Customer Reviews

Stanley 33-885 Short Tape, 1-1/4-Inch by 16-Feet

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The tape has excellent standout but for the most part it is not extremely useful. I've used a ton of Stanley tape measures and it seems breaking within the first couple of inches is what usually makes me have to trash them. The irony of my experience with the "Xtreme" is that it broke in a few months right there in the blade armor. Since you have to practically take out a mortgage to buy one of the longer tapes in the "Xtreme" line I don't think I'll ever be using one of these again. These seem substantially heavier & bulkier than equivalent length tapes as well

I love this tape because it works for over 90% of my daily measuring. I gave it 4 stars only because previous reviewers are right in that I had one tear and ultimately break as well. But I did replace it with another, so ..........Well, draw your own conclusion.

I like this tape far more than the other FatMax Xtreme tapes because its narrower, and therefore doesn't stick off your belt an unreasonable amount, which the others do (fat fat fat). It is equally thin to the FatMax yellow tapes, and actually a bit thinner than the 25'. Additionally, it's far lighter and smaller than its larger counterparts. I do framing, but I rarely measure boards more than 16'. That's what the 100 ft tape is for. I don't understand carpenters who buy a 35ft tape and carry that monster around with them. That said, there are definitely scenarios you need more length, but I'd just keep a regular FatMax 35' or the 100' as I said before. The stand out on this tape really is 13', and I love how that enables me to take measurements in large, high interior spaces. It also makes me look good when people say, "wow, is that how you're supposed to measure??" My tape is now more than a year old, and it shows some signs of wear. However, given the amount of use and number of falls (big and small hard and soft), it still works perfectly fine for me. As for the blade armor, it seems to be doing its job. I noticed that it's the first thing to look worn, but then it just stays at that level of wear for the rest of the life of the tape. I'm pissed they don't sell this at Lowes/HD very often because it's the only Xtreme tape I'd carry. Guess I'll have to plan in advance for its inevitable demise.. Like many of my other tools, I'm now convinced this is the best and it annoys me to use anything else. It also makes other tapes seem dinky and awkward to me if they are anything less than FatMax.

I had a 25-year-old Stanley tape measure already, but it was getting a little frayed with use and age. Still, I didn't realize what an upgrade this new model would be -- it was like replacing a Toyota Tercel with a Toyota Tundra. Readability, solidity, even aesthetics -- this is truly a working tape for the working man.

If you aren't familiar with the Fat Max line, you should be aware that the tape is a bit wider than traditional tape measures. Although I've never had an issue with the extra width being a drawback, it does make the case a bit wider, as well. The upside of this is that the tape stays rigid to a greater length and is easier to use with one hand. Excellent product quality, as usual, from Stanley.

I know this is a completely subjective field, but if you are a connoisseur of tape measures and don't mind spending twice what you normally do then this is the best tape measure of all time. I love the normal fat max tape measure. The only thing I didn't care for was the hook. It frequently would lose it's grip on whenever the it had to go longer than 9' & what was being measured was at high angle which is basically all i measure. The Xtreme packs the fattest & catchiest hook I've ever used. I measure slabs of granite that are standing up in excess of 10' she hasn't let go yet. She is also even easier to read than the original fatmax. Lastly the chrome makes this the pimped version of the fat max. You probably don't need this tape measure, but I promise you want to have it.

This may seem nitpicky but the item pictured was not what I wanted to purchase. I was looking for the older model tapes (which are pictured) and not the current production of which I have several and all the springs tend to fail after short while. Both the Bostitch and the Stanley FatMax I've bought in the last 2 years have had quality issues. Also, the housing of the tape has gotten very bulky making them tough to work with when carrying everything on a tool belt. Time will tell how well these tapes work.

I love the FAT Max extreme tapes. However, I have always hated how bulky they are. This short tape allows you to have the long stand-out of a Fat Max and still be able to get the tape in and out of your pouches easily. I use it for finish carpentry since most trim pieces are never longer than 16 feet. Of course you'll still need a longer tape for framing, etc since 16 feet just doesn't cut it for that.

I returned this product because it was only slightly smaller than the 25 foot tape. Additionally, the plate on the end of the tape is massive, and I believe it would get in the way. I recommend sticking with the 25.

I like 16' tapes for most interior work, and this one is even nicer than the already nice regular Fatmax. Yes, it's expensive, but I use my tape probably hundreds of times a day, so having a nicer tool in my hand each time is important.

The huge hook on this one is pretty nice for reaching out (13' is a bit optimistic, but 11' is easy with this tape) and grabbing things. The spring is strong, and so far I have no complaints.