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

This tape measure is my go-to tape measure while Im in the wood shop building things. It feels solid, and can take a beating (Ive dropped it more times than I care to count). The square bottom with the rubberized cover is perfect to set it down on the surface youre measuring, and it keeps it from sliding back or retracting. I took off one star for the locking feature, because the lock doesnt always engage if that side of the tape measure housing is against the edge of whatever youre measuring. Outside of that, I have no complaints at all. I have both the 16 and 25 versions, but the slightly more compact form of the 16 makes it the standard tape measure that lives in my shop apron.

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.

The lock feature broke right away but is easy to read

The lock feature is great. Very sturdy tool. A must-have for all homes.

Lock feature sucks

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.

Seems like a decent tape measure, unfortunately I did not read the fine print in the description well enough to find out how heavy this tape measure is and how wide it is, at just under 2 inches wide these would be OK I guess for heavy construction but not for fine woodworking because for a tape measure that has only a 1 inch wide blade its just too wide. If youre looking for a tape measure to do woodworking find a smaller lighter tape measure if youre doing large jobs like building a house then these will probably be just fine, the quality does seem to be OK just too big and bulky. I will put them in my toolbox probably not to be used very much and keep looking for a quality lighter easy to read tape measure.

Very happy with my purchase! My husband works construction and I was tired of having to get a measuring tape from his truck whenever I needed one. I got this one to keep in the house and I am happy I did. It has gotten so much use already and it is super easy to read. The numbers are very large. Its heavy and very sturdy. It stays straight when measuring distances and doesnt bend in the middle like other measuring tapes. My husband is already trying to take it to work!

Tape measure seems well built, fairly solid, and smooth action. Descent lock as well; however, the tape on mine is more light gray (not really white, or even off-white). Not meaning to sound bad, or complainy, but white tape is the main reason I ordered this one (thus my 3-star rating). I have a different measuring tape (and have seen some in stores, since I purchased this one) with actual white tape. Theres a difference. Anyway, I let the return-date slip by me, but its not a problem, as this has, like a said, a solid build, and I like a good wide tape (sturdy for long measurements when tape is in mid-air). Im sure itll be useful.

These tapes have a magical quality. I ordered 4 as I could t find a tape measure anywhere. Not the shop, the house, the truck or in my boat. The day they showed up all my lost tapes reappeared. Now I’m up to my ass in a herd of tape measures. It’s fun though. They all get along even though a couple of my old tapes are Stanley and seem to be a little stuck up.