posted
I'd like to compare tape measures. I have a Stanley Fat Max 25' footer that has around a 12' stand-out. It's about the favorite among our workers, I think. One of them tried to steal it from me, and I had to beat him with it. Almost killed him.
I have heard that stand-out is over-rated, other things such as a strong spring for smooth retraction, cushion grip, and a rugged durable casing are important to some folks...
What do you use?
-------------------- Jon Jantz Snappysign.com jjantz21@gmail.com http://www.allcw.com Posts: 3395 | From: Atmore, AL | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
The one that is in my installation kit is a "house brand" Mastercraft tape measure from Canadian Tire.
It is pretty rugged with a 1" tape but the best feature is that it is encased in rubber. I took the belt clip off it so now when I am working on vehicles or vessels I can set it down on a nice shiney new surface and there is no danger of scratching.
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
posted
I have a 33' big-ass tape measure, very girthy. But I prefer my 3-foot yardstick over that limp thing anyday. It also doubles as a bum-beater. love....jill
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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posted
Hi Jon...if your looking for a cool tape measure then SignCraft has it.
CenterPoint Tape Measure
Here's a new tool that's so helpful we decided to offer it to our readers - an 8-meter "centering" tape. The top edge has metric tape measure markings. The bottom edge has a unique, center-finding scale. Measure the panel with the top scale, and then find the same measurement on the bottom. That's your center. It's the fastest way to find the center of almost anything!
#343 Price: $12.95 Also available in Metric #370 Price: $15.95 Order here
-------------------- Barb Shortreed 144 Hill St. E. Fergus, Ontario Posts: 2375 | From: Fergus, Ont. | Registered: Sep 2000
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posted
Barb, those are the greatest for sign people who always need to find the center. Thanks for the reminder, my list just got 3 of them on it.
I've been using the $5 lifetime guaranteed workforce 25' from ho-de. I've got 3 of them color coded with scrap vinyl. One for the van(orange), one for the shop(black), one for my office(blue).
I got one of those automatic ones from B&D because it was supposed to be able to run out its entire length without snapping and dropping, but it's just like a normal tape in that regard, about 8-9 feet, so it sits in a tool bag somewhere.
I should find it and take out the batteries so they don't ruin the connectors inside.
posted
I use the same on Jon Jantz uses. I'm always having to measure things up high or in the wind. You can have my Stanley Fat Max when you pry my cold, dead fingers off it.
I also have some of the SignCraft centering tapes for mathematically challenged shop help.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5084 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Mine's old school I guess, simple chrome jobby, easy to spot when you misplace it, or in the dark. Name has long since worn off, too much handling I guess. Retraction has slowed somewhat over time, yet it still measures up like it was brand new. Standout, when it was new, and happy to be out, it stood 11' straight up. Now, the exitement has worn off, to many times being left out extended and unattended, one too many attempts at pushing the 11' barier, permanent kinks have developed, and its lucky to achieve 5'. Sometimes its reluctant to fully retract, it needs a gently nudging. And being Canadian it goes both ways.... imperial and metric.
-------------------- "Are we having fun yet?" Peter Schuttinga DZines Sign Studio 1617 Millstream rd Victoria BC V9B-6G4 Posts: 521 | From: Victoria BC | Registered: Mar 2002
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posted
Use what ever I can get my hands on 2 left out of 4 left cause they break to easy so just glad I have a tape measure when needed, most use to measure here, is a 3 footer alum 2nd 4 footer alum. cause I can't get the plastic one's with level's no more which were great and miss them, just place on marked surface level draw line....THANK YOU & ENJOY LIFE
posted
The size of the tape is important, regardless of what some people say. You just can not reach some spots with a little 12 footer. Stiffness, or "stand out" as it is commonly called by ametuers, is a highly desirable trait. Phizer Pharmaceuticals, in partnership with Binford Tools, have come out with a great tape measure and it's the only ones allowed in my shop. I can pull out the entire 25' with absolutely no sag. Amazingly enough I've even driven nails with my tape - for demonstration purposes only. Here is the pic off their website:
-------------------- Ricky Jackson Signs Now 614 Russell Parkway Warner Robins, GA (478) 923-7722 signpimp50@hotmail.com
"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Sir Issac Newton Posts: 3528 | From: Warner Robins, GA | Registered: Oct 2004
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""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3484 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
My brother in law carries a tape called the Big Johnson... NO, I'm not kidding, look 'em up on Ebay. He thinks it is the mac and is always bragging on the stand-out or as Ricky said 'stiffness' he is able to achieve.
Well, he came by today and we had a little stand-out competition. Needless to say, his Big Johnson could not hang.. no... um.. obtain the extension my Fat Max could. My tape was protruding a full 12' and he could barely maintain 9'.
He now has a severe case of Fat Max envy.
-------------------- Jon Jantz Snappysign.com jjantz21@gmail.com http://www.allcw.com Posts: 3395 | From: Atmore, AL | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
i prefer the 25' LeverLock, it has all the 'stand out' I need and automaticly stays stiff as long as i need it too, no fumbling for the lock button in the heat of the moument.
-------------------- Ken McTague, Concept Signs 57 Bridge St. (route 107) Salem MA 01970 1-978-745-5800 conceptsign@yahoo.com http://www.pinheadlounge.com/CaptainKen
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"A wise man once said that, or was it a wise guy?" Posts: 2425 | From: Salem, MA | Registered: Apr 1999
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posted
I hate it when you are about to reach that critical moment of extension, it prematurly goes limp and hits the floor. It is the worst when you are trying to do it on a ladder and have an audience.
[ August 25, 2006, 11:42 PM: Message edited by: Jerry VanHorn ]
-------------------- Jerry VanHorn, Pres. Pure Sports Designs, LLC Pro Sign Design / United Wholesale Signs www.prosigndesign.comwww.unitedwholesalesigns.com West Liberty, OH 937-465-0595 866-942-3990 Since 1990 Posts: 925 | From: West :Liberty, OH | Registered: May 2004
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posted
mine has a stand-out that is controlled by the "job" iam lookin at.......hehehehehehehehee
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Stephen, I brought it across in my empty pistol case! My college major was medical technology so I did study metrics in college.
-------------------- Ricky Jackson Signs Now 614 Russell Parkway Warner Robins, GA (478) 923-7722 signpimp50@hotmail.com
"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Sir Issac Newton Posts: 3528 | From: Warner Robins, GA | Registered: Oct 2004
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![[Rolling On The Floor]](graemlins/rolf.gif)
Oh boy, this is going to be good.
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My college major was medical technology so I did study metrics in college.
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