this down to your kids and they will hand it down to theirs. I've had other, cheaper tape measures and they all have broke in some capacity - the tape rips and becomes dangerously sharp, the lock breaks, or the tip bends. Buy one of these and forget about needing another.

As a carpenter in a custom cabinetry shop I use my tape measure all day every day. Ill admit this isnt my favorite tape (I love Milwaukee brand tapes for my personal tool kit) but for as much use and abuse as my work tools get I need a cheaper version since they wear out and need replacement more often. This stands up to lots of use and lots of drops at work every day for many months before the tape wears out.

Got this one for my son and it appears well-built and durable. My 10' Stanley Powerlock is smaller and narrower, and the mylar is starting to wear off, but the True-Zero hook still works and the lock as well as spring retraction are still great after 30 years. I hope this 16' gives my son as good service as my old Stanley measure has given me.

After buying several newer designed tape rules and having them fail in a mater of months or even less I went back to the first one I ever used thirty years ago. They lasted my dad decades and they seam to be built the exact same way as they were thirty years ago. Its really difficult to find quality products these days and especially difficult to find quality products that are made in the USA.

I do a large amount of work with tape measures in aerial lifts over others' heads. Before purchasing this, I would bring up my 30' Stanley tape, but I find it to be unnecessarily heavy (dropping tools is a big no, and yes it is attached to me via a tool leash) and I rarely needed that length of tape. Since, the majority of the measurements I take are <10', so this is the perfect combination of length with a lightweight body. The only downside is that the tape is thinner, so it has a shorter standout length (roughly 2'-6" - 3'-0"), but I expected that for a tape of this size. Lock works fine. In order to accommodate my tool leash, I've attached a metal keyring to the pocket clip. Solid construction, as usual from Stanley.

I can get it to extend to a little over 7 feet before it snaps. Solid tape, just as good as any Stanley one you buy in the store. Comes in a good strong plastic packaging that will protect it from scuffs.Heads up though! If you're looking at the picture and expecting to get a white cube on the side to write your name on it. The one i received does not have this. Otherwise, got what i expected.

It doesn't get much more portable than this. This tape measure is super thin and light. Unfortunately, the thinness means that the tape itself is flimsy, so it's tough to measure something more than your armspan without help. For quick measurements, this is really helpful, though. Always carry it with me.

I purchased this for $3... as such a compact 10 foot metal tape measure that works is great value to me. The tape measure retracts quickly, locks easily, is small and handy... I am very pleased with this.The only negative is that the image and description had me thinking this was a chrome metal tape measure, it is a plastic. It is light weight as expected, not sure if the plastic will have impact issues over time, but I'm not going to test that.Suggestion... put a hole into the body so I can attach a lanyard to this. Makes this easier to hang up and be found in garage and around the house.Overall, nice value and functioning product... would need to pay 2-3 times more for higher quality.

Does not replace the big Stanley tape measure stored in the garage cupboard but certainly easier to use for small tasks around the house. At 10' this will handle most uses to measure this and that and it is small enough to carry in pocket or purse for shopping when you are trying to measure the height and width of things we regularly purchase. The power locking feature is good and convenient to have but not quite perfect on the 1/4" tape. Nice product.

The actual tape is really thin, I didn't completely realize just how small a quarter inch is, and it makes it a bit difficult to read. Since im using this tape for inside projects, i usually don't need to measure more than a few feet, but if you want this tape to do real work with, spend the few extra dollars and get a Stanley Fatmax 12'. Youll be saving yourself alot of frustration in the long run, and youre still getting a great product. The size of the entire thing is a love-hate relationship. It's small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and i dont even notice it in my pocket, but that also makes it really easy to get lost. Since the tape is so thin, it's inclined to blow away while youre using it, but it makes it really nice to get into tight spaces and get accurate measurements. If you don't really use a tape measure often, this one is probably perfect for you. But if you plan on using it, be prepared for a not-so-easy task.

This is the second of these I've purchased. The first lasted many years. However, like so many companies, PLASTIC reigns supreme and getting a pocket rule, at a reasonable price, having a metal case seems hopeless in today's market. The rpoblem with this case design is the PLASTIC anchor post for the return spring. Even being careful, each time the rule is pulled out, the anchor post has a twisting force that, over time, will twist it off.Otherwise, it's a good rule. And, when (not if) the present rule's anchor post breaks, I'll start another search and, likely, end up with another plastic rule with the same longevity.

