Diameter Tape Recommendations?

cerviarborist · Jul 20, 2020

My venerable Spencer Pro Tape 35DCRSX had a service live of nearly eleven years. It's been limping along for the last three or four and I've disassembled and rebuilt it a few times, but I think it's not coming back from its latest misadventure.

I'd like to hear any buzzer recommendations for a sturdy, trouble free and self-rewinding Diameter tape. Some of the oaks and tropical species in my area can easily exceed ten feet in diameter, so I'm thinking in the fifty foot range. Since I'm in the good old non-metric USA, it will have to be in inch/foot gradation. I'll also want a hooked end for one man measurements.

I think the plastic to plastic and metal to plastic construction of my Pro Tape doomed it to failure, so I'd like something with beefier innards for my next D-Tape acquisition.

Please let me know what's worked best for you. Cheers!

Reach · Jul 20, 2020

We use this one: https://www.gaparboristsupply.com/Spencer-Logging-Tape-Measure-50'-with-nail/item/DTAPE50

They’ve done well by us, The only one we’ve broken is the one someone drove over...

JD3000 · Jul 20, 2020

Cheapo Arbor Jet tapes that my chem rep usually just gives me.

cerviarborist · Jul 20, 2020

JD3000 said:
Cheapo Arbor Jet tapes that my chem rep usually just gives me.

Too short and I never talk to those guys anyway.

27RMT0N · Jul 20, 2020

Reach said:
We use this one: https://www.gaparboristsupply.com/Spencer-Logging-Tape-Measure-50'-with-nail/item/DTAPE50

They’ve done well by us, The only one we’ve broken is the one someone drove over...

I also use the Spencer, as do most loggers in the west far as I can tell. That ought to say something about how tough they are, and you can order new tape, springs, etc easily.

Steve Connally · Jul 20, 2020

I got the nice 2 sided tape with the hook from bailie's for my birthday. I like it a lot. That huge sycamore took the last inch of it at 100" diameter.

ATH · Jul 21, 2020

Another Spencer vote

ATH · Jul 21, 2020

I also have several of these...for under $4, one in each tool bag, one in the center console of each truck. They are handy to drop in a pocket and measure trees less than 18-20" dbh.

Edit...I see I never linked to show what I meant by "these":

https://www.menards.com/main/tools/hand-tools/measuring-layout-tools/tape-measures-rulers/komelon-reg-10-touch-lock-tape-measure/3110/p-1444437090077-c-1549901401002.htm