I’m the guy they made the tape measure for. Seems like measuring is all I do. I measure so often, I hang my tape squarely between my legs. Seems like everyone I know uses a different tape but I’ve stuck with the same Powerlock for ages. I don’t mind the newer Stanley 33-525 but I still buy the same old tape for a few reasons.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Specifications:

• 25-foot by 1-1/4-inch tape rule with belt clip
• Easy-to-read lockable yellow blade graduated in 1/16-inch
• High impact ABS case; Mylar-coated blade; heat-treated spring for repeated use
• 16-inch and 19.2-inch stud center markings
• 13.6-ounces; 11-foot standout; limited lifetime warranty

Experience:

20 years of construction. I like the 33-425 Powerlock over any other. Smaller tapes fall out of my Occidental Tape Holder. I do have another tape that is nice and that’s the FastCap ProCarpenter Tape. I keep a few FastCap tapes in my truck but I carry the Stanley 25′ Powerlock in my belt and also use them in my shop.

Comments:

I may be one of the few guys to stick with a 25′ tape for weight savings but that’s the reason my favorite tape measure is not longer. I find the FatMax tape too fat for carpentry and the PowerLock just right for all phases. I know the specs say “11′ stand-out” but that’s just ridiculous.

links:
Stanley 33-425 Powerlock 25-Foot by 1-Inch Measuring Tape

Stanley 33-525 25-Foot-by-1-Inch PowerLock Tape Rule with Blade Armor