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Retractable measuring tapes are essential tools for
woodworkers, whether for in-shop or on-work-site use. In the
workshop a light tape with a 1/2" x 10' blade is ideal. You can
tote it around all day in a apron or pants pocket without even
noticing its there. A narrow blade is also easier to hold
flatter against your work.
Carpenters, plumbers, electricians and home renovators (or
DIYers) need a different kind of tape. They want one that can
withstand being dropped from a 20 foot height onto a concrete
floor, or from being crushed under an errant sheet or two of
plywood.
In the workshop
you are typically measuring short distances (inches and feet),
but on a work site you're measuring long distances - feet and yards.
A stiff, wide blade with a long stand out is what's called
for.
The new Irwin Strait Line Tape is a hefty, durable measuring tape that
should meet the needs of the most demanding tradesperson or
DIYer. It has all the requisite features that make for a great
tape, and then some.
The body is made of a durable plastic with a high impact
aluminum face plate and a heavy duty metal belt clip. The
positive action toggle lock has a sturdy feel to it.
The 1" wide blade, graduated in 1/32" increments, has an Optic
White™ nylon coating that improves blade
visibility in low light conditions. We certainly liked it
much better than a yellow coloured blade. The blade stands out a
full 10' and has a rugged metal hook held in place with four
rivets.
Two other features prove the adage that good things come in
small packages. First is the Pro Touch™
blade brake. When you open up the lock to retract the blade you
can not only control its rate of retraction, but you easily can
stop the tape intermittently to take a continuous series of
measurements. This was a feature that we though was very
practical.
Second, there is a built in marking tip on the bottom of the
tape. Our initial reaction was 'yet another gimmick'. But the
Quick-Mark Tip™ is a great enhancement that enables you to
'measure and mark' in one fell swoop. The graphite composite tip
has been shown to deliver over 10,000 impressions on wood and
30,000 on drywall.
The Irwin Strait Line tape is excellent value in a durable
retractable measuring tape.
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Product:
Price:
Manufacturer:
Source: |
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Irwin 25' Strait Line Tape (#2121600)
$21.99
Irwin
Irwin tools are available through most tool retailers
including
House of
Tools and
Home Depot.
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© Canadian Woodworking
Magazine, 2007
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To report any
specification errors on this page
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irwin.com
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Irwin 25' Straight Line |
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Sized for the job site not the shop |
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Heavy duty belt clip |
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Fact acting lock |
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Rugged, metal hook |
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Pro Touch™ blade brake |
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Unique Quick-Mark Tip™ |
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