Stanley 033932 Powerlock Tape 5m Top Reader

Product Information

When it comes to choosing a tape measure, don’t automatically assume that the longer, the better. The most common length for a cased tape measure is 25 feet, which is long enough to measure the average room’s walls or floors, yet not so long that it’s unwieldy or overly heavy. But there are shorter tape measures for those only needing the tool for small tasks like measuring a piece of furniture, looking for the right spot to drive a nail to hang a picture, or centering a television. And of course, there are also much longer tape measures that come in handy when measuring floors or walls in large rooms or outdoor areas. Other than 25 feet, the most common sizes are 12, 16, 30, and 35 feet. You may have to pay more than the cheaper or disposable options on the market, but you will be thankful if a near miss or accident occurs and it was your PPE that reduced or avoided the injury. Work Boots The metal tip of a cased tape measure is called the hook or the tang. The hook lets you “catch” the end of the tape measure in place to keep it steady while you extend it. A good hook is large enough to hold in place when required, but not so large that it catches where you don’t want it to. Additionally, hooks with upright points are more likely to catch on items other than what you are measuring. Many bargain footwear suppliers offer work boots for a fantastic price. But these are often not steel toe capped, do not have anti-fatigue soles and won’t protect your feet against liquids or extreme heat. In fact, some boots that look the part may as well be a pair of sandals if a hammer or power tool was to drop on your foot. This Stanley Fatmax tape measure features large font numbers and blade markings that are easy to read against its yellow tape. Our testers felt it was uncomplicated to distinguish between each increment so measurements are more accurate.

When you are finished using a compression tool like a nail gun, make sure that the pressure is released before you break the hose connections. There are also differences in terms of blade markings: Some tapes will have fraction marks and others will have line markings instead. You can also find digital tape measures that have built-in lasers, which are good for long distances and for the times you need more accurate measurements. When in control of a hand or power tool, it is your responsibility to do everything in your power to keep you and the environment safe. That means wearing visors, gloves, goggles with anti-fogging coatings, vented respirators, face masks made of premium cushion materials and ear muffs with soft ear cups.He adds, "For most people, a 25-foot option is great because it’s easy to store and long enough to handle most measuring tasks around the house. But if your space is small, a 16-foot tape measure is sufficient for most projects you’d need it for.”

When referring to the diagram above you'll see a series of large numbers marked 1, 2, 3, and 4. These numbers sit next to long vertical marks which represent whole inches. Put simply 1 = 1", 2 = 2" and so on. Between those numbers are a series of shorter marks which represent fractions of an inch. The mark directly in the middle of the inch denotes a measurment of 1/2" whilst the markings either side of it represent measurements of 1/4" and 3/4" respectively. Even smaller marks then denote 1/8ths and 1/16ths (marked in red) of an inch. The Stanley FatMax is a quality investment, especially for professionals who need a tape measure that stands up to the rigor of everyday use. The fully coated blade adds to the durability and extends the life of the tape measure. After our drop test, the tape measure worked perfectly, suffering only minor dings and scratches to the case. Our testers then evaluated every tape measure for standout, which is the distance the unsupported, extended blade of the tool can remain rigid before bending towards the floor. Each tape measure was extended to its full length while the tester held it at various angles and noted the point at which the tape measure could no longer remain straight. If you stop it during a recoil, it may have difficulty returning to its case without the assistance.Tape measures are an essential tool for homeowners because they offer a reliable and accurate way to measure distances. Without one, getting an exact measurement for your home improvement project would be nearly impossible. The fraction increments of this tape measure are easily distinguishable on its yellow tape blade. The tape measure also has markings on the bottom of the blade so the measurements can be read from any angle. Some tape measures have a magnetic hook, which is useful when measuring steel or other magnetic metal items but can potentially be a nuisance, as the magnet can attach itself to various nearby metal items other than what you want to measure. The DEWALT Tough Series has a removable magnetic tip, so you can take it off when not needed. The body is covered with a rubber material that makes it comfortable to hold and cushions the tape from damage. This tape measure was unphased by our drop test, with testers describing it as “rugged and well-made.” Whilst the seasoned professionals amongst you will no doubt be fully aware how to read the various markings on your tape, there will be amateurs, enthusiasts or those just starting off in their careers who aren’t yet so knowledgeable. We regularly get asked the question “how do you read a tape measure”. In response to our customers, therefore, we’ve put together this simple guide that explains just that!

