Komelon SM5416 Speed Mark Gripper Acrylic Coated Steel Blade Tape Measure 16-feet by 1-Inch, White Blade

I misplaced my Stanley and not wanting to pay too much I took a chance and luckily picked a winner. This works fine for my needs. Nice weight to it. Feels like it should have cost more. But Im glad it didnt.

Good sturdy easy to read

I bought this even though it was a brand name I never heard of because it has the 16th marking right on the tape. Meaning you dont have to be thinking is that 3/16s or 11/16s, it actually says 3/16 on the tape. When I am working its sometimes hard to see the tape lines (as Im old) and being able to read the numbers makes it easier. The tape has a nice feel and is slightly more compact in size than other tapes. The case is rubberized so you dont have to worry as much about scratching a table if you lay it down, unlike a lot of brands that are hard plastic. The lock feature is a novel design, well see if it holds up over time. The reason I bought this was because I had two other brand tapes have the lock break on the same day. This one is good so far.

Easy to lock with one thumb, grip is very sure, and lock release doesn’t send the tape back in so fast you think you’ll get a laceration. Very good tool. No metric measurements on it at all, so if you need that, no bueno. The blister pack it comes in is a pain to open, however. You’ll either need a screwdriver or a lot of patience.

does what it supposed to do and is very sturdy. However, I am 75 and have small hands. Should have taken that into account before picking a tape measure. Is too big and heavy for me. However for most people this would be a perfect choice.

The Bad News: Its not made in the U.S.A., and that made it tough to buy at the outset. The Good News: You name it. Every feature of this Komelon tape measure is top tier. The accuracy, markings, horizontal extension, retraction strength, and overall fit and finish make it the best tape measure Ive ever owned.