Stanley used to make a little metal-cased 10-foot tape, 1/4" wide like this one, in a little rounded-square-shaped case. I pine for those but this is the next best thing I can find.This newer model has a case that's a little bulkier, both in its thickness and because it adopts the "Powerlock" design of its big brothers. (Not so useful IMHO with a 1/4"-wide tape, since the tape itself is flat, not cupped -- won't cantilever rigidly like its big brothers -- so you can't really use it one-handed anyway.) But the case is smooth around the corners and edges so it's nice in your pocket.The new ones do have one slick feature I find handy: the back side is a girth scale calibrated in inches of diameter -- wrap it around a cylinder (up to 3' dia.) and it reads the diameter of the cylinder.And then, at least in mine, whose cases are plastic, they have one point of vulnerability, which is how two of mine so far have bit the dust (I ended up finding it advisable to buy three at a time because of this). The current listing claims that the casing is now chromed METAL, which might fix this -- but I'd want to see one to be sure, because mine are chromed, all right, but chromed plastic. The weak spot is the post in the middle of the housing, that anchors the rewind spring -- because it's plastic just like the rest of the housing, and isn't strong enough. If yours are like mine, BE CAREFUL not to pull out these little tapes ANY beyond their 10-foot reading max. You'll twist the anchor post off. You can still carry the ten feet of yellow tape around, in big loops like surveyors carry theirs in, and still measure stuff, but you can't put it back in your pocket any more.

Got one of these it lasted 4 days and quit retracting but got a new one sent on warranty and it still working just fine must have got a defective one

Just a good solid tape measure. Nothing fancy it just plain works.

Great tape measure. I wish it were a little lighter but if it were it would probably be less well-made. My wife keeps "borrowing" it. this would make a nice gift for anyone who likes to constantly remodel their home or, like me, makes frequent trips to hardware store but doesn't need a full size tape measure 24/7.

Works flawlessly. This is a classic tape measure they never fails me. Can't go wrong with it. Hey it's also not made of plastic garbage.

I know this is a great tape measure, we've had one in the house for years. But I wanted one of my own. 25 feet seems to be the sweet spot of sturdy tape and max distance you need for 99.9% of tasks.The ONLY reason I removed a star was for the packaging, which I know probably works great for a display or hanging in an aisle - But I was so worried I was going to break the clip in the back while removing the plastic. My wife thought I was over reacting, and normally she'd be right, but I've worked for a packaging company for almost 15 years and know my products. And even though this item is not classified as blister or clamshell packaging, it comes pretty darn close. And if you ever wondered why someone came up with hassle free packages it's because of stuff like this.

It is just a tape measure. No frills of any sort. It does exactly what I need it to do. It measures as accurately as any tape can in human hands. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is that we use several dozen of these in our plant and they just aren't as sturdy as they used to be. Or as I remember them being. The tapes can, and do, frequently tear and break. I just wish they'd build them a little sturdier, but other than that, it works fine. If you're doing light use work, like house work, or even framing and roofing a home, this will do ok, but in our work environment where it is used dozens or hundreds of time per day, it just doesn't hold up as well as it used to.

Case is PLASTIC. "Chrome" colored 'ABS' (PLASTIC) case. Otherwise, seems decent. But be advised is not a metal case.

It works fine, it's just a lot flimsier than I expected it to be. I think the wider 12' model is more generally useful; this one at 10' is almost useless since you need someone to hold each end.

It's exactly what is described to be, but the casing is plastic, not metal as I expected both because of the photos, and because it's Stanley. Kind of disappointed and a little worried about it's shelf life, but it does what I need it to.

Nice while it lasts -- it's a convenient size to drop in your purse or a kitchen drawer. Expect to have to replace it after a year or two. Mine failed after about eleven months -- that pesky hooked end broke off with no warning, see photo. You can see it's at the spot where the second rivet meets the metal tape. I was careful when I used it and it almost never got snapped back into the case (a few times it did when I lost my grip). Too bad Stanley can't solve this issue.

