Amazon Basics Self-Locking Tape Measure - 16-Feet (5-Meters), Inch/Metric Scale, MID Accuracy

AmazonBasics makes plenty of fairly priced comparison products and this self-locking tape measure is another in their product line.

Heres a set of three tape measures, and I never before realized what a nice option it is to have three of different lengths. Yes, you can carry around just one fairly long tape measure, but having the options really makes it much easier.

It works really well. Seems pretty sturdy. I like having metric on one side.

I love self/auto locking tape measures. They just make sense to me. This tape measure is no different, pulls out smooth and instantly locks. The unlock button is a little disappointing though, its not a firm on/off press like I would expect and what I am use to on other tape measures.

This is my first self locking tap measure owning. Ive tested a few out and never pulled the trigger. This one is pretty good. Its smooth and doesnt feel cheap. The numbers are large and can easily be read. The only negative is the lanyard. Its a stiff plastic. I would and will be replacing that. It also doesnt seem like it would be durable either. I had to take a star off for that. This isnt a bad one overall and is comparable to the new bauer from Harbor freight.

You can never have enough tape measures running around. Somehow they always seem to disappear when you need one. The self locking feature caught me off guard at first, since normally you have to lock the tape measure in place. Not so with these. These automatically lock in place and you have to press the button on the front or the one underneath to release the lock. The self locking feature holds in place really well, but the release buttons are a little wonky; they work but not consistently.

(See my attached video for a quick video run-through of these tape measures).

Honestly, I got these as much for my kids to play with as to use. I am going to use them and I have, but my kids love playing with tape measures and this was a fairly cheap set and I liked the locking mechanism that was self locking instead of using the switch. That seems a bit safer with kids use. They have stood up well to kids playing with them and a set of three means that I can usually find at least one of them when I need them.

It required lubrication to function properly.

The auto lock is the only locking mechanism - one tape works, other tape arrived with auto-lock broken. Bought as a Christmas gift, didnt learn one was broken until after return window. Amazon is not responding to warranty inquiries after several emails. Dont buy.