Irwin Strait-Line Tape Measure 16'

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Does what a tape measure should do. Great tape measure for construction. I don't usually use a tape this big, but it's great when I need a large tape. I like the finger control for retrieving the tape. It saves cutting a finger on the edge of the tape which I may or may not have done with previous tapes. The locking button is also easy to use and effective. It has all the markings used in construction and is easy to read with large lettering. I also like that markings are also on the bottom of the tape which is missing on some of my other tapes. Missing are 1/32 ticks at the first few inches. This is a plus since the 1/32 ticks just make it more confusing to read. Same with the lack of fraction lettering which is just annoying on tapes with such. The blade is 1 1/8" wide. I was able to get 140" standout. The only drawback is it's so big it doesn't fit my small tape measure pocket on my toolbelt.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] First, the packaging that this came in was insane. The tape measure has an 80 foot drop rating, but with that packaging, Irwin shows that they care about how your tape measure looks once you get it. I won't ever be up 80 feet, but good to know my tape measure could handle it. I am used to tapes with an auto lock feature, but this tape has recessed access where I can use my finger to act as a brake. While new to me, that feature is actually quite nice and allows for quick and versatile retraction at the rate I want. The manual lock provided is also easy to use. The catch at the end of the tape is large but not to the point that it gets in the way or gets caught up accidentally. Plus, it has just the right amount of give to keep accurate measurement. The weight and size of the tape measure is nice. It's a sturdy tape measure, but not bulky. I could still slip it in my pocket (yeah, I know it has a belt clip...) I really liked the double-sided measurements. Being able to read from top or bottom is a huge bonus.