OX ToolsTrade 8m Tape Measure - Metric Only,Black/Blue

Reading the other reviews there seems to be some confusion about whether the product should be metric, or both metric and imperial. When I ordered mine, there was a choice on the web page and I hit the button for both metric and imperial, but there was also a button for metric only. Both measurements are shown on the same side of the tape (which is matt, rather than shiny, making it easy to read).Reassuringly sturdy. I am sure that the plastic wrist handle won't last long but the bar to which it is connected can be unscrewed for easy replacement. The clip is firm, and stays in place.There is the standard big lock above the tape. Unlike a Rolson one that I threw away recently, the lock works really well. There is also a button under the bottom of the tape measure device that holds the tape securely in whatever position you want to hold the tape, without locking it - once you let go of the button, the tape withdraws into the device. This is a really nice feature. Finally, there is a round blue button on the side that does the same thing. Both allow you to bring the tape back in to the device in a controlled way.Overall, a nice tape measure, particularly for the price. I'm hoping it will last because it's the best design I've bought to date, and I have quite a collection (I keep losing them). I haven't had it long but will report back if anything changes this verdict.

OK tape measure.Do I like it? no. (answer is "mostly yes" now I've modified it but see warning below)Would I recommend it? Yes.Why?....Good:*The markings are fairly clear and the tape wide and fairly robust.*Price is good for a metric measure.*Overall quite solid.Bad:*I find it bulky and awkward compared to other brands of the same spec.*It has 2 superflous ways to lock the tape -additional to the standard front lock there's one on the side which is unuseable in the right hand and sort of useable if you hold it in your left hand (but still doesn't feel as natural as the front lock), then there's another one underneath. I assume this is so that when extended you can just push the case down onto the surface and it (temporarily) locks the tape but again it doesn't seem that useful and just makes the case unstable -the case dosn't sit happly on it's base and easilly falls on it's side. Also, the bottom lock tilts the whole case about 15 degrees so the tape extends out into space instead of staying flat (until it falls over again...) -madness!! These 2 "extra" locks seem gimicky or at best very poorly executed.If I was using it all day every day I would just grit my teeth and pay the extra for a Stanley or similar but would feel ripped off (see rant below). This is the second of these OX measures I've bought and the first is still going strong (despite many, many modest drops) so dumb additions aside they are good and so much better value than the other (metric) competition.NB. Writing this review has made me wonder if the bottom lock is removeable. It is and I've just done it :-) Health warning though, you have to open up the case and take the risk of the tape springing out and unwinding itself in a dramatic fasion that is best avoided. Easy to do as long as you are careful. It also leaves a thumbnail sized hole in the bottom. I don't think this affects operation in any way but does potentially allow debris in (electrical tape is an OK solution).Rant warning!!!:It is almost impossible to find a reasonably priced measure that doesn't have both metric and imperial scale.Most of us choose metric or imperial but don't flipflop between the two, having both printed on the tape only serves to annoy as neither has the space for decent sized markings and inevitably the scale you are using is on the opposite side from where you are marking (maybe this is more an issue for us metric users as the inches are perhaps printed on the ergonomically more useable side?).Anyway, I had a Stanley measure (metric) but it's gone. It was MUCH nicer than these OX ones however, like all the quality manufacturers Stanley charge a massive premium for the metric only versions of their tapes which I don't think is in any way justified by lower demand and feels like price gouging.

I needed a new measuring tape to replace my aging and fading 3m tape. I could no longer read up to the 1m mark at all. So time to retire and purchase anew. Choosing a replacement can be difficult. Especially given the vast amount of brands and products available. There are plenty of duds out there that will fall apart just by looking at them. Some of them, the grip won't hold the tape in place which is super annoying.I deceided on this with no previous knowledge of the brand based purely on the pics and description on Amazon. I was not dissapointed. It is sturdily built and of good quality. The tape itself is what I would consider large width with large numbering making it super easy to read for those with poor eyesight like me. The feature I loike the most is it has 3 buttons on it. The frst one is the standard sliding lock that holds the tape in place once you let go. It is really good quality and I can see it standing the test of time. The other 2, 1 at the side (Blue) and 1 at the bottom (Black). Either of these 2 you can press and keep your finger on them to hold the tape in place.All in all, for the price, it is almost impossible to find fault with this thing. The wrist strap would be a weak point for me and I cannot see it lasting as it is plastic and does not appear to be good quality. Time will tell if this tape holds up but I think it will. Great quality at a great price. I highly recommend.

Item is really dangerous to use for some reason. The end is extremely sharp (more than normal) and you cannot even hold the tape properly without risking injury. Proof is that two people cut their fingers whilst using this on the 1st day! I dont know why but it hurts to hold this, the metal must be very cheap or something but it is not right. No other measure I have ever used is as dangerous as this.

Most tape measures you get have imperial at the top and metric below. This has usually been fine, but having recently had a tradesperson doing some work for me, I noticed his tape measure was metric only. For me a game changer that saved me flipping the tape upside down to get the measurements in CM/MM. It has made things much easier for me and I’m shocked it’s taken me this long to realise they exist!