As the title asks, I’m curious to hear about your tape measure purchasing tendencies.
How many tape measures have you purchased in stores, and how many online?
More specifically, how many new-to-you models have you purchased in a store vs sight unseen?
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I also like to try new brands and styles, but have found that I am far more inclined to try a new tape measure if I see it in person, compared to just seeing it online.
There are a couple of exceptions, but mainly for brands I already know and trust.
I find that I am particular about many different tape measure aspects, such as the contrast of the markings, the strength of the spring return, the action of the locking tab, and the size and shape of the hook. After handling a tape measure for just a couple of seconds, I can usually tell with high confidence whether I am likely to favor it or not.
All this came to mind earlier today when I was writing about the new Metabo HPT tape measure I spotted at an online retailer.
I’m a fan of Metabo HPT cordless power tools, but I probably won’t be buying that one without first having the opportunity to try it out. This might not be the ideal standpoint, but I know myself well enough to make such a prediction.
Convenience and value both play a big part. How many tape measures have I purchased at full price, compared to how many I purchased on sale, as part of a special buy 2-pack, or similar?
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With that in mind, it’s not just about preference for me, or a quick in-person determination about how well a particular tape measure might suit my tastes.
I think I have gotten so accustomed to 2-for-1 special buys and other such aggressive promotions that I need a strong incentive to pay full price for a premium tape measure. A tape that closely aligns with preferences might do the trick.
That makes sense, right? Why try a new premium tape that only exists online when I can get 2 premium tapes from other brands for the same or lower price the next time a seasonal sale or promo rolls around? If try a tape in person, there’s a greater chance of a convincing factor.
I have also tested all kinds of tape measures over the past 15+ years. Just because a tape is well-made, durable, ergonomically designed, and easy to read, that doesn’t mean I’ll like it.
So, which is it? Why exactly am I more inclined to buy new types of tape measures in person than online? I shared some ideas, but I’m really trying to work backwards to explain my perceived pattern of purchasing behavior.
How many of my tape measure purchases were deliberate, rather than impulse buys or based on limited-time promotional value? What about yours?
How likely are you to buy a tape measure online without trying it out first?
For me, I think the answer is “not very likely,” even though I can’t pinpoint the exact reasons why.
Leo B.
I’ll only buy in-person. I always roll out the tape to the longest number, and check to see if the numbers fade the longer the tape gets. I also check accuracy against a steel rule, and check the strength of the spring. It may seem like a lot, but I usually keep my tapes for at least a year, so I want to be happy with it while I use it, and I want it to be accurate. Currently, I like the Milwaukee Wide Blade tapes. I use a non-magnetic 16’ tape for trim, and a magnetic 25 footer for framing. Drop a nail, screw, or joist hanger while on a ladder? Extend the tape, grab it, and keep moving.
Benjamin Tallmadge
I haven’t bought anything but a Stanley fat Max for many years. Always in a store. Whenever I buy one I peel the label immediately so I can write measurements on the side. I’m a professional framer so the strong stand out and being able to write on it are the two strongest selling points for me. I have bought some fast cap tapes for cabinet work. But there again, writing on the side.
JMDavis
HVAC tech/Installer, myself, and it’s been years since I’ve bought anything but a FatMax. We had a guy come in with a Milwaukee tape measure a few years back, and found out quick that his first inch was 1/8″ short.
Alexk
Never bought a tape measure online.
Never paid $20+ for a tape measure.
Usually, it’s an impulse buy or a two for one special.
Eventually will try Crescent Lufkin nite eye to see if the marking will make it easier to see fractions.
Ryan
I just gave away my black Lufkin tape measure. The whole tape is black until you get to the foot markings. The problem is the color changes at 11 1/2” to 12 1/2” and 23 1/2” to 24 1/2” etc…. I would always think the change of color was at the foot mark and get my measurement wrong. Might just be me but take a good look before buying.
Frank
Lufkin Metric tapes don’t have this issue(I have a few of them kicking about)
After years of using a fatmax I’m a happy convert,the Lufkin holds up better with on site use and stands out as far as the Stanley.also the 10M just doesn’t seem as bulky/awkward.
Thomas Gibson
I buy the Stanley fatmax tape measures. Sometimes I get one from Lowe’s. Maybe once a year I get one or two from Home Depot. Yet I have ordered several online because it was cheaper than getting them around here.
