Stanley Tape Measures: Models, Specs, and Pricing
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Stanley makes the FatMax, which is the tape measure more contractors carry than any other single model. The 33-725 FatMax has a 1-1/4" wide blade with 13 feet of standout. The PowerLock line is the budget option for homeowners who need something decent in a drawer.
Stanley N/A (manual tool) Platform
Manual tape measure. No batteries. The blade spring is the weakest point; avoid letting the tape snap back at full speed, which bends the spring over time.
Current Models
Stanley FatMax 33-725
33-725
The default contractor tape. 13 feet of standout means you can measure across a room without a helper. BladeArmor coating on the first 6 inches resists hook wear.
Stanley PowerLock 33-425
33-425
Budget tape. Thinner blade with less standout. Fine for measuring furniture and hanging pictures. Not stiff enough for long unsupported runs.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | 33-725 | 33-425 |
|---|---|---|
| length | 25 ft | 25 ft |
| blade | 1-1/4" wide | 1" wide |
| standout | 13 ft | 7 ft |
| coating | Mylar + BladeArmor | Mylar |
| lock | Slide lock | Thumb lock |
| Price | $25 | $12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
FatMax vs PowerLock: when does the upgrade matter?
If you measure anything longer than 8 feet by yourself, the FatMax's 13-foot standout (vs 7 feet on the PowerLock) makes the job possible. For measuring furniture or marking drywall cuts, the PowerLock works fine.
How accurate are Stanley tape measures?
The FatMax is accurate to +/- 1/32" over 12 feet per NIST Class II standards. The hook has a small amount of play built in, which is intentional: it compensates for inside vs outside measurements.