Lufkin L1135 Home Hand Tools Measuring & Layout Tapes, One Size, Multi

I’m a roofer, so using a measuring tape is part of my job everyday. I have tried measuring tapes from Dewalt, Milwaukee, Stanley, and Kobalt, and the best one by far has been this Lufkin. I have literally broken every other measuring tape I’ve tried; some split down the middle, some broke off completely, some stopped winding in, the list goes on. I’ve been using this Lufkin for probably 6 weeks now and it still works perfectly with very little wear compared to the others. Most of the others broke within 2-4 weeks. I have also dropped this from about 30 feet a couple times and there’s not even a scratch.

Im a rigger, not super hard on tapes, i pull maybe 20-30 measurements in a shift, never dropped because its always leashed. used it on 1 gig, broke in 3 weeks. the spring is tied to the body by being bent backwards and it dosent appear to be differentially treated, plus the spring material is so thin that you cant re-attach it if the factory set end snaps, like mine did. I would say dont waste your money, but with every manufacturer cheaping out on their products in these same ways, i imagine your going to be wasting it regardless.

I am an 18 yr fabrication/welding veteran. Before that I was in construction/remodeling/cabinetry. I’ve been around tape measures a long time, and had tried to use Lufkin as much as possible, partly because they were made only about 15 miles from where I live, and they were just really nice tape measures…until the last couple I bought. In my profession, I go through a tape every few months, not because I’m particularly hard on them, but because accuracy is very important and when the markings start to wear off, or the blade gets a kink or crack, it’s time for a new one. I don’t know if Ludlum has started using cheaper retract springs, but these last couple, after not even a full day have to be physically pushed in, if I can even get them pushed back in the case. I don’t know if they’ll ever get these back to what I am used to but I hope so. I don’t plan on buying any more until I find out that they’re back on track. As of now, I DO NOT recommend buying.

Garbage item. Defective.

These don’t hold up to being dropped as described.We drop all the time as our guys are on roofs for replacing gutters and they don’t hold up

I fiddle around with my tape mostly. I do use my tape, but I just kinda mess around with it when I'm talking at work and not working. That way when the boss see's me and thinks I'm measureing something instead of talking and doing nothing. So I guess it's great to play with all day

Great quality; large numbers for old eyes:)

The return spring is too weak to retract the tape when you make measurements under 10'. You have to run the tape out to the 20' line to get a full re-roll. The tape itself is very thin and easily bends on the edges, and rolls when you start to stand out. There are far more rugged and better priced tapes out there. Honestly , Stanley makes beter tapes.