I only buy cheaper tape measures for work I do at home. Just little projects that I do in my basement. The cheaper ones are good for the projects, because everything I make is small and for certain things I make, the measurements can be off a little. If I want to make a 36 inch long coat rack, an 1/8 of an inch off won’t bother me any.
Nick
My dad likes the nite eyes as he can see them better with his vision getting worse but the springs in them don’t seem to hold up that well, after a few months they roll in weak and sometimes won’t retract all the way without assistance. Meanwhile.y fat Max’s roll up until the paint peels or I break it dropped them.
JoeM
Uh… 2 online? (Do you count Tailor’s Tape Reels? Yes? 2, No? 1) And 1 in a store… Unless you count Tool Kits… Which ups that number to… 6?
Ones I’ve lost? I genuinely don’t know, as I am vaguely aware of where every last one of these exists. Only one of them has ever been lost due to damage.
I go through scissors more often than Tape Measures. I’m not adverse to adding another few dozen very interesting designs I can see use for, Tape Measures that is. Scissors are my White Whale… I’m always hunting for more, and always in need of more types….We’ve discussed this strange phenomenon many times in the past.
JoeM
Yeah, I’ve seen in some other comments the desire to “Feel it for yourself” and I totally agree there. The one-and-only Tape Measure that I bought in a store was my DeWALT 8m/26′ DWHT33991… From the line they released just before the XP/XR Tough line… They called these the “Pro” line. It’s my usual day-to-day double-checker tape. Sits on my desk like a paperweight (not literally, but it sits until needed.) and when I’m shopping for something, or have had to show someone what those measurements look like, this is the tape I grab to show in real-space, what an online item has said as its dimensions.
For many of my actual projects, I don’t use this tape, I use an only-one-I-could-find one from Lee Valley, that is 8m Metric Only. And since I didn’t live anywhere near a Lee-Valley store at the time (still don’t) I had to order it online. It’s narrower, and is in a metal case instead of a reinforced rubberized/plastic case, but it’s only Metric, therefore, it’s just accurate for the job. I didn’t need to “feel it” to know I wanted it, it was not only the the one tape of its kind available, it was from an excellent company.
Every other Measuring Tape I’ve ever owned was either thrown into a kit as a basic necessity for starters, or “If you’ve used one, you’ve used them all” types of things. Since I’ve used certain types in the past, a “new one” won’t be any different besides age/wear and tear.
Jerry
A tape measure is something I like to try out in person. However, once I find one I like, I am not above putting it in my ‘save for later’ section of my shopping cart on Amazon or Ebay and then snagging a couple more if they show up on sale cheap enough. Got them for about half local price before doing that.
However, to just try a new tape, I’d much rather buy in person.
Dave
I’ve bought all of my tapes so far in life in person. Typically if I’m looking at measuring tapes, I have an immediate need for a new one. The measuring tape for me is one of those items that I’m so used to having on hand and ready to go that I don’t think about it until it’s missing or broken. It’s definitely one of those items that I need to “try on” before buying.
DRT42
100% in person. That said, once I discovered what I really liked – I bought 8 or 9 of them. I am very tired of “I really like this item and want to get another – oops, it is now discontinued”. Now, when I find something I like, I buy a bunch, and when the manufacturer changes it to save a penny – screw them, I am covered.
Ian
I would like to buy in person as I want to see and feel the tape.
However I want metric as well as imperial measurements, which is just not available in the local Home Depot.
IronWood
I don’t remember ever buying a tape measure online. I like Stanley powerlock and I just buy one or two a year when I see a sale. It’s like a utility knife, you can’t have too many, and I’d rather have a handful than ever be searching for one. Once I find a staple item I like I’m extremely unlikely to try something else sight unseen.
Peter Fox
I have probably bought as many if not more online than in person, Can’t say I have ever had an issue either way. If its a decent brand than the chance of getting one with issues is pretty slim.
Probably the main reason I have had to order rather than buy in person is lack of selection in most hardware/home center stores these days. Plenty of choices if you work construction and need a 25 to 35 foot overbuilt model. Not nearly as many if you are looking for 16 foot or less and not an after though or impulse buy POS. And you are lucky if you can find even one model with metric in stock at a home center.
I have had the same Komelon 12 foot / 3.5 Meter professional series tape on my tool belt for at least the last 4 years. It sees daily use, and is my primary tape measure. It has not let me down and as long as I don’t abuse it I should get at least a few more years out of it. I had to order it because no one carries it locally.
AlexK
Thanks for mentioning the Komelon. Going to get that one.