What's more, some tape measures (regardless of expense or quality) can feature steel blades with relatively sharp edges. They may not feel sharp at first but it can be a very different story when travelling at speed. Wear clothing that fits well. Loose clothing or accessories can get caught in a tool’s moving parts, which could result in dire consequences. All things considered, this tape measure provided accurate inside and outside measurements with a blade that retracts quite smoothly. We recommend it for anyone looking for a durable yet affordable tape measure. But, if you need a longer standout, you may want to look at other models on this list. The most common length for a tape measure is 25 feet, which is enough for most household projects. Guerrero prefers working with a 25-foot tape measure for DIY projects. “If I’m doing a room that’s long, I like to be able to just have the one tape measure to do the measurements,” Guerrero says. The window isn't actually upside down - it's designed to be that way. When taking left to right measurements you don't need to use the window as you read the measurements directly off the blade. When taking right to left measurements you use the window, at which point the window is the right way up.This tape measure was relatively durable, suffering only minor scuffs on the body after being dropped three times. With the magnetic tip and compact size, this tape measure is an affordable option for any DIY project. Our team of experts spent an entire day testing 34 different tape measures in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa. Our testers closely examined each tape measure to determine the accuracy of the measurements. They also tested the standout of each blade, or how far the blade can extend from the case without bending. With a rubbery outermolding, this tape measure is easy to grip and resistant to damage if dropped, although it might be a bit large for those with small hands. We tested both the 16-foot and 25-foot models and found this tape measure to be very easy to read, with big, bold markings on both sides of the blade. Measurements are indicated down to 1/16ths of an inch, with additional markings to show stud and joist spacings. The entire length of the 1-1/4-inch-wide blade is coated for sturdiness, but the first 6 inches have an additional rip-shield coating to ward off kinks or damage. The standout of the 16-foot version was around 12 feet and the 25-foot model was only slightly longer at around 13 feet in our tests. Who it’s for: People who want a professional-quality tape measure that’s ideal for metal stud framing work.

Markings on both sides of the tape will be easier to read than markings on only one side. Look for high contrast between the color of the tape blade and the markings on the tape. Nowadays, top brands offer work boots in a whole array of colours and designs to give more options to the buyer, as well as doing a fantastic job at keeping your feet safe while you are working. Cheap / Off brand Power Tools Having tools with excellent durability is extremely important. Not only will it mean you will not have to spend out on replacement tools when they break prematurely, but because tougher tools will do a better job. Sometimes cheaper ones can appear to work great until wear and damage suddenly make them unusable, and you are left unable to complete your task. This will lead to an extended work period as you will have to go out and buy a replacement. If you use that tool as part of your profession, it could mean the difference between hitting your deadline or not. No matter what kind of job you have or how you’re using the equipment, make sure your tools can stand up to the task in the first place. Finding a trustworthy brand can be a big undertaking, and when you are faced with lots of recommended companies, the search can feel daunting. Some manufactures cater to different areas of the workforce, and not all brands offer all the tools in every field. First, you need to ask yourself if the brand you have chosen can provide you with the tools you need now, and the ones you will need in the future. Of course, you could buy from multiple brands, but that will require more research that takes up valuable time.Aside from a hammer and screwdriver, a tape measure is probably the most reached-for item in your toolkit. Michael DiMartino, Senior Vice President of Installations at Power Home Remodeling, says “I use tape measures all the time and store them in multiple locations throughout my home. You’d be amazed at how much you have to measure—especially now that we’re all relying more heavily on online shopping. Think about it; when you’re physically at a store and you’re looking at a piece of furniture, you can easily gauge with your eye whether or not it’s going to fit in your space or if it’ll even fit through your doorframe. But you can’t determine that as easily online." A standout is a distance the tape measure’s blade can extend from the case before it bends or sags. A longer standout is best because the blade can measure across longer distances without needing to be held up or supported.