Stanley 30-986 16-Foot-by-3/4-Inch LeverLock Tape Rule
by Stanley Hand Tools
Our Price: $41.00
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Category: Tools
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Product Details
Manufacturer: Stanley Hand ToolsModel: 30-986
Product features:
- Power-return tape rule with automatic bottom lock for easy operation
- Special True-Zero hook allows use of nail as pivot to draw circles and arches
- Multiple-riveted hook and polymer-coated blade
- High-visibility yellow color case makes it easy to find
- Stanley's limited lifetime warranty; measures 3/4-inch-by-16-feet
Description of Stanley 30-986 16-Foot-by-3/4-Inch LeverLock Tape Rule
The Stanley 16-Foot-by-3/4-Inch LeverLock Tape Rule streamlines tape operation with its unique power-return tape rule and automatic bottom lock. The special Tru-Zero hook allows a nail to be used as a pivot to draw circles and arches. For longer life and protection, this tape rule features a multiple riveted hook and a polymer-coated blade.
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About Stanley LeverLock Tape Systems
Designed for home improvement and everyday use, LeverLock tape systems provide innovative features at an attractive price, all while maintaining Stanley's commitment to quality and performance. Featuring a 20-percent smaller rounded bi-material case to improve functionality, increase comfort and help prevent the tape from slipping out of the user's hand, LeverLock tape rules includes a slip-resistant rubber grip and a rubberized blade-locking lever. A red blade lock override button allows the tape to be used in two modes. When the button is set with the locked padlock icon pushed out, the blade will not retract unless the user depresses the black lever on the bottom of the tape rule case. When the button is set with the unlocked padlock icon pushed out, the blade extends and retracts freely.
Tools and Hardware Reviews of Stanley 30-986 16-Foot-by-3/4-Inch LeverLock Tape Rule
Customer Review: THE BEST All Around Tape Measure
Summary: 5 Stars
The Stanley 30-986 Leverlock is THE BEST all-around tape measure for most uses.
The 16' blade is long enough for most uses, and the 3/4" width keeps it stiff enough to extend out for several feet. The spring loaded lever on the bottom is convenient and intuitive to use - simply pull out the tape to measure and squeeze the bottom of the case with your fingers to retract it at a controlled ('feathered') rate of speed. This is much easier, quicker, and controlled than the thumb-operated 'Powerlock' series.
The 16' X 3/4" size actually fits in your jeans pockets. And its by Stanley, which usually makes tools of a decent quality, as opposed to those $3.99 tape measures at the home stores with thin, brittle blades. They used to sell replacement blades, but these days ? ? ?
Sure, if you are a carpenter, you may want the 25 or 30 foot tapes for laying out framing, and the 1" blades for longer extentions. However, unless you are wearing a tool belt, these larger tapes do not fit inside your pockets and tend to pull your pants down if clipped to your belt or waist band.
And if you only work on smaller projects, the smaller 12' x 12" Leverlock may be a better choice. If fits more easily into your pocket, purse, briefcase, etc.
The Stanley 30-986 is becomming harder to find! Usually it is only available in this bright color, occasionally in the traditional black. Stanley redesigned the Leverlock series with a rounded case that is fatter, making it harder to hold and to place in pockets. The new ones also come with an unnecessary locking button that gets in the way and activates when you don't want it to. Even though I am sure that the redesign was well intentioned to fit the hand more smoothly, they blew it. As a Professional Ergonomist I much prefer the smaller, 'squarer' case for several reasons.
I'm a guy who regularly browses through tool and hardware stores when I travel around the country. Due to globalization, marketing, whatever, I can only find the 30-986 here on Amazon and at a specific, local farm store. Unless you are a framer of houses or artwork, this is the measuring tape for you..
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