tape measure problems????

Question

I was trying to assemble a shelf for placing my jugs(of the milk variety)on , but when I tried to pull my tape measure out it got stuck on the 4 inch mark I put some wd40 on it to try and loosen it up whilst I waited I had a ham and cucumber sandwich then went back to do the job and to my dismay the tape measure was still stuck can anyone tell me a decent make of said measuring device that wont get stuck please?


I really need to build the shelf so any advice would be handy thankyou

Answer 1

hope the shelf goes well try focus smarty pants

Answer 2

First, try fixing it. It will probably be held together by a single cross head screw. If you can't see the screw, peel off the maker's label and look beneath. Undo screw, gently separate the two sides of the measure, and have a look inside. If there's an obvious problem, fix it (go easy - there's no great tension on the "clockwork motor" spring in the middle, but it's a pain to rewind if everything falls apart). Then reassemble, not forgetting the little plastic widget that acts as the "brake".
If you can't fix it, pull the whole tape out, cut off whatever maximum length you will need for your shelf project, and use it as a straightforward ruler. Then buy a replacement, but get another cheap one. The more expensive a small object like a tape is, the more likely it is to get lost.

Answer 3

I am trying not to laugh and wondering if my mind is the one in the gutter right now. But to clear things up, you want something to put your jugs on, but it only got to 4 inches even with lube, so you went for some cucumber and it was still 4 inches? SOunds like it got wet before. Get a lufkin, any cheap tape will do if you barely ever it. Buy a yardstick if you're still confused. Always long and strong

Answer 4

Stanley is by far the best. I've had several over my years and they are the best.
Get a FatMax style so the tape will last longer.
If you get the tape wet while using, spray WD40 on it before it retracts to keep it from sticking. Even the best can stick when wet.

Answer 5

because you are doing it yourself - if you want to be accurate, do it like your parents did when you were little - stand up against a wall, have someone else mark the top of your head and then measure the mark - you probably stoop a little when you're trying to read a tape measure in a mirror...

Answer 6

I use the CHEAPEST Stanley tape I can find. The cheap Stanley's last me for about a year, and I use them every day. The more expensive "Fat Max's" are just a gimmick and don't last any longer than the cheap silver case "Power tape". Don't even try to fix them, they're not worth the effort, just toss it away and buy a new one.

Answer 7

The only advice I would give is that I hope you washed your hands after using can of WD40 and before you had eaten your ham and cucumber sandwiches which is also nice with a dab of salad cream.

Answer 8

I don't know where you live but I live in MA There are SearsDepartment stores that have a tool section. Purchase a Sears CRAFTSMAN brand tapemeasure. If they brake you can exchange it for free.
I am a carpenter and I go through tape measures like you probably go through shoes.

Good Luck
Moskie257

Answer 9

i bought some great vstuff at www.thetoolbag.com, all sorts of measuring equipment and some hands free kit too - i actually got afree beefy tape measure as opart of some promo but when i flfiked through thier catalogue looks like they had a decent diy range

Answer 10

Blackspur Mine cost £2 from one of those shops 2 years ago and it has done me well in snow sleet and rain Tip as well When you get anew one pull it out mine is 10m and spray well with WD40 it acts as a lube

Answer 11

Try a Stanley tape measure. They last me ages at work.