Stanley has come out with a new line of Control-Lock tape measures that feature a compact, rugged, and lightweight design with a convenient finger brake.
The Stanley Control-Lock tape measures have a cut-out on the bottom, just behind the entry/exit point, where you can apply fine control over the blade when taking measurements.
The finger brake also allows for more controlled blade retraction.
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The Stanley Control-Lock tape measures feature a protective overmolded casing for greater durability, and a BladeArmor coating over the first 3 inches of the blade for greater abrasion resistance.
The tape measures will be available in a range of sizes:
- 12′ (STHT37242, $8.99) – no finger brake
- 16′ (STHT37243, $11.99)
- 25′ (STHT37244, $13.99)
- 8M/26′ (STHT37238, $14.99)
- 30′ (STHT37245. $18.99)
The blades feature a 1-inch blade that provides up to 12 feet of reach. Reach is based on the “maximum extension of an average end user” and can usually be interpreted as being maximum unsupported standout plus 3 feet.
Stanley’s product manager describes the new tape measures as being:
engineered to strike the perfect balance between size, performance and comfort – empowering tradespeople to tackle any job with confidence and ease.
Select sizes are available now at Home Depot. The entire line will be available at independent retailers where Stanley products are sold.
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Chris S
Stanley needs to up their game a little if they want to stay competitive with the other tape measure brands in the field. This new offering doesn’t have any features that are especially useful. I’d really love them to do something like Komelon. Add fractions or print the ruler on both sides. Something to make me take a second look. Right now it’s meh.
Koko The Talking Ape
I like the idea of a finger brake, but I wish there were something covering the bare tape, like a hinged section of the case. For me at least, I’d be likely to get glue, grease, wet grout, or some other shmizz on the tape. Or a thin glove would get jammed in it.
Jerry
I have a FastCap tape that is like that. The tape is covered and you press a button to control the tape. I also like the clip they use but I wish it was more robust overall
Bonnie
I have one of the early FastCap tape measures but just didn’t enjoy the feel of it. I’ve standardized on some cheap Lexivon (I think they’re mostly just white-labelled stuff) tape measures that I really like with the finger break.
NoahG
I love this feature on my Milwaukee tapes. I’ll probably pick up one of these in the 16’
Koko The Talking Ape
Off topic, but I just noticed HD has a deal on Milwaukee impact bits. 220 bits plus a Packout case for $70. They claim that’s 56% off.
Stuart’s spam filter apparently rejected my earlier post with a link, but it isn’t hard to find on HDs website.
Steve L
that is a heck of a deal
Greg
I’m glad it doesn’t have fractions on it. That would be a deal breaker. I will be buying one of these soon.
Steve L
Have put a finger on the blade to control it since I was a teenager. Does the bottom opening allow fine grit into the case as the tape is rolling up? View this feature as having downside while adding nothing to what I do now.
Stuart
That’s a common concern, but nothing I’ve heard users complain about.
Charles Stopczynski
You’re a step ahead of most guys.
I grew to dislike tape measures with the large bottom release button/lever a long time ago. It seemed every time I sat one down while it was extended, you know what happened. Yup, it partially rewound itself. Yes, I still have some. My tape measure of choice is the Komelon, push button. Also have a Center Point for when a quick centering is needed. I learned to place my finger out in front of where tape disappears to preserve the integrity of the blade and blade hook many years ago. I keep a twelve foot tape measure in the kitchen tool drawer as well as one in the console of car and truck.
Steve
These seem to have a little smaller form factor, which I like. Some of these are getting to be so large. Gotta have the printing on both sides of the tape though…
Peacefully_and_Patriotically
if stanley would simply make a “MADE IN USA” (NO GLOBAL MATERIALS) tape measure, I would buy 10 of them!
Bonnie
There’s a company you might be interested in called USTape that makes tape measures in America. Haven’t tried them myself, but they’re carried by Woodpeckers. Around $25 a piece, so on par with an inflation adjusted old “non Global” Stanley.
Peacefully_and_Patriotically
thank you Bonnie
Hoser
Every tape I have ever owned or used has a finger brake. . .
Jason
Right? Just put your finger under the tape where it comes out.