I'm putting together a toolbox for small chores around home and I plan to take care of my new tools so they will last a very long time. What’s the best way to take care of a tape measure?

As with all tools, you will want to take care of your tape measure so it will continue to provide you with years of service.

The basic rule of caring for your tape measure is to never let the blade retract on its own. The spring's tension is strong enough to literally snap the tip off the blade's end.

From a safety standpoint, never slow down the blade with the same hand holding the tape measure. Over time, the edges of the blade can get sharp, which increases the possibility of slicing a finger. Also, depending on the spring’s tension, if the blade retracts too fast, the tip could pinch or take a chunk of skin from your index finger.

The safest way to retract the tape measure's blade is to hold the tape in one hand and use the thumb of your opposite hand to apply pressure onto the center of the blade as it retracts.

You can prolong the life of the tape measure by preventing dirt, dust, or water to enter the spool. To clean the blade, pull it out only to the point where you see dirt or water. From this point use a rag to clean both the top and bottom of the blade as it retracts. If water is involved, I recommend that you wipe the blade as many times as it takes to remove any moisture left on the blade.

Purchase this article to learn how to read and choose a tape measure!

Tape measures can be replaced, but if you take care of yours, it will give you years of use. To learn how to use it effectively, I recommend that you purchase my article, "Learn How to Read and Choose a Tape Measure," described below.

To really learn the ins and outs of reading a tape measure and to gain insights into choosing the best one for you, consider purchasing my award-winning article, "Learn How to Read and Choose a Tape Measure." This article received the 2008 Vaughan/National Association of Home and Workshop Writers (NAHWW) Golden Hammer Writing Award in the Internet Category.

Available in both .pdf and hard copy, this 8-page article features 21 color photographs and provides outstanding information about using a tape measure to its full potential and purchasing a quality tape measure.

Click here to read customers' feedback. To purchase "Learn How to Read and Choose a Tape Measure," click here!

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C.R.S., Inc. · Spokane, Washington · USA