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Product Reviews:
FastCap Flatback Story Pole 16 Foot Tape |
Rating: 2 (out of 5)
Summary: Limited Application
Comments: I thought I would really like this tape, however find I hardly ever use it. For general use, a conventional metal tape measure works better and quicker, as you can often work one-handed and there are things you simply can not do with the Flatback. The Flatback tape ALWAYS requires2hands to use, and I do not 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 almost all 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. |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: I love these and are great for what they are meant for.
Comments: If you are a carpenter framing you may hate these. however 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, however I think they may have had a bad run of these at1point 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. however if you need a precise and accurate to within 64ths you may pass on this . Then again this is not a 40.00 tape either!! |
Rating: 4 (out of 5)
Summary: Alalmost all Perfect----For Me
Comments: The quickCap Flatback tape measure is almost all likely the best thought out idea in years. Measuring wood in the workshop couldn't be easier or more accurate. It lays flat, you do not have to hold it down while marking, and the markings are 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 however, the tab doesn't reach far enough below the case to be able to hook the end of a board without 1st pulling some tape out and then you encounter the strong spring again.
Although it sounds like complaints, I will always reach for this tape 1st, especially when accurate marking is the goal. |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: Feature-packed, economical workshop tape measure
Comments: The quickcap Flatback Story Pole tape is a flexible measure designed for taking and transferring outside measurements. The tape features a fixed hook, which contrihoweveres to precision, abuilt 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 almost all standard tape measures. In my opinion, this is a 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 purchased has a case that is 2.75 inches, more or less. That "more or less" also contrihoweveres to imprecision.
A better approach to getting accurate inside measurements is to use a bar gauge. In its simplest form, this is just2sticks 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 the2ends can be measured (or transferred) as an outside measurement. Lee Valley/Veritas makes a set of bar gauge heads that clamp together2.75 by .25 sticks, however 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, however it certainly is a manufacturing defect. It's always a great idea to check a new tape measure against other measures before using it for this 1st time. |
Rating: 1 (out of 5)
Summary: PIECE OF S.......
Comments: I am UNUSUALLY DISpleased. DO NOT purchase IT IF YOU PLANNING TO MEASURE INSIDE CIRCLES; IT DOESN'N WORK. |
