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Thread: Metric tape measures

  1. #1
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    Metric tape measures

    What do you all use for shop-use metric tape measures? I've tried many tape measures, but can't find a 3m or 3.5m that holds up. For $20 I've got a Stanley Powerlock Classic 3m on the way. Will see how it does. On a kitchen cabinet job a metric tape gets pulled maybe 1000x. Fastcap tapes don't last long at all, Starret tapes are a joke, USA-made TAP Plastics tapes read <.5mm off. Since my favorite imperial tapes are Stanley Powerlock classics, I thought I'd pay the absurd price for the metric guy. I like 3-3.5m or 12' for shop work, it's just the right size. Shame Stanley doesn't sell the 3m or 3.5m in the US.
    JonathanJungDesign.com

  2. #2
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    A quick look on Amazon shows a small 3m (dual scale) Stanley.
    https://smile.amazon.com/Stanley-699.../dp/B0009VX1ZQ I didn’t read the reviews. I have some dual scale measuring tapes but I don’t remember how long they are.

    Quote Originally Posted by Jonathan Jung View Post
    What do you all use for shop-use metric tape measures? I've tried many tape measures, but can't find a 3m or 3.5m that holds up. For $20 I've got a Stanley Powerlock Classic 3m on the way. Will see how it does. On a kitchen cabinet job a metric tape gets pulled maybe 1000x. Fastcap tapes don't last long at all, Starret tapes are a joke, USA-made TAP Plastics tapes read <.5mm off. Since my favorite imperial tapes are Stanley Powerlock classics, I thought I'd pay the absurd price for the metric guy. I like 3-3.5m or 12' for shop work, it's just the right size. Shame Stanley doesn't sell the 3m or 3.5m in the US.

  3. #3
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    I don’t use metric really but I’m certain the manufacturers I like make metric tapes. Tajima is my current favorite for sturdy tapes and for a more delicate lightweight tape I use BMI.
    Bumbling forward into the unknown.

  4. #4
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    Plus one on Tajima. I used to use Stanley Fat Max’s, (purchased from the UK), but have switched to the Tajima line since getting them.

    Clint

  5. #5
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    I like these ...



    Also 3m BMI and Festool (made by BMI) ...



    Or, go for one in pewter (made by Carol Boyse) ...



    Regards from Perth

    Derek

  6. #6
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    I currently have one from Lee Valley (I mostly work in metric in the shop) for when my steel rules are not long enough. I've had zero issues with the Lee Valley unit.
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

  7. #7
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    I asked and Harbor Freight where everything is made outside the only Inch country in the world has no metric measuring tapes. Most of their metal measuring scales have metric and English ,but no tapes at all.
    I like Starrett tapes, not expensive.
    Bill D
    Last edited by Bill Dufour; 06-24-2022 at 8:24 PM.

  8. #8
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    I've had a couple from Lee Valley for a few years and both are very good. One has a white flat surface for jotting down measurements (I wish all tapes had that) and a rubber covering. The only thing I don't like is that it's half metric, half imperial. I'm just not a half & half guy. The other is all metric, but no rubber, so it might not survive as hard a drop.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Derek Cohen View Post

    Or, go for one in pewter (made by Carol Boyse) ...



    Regards from Perth

    Derek
    That one makes me smile.

  10. #10
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    I have a few but my favorite by far is this one. It gets a lot of use on my CNC Router work.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  11. #11
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    I have several combination English/Metric tapes by Stanley, and one by Klein Tools (I think rebranded Stanley) that I have had for years with no problems at all, other than loosing them occasionally, to be found much later. All are working fine and many are 10 or more years old.

    Charley

  12. #12
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    Very happy with the Tajima metric tapes. Expensive but accurate and easy to read,and are holding up very well for me

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Becker View Post
    I currently have one from Lee Valley (I mostly work in metric in the shop) for when my steel rules are not long enough. I've had zero issues with the Lee Valley unit.
    I have a couple of Lee Valley tapes and a couple of Felder tapes, both are good….Regards, Rod

  14. #14
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    I bought a certified one similar to Derek’s recommendation and am very happy with it. It has held up well so far.

    https://www.mcmaster.com/tape-measur...tape-measures/

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bill Dufour View Post
    I asked and Harbor Freight where eveything is made outside the only Inch country in the world has no metric measuring tapes. Most of their metal measuring scales have metric and English ,but no tapes at all.
    I like Starrett tapes, not expensive.
    Bill D

    My recollection is that Liberia also uses the imperial system.

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