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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 67 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
39 of 40 found the following review helpful:
 Long tape standout is the principal feature of this measure... Dec 20, 2005
By Victor H. Agresti
"remodeling-guy"
Stanley 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.
40 of 46 found the following review helpful:
Chubby and maybe a bit stubby too! Dec 12, 1999
The last thing I needed was another tape measure, but I'm tired of 1" tapes flopping and sagging when making long measurementss by myself. This fat guy doesn't sag or flop very often. Just wish that Stanley would make a 30' or 35' version. Then I'd buy another tape that I really didn't need!
11 of 11 found the following review helpful:
 Long standout makes this tape "stand out" from the crowd Jul 25, 2000
By Jeremy R. Brandon
"commando"
Absolutely a must have for do-it-yourselfers. Getting critical measurements by yourself can be a chore if you need to reach a long way. I recently did some remodeling in my kitchen, and this fat baby was indespensible. The top hook feature was a great addition as well. I was able to reach out much further than with any other tape I have used before. As an added bonus, the rugged construction of the fat max holds up to the most severe jobsite abuse. I've had mine since they first hit the stores around October of last year, and it has held up just fine through every rainy day, early morning concrete pour, and sling-the-tape-against-a-concrete-wall temper tantrum. (Nobody's perfect) One small drawback: the 1-1/4" width creates quite a curvature from the top to the bottom of the tape, making short measurements a bit of a trick. You have to take care to hold the tape at an angle so as to put either the top or the bottom of the tape flat against the work surface. This is a minor consideration though, and doesn't detract from it's overall function or usefulness.
12 of 14 found the following review helpful:
 Not cracked up to be what it claims to be Dec 16, 2000
By Fellow carpenter
I have bought the FAT MAX when they first came out, they claim 11' stand out and I never made it past 10 feet. The tape is very heavy and when dropped it breaks open like an egg.The first time it fell was only from 5 feet onto a wooden deck, the lock button broke off. And for [the price] I would expect more from the product. I have bought a new tape called WIDE BOY from SNS Tapes, now this one takes a fall from 20 feet and they hit 10'6" to 11' everytime. And that is not on the 35 degree angle needed to get the FAT MAX to hit 10Feet. One other thing that makes it better is the WIDE BOY fits in the tape hold on my tool belt. It is also [less expensive] and comes with a utility knife I give this one a five star! So sorry STANLEY your not the best tape out there anymore.
6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
Fat Max Tape Measure Feb 19, 2000
By seaborn
I bought one ot Stanley's "Fat Max" tape measures,and now that I've had it for a few months, I can offer the following opinion. Yes, it is the tape to buy for hooking the far end of a board and it will win your tape races, but it is a little bulky and awkward. That's not necessarily a bad thing. I've yet to see a Stanley tape in the recycle bin - you CAN'T hurt them. The best free advise is; if your a framer, they're ideal (in fact a must), if your a cabinetmaker, maybe not.
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