Stanley 0-33-523 Powerlock Tape Measure, 3m/10'

This is easily the best tape available. It has the smoothest action, comfortable in hand, and is virtually unbreakable - my last one lasted 8 years, even 2 months left in the rain and no rust, only died because it got too much sand in it. Glad to see that they're still making the exact same sturdy version as they did before.

Light, small, locking mechanism works well. Previously bought Stanley Tylon tapes that retracted when locked, this does not. 3m is plenty for almost any wargame too.

Stanley 0-33-523 Powerlock Tape Measure, 3m/10' is very well made, a quality product. The tape measure is a little wider than I would have preferred, but being wider does mean it is sturdy and easier to use. Although slightly bulky compared to what I am used to as a pocket tape measure this is not a major concern.

Packaging & First Impressions:The STANLEY Powerlock Tape with Blade Armor (10m/30ft, Silver) arrived well packaged and sealed, giving a good first impression. Everything looked new and genuine right out of the box, and the instructions were clear and easy to follow.Design & Features:The tape is easy to read, with clear markings and a smooth locking mechanism. The belt clip is handy for carrying it around, and the compact size makes it comfortable to hold and store.Performance:The standout length is impressive for a 10m tape, and the blade lock keeps the tape securely in place during use. The tape retracts smoothly. The Blade Armor coating does seem to offer extra protection against wear and breakage.Build Quality:While the tape measure looks good and performs well, it’s not as solid as I expected for a Stanley product. The case and blade feel a bit lighter and less robust than some other professional-grade tapes I’ve used. It still gets the job done, but if you’re looking for something extremely heavy-duty, this might not fully meet your expectations.Pros:- Well packaged and sealed- Clear, easy-to-read markings- Compact and comfortable to hold- Smooth locking and retraction- Handy belt clipCons:- Not as solid or heavy-duty as expected- Case and blade feel lighter than some other pro modelsOverall:The STANLEY Powerlock Tape with Blade Armor is a reliable, well-featured tape measure that’s great for most DIY and professional tasks. Packaging was excellent, and the tape looks and feels new. While it isn’t quite as solid or heavy as I was hoping for, it still offers good durability and accuracy for everyday use. If you want a tape measure with a long standout and useful features, this is a strong choice—just be aware it’s not the most rugged option in the Stanley lineup.

Quality. Never wrong Stanley tape measures...£20 is quite steep but worth it.

I'm really pleased with this tape measure. It feels sturdy and reliable in the hand. It's easy to read, with clear metric and imperial measurements and smoothly extends and retracts, making it simple to take accurate measurements.The strong return spring, which quickly recoils the blade without any snags.The 5m isn't too big and perfect for everyday tasks around the house or workshop, and it's not too bulky to carry on a tool belt. Although I think I would like a 3m for wood wooding projects, leave the 5m for more building orientated stuff.Grate tape measure, but I have found the locking mechanism to be a bit stiff and difficult to operate at times. It requires a firm push to engage and release, which could be improved for easier one-handed use. You push to lock and aren't quite sure if it's locked or not as it doesn't "click" into place. It kind of feels like it should push further.Despite this minor issue, I still highly recommend it.

Good Stanley quality

It works smoothly and locks reliably. It is a little wider than many - so it is a little heavier than many but my Stanley tapes have lasted many years and the cheap replacements I have bought have all failed quickly. Hopefully this Stanley is also worth the money.I don't like the fact that the case-size, which used to be 50mm, is now 2 1/4". That is a constant nuisance for taking 'internal' measurements. It would have been very easy to make it 2" or 50mm, like they used to be, but no - it is 2 1/4" for no good reason. It is a case of form-following-fashion rather than form-following-function.The printing of the numbers on the tape is not as crisp as I would like it to be. I have three very old Stanley tapes all of which are better printed and easier to read. As well as crisper printing, the old tape's numbers are blacker. There's no particular problem with legibility but why make it worse than it was before?I prefer all three of my old Stanley tapes but my nearest equivalent old one is just about to break and I can't find a new refill.(I am a retired surveyor and have been using measuring instruments and tapes of all sorts for about 70 years.)