I know what you are going to say: A tape measure? What the heck is so exciting about a tape measure?

Well, it’s exciting when it’s a Komelon Self Lock tape measure.

Why? Because of the utter simplicity of the implementation. You pull the tape out and it auto-locks. Always. No buttons, no levers, no switches. Pull the tape and the tape stays. Period. To retract, press the big green button on top. Easy as that.

I can’t tell you how much such a feature makes things easier in the shop. I can’t understand why all tape measures don’t work this way.

Like a lot of tools, tape measures also seem to have an inferiority complex. Longer must be better, right? No way. Honestly, how often do you measure 25′ spans in your shop work? I’d guess: Never, unless you are building a house/deck. I’d much rather lug around an 8′ or 12′ model than some 25′ beast.

For my shop, I keep shorter measures wherever I’m likely to need them: the miter saw, the tool bucket, one at each work bench, etc. Better to have a couple of them about than always be looking to see where you left your only measure. Return them to their designated space after use, so you don’t waste time looking for them.

You can pick up a 12′ Komelon Self Lock for about $8 at Lowe’s or Amazon.

Komelon SL2812 Self Lock 12-Foot Power Tape

Make sure to get the Self Lock version. I’m sure their other stuff is great, but I dig the ease of use.