Tajima H1550MW Class 1"Hi Lock" Measuring Tape, Red, 5 m x 25 mm

I have used a fair number of tape measures over the decades but none have been as functionally good as this Tajima. I appreciate good design in tools and treat them with care, so my comments should be taken in that context.The mechanism is probably the smoothest running I have come across and for me the rewind tensioning spring is just right, not too weak or strong. I suspect this is because, with a well engineered smooth running mechanism the spring tension does not need to be as high as one with more friction to overcome.Having only metric measurements means the scale is uncluttered and VERY easy to read, assisted by the black writing on white tape. Good for someone like me who can still manage without reading glasses but is better with them. It is rated at Class 1 accuracy which is nice to know but may not be critical for most applications.Used with reasonable care, stand out is reliably around 2.5 metres without any support whatsoever from fingers/hand. Supported by the hand/arm it is significantly more. The locking mechanism/brake is easy to use and works well. The locking can be overcome as it is based on a friction mechanism but is at least as good as others I have used.Too early to comment on reliability hence the 4 stars for sturdiness, but after weeks of regular use it is still working well. The outer case is plastic so may shatter if dropped from height onto a hard surface but because the design is quite rounded there are fewer corners likely to break if dropped. There is also a softer plastic insert in the case where the tape end hook stops. This reduces the chances of an accidental full speed rewind into the case damaging the harder plastic case. This is my first Tajima tape measure and it won't be my last. Looking for an 8 metre metric only version now!

So I like good quality tools, and I try and justify it a lot of the time because I think they last longer etc. But really the truth is I just like really nice quality tools.This was one I wasn't sure if I was being stupid for. You can buy a tape measure for about £3 I think.But this is perfect. I am not unhappy with it at all.Metric only is a plus for me, but if still like measuring things in units that make absolutely no sense then this probably isn't for you. Very clear to read. Locking mechanism is perfect.I know it's stupid to suggest an improvement after saying 5 stars but here it is.It's class 1 to the back of the tape measure I believe, which is the measurement at the front + 67mmIf you're going to promise this level of accuracy then the exact point where it is +67mm should be clear. Like a perfectly flat piece of metal or plastic at the opening.Also.... If you're going to forgo inches and feet, I wonder if manufacturers could just include another set of metric measurements that start at 67mm. So you don't have to do the maths each time.But still, 5 stars. Can't fault it for what it is, and what they promised.

Good quality

love this tape, im a carpenter and have had many different tapes over the years, mainly stanley and this is my favourite for fine carpentry, very accurate and easy to read.

What a lovely bit of kit. Normally use Stanley but this works better for my needs as it has a metric scale on both side of the tape. It has white tape with red lettering very easy to read in dim light. It’s also a class 1 tape measure so better than most more accurate.Will definitely buy again when I wear this one out.

It’s a bit smaller than usual which is great for a 2400mm blade stand out. Blade coating seems tough but a bit extra protection for the first 200mm would be an improvement. After 2 weeks use ( did best to dry when wet) blade has deteriorated as per image.** Update : after about 3-4 months of use the blade snapped clean off!** see photos**

The best tape measure I have ever owned.Yes, it's more expensive some but the build is solid and it's in mm only so no more faffing with inches.Update: I use this for my work every day, it's had an absolute hammering and it's still spot on.

The rolls Royce of tapes period.