Bonnie
Same here. I find white blades easier to read than yellow, so right out of the gate I’m down to maybe 3 options at any home center, one of which is going to be the store brand. My current favorites (for the last 3 years) are the $7 Lexivon 16 footers that I can keep stashed everywhere I might need to reach for one without ever having to go hunting.
But like you I’m not on construction sites every day so I’m just not that hard on my tools. I’ve rarely broken even a garbage tape measure.
Roberto
For an assignment I needed a tape measure that had metric and imperial. Could not find in local stores, only on line. But other than that, in store. My tools don’t get beat up, so I still have a couple of old Stanley 25 footers that work fine, so I don’t dip my toe much in tape buying market/.
Blocky
I have bought about 100 tape measures and 1/2 of them in person. In person are usually as-needed purchases and online is usually in anticipation of a large project or because I want to check out something not in my local stores.
The standard yellow Tajima hi-loc is my favorite. Half my team has moved to Tajimas.
Munklepunk
I only ever bought online once because Amazon had a random sale on fastcap tapes and bought a bunch. Tape measures are generally buy as you need it or sometimes impulse buy. Checking under you pickup seat is the quickest way to find a few.
I also won’t buy the two pack sale tapes again. The fatmax and Milwaukee were both garbage. I don’t know if it was a fluke I got junky ones or black Friday models are cheaper. But my expensive single models lasted way longer.
MikeIT
I bought three Komelon 5M/ 16ft tape measures online because Lowe’s was out of stock on a regular Komelon 16ft one. When I checked Amazon, I saw the metric/ imperial combo tape and thought that was a better idea than having to do metric conversions in my head. Most 16ft tape measures have a 3/4” wide tape but these are 1” wide and I only found this out when it arrived, they should emphasize the 1” wide blade online. I liked this configuration so much I bought two more and I’ll buy a fourth one soon to keep in my vehicles. Komelon PSE55E 5M/16′ Metric Self-Lock Tape Measure, Yellow/Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XR3S9RZ
mikedt
I like tape measures with metric and imperial markings. They’re difficult to find in stores so I tend to buy online.
Joseph S
I only use the Milwaukee Stud tape measures, I believe they don’t make them anymore. I think I bought my first one in store and then liked them so much I bought 6 more online. They have a good hand feel, good stickout, nice belt clip.
Stuart
The Stud Gen II is still available.
It looks like the regular Gen II is available online, and then Gen II with magnetic hook is available online and in stores.
Joseph S
Thanks I’ll have to go give it a try!
eddie sky
Both. I buy instore when I need one asap (because I misplaced, left at friends, someone borrowed and didn’t return…). Last two I bought, were online because I got an Amazon GC and free s/h. That was the FastStop and a Johnson tape that I literally gave to a family member that just bought their first home together.
I think we need a FULL article on all the tape measure brands available, the primary use, and such metrics. I’m curious about metric needs (I bike and have a Park Tools metric tape for … bike stuff), and those that use for woodworking, carpentry, metal work, etc. What is average size most get (25′)?
And me, I have one tape per floor of house, along with two in shop/garage and one in basement (probably several since I keep tool storage in two places and you ALWAYS need a tape). Then there is the special tool, the Bosch laser finder measuring doohicky.
Mike
The last few tapes I bought were online because Lee Valley had a deal on a Starrett style I really liked so I bought a couple extras. I haven’t needed either of the extras yet and that was like 5 years ago but they were bought online.
Bob
Re: “Everyday Carry Tape Measure…” I just upgraded a cheap worn 1/4″x 36″ keychain tape measure. The numbers on the first 10 inches were getting too worn to read, and the 1/4 width was slightly annoying… I walked into a store, and purchased a “Milwaukee 6ft / 2m Keychain Tape Measure” ($6.98 CAN$) It looks awesome. but it may be a little chubby for “everyday pocket carry..? https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Hand-Tools/Measuring/Short-Tape-Measures/48-22-5506
Jack D
I’ve got an ancient 3 footer on my keychain with the same problem coming up, can’t seem to find one quite as small as this one though…a keychain fob shouldn’t be bigger than the keys, right?
Jack D
I have only ever bought Fastcap tapes online, after having been gifted one years ago. They also have some terrific options, such as flat tape, square check, burn one, etc. which are great to have around the shop. Those are my go-tos, but I often try new tapes out if they are recommended, I’ve used them helping a friend, or I read good things from the folks here.
