Customer Reviews

Stanley 30-825 25-Foot-by-1-Inch LeverLock Tape Rule

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(16)

 

 

I own a cabinet shop and have used Leverlocks since they were 1st introduced, about 15-20 years ago and for the life of me I can't understand why Stanley would do away with the old design to replace it with this far inferior design. The leverlock idea is superior to any other, but this new design has many flaws, the worst being that button that's supposed to keep the tape locked, probably designed by a 23 year old engineer. The button won't stay where you put it, and at times virtually makes the leverlock idea inoperable. I find myself spending more time fiddling with that freakin' button than measuring. The case is too small. It's like trying pitch a golf ball instead of a baseball. Just doesn't fill up the hand like it should. The tape is flimsy and crimps easily. The numbers and marks wear much more quickly than the old neons. I found 2 NOS black 3/4" x 25' leverlocks on ebay and I plan to guard them with my life, although I really need the 1" model. If you measure for a living, hang onto your money 'til you can find an old neon model.

I have also been using the old style of stanley leverlocks from there original production.I am a professional plumber and use a tape constantly in every type of situation. When i saw the new style tape stanley created I thought that it looked great but soon found out that they were a peice of junk the aforementioned button was a big hang up for me i would cut off the clip that would hold the lever in place. but over all the whole design is flawed. The old style of leverlock held up much better. I keep my old leverlock case and purchase the stanley powerlocks and change out the guts but my old case is almost woreout and no longer locks with the lever so i am looking for a replacement now. i wouldent have a new style leverlock if you gave it to me to much of a headache when it fails on the job.i have had the case i have now for about four years and changed the blade about once a year. I suggest that you steer away from this tape if you use one a lot.

I too agree the old neon leverlock tape rules were better. Aside from design defects with the casing, the gauge of the tape appears to be thinner. Mine is twisted out of shape for the first 12 inches. This makes it impossible for it to grab as you drag the tape along an object. The "tooth" no longer faces down.

I've always been a huge fan of the LeverLock style tapes. The old style Stanley LeverLocks were great. I still have a neon green one that is struggling to survive. But these new LL tapes are of poor design and quality. I've owned a 30' and a 25' so far and regret wasting the money on them. Here's why:

1. The actual tape seem to be much cheaper now. My 30' tape only lasted a couple months before it tore and wound itself up inside the case. I then purchased the 25' thinking it would be a thicker more sturdy tape. It was not.

2. The new rounded, "futuristic egg" looking design is just goofy looking.

3. The actual lever mechanism is too weak. You can't even set the tape down while it's extended because it's own weight is enough to press the lever and make the tape retract. What a glaring design flaw. Stanley should be embarrassed.

4. I guess their solution to this was to add a little red button that will lock the lever and not allow it to be depressed. Maybe it seemed like a good idea to the design engineer that came up with it, but to real people using this tape in the real world it is simply an unwanted extra step in the process of trying to use this tape. That stupid button was always getting accidentally engaged and was a constant source of irritation. I ended up just cutting it off with a razor knife.

5. Why does Stanley continue to refuse to offer a "Fat Max" version of the LeverLock? Do they think us LeverLock users have no need for a wider, more sturdy tape? Are they really that out of touch?

If you can find an older style LeverLock tape maybe on ebay or something then get it. (They were more square shaped and most often seemed to be in colors of neon green or bright orange.) However I cannot recommend these new, kinda-egg shaped LeverLocks. They have no redeeming qualities at all and are greatly inferior to the older style.

The only other tape currently being made that uses an identical lever mechanism is made by Craftsman. They call them "bottom locking" tapes. Their design is far superior to this new Stanley design. The Craftsman tapes are not perfect either, but they are a much better choice than these Stanley models. I'd recommend at least checking them out.

The bulbous shape makes accurate inside measurements nearly impossible. That goofy little sliding button determines whether the blade will lock or not, regardless of user preference, and on mine, stopped working entirely after about a month (permanently unlocked). Stanley should do a Coke, and bring back the "LeverLock Classic." It WAS a well-designed, functional tool.

This tape probably works fine for the homeowner. However, I'm a professional carpenter and I use a tape measure daily. I loved the old style of this tape - I HATE this one! It's awkward and fits in a tool-belt tape holder like a round peg in a square hole. I wish the "think tank", that probably never cut a piece of wood in their collective lives mind you, that had the idea to change the design of this tape, would just change it back.

I am a professional carpenter and have used the LeverLock tapes since I was a sales clerk in a hardware store 25 years ago. The only problem that I had with the original was that the case would crack after repeated drops, and that the clip would then spin on the case. I never had any other problems. The new one is ALL problems. My biggest one is that it doesn't quite lock (the case continues to slide away when suspended), and that the first couple of feet of the blade become illegible after a few uses. Ditto all of the complaints others have left. Stanley PLEASE bring back the "OLD" LeverLock.

I've not used the old style leverlock mentioned here but the new model on its own is junk. My complaints are similar to many: poor retraction, the lock button has a mind of its own, the lock mechanism (not the button but the portion that secures the tape from retracting) on one of my 5 leverlock tapes failed and lastly the blades are flimsy. Two of my blades broke after a few days and replacement blades cost more than the tape measure itself.

Stanley listen to me. Go back to your old tape. The lock is weak. The spring is weak. The button on the back works only sometimes. The outline is fatter. Please bring back the old neon ones. They were the best.

The Stanley leverlock shown in the picture is not what you are going to get. What is shipped is the "new" model, which does not work as well and is not as reliable as the "old" model.