Stanley 33-725 25-Foot FatMax Tape Measure

by Stanley

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Stanley 25-Foot FatMax Tape Measure is reinforced on the first six feet with BladeArmor coating for maximum durability. A Mylar polyester film extends the life of the entire blade. This tape rule comes with a cushion grip built into the case for a non-slip grip and impact resistance. A top forward blade lock design makes it easier to lock and unlock the blade while a heavy, heat-treated spring provides long life and smooth blade recoil.

Tape Rule is reinforced with BladeArmor coating for maximum durability. See the full line of Stanley tape rules.

Hand tools for the pro or expert enthusiast. view the FatMax product demo (requires Flash)

The tape blade measures 25-feet-by-1-1/4-inch with a 11-foot tape standout. To simplify framing jobs, the bright yellow, easy-to-read blade has 16-inch and 19.2-inch stud center markings. It comes with Stanley's limited lifetime warranty.

About Stanley FatMax Tape Systems and BladeArmor Coating
The FatMax family of products has established itself as one of Stanley's most extensive and innovative product families in the company's 161-year history. The FatMax line of hand tools features core tools essential for the pro or expert enthusiast who desire high quality, durable tools. BladeArmor coating is a patented industrial thermoplastic coating, the very same material that has been used to strengthen and protect aircraft parts, such as the rotor blades on the Sikorsky Black Hawk Helicopter. Simply put, it helps aircraft survive war zones, and it also helps tape blades survive construction zones. Applying BladeArmor coating to tape blades reduces both tape breakage and tape returns, enabling it to conquer the toughest testing ground of all -- the job site!

Product Description

FAT MAX TAPE RULE *1-1/4" wide *11' standout *Contractor grade *"Mylar" coated blade *Plastic case with rubber non-slip grip *Belt hook *Clamshell *25' Long

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4 x 2 x 4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00002PV66
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 33-725
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (62 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,120 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #3 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Measuring & Layout Tools > Tape Measures

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Long tape standout is the principal feature of this measure..., December 19, 2005

By 

Victor H. Agresti "remodeling-guy" (Gaithersburg, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stanley 33-725 25-Foot FatMax Tape Measure (Tools & Home Improvement)

Stanley 1 1/4" wide Fat max tape measure.

Pros:

- My Fat Max stands out unsupported to about 10' 3". Even though not the 11' claimed, it's still several feet longer than 1" tape measures. This is the important advantage of this tape, especially when working alone, because measuring takes less time and less effort.

- Case has a rubber coating around most of it, making it easier to hold onto, although that black case can get hot if it's been in the sunshine.

- Tape end has the normal bottom "hook" but also has a double top hook, for grabbing that other end.

- Although I don't make a habit of dropping tools, this one seems pretty tough. (Although some reviewers have had their Fat Max's break open on falling?)

- Highly rated in Fine Homebuilding magazine.

Cons:

- Costs much more than 1" wide tape measures of the same length.

- About 1/4 bulkier and is heavier than a 1" wide tape measure of the same length. 3/4" tape measures are lighter still. The Fat Max might be awkwardly large for someone with small hands.

- Even with the belt clip removed, the Fat Max is an inconveniently tight fit in my tape holster, whereas 1" wide tape measures of the same length fits with ease.

- Due to the curvature of the tape it "rides" further above the surface than narrower tape measures, so you have to press the tape down to get that last bit of accuracy in the reading. Narrower tape measures are easier and quicker to read accurately, since you don't need to press the tape down as often.

- Width of the tape measure isn't shown on tool, so you have to remember the width and add that, for inside readings.

- Bottom and top "hooks" should be longer or have micro grippers like some other tape measures. Although usually OK, it too easily slips off what I'm trying to hook it on - this is particularly frustrating when that spot is far away, and is partially caused by how much you have to arc the tape for it to stand out so far. I.e., the tape may be at the wrong angle to grab easily.

- The sliding blade lock takes too much effort. I can do it with one thumb, but have to press with serious oomph to lock or unlock it, and I'm 6/4 and weigh 260 lbs. I'd say it takes triple the effort over any of the 1" measures I own. Doesn't work near as well as the Stanley Power Lock, Leigh, or Craftsman measures, for example.

- Tape seems to crease sooner than narrower tapes, which means it will wear out faster. This is probably due to the width of the tape being less flexible to twisting, and the very fast rewind rate which can whip the tape, causing damage.


Not really a con, since it's not expected, but it doesn't have a lifetime warranty like Craftsman tape measures (not sure if other brands have such warranties). I've seen construction workers bring a bag full of worn-out Craftsman tape measures into a Sears store and walk out with free replacements!

Summary:

For any project where long tape standout is important, this is a good choice. For almost any other purpose, I reach for a 1" or smaller tape measure because they are lighter, smaller, quicker to read, and the blade locks works better.

40 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Chubby and maybe a bit stubby too!, December 11, 1999

By 

"morethanacarpenter" (Van Buren, Missouri) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stanley 33-725 25-Foot FatMax Tape Measure (Tools & Home Improvement)

The last thing I needed was another tape measure, but I'm tired of 1" tapes flopping and sagging when making long measurementss by myself. This fat guy doesn't sag or flop very often. Just wish that Stanley would make a 30' or 35' version. Then I'd buy another tape that I really didn't need!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Long standout makes this tape "stand out" from the crowd, July 25, 2000

By 

Jeremy R. Brandon "commando" (Ft. Bragg, North Carolina United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stanley 33-725 25-Foot FatMax Tape Measure (Tools & Home Improvement)

Absolutely a must have for do-it-yourselfers. Getting critical measurements by yourself can be a chore if you need to reach a long way. I recently did some remodeling in my kitchen, and this fat baby was indespensible. The top hook feature was a great addition as well. I was able to reach out much further than with any other tape I have used before. As an added bonus, the rugged construction of the fat max holds up to the most severe jobsite abuse. I've had mine since they first hit the stores around October of last year, and it has held up just fine through every rainy day, early morning concrete pour, and sling-the-tape-against-a-concrete-wall temper tantrum. (Nobody's perfect) One small drawback: the 1-1/4" width creates quite a curvature from the top to the bottom of the tape, making short measurements a bit of a trick. You have to take care to hold the tape at an angle so as to put either the top or the bottom of the tape flat against the work surface. This is a minor consideration though, and doesn't detract from it's overall function or usefulness.