Customer Reviews

Stanley 33-725 25-Foot FatMax Tape Measure

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

I have bought the FAT MAX when they first came out, they claim 11' stand out and I never made it past 10 feet. The tape is very heavy and when dropped it breaks open like an egg.The first time it fell was only from 5 feet onto a wooden deck, the lock button broke off. And for [the price] I would expect more from the product. I have bought a new tape called WIDE BOY from SNS Tapes, now this one takes a fall from 20 feet and they hit 10'6" to 11' everytime. And that is not on the 35 degree angle needed to get the FAT MAX to hit 10Feet. One other thing that makes it better is the WIDE BOY fits in the tape hold on my tool belt. It is also [less expensive] and comes with a utility knife I give this one a five star! So sorry STANLEY your not the best tape out there anymore.

I bought one ot Stanley's "Fat Max" tape measures,and now that I've had it for a few months, I can offer the following opinion. Yes, it is the tape to buy for hooking the far end of a board and it will win your tape races, but it is a little bulky and awkward. That's not necessarily a bad thing. I've yet to see a Stanley tape in the recycle bin - you CAN'T hurt them. The best free advise is; if your a framer, they're ideal (in fact a must), if your a cabinetmaker, maybe not.

I'm a finish carpenter and unfortunetely I got addicted to the fat max too, but after going through one tape every 2 months or less I've switched back to the "Wimpier" 1" rule. The problem is that the tape is so ridgid (which is great if your measuring across a room) that it gets nicks in the side of it instead of flexing then when the edge of the tape hits anything the tape starts to rip and after a few more uses the tape breaks. After dropping $25 bucks a tape every couple of months i just can't afford these tapes anymore. They are nice but you have to baby them, even so I still go through them way too fast. I use my tape hundreds of times a day and this one just doesn't stand up to the punishment. The locking mechanisim doesn't work well either, you have to push much harder than most tapes to lock the tape in place.

I love this tape measure. I haven't quite been able to get an 11' standout, but I have hit 10' on a regular basis. The tape is thick and stiff and very readable. The rubber and plastic case is easy to hold on to, even when it's covered in dust or when your hands are sweaty. I also use the bottom and top hook feature more than I thought I would.

It definitely is bulky, and you probably won't want to carry it with you at all times, but that's fine with me. But my wife, who has smaller hands than I do, finds this tape measure difficult to hold onto because it's so big. That's the only drawback I can think of.

This is my second Fat max tape. Although they aredurable, at this price they are the most expensive construction 25' tape I've seen. I started out using the Craftsmen tapes because of the lifetime warranty. Doing siding, often by myself, I found the 11' standout to be extremely helpful. So now I have another one. It really does stand out 11' feet. That isn't just helpful when I'm up on a ladder trying to measure my next cut but it is also helpful when I'm on the ground and running the tape out to the end of a board. My craftsmen tape won't hold up past 5'. The end protector. It really helps. My first tape cracked at the 5" mark but I was able to use it another three weeks because the Mylar never gave way. It wasn't until most of the 5 was gone that I finally gave it up.

Now the bad. First price. I will only use this tape when the weather is dry. If I keep it dry and relatively clean it will last a lot longer. That just means on wet days I can't use it. Which during the winter time is often. Second, size. This doesn't fit in most standard tape holders. Although I was able to stretch my leather one out, now my back up tape just falls out. Oh well.

I consider this a great tool. I will continue to buy them even at this price. I guess I just need to make a little effort to take better care of them.

Not to belabor the point, but the tape is great! If you are looking for a tape with a great standout, (11 feet I think is a bit of an exageration, maybe up on Mt. Everest where the air doesn't weigh as much) easy to read tape, and good heft in your hand then this is it.

Here comes the but... if you are going to be measuring things where 1/16th of an inch makes a difference, the wide tape that's easy to read makes it tough to get it perfect.

So here is the recommendation, if you are only getting one, and you are only doing framing, sheetrock, rough measuring you've got your man. If you are going to be doing finish work, trim, etc spend a little less and get the Stanely 33-599 25' contractor grade tape. Easier to get the last nit measured.

I have been in the trades for over 30 years and I have been buying FatMax tape measures for as long as they have been on the market. "Stanley" has once again changed the design and manufacturing specs on another one of their tools... and not for the better. This has been happening in several other tool lines as they now own many. The tapes are only slightly better than a standard tape now. The steel for the tape is thinner than it used to be and the clear protective coating on the first several inches has also been changed... it is just some clear tape that peels off unlike previous versions. WAY disappointing. It got 3 stars because it is still OK but I can see these tapes not lasting very long and there is no rebuild offered. I purchased a couple of these because I use them all the time.

Stanley has definitely chosen to build with lower quality materials. We all know profit is important but it is really sad that companies think this is a good direction. Building with lower quality means profits can be increased because the materials used for production cost less and the product itself will not last as long. These tape measures are spendy as it is and when the quality declines so will my return business.