What I like: it is small and lightweight; easy to carry in a bag. At 10 feet it is longer than most of the small tape rules. It is a typical Stanley tape rule, so it is sturdy and locks into place with no problem.What I don't like: It would be nice if it was 2-sided with inches/feet on one side, and centimeters and meters on the other. Also, the start pull tab completely covers the measuring part, so if you want to measure something small (say 1/2 inch or less) you can't using the start of the tape rule.

Delivery was as expected. Cheap plastic enclosure with fake crome on it. Wanted it to carry in my pocket daily. It does exactly as expected but not great quality. On the plus side, it is perfect to put in a gas nozzle handle for keeping the fuel valve open when fueling the car. I bought 4 of these & will buy more when they wear out because they are cheap, work fine for a pocket tape measure & the gas nozzle lock is a great unexpected feature. I used to buy $18 by Zippo but they dropped the product line. Turns out this is a good alternative.

Crazy-heavy and rather unwieldy. But I should have known that going in...

its ok, but the tape is alot heavier then it looks, and the tape itself is of lower quality then the fat max version, i use this for working with 8x4 ply wood, and it works fine, but it wont last, most the other carpenters use fat max, but they dont make a 12 foot fat max. but i do like that it as a pocket clip, where the 6 foot fat max i have is nice and light but it doesnt have a pocket clip.

I do not like that the measuring tape color is now a dark yellow rather than a regular-colored yellow. The tape color went from roughly the color of French's mustard to the color of dried up mustard that you sometimes get around the cap!Aside from the dark yellow color (which makes it slightly harder to read measurements), the tape is fine.

It should last for some time for my household use but the case is plastic. I suppose I didn't read the description thoroughly but I was thinking it might be metal housing, therefore a very sturdy product. I wouldn't expect this to last very long for someone in construction. It seems that one drop could completely bust the housing.

Im a furniture builder and I have his lil 12' metal brother for about 15 years, with occasionally WD-40 it held out that long.The spring system is starting to fail now.So I got this one, but you can't compare them, this on is a plastic housing, and the tape itself isn't as sturdy neither.Time will tell...

I purchased 2 of these at the same time and discovered varied printing qualities. The printing on one is nice and crisp while the other is not. They both will work but obviously one will be my go to while the other one is my blurry back up.

The metal tape is very thin and flops around too much. Only good for a few feet, frankly. It may measure 10 feet but between the thin floppy metal and tiny end hook it is hard to measure anything that long. It is small and lightweight.

It has very sharp sides. I had to throw it away.

Either I'm going crazy, or this isn't what I thought I was ordering. Anyhow, this is very flimsy, and really not of much use for the applications I had hoped to use it for.If you only need to measure on a tabletop and have better than average eyesight, this may be the right product for you. Unfortunately it isn't for me...

Not a replacement for a regular 10' tape measure. Yes, it's 10' long, but it won't hold itself rigid so you can extend it past your hand, at all. It's floppy. I couldn't measure anything I couldn't hook it onto manually, and keep it taut on, severely limiting its usefulness. I'm used to tapes that let you extend them up to the ceiling, or across a table top, etc. I would need a helper in order to measure anything larger than my own reach, with this. What's the point?

Fragile, spring force is strong enough to tear the metal tape apart (in multiple places) and chip the chromey plastic when it retracts. It's a lovely form factor and if it were sturdy enough to survive more than a week or two it would be great.

Bought 2 a month ago while doing some small cabinets. Tip broke off one and is ready to break off the other. Can't seem to find a return policy.

This is not what Stanley has advertised. Don't be fooled, it does not have the 32nd gradients on it.

The tape measure snapped after a year of use. Worked perfectly fine as a tape measure, until it didn't. I was retracting the tape one day after taking a measurement in the attic and the tape broke off near the end. It looks like the manufacturer's warranty requires mailing it back, so it's not worth the trouble or expense. Recommend either buying from a manufacturer with a useful warranty or from a store that allows returns for warranties.

I could not imagine what could be wrong with such a simple device as this tape. But it happened that you cannot measure something without help if you try to hook one end - it does not remain hooked. Also, the lock barely holds the tape in place. A poor workmanship.I am reducing the rating to two (it was 3 previously) because the inability for the "tooth" remain in place and need for the help from somebody is really annoying. The thing is cheap in making.

