As a result, many tapes wear quicker in these areas.
BUILDERS TAPE MEASURE READING IN FULL
Many contractors use the first 6” or less of their tape more than the full 25-foot length. The Stanley PowerLock had the least amount of visible wear to its tape. Lufkin came in second place, Dewalt third, and Komelon came in fourth. This allowed us to evaluate a 60”span of tape wear. Tape marking wear was then noted and photographed. weight on top, and then pulled the tape using a slow 1000-count back and forth through the jig. The tape measures were placed in the jig, which had a very small gap for it to fit. Adhesive grit sandpaper was applied to the convex point and wax was applied to the concave side. The top of the jig had a 3/8” wide convex pressure-point. To simulate and accelerate tape-marking wear, we performed an aggressive tape abrasion test in the shop, through the use of an “tape-pull abrasion jig.” It measured 26” long and had a hollowed-out, concave center bottom. The abrasion jig we used was more aggressive. Abrasion results from abrasive particles falling through a guide tube and impinging the test specimen, until the substrate becomes visible. The Falling Sand Abrasion Tester measures the resistance to abrasion of paint, lacquers, and other organic coatings. Furthermore, wear down of the tape coating is the #1 failure of tape measures.Īll tape measure manufactures follow the ASTM D 968 and other internationally recognized test standards, the Falling Sand Abrasion Tester. Tape measure readability is important over time, tape markings wear off and make the tape difficult or impossible to read. Klien was second at 1.08 seconds, and Milwaukee was third with a 1.20 second 25-foot recoil. By using several samples of the tapes, we were able to complete and continue testing if a particular tape failed a certain test.Īccording to our data, Lufkin had the fastest recoil speed, at 1.05 seconds, and that may have been a detriment to it tearing. We used several of the same brands during our head-2-head testing. Several others had their hook movement stretched. The Milwaukee tape bent on the 4th recoil test, one Lufkin tape broke off on the 3rd recoil test.
We pulled all the tapes out to this distance and recorded the recoil five times to determine their baseline average recoil speed. We then used our benchmark speed to test the tape after abrasion, debris and drop testing.įor this test, we measured and marked the distance on our clean shop floor. However, during our testing we did just that! We tested recoil from 10-feet and 25-feet to establish a benchmark speed. When repeated, full-speed rewinding of the tape measure causes damage to the inner workings, the end hook, and the blade markings. It is never a smart idea to let the tape measure blade whip back into the case– a tape measure isn’t designed to withstand a short, sharp shock over and over. We put each tape measure through the following tests: 10-Foot and 25-foot Recoil Test We also chose to look at 25-foot length models, as they are the most popular length tape measures sold on the market. While there are certainly many other tape measures to choose from, we chose to look at the more popular, pro-grade tape models. W e evaluated 8 different tape measures from 7 different manufacturers, five of which had magnetic tips. In this Best Tape Measure Head-2-Head, we put several 25’ premium tape measures to the test. So, who makes the best tape measure? Pro-grade tape measures must retain their accuracy while enduring the regular abuses, such as drops or bumps, that occur on job sites. One of the most critical tools required by all construction trades is the tape measure. When you use a tool daily, hourly, or more, you become attached to it. Who Makes the Best Tape Measure? Tape measure and hammer brands often cause more debates on the job site than anything else, and I can see why.
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