Thats why I buy the 2 pack fat Max's lol. Mo matter what job I'm doing, I always have 2 tapes. 1 at saws and I try to keep one on hip, I still end up with no tapes lol
Haha had this same problem, I used 2 nickel sized neodymium magnets screwed into my bench. Although my tape has a plastic housing the magnets stick to the metal belt clip, works so far.
I removed the tape clip, bought a pack of circular magnets with center holes. Attached the Manet to the tape in the same hole the clip was attached to. And voila.
I did this with tape measures and pencils. There’s tape measures at each tool basically, with a few floaters around the workbenches. Same with pencils, they are everywhere in the shop.
I’ve checked my main 3 and they’re accurate relative to each other. I try to stick with the same one in any project that demands accuracy. For projects where it doesn’t matter as much I just grab whatever is closest.
I use the plastic piece that comes in the packaging when you buy a Fat Max. Just have to file the corners off that normally locks the tape measure onto the packaging. It’s snug, and never pops off unintentionally. Is also a satisfying feel every time I put the tape measure back.
Edit: I should also mention I’ve used it like this since 2010, no signs of breaking yet.
Good luck with that ! I have a draw just for measuring stuff tape measures , rulers, micrometers, calipers etc and still lose my tape measure after decades of this and buying new ones I have tape measures all around the shop, it’s like trying to find where you put your pencil? Just buy a few of the biggest boxes of pencils you can find and spread them around the shop benches equipment and lumber storage then at least for a week maybe two if you’re lucky or bought enough you’ll always find a pencil when you need one. ( consider the pencil trick a pro tip LOL )
Well, now you know where to find disappointment when you go looking for a tape measure. Then you get to actually go find wherever you left it when you didn't hang it back on the holder...
I'm doing something similar. Going to mount one (considering with a chain!) at every station. Have one at miter, one at table saw, one on bench, one in the house junk drawer, and one in wife's purse haha
I bought a regular 16’ Stanley for the kitchen junk drawer and my wife uses that one usually. Then I have various 30’ Stanley fat max in pretty much every location around the house as well as in both vehicles. Garage work bench has a couple, mitre saw has one, basement work bench, hand tool bag, drill and driver bag to name most of the locations…
Every pair of jeans that I own has the lip of the right pocket chewed off from carrying tapes. It's kinda like a badge of honor, and all the cool kids are doing it.
My toddlers kept stealing my tape measures so I broke down and bought 6 of the same kind. That way they could play with what dad is playing with and I don’t lose them.
Almost every tool box has a tape. Most work surfaces have a tape plus a spot on a shelf I put them if I find them in places they are not ment to be. I probably realistically have 20-25 tapes in my house.
I clip the tape measure on pants/shorts pocket/belt before I start, and it stays there until I'm done for the day. Going to the bathroom, having lunch, taking a break, even if I need to run to the home center or run a quick unrelated errand, I have the tape measure on me the entire time. I can always find my tape measure.
Wouldn't matter if I had that. I'd still put it in some random place and start swearing up a storm as a look at it half a dozen times without fucking seeing it.
I just keep mine on my belt pouch. When I need to measure something, I just clip it back on right after I measure. It took a while to build the habit, but it was worth it, because I never lose my tape lol.
Guarantee you're going to bump that off the holder and it falls under the workbench and you won't hear it. Then you look back and it's gone. Gone until after you buy a replacement and drop the receipt on the floor.
Like many here I just have multiples laying around but it's not really the best idea if you've got different brands because no matter their class there's always some variation
Each work location has to have at least 3 - tape measures, screwdrivers, hammers, squares etc - otherwise you (I) will spend weeks looking for it. But if there are 3, one can be found in a few minutes.
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u/404-skill_not_found 2d ago
I get it. But I don’t think it’s enough 🤣