Komelon3110 Touch Lock 10' Power Tape Assorted Colors

Amazing

I was looking for a small tape measure for my compact tool pouch to broach the difference between my 6” steel rule and a small laser measuring tool. I was considering a 1/4” tape, but am very happy to have chosen this 1/2”instead. While compact size is important to me, so is utility— if it is annoying or inconvenient to use I don’t want it in my kit. The 1/2 is much less floppy than a 1/4.I’ve had good long term success's with Komelon before and I would say they are just below Stanley and Lufkin in sturdiness but pretty close and typically less expensive.This is my initial impression as I have just started using it..First- perhaps the least important consideration for me- it looks great! Looks like a designer tape not a construction tape, but the feel is that of a solid construction tape.The case is polycarbonate. This is a nearly indestructible plastic, so I expect it will take abuse and last.I am very happy with the feel of the product it is very comfortable in the palm of my hand (I wear XL gloves). The unit feels pretty sturdy and should stand up to at least the abuse of rolling around in a toolbox. The retraction spring is just right -it quickly and smoothly retracts the entire tape. You can easily control the retraction by using your thumb to add friction on the rotating side of the case— something you usually can’t do as easily with a normal construction tape.The “hold” mechanism is your thumb pressing on the rotating side of the case , not the typical piece of plastic pressing on the tape. (This probably won’t work well for lefties). It feels a bit odd because it is different from what I am used to, but it seems to work really well, and I anticipate getting comfortable with it quickly, as it works in a natural way. The lack of a hold button is what allows this tape to be super compact, the case is maybe 1/8” larger in diameter than the coil of tape inside. IMO the design choice here is excellent, particularly for my application.The 1/2” tape extends out to 4 feet easily before buckling which is pretty good in my opinion for a 1/2” blade and not something I was counting on.The measurements are what I consider normal with 1/16 graduations. Top half of tape has feet and inches, bottom has cumulative inches. Every 16” is highlighted in red. Easy to read, even for my 55+ year old eyeballs without reading glasses.The magnet on back is not so strong. It holds the tape just fine on a refrigerator or a tool chest. I would not count on it staying stuck to the outside of a carry around toolbox without falling off. I suppose this is a compromise, as a strong magnet will have every screw, nail, and metal shaving sticking to it and would be difficult to clean off. Again it does work, it doesn’t slide down the fridge under its own weight.I do a lot of industrial piping work and the diameter tape on back is a nice bonus.I think that Komelon hit a home run with this tape! Would I use it on a construction site or my woodshop? Well, no, but it is not designed for that kind of heavy work, you’d be better off with a 3/4 or 1” tape with a lock. As a handy tape on the fridge, in the car, in a sewing kit, toolbox, or just to carry in your pocket it kicks butt!

Great for EDC

Very handy. Minimalist construction makes it nice and compact while still practical and easy to use. Most of the time I find myself without a tape measure when I need one. That is usually because most are bulky and heavy to carry all the time. This one is small and light enough to carry easily in my pocket. I love the diameter scale on the reverse side. That's convenient because I work with and inspect pipes often. The "touch lock" is kind of silly. Basically, there is no lock...you just hold it open with your grip and it retracts when you release your grip. That's s not a lock...that is just called having fingers. Regardless of that marketing goofiness, it is still a convenient tool. Time will tell if the plastic construction will hold up over time but I'm ok with the weight reduction the plastic affords me so it is a compromise I'm ok with and this tool is inexpensive enough to replace if I manage to bust it up to the point of failure. Not like plastic isn't common on tape measures these days but in my experience, clear plastics tend to be more brittle and prone to cracking. This plastic seems to be slightly grippier than typical polycarbonate so maybe it's more durable too. Feels like quality for whatever that is worth.

Great for getting the diameter and and circumference on insulated piping