STANLEY Powerlock 8m/26ft Tape with Blade Armor, 0-33-526

I'm really pleased with this tape measure. It feels sturdy and reliable in the hand. It's easy to read, with clear metric and imperial measurements and smoothly extends and retracts, making it simple to take accurate measurements.The strong return spring, which quickly recoils the blade without any snags.The 5m isn't too big and perfect for everyday tasks around the house or workshop, and it's not too bulky to carry on a tool belt. Although I think I would like a 3m for wood wooding projects, leave the 5m for more building orientated stuff.Grate tape measure, but I have found the locking mechanism to be a bit stiff and difficult to operate at times. It requires a firm push to engage and release, which could be improved for easier one-handed use. You push to lock and aren't quite sure if it's locked or not as it doesn't "click" into place. It kind of feels like it should push further.Despite this minor issue, I still highly recommend it.

Light, small, locking mechanism works well. Previously bought Stanley Tylon tapes that retracted when locked, this does not. 3m is plenty for almost any wargame too.

This is easily the best tape available. It has the smoothest action, comfortable in hand, and is virtually unbreakable - my last one lasted 8 years, even 2 months left in the rain and no rust, only died because it got too much sand in it. Glad to see that they're still making the exact same sturdy version as they did before.

Just a really nice bit of kit. Case is firm, tape is relatively rigid (doesn't buckle until about 3m extended). Heavy but sturdy.

Quality. Never wrong Stanley tape measures...£20 is quite steep but worth it.

Stanley 0-33-523 Powerlock Tape Measure, 3m/10' is very well made, a quality product. The tape measure is a little wider than I would have preferred, but being wider does mean it is sturdy and easier to use. Although slightly bulky compared to what I am used to as a pocket tape measure this is not a major concern.

This is a 5m/16ft tape with clear markings in metric and imperial units. Each 10cm and 12in marking is in bold red to help with measuring. The tape width is 19mm and has a robust 3 rivet end hook made of metal. The tape case looks like polished chrome metal - but it's not. It's made of plastic and only prolonged use will prove if this is a suitable material for a tool. But it does look and feel nice nonetheless. The size of the tape is about 6.5cm x 6.5cm x 3cm so quite compact and fits comfortably in the hand. The tape action is smooth without much friction. There is a black locking mechanism on the side that is thumb operated and works well. At the back of the case is a metal belt hook which is useful to have.I wanted a tape that could easily be used by one person when measuring long lengths and this Powerlock tape pretty much does that in a domestic DIY environment. The standout as it is known is how far the tape comes out before it collapses under its own weight. The standout for this tape is about 60in or 1.52m. My previous 3m tape could only manage a standout of 25in or 0.63m. So this tape is a definite upgrade in this respect.I have also used the more professional line of tapes like the Fat Max range and this tape compares favorably. This tape is less bulky, lighter and cheaper. So unless you are a professional using tapes all day long the pro quality tapes are not necessary. If you just want a better tape then this Powerlock is recommended.

It works smoothly and locks reliably. It is a little wider than many - so it is a little heavier than many but my Stanley tapes have lasted many years and the cheap replacements I have bought have all failed quickly. Hopefully this Stanley is also worth the money.I don't like the fact that the case-size, which used to be 50mm, is now 2 1/4". That is a constant nuisance for taking 'internal' measurements. It would have been very easy to make it 2" or 50mm, like they used to be, but no - it is 2 1/4" for no good reason. It is a case of form-following-fashion rather than form-following-function.The printing of the numbers on the tape is not as crisp as I would like it to be. I have three very old Stanley tapes all of which are better printed and easier to read. As well as crisper printing, the old tape's numbers are blacker. There's no particular problem with legibility but why make it worse than it was before?I prefer all three of my old Stanley tapes but my nearest equivalent old one is just about to break and I can't find a new refill.(I am a retired surveyor and have been using measuring instruments and tapes of all sorts for about 70 years.)