FastCapProCarpenter Metric/Standard Measuring Tape - Ideal for Professionals and Home Improvement - with Lever Action Belt Clip and Dual Locking System - 12' - 99954

I really like this tape measure having both metric and standard measurements because I tend to use both and this tape measure makes it very convenient. The quality of the tape measure is very good. I like being able to write on the side of the tape and then wipe it off and the pencil sharpener comes in handy. This is the second FastCap tape measure I have purchased.

Great tape with two scales

Everyone seems to love this so I bought one. This is a great transitional tape with both standard and metric markers at 12'.I immediately bought another at 16' and purely metric.

Adding and subtracting ⅛, ⅔ and 3/32 inches has always (ALWAYS) taken longer to calculate and them measure out. I never liked it but never even considered metric as an option. Now I'll never go back.Here's what I like best about this tape measure:1. It has both Imperial •and• metric measurements on the tape. I don't think in metric, so I couldn't just grab a metric tape measure and call it good. This dual capability helps me bridge that gap.2. Metric is SO much easier, especially when it comes to fractions of inches. I can now do most of the metric calculations in my head and don't have to scribble out my measurements on a scrap piece of wood.3. I've been doing woodworking a looong time and found that I rarely have need for my big 25' measuring tape. Most of the time I can get by with 12' or less and avoid the bulk.4. While it is a smaller tape measure, it doesn't feel cheap in my hands, it has good rubber guards on all sides so when I drop it I am not concerned it will break.5. The wide white circle on the tape measure lets me scribble my measurements right on the tape as I'm walking around the job site or my shop.6. The slider to hold the tape in place is strong and slides easily into and out of position.7. There were other cheaper tapes at this size, but I doubt that even one of them comes close to the simple, rugged features on this one and I love (yes, love is a strong word) the ability to use millimeters when it comes to accurately and quickly measuring project pieces.I am going to buy this exact tape measure again as my other ones wear out. No question.

Quality is good, about what I'd expect for the price paid. There are better built tape measures out there, if you are willing to pay a little more, or watch for sales/discounts.However, the reason I bought this one was more for the features than anything else. How many times have you been working somewhere, measured an opening, only to get to the saw and try to remember if you needed to cut that board 17 5/8", or 15 7/8"? If you have that problem, this may be the tape for you. The little writing area on the side works well for jotting little notes on with a pencil, and it erases pretty cleanly. Also, it has a functional (decent, but not spectacular) pencil sharpener built into the bottom rear corner of the tape. It works all right if you are careful, but at least on my tape, you have to watch what you are doing carefully, or it can snap off the lead, leaving you with a duller pencil than you started with.I made the mistake of ordering one with standard/metric markings, which is not Fastcap's fault. I thought that it would be a nice feature to be able to grab one tape, and measure both feet and meters. In use, however, having two sets of numbers on the tape at the same time requires the numbers to be smaller and harder to read, and the dual sets of lines that don't line up make it all the more confusing. Where is DOES work good for, is to give the kids, or anyone unfamiliar with metrics, a way of getting an idea of how long so many centimeters are, compared to a scale they are already familiar with, or as a quick conversion chart from In to CM.. For daily use as a tape measure, I think you'd be better off getting one in standard, and another in metric, unless you regularly need to convert one length to another.At first I didn't think much of the belt clip, but after a couple times of using it, I am growing to like it. It has a little 'ear' at the top of the clip, that when pressed towards the body of the measure, opens up the clip. After a couple uses, it becomes second nature to just give the tape a little 'squeeze' to make it much easier to clip to your toolbelt. The negative to it is that if you clip it to the top of your jeans instead of a belt, the little ear you squeeze can dig into your skin just a little.

I primarily work with the Imperial system and my main tape is the Imperial version of this one. Ocassionally I need to order parts for my Nissan or for some foreign woodworking tools, and this provides excellent measurements for that.Functionality is unparalleled and it is extraordinarily durable. Like "stepped on by my 1200 lb horse and it's fine" durable. Plus it's not too expensive.

I am an American and do alot of woodworking and I grew up using imperial measurements. Think they taught it in school, but it was never pushed and sure not pushed in America in general. So, I have been working on switching over. There are so many good reasons to switch.This is a well made tape. Also, very easy to read, even with my tired eyes. It is also really thought out. First off, I noticed the belt clip has a spring level on it, such a great idea! I've always found it it a pain to get my tape measures hooked firmly on my belt, they solved that problem. Better yet, not only is there the normal lock button, there is another button underneath that is also spring loaded that is a quick on off lock. Another awesome idea.I am surprised another reviewer dinged it for having both imperial and metric on the same tape. First thought, then why did you buy it? But for me, it was one of the biggest reason I bought it. Since I am still in between, it's perfect because I can do imperial and metric at the same time. It will also help me GREATLY to transition between the two. It's a two in one tape and I love it.Could not be happier with this tape measure, the price is out standing and would gladly recommend! I'll be ordering the 16 ft version soon!