hand-painted kitchens, furniture & period property decorating

Are you looking for a decent tape measure at the right price?

Posted: 24 Sep 2013 02:32 AM PDT

The post Are you looking for a decent tape measure at the right price? appeared first on Traditional Painter

Russ Pike is always looking for a decent tape measure. He reckons the Saffron Axis MeasurePro is a keeper, at least till he loses it.

I’ve found one and lost a few!

I’ve been in the decorating trade over 30 years and can tell you, in that time I’ve spent a small fortune on tape measures. Leaving them on jobs, dropping them in my paste bucket or driving off with one on the roof of my van, it’s easily done! I’ve bought the cheapo ones that you see stuck on most trade counters, to the really expensive branded ones. None are much use, if you treat them like any of the above!

For me a robust and reliable tape is an important part of my kit, not only for when I’m out estimating jobs but also for measuring out rooms, wall papers and wall coverings.

I came across this tape, available at on-line decorating store My Paint Brush; its called the ‘Measure Pro’ 5M/16′ tape measure. With a very reasonable price tag for a tape of this standard, it boasts some great features, so I put one through its paces on a recent wallpapering job and was really impressed!

First thing I always check with a new tape is to see how rigid the stand out is; I hate those that buckle at a meter out, this one stood its ground. I was able to extend this tape out 2.2M before it started to bend and the retrieve is quick and smooth.

With two auto locks and a magnetic hook that can stick to metal surfaces, you are assured an accurate measurement and easy handling. The tape can also be used for retrieving tools and screws, etc…the magnet really is that powerful!

The blades on these tapes are made scratch resistant for durability and have a non-reflective matt finish to avoid glare while reading measurements.

The tape is double-sided and has both Metric and Imperial graduations marked on it, with a highlighted joint mark every 16".

It worked for me, measuring up, and I like the little extra touches.

This particular tape comes in 3 different lengths; 3M, 5M and 8M tapes, so there is one for everybody.

Axis and Adorn by Saffron, manufacture all sorts of tools and decorating kit and are two brand names to look out for in the decorating world, if you haven’t seen them already. I hear they will be at this year’s National Painting and Decorating Show, and will be one of many stands that I’ll be stopping at.

Now where did I put that tape…?

Specialist painter and decorator, Russ Pike, is a member of the Traditional Painter UK network. He is the first port of call for hand painted kitchens in Nottingham Derby and surrounding areas.

Russ has been a professional decorating specialist for 30 years, lectures at New College Nottingham and is Dulux Select and TrustMark approved too.

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Are you looking for a decent tape measure at the right price?