Stanley 33-730 30-Foot-by-1-1/4-Inch FatMax Measuring Tape

by Stanley

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Stanley 30-Foot-by-1-1/4-Inch FatMax Measuring Tape 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 30-foot-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!

The Stanley Story

The Stanley Works, originally a bolt and door hardware manufacturing company located in New Britain, Connecticut; was founded in 1843 by Frederick T. Stanley. A few years later, in 1857, Frederick’s cousin, Henry Stanley, founded The Stanley Rule and Level Company. In 1920, The Rule and Level Company merged with The Stanley Works and would go on to become it’s famous Hand Tools Division. Over the years, The Stanley Works has produced some of the most innovative and useful tools ever made. Among these tools are the Bailey Plane, the Surform shaper, the PowerLock tape rule and most recently the FatMax line of products. Today, more than ever, Stanley continues to be an industry leader in tool innovation. In 2001, Stanley introduced more than 100 new products, bringing to 400 the number of new products introduced in the past four years. As a direct result of Stanley’s commitment to excellence, Stanley was awarded the Prestigious Golden Hammer Award, presented for New Product Innovation in both 2000 and 2001.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 5 inches ; 2.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000051WTB
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 33-730
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #5,187 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

  #14 in

  Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Measuring & Layout Tools > Tape Measures

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Long tape standout is the principal feature of this measure..., December 25, 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 33-730 30-Foot-by-1-1/4-Inch FatMax Measuring Tape (Tools & Hardware)

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.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Replacement Blades for Fat Max Tapes, May 20, 2003

By	mvanbeusekom (Plymouth, Minnesota United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stanley 33-730 30-Foot-by-1-1/4-Inch FatMax Measuring Tape (Tools & Hardware)

I really liked the Fat Max 30' tape. However, Stanley does not make replacement blades for it. My Fat Max is a little less than a year old and has developed a hole at about the 11 foot point. Because no replacement blades are available, the cost for replacing it with a new one is too high. Too bad Stanley doesn't stand behind the fat max with replacement blades like they do with some of their other less sturdy tapes.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Now.......my secondary tape, December 27, 2003

By	MD - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stanley 33-730 30-Foot-by-1-1/4-Inch FatMax Measuring Tape (Tools & Hardware)

I've gone thru three in one year. I'm a builder so that is slightly above average for my use. But I do keep buying them. My major gripe is that none of them really stay hooked very well when moving. Also they will slice through your finger in a flash if you're used to finger braking.(too fast retract) It is also tempermental in retracting if used past 15ft. I've seen 'em live & die from second floor to concrete. BUT....it does have a fantastic standout. Good, but buy it on sale.