Stanley 30-825 25-Foot-by-1-Inch LeverLock Tape Rule
- Power-return tape rule with blade release locking button for easy operation
- Special True-Zero hook allows use of nail as pivot to draw circles and arches
- Non-slip rubber grips; ergonomically-designed
- High-visibility yellow color case makes it easy to find
- Stanley’s limited lifetime warranty; measures 1-inch-by-25-feet
Product Description
High visibility fluorescent yellow color and ergonomic design. Compact size, 15% smaller than the Powerlock rule, with nonslip rubber grip. Dual operating lever design, depress to open and release to automatically lock or unlock button to provide free tapAmazon.com Product Description
The Stanley 25-Foot-by-1-Inch LeverLock Tape Rule streamlines tape operation with its unique power-return tape rule and blade release locking button. A dual-action lever gives the option of a free-wheeling blade or a traditional LeverLock. 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 three-rivet hook, a polymer-coated blade, and a heat-treated spring.
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Stanley 30-825 25-Foot-by-1-Inch LeverLock Tape Rule
Great tape measure. I love that I can just pull it out and not worry about trying to push a lock down. The only problem that I have encountered it that where the tape retracts into the case there is a lot of friction. This is due to the lever design, the black lever pushes the tape into the case. This is what takes the place of the locking mechanism. Anyways, this friction has worn down the ticks on the first 3 feet of my tape. As a result I find it very difficult to get an accurate measurement in these first few feet. Other than that I am completely satisfied. Would never go back to a ‘traditional’ tape ever again.
People have been rating this particular Stanley Measuring Tape very poorly, and I would have to agree it’s a fairly sub-par measure, but would also like to add it’s usable. Firstly the major thing it has going for it is the brand: It’s a Stanley. As others have pointed out in reviews of Stanley measures it’s going to have a very consistent measuring distance. If you were mixing in another brand with a Stanley you might end up getting a 7′ 5 3/8″ reading with the Stanley and a 7′ 5 1/2″ reading with another brand. With most people using a Stanley being able to have various measurements made by different tape rules you won’t need to worry about accuracy issues. The build quality is nice, I’ve dropped it quite a few times and it seems no worse for the wear (although mind you I’m a hobbyist more than a builder), but the build seems sturdy. Ergonomics are good, I find it’s very easy to hold in the hand. Where the lack of stars comes into play is with the mechanism that holds the blade. The idea behind it is great, you can pull the tape out and then push the back lever and let it retract (at a controlled speed, very nice that you don’t have to slow it with your fingers), but in practice the spring that clamps down on the blade is far too weak. If, like me, you have gone out and bought this item before reading reviews all hope is not lost! There are four screws you can remove that will allow you to disassemble the tape (be careful not to let the spool unwind when you take it apart) and remove the spring and stretch it slightly. I did this and found the mechanism to be greatly improved, with much less slipping.
I must agree with the majority here. I’m always ready to try an “improved” model — but this has broken now after very little occasional use and will no longer lock. I’ll be looking for something like the old style to replace it. You can certainly buy worse/cheaper tapes than this but it’s sad to see what has become of what used to be a quality product.
I’m a professional carpenter and was a loyal user of the old model of the Leverlock. This new version completely and utterly stinks. Moreover than just the design being pitiful, I believe the tape itself to be of poorer quality now as well – I had two break off right near the 1″ line within three weeks time. I gave the new style an honest chance. NEVER AGAIN. I wish I could give less that 1 star.
I had the old neon leverlock tapes for over 6 years. Until I used them to do outside work in the mud they were the most dependable tapes I had ever owned. Unfortunately, they’re no longer manufactured or available anywhere and they replaced them with crap.
The new leverlock has some major flaws. Among them are; excessive play in the hook end, uncomfortable new case (too rounded), leverlock looks and feels flimsy and doesn’t look as though it would survive a drop from an 8 foot ladder although i didn’t get a chance to test a drop. This did not have a chance to fail from the previously memtioned gripes. The tape was stepped on and tore in half instantly. Extremely unusual.
I recommend you stay away from the new line of leverlocks. The only good ones were the Neon models from years ago. If anyone knows where to find the Neon Leverlock Tapes (25′ or 30′) new, please post it here.