Customer Reviews

FastCap PS 25 Old Standby 25 Foot Tape

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I recieved my tape measures today and I must say im quite impressed alot of thought went into these. The easy belt clip is awsome and it will be alot easier on my pocket cause lets face it as many times as I pull the tape on and off to take a measurement a little thing like that goes along way. The pencil sharpener is something else.As a trim carpenter I need a sharp pencil and to carry a sharpener in my pocket or us ea mechanical pencil all the time just isnt practical so they have made good use of what is normally dead space on a tape measure.The note pad speaks for itself Im always looking for something to write on so I dont get the opertunity to forget my measurements on the way back to the saw. The dual locks are great too if you purchase this you will see what I mean. Now since these a brand new im going to update my review after I see how long they last me. I usually only get about 6 months out of a tape so we will see

I bought one of these after breaking a Lufkin tape I'd had for years. It survived work on a framing crew and plenty of assorted indoor and outdoor jobs, but finally the spring went. In almost every respect, this tape is superior not only to my old Lufkin, but any tape I've ever used. The pencil sharpener and wipeoff pad on the side get used constantly. True, the belt clip is a little weak, but I find the belt clip on most tapes strong enough to be unusable and so I always take it off and keep the tape in the tool apron. My only complaint is that while I think the blade is sturdy enough, the coating leaves a bit to be desired and over the course of a couple months of daily use it chipped off the edges and began to rust. Yes, I did take care to wipe the blade down when it got wet.

It still works for me, but with the chipping and corrosion I can't say how long it'll last. I'll be the first to admit I've been tough on this tape - the working conditions have been mostly outdoors and often miserable and I'd expect it would perform a lot better in a cushy finish carpentry environment, but I'd love to be able to get this product with a more robust blade coating. In every other respect it absolutely smokes the competition.

Perfect, I use it every day. The 32nd measurements are super useful for accurate, small measurements. Small compact size is comfortable, and the pencil sharpener is something that should be on every tape measure. Just don't drop it from too high, the case will try to come apart.

As an amateur furniture maker, wood worker and general DIY guy I do not put excessive stress on my tools, but I do know what I like and don't like.

I like this tape measure.

Pros:
It is easy to hold as it is not as bulky as most of the other tape measures I have used. It is easy to read, the black on white tape is easier for me to read than black on yellow. It is easy to use, the double tape brake (top and bottom) make it much easier to use one handed. And finally, it is a great value at half the price of the other top brands.

Cons:
The top brake will quickly remove the paint on the top of the tape in two narrow lines. It does not imped reading measurements but it's not pretty either. As others will tell you the standout on this tape is only about 6 to 8 feet, it does not bother me but if you do a lot of framing it may bother you.

When Amazon starts to carry the 16' model of this tape I will buy it as well. I will also be getting the 16' story pole version of this tape as well.

Update:
After using this tape measure on several DIY jobs I have found one more thing I really like about it. Some reviews of other FastCap tape measures have complained that the return spring was too strong. I have noticed that this extra spring strength allows you to hook the tape measure to a horizontal piece of stock. I was working with a lot of plywood and needed to make several measurements. I found that I could hook the foot at one end, extend the tape the full width of the plywood and the spring would let the body act as another foot. Both of my hands where free to mark. I do not know if this is intended or not, but it has made my life easier.

I purchased this tape measure based on the many great reviews on the internet. I loved the quick finger lock, note pad and pencil sharpener. I didn't like the belt clip which is too small so the tape measure kept popping off my belt. Also, the triple rivet end clip quickly became loose and measurments were off when you measured between studs and transfered the length to cut a block. I liked the black rubber/plastic casing until I left it on the furnace while working in the basement and it melted. The metal tape is fine, but the case is so mangled that the tape won't come out making it useless. I have an old Stanely 35 ft that's metal which is pretty indistructable but really bulky. I would recommend this tape measure to the DYIer who doesn't need precise measurements or for a kitchen tool drawer. I plan on getting another and keeping it away from heat.

This product came out of its packaging. I sent it back and a new one was sent to me.