Accurate Tape Measures

[Lee J]

I'm not convinced my tape measure is accurate enough or robust enough to last me a few years in the workshop. So, I have been looking for a top notch tape measure that will not be too bulky, not be too cheap feeling, easy and clear to read and last a while.

Your comments or experiences are welcome.

These are 2 I've been pondering over so far...

The Bahco

http://www.tooldiscountcentre.com/bahco-5-mtr-tape-measure-stainless-blade-mts-5-25-e-320-p.asp

The Festool

http://www.festool.co.uk/Products/Accessories/Pages/Detail.aspx?pid=495415&name=Tape-measure-Festool

 

[knappers]

See here for more.

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/post535024.html?highlight=tape#535024

Si.

 

[Lee J]

yeah saw that thread and indeed posted in it, thanks for the pointer though.

I really wanted info on the Bahco

Any good?

 

[knappers]

So you did.

I always find 5m rules a bit chunky for my liking, as I tend to throw them in my pocket. 3m tends to cover mosts things I need to measure, with a bigger 5m in a drawer for the odd time I need it.

Si.

 

[studders]

I prefer one with a wide blade. That said I don't use them for 'accurate' work, they are too 'variable'.

 

[Gary]

I prefer one with a wide blade. That said I don't use them for 'accurate' work, they are too 'variable'.

Does a tape need to be accurate?

So long as you use the same one when moving form measuring to marking, it shouldn't matter :wink:

 

[woodbloke]

I prefer one with a wide blade. That said I don't use them for 'accurate' work, they are too 'variable'.

Agreed, they're only used for roughish work and guesstimating...as long as it's fairly robust and in metric it doesn't really matter - Rob

 

[Lee J]

true, thanks for your inputs

Think I'll end up with the Bahco as the Festool one looks a bit plastic.

 

[Gary]

Think I'll end up with the Bahco as the Festool one looks a bit plastic.

Probably because thats what its made from.

The Stanley 3m used to come with a metal casing.

 

[Lee J]

your right Gary, just found out the Bahco is an inch wide - bugger

too wide for my uses

I think a Stanley 3m metal cased one could be the way to go.

 

[Gary]

Lee

This is the one I mean. You may not be able to get a metal body one any more. I have a 3m and a 5m, the 3m is metal whilst the 5m is chromed plastic.

 

[petermillard]

Best tapes I've ever used are by Talmeter, UK importer is shop4tools, here - made in Sweden, and sadly Shop4Tools don't import the best (IHMO) one they do, a 3-metre measure with a 25mm blade. Managed to get one from someone I know vaguely in Sweden; it goes with me everywhere and is pretty much the only measure I use. Highly recommended.

Also have the Festool measure and whilst it's good in theory, in practice I found it to be just not robust enough - the blade's too thin and the return spring too weak...

HTH Pete

 

[Oryxdesign]

The Stanley Power lock used to be good but they have changed the design of the hook and it is now average. You maybe able to find an old stock one.

The one I like is this one with the piece of square metal above the hook

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/8m-Stanley-Measur ... 068wt_1141

Simon

 

[studders]

Does a tape need to be accurate?

:

No, if you don't rely on them for accuracy. :wink:

 

[Gary]

Does a tape need to be accurate?

:

No, if you don't rely on them for accuracy. :wink:

So what if 300mm is measuring at 302mm? As long as you don't use two different measures on the same job there shouldn't be a problem, should there?

 

[studders]

Does a tape need to be accurate?

:

No, if you don't rely on them for accuracy. :wink:

So what if 300mm is measuring at 302mm? As long as you don't use two different measures on the same job there shouldn't be a problem, should there?

If I particularly needed/wanted 300mm then Yes. Also, you can get variation even using the same Tape.
I use a Tape when the size isn't that important (insert Oooh err Missus here
) when it is important I use a Rule I know to be correct.

 

[bugbear]

Does a tape need to be accurate?

:

No, if you don't rely on them for accuracy. :wink:

So what if 300mm is measuring at 302mm? As long as you don't use two different measures on the same job there shouldn't be a problem, should there?

There are few occasions where extreme absolute accuracy is required. Repeatability and consistency are normally more import.

If the gap is really 300mm, and you measure it at 198mm with your "faulty" tape, but you then measure the workpiece at 198mm with you faulty tape, the workpiece still fits the gap.

Measuring accurately with a tape is difficult in any case, even if the tape were excellent - tapes are thin, and can stretch under tension, the "slidy bit" at the end ain't exactly precision engineered. There way too much slop in the whole operation for working to fine tolerance.

BugBear

 

[Lee J]

however if the gap is 300mm and you've been asked to make a cupboard to fit snugly into 300mm and your piece turns out at 216mm - you've just got yourself some expensive firewood.

Like last week, we ordered some vertical blinds online and they asked me to measure the inside of the window recess, 198mm - got me thinking 'how accurate is that measurement?'

 

[Gary]

however if the gap is 300mm and you've been asked to make a cupboard to fit snugly into 300mm and your piece turns out at 216mm - you've just got yourself some expensive firewood.

That's what you'd get for trusting the great British public. Always best to measure yourself.

 

[Lee J]

very true Gary

I like the 3m Stanley (metal case). sort of retro look to it. and cheap enough to buy one to test out.