ToolGuyd

Tool Reviews, New Tool Previews, Best Tool Guides, Tool Deals, and More!

  • New Tools
  • Reviews
  • Guides
    • Best Cordless Power Tool Brand
    • Tool Brands: Who Owns What?
    • Best Cordless Drills (2021)
    • Dewalt UWO Explained
    • Where to Buy Tools
    • Best Tool Kit Upgrades
    • Best Extension Cord Size
    • Best Tape Measure
    • Best Safety Gear
    • Best Precision Screwdrivers
    • Best Tool Brands in Every Category
    • Ultimate Tool Gift Guide
    • More Buying Guides
  • Hand Tools
    • Bit Holders & Drivers
    • EDC, Pocket, & Multitools
    • Electrical Tools
    • Flashlights & Worklights
    • Knives
    • Mechanics’ Tools
    • Pliers
    • Screwdrivers
    • Sockets & Drive Tools
    • Wrenches
    • All Hand Tools
  • Power Tools
    • Accessories
    • Cordless
    • Drills & Drivers
    • Oscillating Tools
    • Saws
    • Woodworking Tools
    • All Power Tools
  • Brands
    • Bosch
    • Craftsman
    • Dewalt
    • Makita
    • Milwaukee
    • Ryobi
    • All Brands
  • USA-Made
  • Deals
ToolGuyd > Hand Tools > Layout & Measuring > Stanley Powerlock Tape Measure Review

Stanley Powerlock Tape Measure Review

Dec 26, 2008 Stuart 2 Comments

If you buy something through our links, ToolGuyd might earn an affiliate commission.

Stanley 25' Powerlock

It can be quite tough to find a good tape measure these days – unless you have access to a Stanley Powerlock, that is. Powerlocks have a classic no-frills look and feel which make them easily recognized amongst hobbyists and pros alike.

Although tape measures are extremely ubiquitous, they’re not all built the same. In fact, there are so many mediocre (or worse) tapes from no-name brands around, that many people don’t even know what a good tape measure feels like!

Advertisement

Since this is a mini review, I will try to be concise. The following comments are based on a 25′ Stanley Powerlock that I have been using for about two years now.

Blade (25′ x 1′)

  • Stanley claims a standout of 7′; we’ve repeadedly tested the standout to be ~7.4′, (but not without some typical sagging)
  • Markings are bold, sharp, and clearly printed on the blade
  • After two years of use, there is no discernable wear or fading of the blade

Housing

  • Grooved grip around the metal body is simple, yet comfortable
  • Blade slides out quickly and easily with little friction
  • Blade retracts slower to prevent violent blade whiplash
  • Sturdy lock holds blade securely

Cons

  • Sweaty hands and smooth metal-bodied tape measures don’t always mix well…

Overall, I highly recommend Stanley’s Powerlock tape measures, especially given that they’re cheap enough to replace if or when they’re dropped too many times. Their 25′ Powerlock is a great go-to tape measure despite its single downside. If my Powerlock tape ever kicks the bucket, I’ll likely replace it with one of those Stanley FatMax bimaterial-grip versions.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

Advertisement

Related posts:

Dewalt Pocket Tape Measure SizeDewalt 9-Foot Pocket Tape Measure is Amazingly Convenient

Sections: Layout & Measuring, Tool Reviews Tags: Tape MeasuresMore from: Stanley

« Megapro Driver Review
Ridgid Portable Compressor – Quick to Tempt, Hard to Find! »

2 Comments

  1. Vinko

    Jan 6, 2009

    Stuey: The Powerlock is my favorite tape measure, though I’d love to be decadent and own a Starret or some such. Not a fan of the bi-material FatMax but couldn’t tell you why. Prefer the feel of the Powerlock!

    Reply
  2. Bolster

    Oct 16, 2009

    This tape must have some sort of mylar coating on the blade? Without that, the markings can wear off very easily with the sort of lock the Powerlock uses.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Newsletter

Sign up to receive the latest tool news.

ToolGuyd Forum

Recent Comments

  • Good Tools on Gearwrench Just Launched a $5000 Tool Box: “€ / $ 300-800 empty tool boxes for pro use and mechanics use them here. All the hand tools that…”
  • Saulac on Makita USA Announces a Major Change in Leadership: “Oh yeah. I have seen him before. Always interesting to see you people do things differently around the world.”
  • Saulac on Makita USA Announces a Major Change in Leadership: “Yes on the corded Hole Hawg and Sawzall but it could be even more recent than 20 years. This bring…”
  • Albert on Makita USA Announces a Major Change in Leadership: “20 years ago I thought Milwaukee was a dead brand, living off past glory with their corded Hole Hawg and…”
  • Mopar4wd on Makita USA Announces a Major Change in Leadership: “I got my son a LXT Makita drill for his birthday last week. He wanted Makita because he loves some…”
  • Mopar4wd on Makita USA Announces a Major Change in Leadership: “My local Lowes has slowly decreased Bosch shelf space and now seem to have no 12 volt in stores at…”

Recent Posts

  • Makita USA Announces a Major Change in Leadership
  • Buy the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Installation Drill Driver, Get a Free Tool!
  • Gearwrench Just Launched a $5000 Tool Box
  • Last Chance to Buy a Leatherman OHT Multi-Tool
  • Here's a Quick-Grab Zippered Pouch for EDC Gear
  • The Bucket Boss Drill Bit Case Didn't Work Out for Me
  • Farm Tuff Metal Deck Wagon is on Sale Again
  • Revisiting the Dewalt One Touch Tool Box
ToolGuyd New Tool Reviews Image

New Tool Reviews

Buying Guides

  • Best Cordless Drills
  • Best Euro Hand Tool Brands
  • Best Tool Brands
  • Best Cordless Power Tool Brands
  • Tools for New Parents
  • Ultimate Tool Gift & Upgrade Guide
ToolGuyd Knife Reviews Image

Knife Reviews

ToolGuyd Multi-Tool Reviews Image

Multi-Tool Reviews

ToolGuyd LED Flashlight and Worklight Reviews Image

LED Light Reviews

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Stores
  • Videos
  • Gear
  • AMZN Deal Finder
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclosure