Good tape measure, gloves, and plugs.

[4x4American]

I'm in need of a good tape measure.  Broke two this week.  A Lufkin, looked pretty but turned out to be pretty flimsy.  Had a tape with the consistency of a wet noodle and it's pull back was about as powerful as a north korean bomb.


The other was a $5 cheapo that was actually pretty decent but I pulled it out to 23' (a 25' tape) and I started feeling resistance...well needless to say I'm not old enough yet to stop pulling and at 24-15/16" she let loose.  I have a Milwaukee that I really like but it's only a 16' tape and once they get to 25' I personally don't like how bulky they get. 


So do any of you have a go to tape that is good?  Kobalt pretty decent too but they don't last long around here.




Oh and howbow gloves?  The cheapo ones is what I usually use but they just don't last very long.  I'd rather spend a little more on something that would last but it seems to me that none of them last so no matter how much dough you drop on them it ain't worth it.  Unless there's a brand someone can recommend.  I had some throwaways that were leather or pigskin from a company I used to work at but I cant find them they were awesome.  They were white with red lines and I think maybe DH was on them or something.  I'd buy those again in a heart beat.


As for ear plugs, I buy in bulk the 3m classics, they are awesome (29 or 30 db noise reduction rating) and depending on how clean my ears are I can usually get at least a week out of a pair.  When I put them in I fold up the cardboard box into my pocket and it stays. Just remember to blow it out before you put the plugs back in.  Once one side gets dirty start putting them in the other way.

[terrifictimbersllc]

I use only 25' x 1" Stanley.  They cost about $9.00 at HD.  Last really well and do ok measuring lumber length.

[WV Sawmiller]

4X4,

   I like the Kobalt. I tend to break the ends off. When I do I take them back to Lowes and they replace immediately under warranty with no hassle. The magnetic tip is not a huge factor but occasionally it is handy too.

[Dave Shepard]

I buy the classic Stanley tapes. Usually 25', but also 35', and needed. I have many so that one is always close by.

[4x4American]

Yutt, I try to keep a bunch handy.  Where'd I put my tape measure? 

[brianb88]

Stanley Fat Max 25' is what I use. They make a good tape measure and when I bought the one I still own it was made in the good ole USA.

[Magicman]

I use nothing but 1¼" wide rulers.


 
The 25' rule normally sells for $19.99 but Home Depot has this set each Christmas for $19.99.


 
Shown here being measured by a standard 1" rule.  Lowes also has a 1¼" rule, but I prefer this one.

I forgot to picture the end but it will catch the log/lumber on all 4 sides.

[Magicman]

OK, I took a couple of pictures of the "business" end.


 


 
I can easily stand on one end of a 12' log/board and catch the other end which may be good, but the real value is not being flimsy and breaking.

[Kbeitz]

Only Stanley for me...

[ScottAR]

Stanley Fatmax or the red Lufkins.  Had good use from both.  I like the lock on the Lufkin a little better but it's not a large difference.

[4x4American]

I like those big hooks mm.  The lufkin I broken had a nice big hook.  I wanna say pick me a winner, gonna give one of them a try. 


So howbow gloves eh?

[Magicman]

I have no problem or argument for or against another brand.  Stanley  My point was that if you want a rugged tape that will stay with you, get the 1¼".

[Peter Drouin]

1¼" are good and work well, Over here tapes have a hard life,  ;D
I look for cheap ones and buy them by the box If I can.
Gloves, Are from Maine Oxey, leather, $2.50 I think.
I use muffs.

[GDinMaine]

Stanley Fatmax is my favorite. It is 1 1/4" wide and it supports itself on a 10-12' length. Lasts for a long time under reasonable conditions.

[paul case]

These are what we use. They wear out too but when they do I am ready for a new pair if ya know what I mean.

https://www.uline.com/BL_1325/Double-Palm-Leather-Gloves

PC

[kelLOGg]

Stanleys have held up well for me for years until I leave it where it gets caught on the return of the sawhead. Sawhead wins! ;D
Bob

[Sixacresand]

My 25' tape went missing from the mill and I figured it got lost in the sawdust.  Then at Church one Sunday I went into a coughing fit.  Nancy dug into her purse for cough drops and took out my tape.   :D

[lirachamo51]

I get the pigskin, they seem to last longer than cowhide. If any one needs left handed gloves i have plenty, always wear out the right first maybe make a swap with a lefty and get some more use out of them :

[red]

I would buy Craftsman half price on sale. But they no longer make them, they now sell Stanley .

[Larry]

Another happy Fat Max user but after seeing MM's promo on the DeWalt I'm going to try one.  I like the idea of a larger hook as it should make holding on a log end easier.  I wonder how many extra steps that will save?

Thanks MM.

I gave up buying expensive gloves.  I get a couple of six packs of the Harbor Freight gloves, usually every fall.

[Cazzhrdwd]

I buy the cheapest one I can, it lasts for 6 or so months, then I buy another. Gloves I like the ones that are dipped in some sort of plastic, they seem to last longest. But I hate wearing gloves anyway.

[redprospector]

I like the Fat Max's. I'm not particularly in love with Stanley tapes, just 1 1/4" ones. So I may be trying the Dewalt that MM posted. But I am a firm believer that when measuring logs, nothing can really replace a Log tape.
As for gloves, none of them last long enough. I try to find a comfortable pair in the $10 to$12 range.
Huh? What'd you say? Ear plugs? I shouldn't comment on something I know so little about. All kidding aside, I do think ones hearing should be protected at all cost, or you may wind up hard of hearing like my wife's husband.  ;)

[Bruno of NH]

As far as tapes goes
Tajima are by far the best on the market
Compact and pull out past 16' or25'
The case is rubber coated
I like the white color of the rule I can see it better as I get older
Best brand tape I have found for my liking

[Bruno of NH]

Buy  the way Dewalt and Stanley tapes are the same company
I used to buy Craftsmen tapes they would give you a new one if it broke for free
But don't do that anymore

[ChugiakTinkerer]

I was using a Stanley 25' today that I think dates back to BC times - Before Children.  The recoil is kinda weak but it holds up OK.  Considering my oldest is a freshman at college I guess that's not too bad.  It's the one with the silvery looking plastic case and a 1" tape.  Pre-dates FatMax by a while... a good long while.  I should probably get 1.25" for my next tape.