tape measure

[leehljp]

My favorite is the Center Finding tapes of 16 ft & 25 ft similar to the ones seen here, at LeeValley. I have 3 center finder tapes and a half a dozen others. If I pick up another tape, I use it once and then go hunt my center finder.

It is not just the center finder that is good but it is the tapes themselves that are easy to use and reliable for the long term. The center finder markings are like icing on the cake to me.

[Pappy]

I have slim profile 12' Stanleys in the glove box of both vehicles and the bag I carry with me at work. For construction type use I have a 25' Big Johnson.

I did keep a 3/4", 12' Stanley in the shop but when it broke I replaced it with a 16' Kobalt. The tape is marked front and back so you can lay it out back side up and the edges of the tape lay flat against the surface.

[Jes Pidlin]

I like the KOMELON (Lowes). It automatically locks when you pull it out, and it's rubber coated to prevent dents / breakage when dropped. I use the 16' in the shop and the 25' for larger out-of-shop work.