I liked the size and length...and price was fine. I use a tape to measureoutside dimensions for roof sales...and it was okay.I immediately noticed the the tape lock was awkward and stiff. Hard tounlock and lock. Not terrible. But not smoothThen yesterday the tip fell off and the tape wound into the body...so useless to me..

poor metal in tape, bend too easy

Contrary to both description and reviews, the case is NOT made of metal.People can;t seem to tell the difference between chrome colored plastic these days.That said, The classic Stanley rule inside this plastic case is still the easiest to read on the market.

As a wood worker I was just looking for a small job-site tape measure and Stanley makes good stuff. NOT this time. This is little more than a toy and will never be used. Two biggest reasons for not using: 1. With a fixed hook it cannot be used for internal measurements. 2. Other than the inch markings, the graduated markings extend to only one side of the tape meaning that to mark a dimension on the end/edge of a board you have to mark from a particular end of the piece... NEVER seen this on a tape measure before and utterly stupid. Not having a belt clip means you'll be holding it or slipping it into a pocket and is just one more reason that you can do far better with another tape measure.

I really like this tape measure because it's small and convenient to carry around. It doesn't have a belt clip like larger tape measures, which I find myself missing. The unfortunate thing is it's very cheap, and mine broke with minimal use. In my case, the measure was being retracted and it snapped at one of the rivets on the tab. Price is cheap, and doesn't last long. Very delicate, and faulty design at the rivets.

Used approx. 4 times. The hook came off. got about 4 months out of it. so much for lifetime warranty/quality of Stanley. do I box it, and ship on my own nickel for a $4 tape? No. Be warned. it's junk.

I bought a pair of these a little more than 3 years ago because my Stanley of the exact same type was getting old and I worried that since I couldn't find it locally it might be getting discontinued. (And I really loved the old one. Favorite little tape measure.) Yes, they lasted 3 years. But ... my usage of them was minimal and rare. For both, something odd happened involving the tape measure opening and the little rivets on the end of the tape measure. The little rivets started to stick and catch on the opening. It would be hard to coax the tape measure out, you had to be careful, and you could tell if you weren't, the end would pop off... and then - bloop! - one day, the end would simply break off. The second one bit the dust today. My very old one (I'm guessing 15-20 years old) is still going strong. I guess I won't try to replace it again. I am disappointed in the dismal quality of the newer version of what was once an excellent product.

Tiny. Probably my fault for not paying attention but too small to be useful.

I hate this... Overall the design, quality, size is great but do not have METRIC measurements!!!! Not indicated on amazon description when I buy.. and now I cant return coz I opened it already. Very frustrated.

It was broken when it arrived

I decided to purchase it seeing a lot of positive reviews and 4.5 star rating but I suggest you shouldn't take it into consideration while buying a measuring tape online.. The tape is weak and bends after 4 feets, moreover even withing 1-4 feet it doesn't feel like a solid product. It's better to try and buy a different tape in brick and mortar local hardware store.. You'll pay maybe $10 more but will be able to measure things properly by YOURSELF. This tape deserves 0/5

Broke after 3 months at the 2" mark, so the rest of it rolled up inside.

The tape I got was American made but was still defective. The tape hook moves as it should but must be offset because the measurement is off a fat 16th. Making the tape measure useless for trim work and worthless to me. I am unable to return it because I waited more than 30 days before I even opened it to use it. Never have had this problem with a Stanley tape before

Ordered two of the 25-Foot tape measures a few months ago and barely used them at all. They are Stanley brand with the metal casing as pictured. However, one of these tape measures just literally fell apart in my hands randomly as I was normally extending the tape to measure something. First the tape seemed to jam up and would not retract itself, so I decided to gently pull out the tape to its full 25 feet to see if that would help... and then the tape just pops right out of the metal case and gets this black grease all over my hands.I see from other reviews now that this has happened to other people too. Seems like there's some serious quality control issues going on with this seller and their stock. I've always heard that Stanley tape measures are supposed to be good quality and the professional choice so I doubt this is a problem with the brand itself. I would advise choosing a different seller or just not buying this from Amazon at all, as Amazon seems to have quality control problems with a lot of items.

I had to replace this after 5 uses and it was not "power usage". I was measuring a kitchen and had the tape under the refrdgerator. When I released the lock it got momentarily snagged and game out missing 7" of the tape. It simply snapped off. I would have expected considerably more durability than this from ANY tape measure, but surely more from the Stanley name.I have bought the Fat Max as a replacement - we'll see how that goes