Most recently bought the Hercules tape at HF, as an impulse buy since they were on sale. A bit bulky for my normal needs, but measurements are as accurate as my old Stanley steels.
This is good food for thought, as tape measures always seem to just be there when you want them (but gone when you NEED them) never gave much thought to when and where I buy them.
Bonnie
That FastCap flat tape is super handy when you need it. Definitely a right tool for the right job kinda thing.
Blocky
I have a compact 80” retracting tailor tape in my bag — similar use cases I imagine. Used it yesterday for marking out a curved wall. It’s also great for noting dims in reference photos.
MM
For me tapes are either impulse buys or they’re part of a general restocking of shop supplies. It’s been many years since I bought one, though I constantly lose and re-discover ones I already have.
I’m not very picky about tapes, which is odd because I’m very picky about rulers and most tools in general.
JB
I recently purchased a Tajima tape measure online. If they were readily available in stores locally, I probably would’ve preferred to have tried it out in person.
LK
I’ve inherited a number of tapes over the years or the tapes “found me” in the case of left behinds from contractors. These include a couple OLD powerlocks, and a Fatmax or two and a kobalt
I’ve purchased exactly 1 additional fatmax (in-store) that was very much an impulse buy.
Last year I actually researched and purchased a Tajima GSLock 25 online and it immediately became my go-to.
I purchased an additional Tajima GSLock-16 at a supply house in person just a couple months ago.
John Barnhill
Always in-person, always an impulse buy. I have different tool bags built for electrical, plumbing, general etc and I put them in each bag.
When someone has a 2 for 1 at the holidays, I pick them up.
I’ve got one upstairs, one in the kitchen, 3 in the garage. I have them in each car, and a 3 footer in my brief case. and when I need one, it’s always missing.
I’m not a tradesman but do my own repairs and projects.
James
Usually in store, and my collection includes Lufkin, Stanley, Milwaukee, maybe others? And online I’ve bought a few FastCap because they’re well thought out and the 3/4” tape fits down inside small PVC fittings to measure the depth (sometimes different PVC manufacturers will have slightly different socket depths). The FastCap models also include metric, two sided, easy to read, etc..
S
Always in-store.
For work use, I buy based on warranty. My needs are basic. Dual sided, markings at 1/16″.
I’ve been using Klein tapes for the time being, as the supply house will warranty them out for me. I originally bought 2, back when they were first introduced around 2015, but I’m about 15-20 tape measures in. They all fail from constant flexing/use, around the 8-30″ mark.
For home use, I buy during sales, or a specific size for a location. For instance, a Milwaukee 16′ tape fits perfectly in a center console cubby in my truck. Otherwise, the house tape measures are all knock-off or house brand models that are accurate, but basic.
Bill
I will only buy most tools in the store. I want to pick it up and actually look at it. Even if it means spending a little more.
Jeff
I haven’t bought a tape measure in-store in 15 years. I’ve purchased…5? online in the past ~3 years, chasing the elusive “all around” tape for household and DIY projects that lives in (on) my tool bag. Current winner is Komelon 12ft self lock. I do read a lot of reviews prior to purchasing, and I’ve only returned one (the Crescent Shockforce Nite Eye – loved the tape but it is HUGE).
Eddie the Hook
Always in a store & a special deal.
Keep Left
I need to see it and try it first.
And as a lefty, I only use tape measures that have vertical-scale tapes or tapes that reads horizontally right-to-left or both ways.
Cameron
I wanted a metric rule (not a imperial/metric combo), and they were impossible to find locally here in the US. They were tough to find online, too. I had to resort to Aliexpress to get one.
Bob+Hinden
Check out
https://www.fastcap.com/product/procarpenter-tape-measure?cat=308
MattW.
I buy fastcaps when they go under 5 each knowing people are gonna loose them and its a consumable to me. The other one i bought online was Tajima GS-SC16BW because there was no way to get one locally and i use it every day would buy another if it was lost. I even spent the money on the metal proprietary clip and makes hanging it on the veto bag much easier (no one wants to loose such an expensive tape measure).
Bob+Hinden
I have been buying FastCap tape measures (imperial and metric). Most from my local Woodcraft store, but I ordered one from Amazon when I misplaced one in my shop. Of course, I found it when Amazon delivered 🙂
I like buying in person because there are so many variations, like to see what I am buying.
Nate
I’ve bought a few online, but legitimately, I buy tape measures whenever I’m in Canada. I work on a bunch of metric machines, so I need metric tapes, and US stores just don’t have a good selection in-store that I can handle and get a feel for.
