Stanley 33-730 30-Foot-by-1-1/4-Inch FatMax Measuring Tape
- Tape rule with first 6 feet reinforced with BladeArmor coating for maximum durability
- 11-inch tape standout; 16-inch and 19.2-inch stud center markings simplify framing jobs
- Mylar polyester film extends the life of the entire blade
- Heat-treated spring provides long life and smooth blade recoil
- Stanley’s limited lifetime warranty; measures 1-1/4-inch-by-30-feet
Amazon.com Product Description
The Stanley 30-Foot-by-1-1/4-Inch FatMax Measuring Tape is reinforced on the first six feet with BladeArmor coating for maximum durability. A Mylar polyester film extends the life of the entire blade. This tape rule comes with a cushion grip built into the case for a non-slip grip and impact resistance. A top forward blade lock design makes it easier to lock and unlock the blade while a heavy, heat-treated spring provides long life and smooth blade recoil.
Tape Rule is reinforced with BladeArmor coating for maximum durability. See the full line of Stanley tape rules.
Hand tools for the pro or expert enthusiast.
view the FatMax product demo (requires Flash) The tape blade measures 30-foot-by-1-1/4-inch with a 11-foot tape standout. To simplify framing jobs, the bright yellow, easy-to-read blade has 16-inch and 19.2-inch stud center markings. It comes with Stanley’s limited lifetime warranty. Abo… More >>
Stanley 33-730 30-Foot-by-1-1/4-Inch FatMax Measuring Tape
1 1/4″ wide Fat max tape measure.
Pros:
- My Fat Max stands out unsupported to about 10′ 3″. Even though not the 11′ claimed, it’s still several feet longer than 1″ tape measures. This is the important advantage of this tape, especially when working alone, because measuring takes less time and less effort.
- Case has a rubber coating around most of it, making it easier to hold onto, although that black case can get hot if it’s been in the sunshine.
- Tape end has the normal bottom “hook” but also has a double top hook, for grabbing that other end.
- Although I don’t make a habit of dropping tools, this one seems pretty tough. (Although some reviewers have had their Fat Max’s break open on falling?)
- Highly rated in Fine Homebuilding magazine.
Cons:
- Costs much more than 1″ wide tape measures of the same length.
- About 1/4 bulkier and is heavier than a 1″ wide tape measure of the same length. 3/4″ tape measures are lighter still. The Fat Max might be awkwardly large for someone with small hands.
- Even with the belt clip removed, the Fat Max is an inconveniently tight fit in my tape holster, whereas 1″ wide tape measures of the same length fits with ease.
- Due to the curvature of the tape it “rides” further above the surface than narrower tape measures, so you have to press the tape down to get that last bit of accuracy in the reading. Narrower tape measures are easier and quicker to read accurately, since you don’t need to press the tape down as often.
- Width of the tape measure isn’t shown on tool, so you have to remember the width and add that, for inside readings.
- Bottom and top “hooks” should be longer or have micro grippers like some other tape measures. Although usually OK, it too easily slips off what I’m trying to hook it on – this is particularly frustrating when that spot is far away, and is partially caused by how much you have to arc the tape for it to stand out so far. I.e., the tape may be at the wrong angle to grab easily.
- The sliding blade lock takes too much effort. I can do it with one thumb, but have to press with serious oomph to lock or unlock it, and I’m 6/4 and weigh 260 lbs. I’d say it takes triple the effort over any of the 1″ measures I own. Doesn’t work near as well as the Stanley Power Lock, Leigh, or Craftsman measures, for example.
- Tape seems to crease sooner than narrower tapes, which means it will wear out faster. This is probably due to the width of the tape being less flexible to twisting, and the very fast rewind rate which can whip the tape, causing damage.
Not really a con, since it’s not expected, but it doesn’t have a lifetime warranty like Craftsman tape measures (not sure if other brands have such warranties). I’ve seen construction workers bring a bag full of worn-out Craftsman tape measures into a Sears store and walk out with free replacements!
Summary:
For any project where long tape standout is important, this is a good choice. For almost any other purpose, I reach for a 1″ or smaller tape measure because they are lighter, smaller, quicker to read, and the blade locks works better.
I really liked the Fat Max 30′ tape. However, Stanley does not make replacement blades for it. My Fat Max is a little less than a year old and has developed a hole at about the 11 foot point. Because no replacement blades are available, the cost for replacing it with a new one is too high. Too bad Stanley doesn’t stand behind the fat max with replacement blades like they do with some of their other less sturdy tapes.
I’ve gone thru three in one year. I’m a builder so that is slightly above average for my use. But I do keep buying them. My major gripe is that none of them really stay hooked very well when moving. Also they will slice through your finger in a flash if you’re used to finger braking.(too fast retract) It is also tempermental in retracting if used past 15ft. I’ve seen ‘em live & die from second floor to concrete. BUT….it does have a fantastic standout. Good, but buy it on sale.
After reading other reviews, it appears that I may have received a lemon. As mentioned in one review, the return velocity is very fast — and it did lead to kink and tear. My primary complaint relates to excessive play in the lip (well beyond the lip’s thickness), which has led to inaccurate cuts.
This is a wonderful tape measure that will really take abuse. I love the 11′ stand out. I agree with the point that others have made that the return and be a bit fast, I’ve gotten small cuts and bruises or blood blisters on my pointer finger a few times when I’ve gotten it pinched and it returns. But I’ve learned to keep it from returing so fast (just tip it so the blade is aimed down as it get to the last few feet). It isn’t a cheap tape, but then again it isn’t built like one either . . . .
{edit}My tape cracked, so I’m going to have to replace it, but there is no doubt I’m going to get another FatMax!{/edit}