What is the best drop proof/impact resistant tape measurer?

Submitted by Erosip t3_y4vjlx in BuyItForLife

My father destroys tape measures as if they were all made of glass. I’m fairly certain that 9/10 times it’s from him tossing off of a ladder, rooftop, etc. Does anyone know of a tape measurer that would stand up to this? It doesn’t necessarily have to last him his whole life but at least not break when he inevitably drops it from the sky.

11

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

pelican626 t1_isgjmrt wrote

Make him a tether so he can't drop it.

1

fazalmajid t1_isgufaw wrote

I have a bunch of these Stanley tape measures with a metal case. Seem pretty bomb-proof to me, although I am not rough with my equipment.

1

wordsofshep t1_ish7zz2 wrote

Giving a fuck is a good start.

12

outofmemory01 t1_ish9eez wrote

Replying to Erosip (#112,469)

Tell him to hold on to the end and let the weight of the tape pull out. Of course you'll have to release the end...which is bad for the tape...but sounds like it may not survive that long anyway. It's also kind of fun to watch the tape do a cartwheel when all that tape comes flying back in.

2

fazalmajid t1_ishbo9q wrote

Replying to Erosip (#113,327)

The one that is part of the tape measure, it's metal instead of the more usual plastic. Now, if your dad tosses it and it has the bad luck to land on the plastic release switch, that could break and he would lose the ability to lock the tape in position, but the measure would still work.

2

Funny-Tradition-2906 t1_isjx50m wrote

Crescent Lufkin Shockforce. 100' drop test rated. High quality tape measure. I use it daily at work

1

pencil1324 t1_isndq62 wrote

Old or newer models similar to the old metal casing and metal tongue Stanley tape measures. You can beat those things like a red headed step child and they will refuse to give up on you. The more simplistic the better for tape measures.

0

AntiGravitySeal t1_isnkgz2 wrote

I can’t help with picking out a tape measure, but you might look into getting him a belt clip that holds a tape measure, if he doesn’t have one already. They make them that can clip on and off of a belt, so that your father can put the tape measure on his belt as he climbs the ladder, even if he isn’t wearing a tool belt.

3

sponge_welder t1_isvjrbv wrote

Essential Craftsman recommends a Spencer logging tape. They're serviceable with parts available online, made of metal, and you can let them hang from a belt loop while you use them instead of having to unclip and reclip like a normal tape

2

AntiGravitySeal t1_ite72dn wrote

Replying to Erosip (#123,824)

Hey I know that this is a week ago now, but I remembered it out of the blue and wanted to make sure you had seen the Project Farm video on testing different tape measures:

https://youtu.be/6517aSbzlyE

It’s worth a watch, but the conclusion of it is that the DeWalt Tape Measures seem to be the most durable. So if your father already has the tape measure belt hook I linked before, you could also just buy him a few of those, or whatever his favorite tapes are if you know that he has a preference.

2

Quirion_a t1_itgr31r wrote

Replying to fazalmajid (#112,751)

Work in asphalt paving and underground utilities. We used these for years but they don’t seem to last like they used to. Went from buying each guy 2 a year to like 4 or five from the tape no longer retracting. We use the plastic fat max version now and they seem to last longer, at least a year with constant daily use, and be easier to use.

1

Complex-Boat-2521 t1_itnjstg wrote

Replying to Erosip (#111,920)

My dad has been doing construction since he graduated high school.

Only uses the Stanley fat max. May be personal preference. He has changed power tool brands a few times but will never use a different brand tape measure.

2