Luckily I live near the border.
jayne erin defranco
Three. A Stanley 25 footer, A Lufkin 16 footer And a Milwaukee 6 footer. All good tapes. The Janky ones were free from hft. and one from dollar tree. I like ALL of them.
Frank D
Online? Two of the Fastcap Lefty ones, growing tired of the mainstraim rulers.
In store? All two dozen or maybe more before them.
Tom
This post got me looking at tape meassures today and I bought one in person from Harbor Frieght because of a comment left here.
Anson
Tape measures are like scissors, you’ll find a pair in every room. I bought 12x 6′ and 12x 25′ Lufkin online 5-10 years ago. Got sick of tape measures being differently finicky.
RayB
I have never bought one online , I buy Stanley Powerlock on sale. Bought a Fatmax once , have had a few abandoned on jobs migrate to me. In a pinch I have bought the Home Depot HDX tapes , they are passable.
I have a rotation of tapes as I’m not on a jobsite everyday, the ones I use in the shop last for years. The job site ones probably usually average 2 years , on occasion I’ll get much longer out of them. No particular rhyme or reason to it , the usual culprit is a break in the steel tape itself.
Jim
I’m a big fan of the the FastCap Pro Carpenter tapes. I use both the standard and the metric ones. Very reasonably priced and well made like all FastCap products.
Chip
Just like shoes ,buy the first in store to see how they fit and feel…then buy replacements online or bf deals
Have used fatmax for 30 years for framing ,and don’t plan on changing
Trim work was mostly Lufkin but have tried several different brands and styles, but have since changed to Tajima.
2 pack 25 ft fatmax from HD bf deals never seemed to last ,but probably bought 40 over 10 years for an avg of $12 .
Last I was regularly using them for fence, which is a worse environment than concrete work.
I averaged about 5 tapes per year for 15 years.
glenn
Tapes I currently own and probably not likely to purchase any more in the foreseeable future.
Happy with all of them but I find I mostly use the Milwaukee 2m tapes as I generally work with smaller dimensions these days.
Milwaukee 1st gen 8m. In store.
Milwaukee 1st gen 5m. In store.
4 x Milwaukee 2m. In store
Bosch green 3m autolock. Online.
Lufkin Shockforce Nite Eye 3m. Online.
CMF
I have always been absentminded, but because of medical issues in recent years, it has become worse. The easiest thing for me to misplace is a tape measure, which is why I have over 50-60 of them, or more.
Mostly bought in store, but online for ones I can’t find in store, or because of a special online deal; so about 80% in store.
Mind you, the brunt of them were bought many years ago and today I buy anything I can online rather than go out to a store. So in recent years it would be more online although I have not bought that many recently.
A bunch mentioned the Fastcap, I never realized I had a couple. I bought them through Lee Valley as tapes you could mark on them with a pencil, and only now realized these are Fastcap.
Through Lee Valley I just bought 2 that are transparent, see through and wash through. I also years ago bought a few of their blind man’s tapes, Starrett and a flexible tape.
HD, in the early 2000’s had a house brand, Workpro or maybe Workhorse, on sale for $2-$3, every time I went I would pickup 2 or 3 as they were cheap but work pretty good.
Tajima, Fisco, Komelon, Milwaukee, Lufkin, Johnson and any other brand I would come across, I would always buy 1 or 2, always looking for what I found to be the best for me.
Many are good, but my favorite is Dewalt; their standard 16 & 25ft imperial.
Scott F
Have bought all of mine in person – usually 2fer deals. I don’t use a tape measure as often as many, though, so the (5) I have made it quite a while (2 Fatmax 25′ from BF ~2019, 2 Milwaukee 25′ from BF ~2021, and 1 HF freebie that is probably 10 years old now).
I agree with the sentiment of difficulty paying full price when they are often on super sale – unless I needed it immediately. I have bought a DeWalt 6′ and a Crescent 6′ from tractor supply as impulse buys. Both have since broken – I love the small size but am too aggressive for the little ones.
Oh and I accidentally stole a Lufkin 30′ tape from my father when he came to help with some house projects – like that one the best of any of my tapes, he is not getting it back.
I’d buy online to save a trip to store or get a good deal, I am not picky enough about tape measures to discriminate much, and am very likely to shop by a combination of brand/price, with brand only counting so much as to avoid the knockoffs. Any reputable brand will do..