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Tools-Hub.com - FastCap Flatback Story Pole 16 Foot Tape
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List Price: $7.00
Our Price: $7.10
Your Save: $ ( % )
Availability:
Manufacturer: Laserjamb
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Average Customer Rating:   
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Binding: Tools & Hardware
Brand: Fastcap
EAN: 0663807980410
Feature: Flat blade lays flat for panel layouts
Label: Laserjamb
Manufacturer: Laserjamb
Model: PSSP-FLAT16
Publisher: Laserjamb
Studio: Laserjamb
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Features
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Flat blade lays flat for panel layouts
Wraps around curves easily
Can write on the blade with pencil and erase with finger
Built in pencil sharpener
Erasable notepad on case
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: Very Limited Application
Comment: I thought I would really like this tape, but find I hardly ever use it. For general use, a conventional metal tape measure works better and faster, as you can often work one-handed and there are things you simply can't do with the Flatback. The Flatback tape ALWAYS requires two hands to use, and I don't need the write-on capability. The single thing the Flatback does best is measure around curves. In response to the reviewers that wrote about accuracy, for most purposes the absolute accuracy of a tape doesn't matter - what does matter is using the same tape for measuring that you do for, say, cutting. When I need real precision I reach for a steel rule anyway. You can also compare tapes and rules so you know the error margins within which you are working.
Customer Rating:
Summary: I love these and are good for what they are meant for.
Comment: If you are a carpenter framing you may hate these. But if you are a wood worker that does a lot of flat work these are great. You do not have to roll the tape on its edge to see the lines for accurate alignment with the tic mark on the tape. I have had no issue with alignment, but I think they may have had a bad run of these at one point as a few people have remarked.
I measure as little as possible and usually scribe, as long as the tape tics are consistent I can live without complete accuracy in the actual measurement. But if you need a very precise and accurate to within 64ths you may pass on this . Then again this is not a 40.00 tape either!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Almost Perfect----For Me
Comment: The FastCap Flatback tape measure is most likely the best thought out idea in years. Measuring wood in the workshop couldn't be easier or more accurate. It lays flat, you don't have to hold it down while marking, and the markings are very clear to read.
I only gave it 4 stars though because in my opinion, the spring is entirely too strong and you have to take care that the blade doesn't "snap" back into the case. Also, the rubber coated housing is comfortable enough but, the tab doesn't reach far enough below the case to be able to hook the end of a board without first pulling some tape out and then you encounter the strong spring again.
Although it sounds like complaints, I will always reach for this tape first, especially when accurate marking is the goal.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Feature-packed, economical workshop tape measure
Comment: The Fastcap Flatback Story Pole tape is a flexible measure designed for taking and transferring outside measurements. The tape features a fixed hook, which contributes to precision, a built-in pencil sharpener, both a thumb lock and a finger brake (for slowing the rewind or temporarily braking the tape while extending it), a write-on/wipe-off tape for recording notes and story pole marks, and a note pad area on the outside. All this for about half the price of most standard tape measures. In my opinion, this is a very well thought out product.
The tape does have some limitations. In particular, the fixed hook on the end of the tape and the lack of stand-out make this tape unsuited for inside measurements. On more typical tape measures, designed for both outside and inside measures, the hook is designed to slide to compensate for the thickness of the tab on the end. However, this is usually a source of imprecision. Moreover, you have to add the length of the case to the measure that shows on the tape. On some tapes, this is 2.5 inches; on others, it is 3 inches. Another tape measure that I recently bought has a case that is 2.75 inches, more or less. That "more or less" also contributes to imprecision.
A better approach to getting accurate inside measurements is to use a bar gauge. In its simplest form, this is just two sticks that are slid in opposite directions until the opposing ends are in contact with the inside surfaces. The sticks are then clamped together, and the distance between the two ends can be measured (or transferred) as an outside measurement. Lee Valley/Veritas makes a set of bar gauge heads that clamp together two .75 by .25 sticks, but it is fairly easy to make a bar gauge with a couple of carriage bolts, wingnuts, and a couple of pieces of straight-grained stock - just rout stopped grooves down the middle of the stock to accommodate the bolts.
Tape measures are printed using a tire fitted on the rim of a large wheel, kind of like a tire on a band-saw wheel. If the tire is not evenly tensioned, the marks on the tape will not be accurate - some too close together, some too far apart. This can occur with any brand of tape, but it certainly is a manufacturing defect. It's always a good idea to check a new tape measure against other measures before using it for this first time.
Customer Rating:
Summary: PIECE OF S.......
Comment: I'M UNUSUALLY DISSATISFIED. DO NOT BUY IT IF YOU PLANNING TO MEASURE INSIDE CIRCLES; IT DOESN'N WORK.
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