Stanley’s PowerLock tape measure, which we reviewed here quite some time ago, just reached its 50th birthday. First introduced in 1963, these iconic silver-bodied tape measures remain a worldwide bestseller.
Stanley will be releasing a limited edition of five tape measures, priced at $9.99 each. A new one will be available every 3 months, and if you buy the first four the fifth will be free. The complete set will therefor cost $40, perhaps a little less.
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Limited Editions
- Replication of original “Life Guard Yellow” design
- Celebration of “Made in USA” with global materials
- Testament to its inclusion in Apollo 11 lunar landing gear
- Homage to the famous PowerLock moniker “Blade of the Professional”
- Nod to Stanley’s legacy of invention
I purchased a 25-foot PowerLock more than 6 years ago, and it continues to serve me well. It’s not my best tape measure, nor my favorite, but it’s accurate and reliable.
I also purchased a 4-pack of PowerLock tape measures during the 2011 winter holiday shopping season. The 4-pack included 25-foot, 16-foot, 12-foot, and 3-foot tape measures, for just $10. The 25-foot PowerLock tape measure was Made in the USA with global materials, and the smaller ones were all made overseas.
Stanley representatives previously explained to me that Made in the USA with global materials means the product is manufactured in the USA with steels or materials either sourced overseas or with untraceable sourcing such as with recycled materials.
25-Foot PowerLock($9 via Amazon)
The limited editions will be available at independent channel hardware stores starting now, with new releases every 3 months.
Personal Feelings
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$10 each? Not bad. $40 for five? Even better. These are great quality 25-foot tape measures after all.
But it looks like the limited editions that highlight the PowerLock’s history only have different stickers slapped onto them. I’m sorry, decals.
If the series were entirely made in the USA I might buy a set to keep on my collectibles shelf. But if they’re physically the same as Stanley’s regular 25-foot PowerLocks but with different stickers, I’ll pass.
Pat Lucado
Too bad they are just doing a decal thing. Making the body gold, or the whole think somehow a bit more special would have been cooler. I’d prefer one really nice commemorative measure for $25 than four “normal” ones with different decals. Regardless, congrats Stanley on a great product we all have used at one time or another.
Stuart
Maybe they are doing more than just changing the sticker, but if they change the case color from silver, then it’s no longer a true PowerLock.
Anne McGoldrick
Where can I purchase one of the 50th anniversary Powerlock Stanley tape measures?
Stuart
Unfortunately, they came out 10 years ago and are likely hard to source today. I suppose we should now be seeing 60th anniversary tape measures, but I haven’t heard anything from the brand yet.