If you, like me, have issue measuring and marking lumber accurately, then I may have found the perfect tool for your shop.
The quickdraw tape measure is a conventional tape measure, right up to the addition of a steel wheel on the foot of the tape measure. This allows you to lay down a mark onto a surface and is fed by lead similar to what is used by mechanical lead pencils. It comes with 1 piece of 0.9mm 4D graphite loaded in the tape measure and is ready to go and make marks right out of the package. Also included are 10 extra refills.
Measuring and marking that measurement is worth its weight. This is both true if you are the only user, or if there are more than one in your shop doing the measuring. This will assure that you always mark the correct length. It has a visible sight from the top, that allows you to see where you want to lock the tape, and a marking wheel where you can read existing marks and duplicate them on several pieces of wood.
When done correctly, you can rest assured your marks are accurate. While testing it out, all marks were spot on and accurate. I’ve had 3 of these in my tool box for a total of 3 years, and the early models were prone to slip, but that has been fixed on the current models.
Reloading is very easy and takes just a few seconds. I was not able to get the 1000 marks per lead that they say, but then again, I tend to mark over to make it darker.
The overall quality of the tape is about average. The belt clip was thinner than other tapes, but has had no issue with reliability. The body is made up of ABS which is known for its impact resistance and surrounded by rubber outer wrap for added grip. The tape hook is a basic hook with 3 rivets and the blade is nylon coated for added durability. The blade standout is 9 feet, which is average.
This EZ read model offers a large markings at 1/8″ intervals.
Markings are only in feet and inches so no metric readings (although they have different models with metric available). This “EASY READ” model is different from a traditional tape measure because it has fractions(in 1/8’s of an inch) printed on the tape.
I am impressed at the innovation and engineering that went into designing this tape. This is the best tape for working all day and not having to worry about something so simple as getting accurate marks from the tape measure to your work.
