Komelon SL2816; 16 x 3/4 Self-Lock Tape Measure

Not a big tool gal, but had to leave a review because this truly is THE BEST tape measure. It locks automatically, easy to read the numbers and lightweight. Going to buy by my friends all one for Christmas. Excellent produc no

Pros Self Lock mechanism (this is awesome) - can be operated with one hand. Nylon coated blade - more durable and less likely to cut your hand. Rubber grip - comfortable and easy to hold. Cons Measurements printed on one side only (most tapes are also one-sided) No dual imperial/metric units. I originally purchased this tape measure thinking that Self Lock might be useful, but probably overrated. What a surprise. It was immensely useful. There is no longer the need to manually lock the tape in position every time it is pulled out. If the tape is attached to my belt, it can also be operated with one hand. Rubber grip surrounds and protects the body while making it comfortable to hold and easy to use. The rubber is also on the opening to act as a buffer protecting it from rewinding forces. Pressing and holding the button will rewind the tape, although I would recommend gradually guiding the tape back by hand. The nylon coated blade will not cut your fingers. The green accents are interesting, distinguishing itself from all the other yellow tape measures. 5/8-in. width tape allows it to be lightweight and compact. However, the short-width tape begins to sag at 3 ft., and collapses at ~5.5 ft. Komelon offers .75 and 1 in. widths with their longer tapes if needed. The measurements are only printed on one side in case anyone find themselves in a situation where they need the other side, although this is intentionally a one-sided tape so it is not really a con. It is too bad Komelons Self Lock series does not offer dual imperial/metric units. This would double their usefulness. The Self Lock mechanism makes this an excellent tape measure and a pleasure to use. I also have a basic non-Self Lock Komelon with imperial/metric units, and keep coming back to this one even though it lacks metric units. Now that I am spoiled by Self Lock, I dont think I will ever go back to manually operated tape measures again.

If you are someone that needs a tape measure like this for daily use (construction, etc.), pay a little more for one that will last. This is good for occasional use, but will not last for regular use.

I liked that it auto locked. But I noticed when I pulled it out to about 10 feet it was trying to suck it back in. So I had to hold with two hands so it wouldn’t cool back into itself

I bought hubby the multi pack. I know exactly where at least 8 are now! They are easy to see and I love the pull and stay until released feature. Good size. Great quality.

Well made! Accurate!