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Buy It For Life
Tape Measures

Updated Jul 20, 2026

Tools & Garden Equipment

Buy it for life: the most durable tape measures,
according to r/BuyItForLife on Reddit —
recommended by people who have owned them for years. How we pick.
Do you know of an item that should be on this list? Let us know!

Stanley FatMax Most Loved Badge

Stanley FatMax External link

Heavy-duty retractable measuring tape praised for standout and durability on demanding job sites.

Mentioned 12 times in the threads we read

  • Durable under heavy use
  • Good standout length
  • Holds accuracy after drops
I work in siding and the Fatmax is the most durable tape I've used.
– h22sir Reddit comment
I use the Fat Max 16'. It doesn't lose its accuracy from dropping it.
– Moongarde Reddit comment
I am a union carpenter and I prefer the fat max. They can take several years of abuse before I replace
– Less_Ant_6633 Reddit comment
Buy on Amazon
Stanley PowerLock 2

Stanley PowerLock 2 External link

Classic metal-cased Stanley tape measure noted for long service life and work use.

Mentioned 3 times in the threads we read

  • Metal case
  • Long-lasting
  • Works well for home or work
The power lock 2 is still metal I've been using them for work for the past ten years
– alitoc Reddit comment
I have one. I don't know about BIFL, but its still going..
– Jon003 Reddit comment
Mine is more than 20 years old, but only gets occasional use. I'm pleased with it.
– Lurkndog Reddit comment
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Lufkin 3/4" x 25'

Lufkin 3/4" x 25' External link

Slim pocketable jobsite tape appreciated for compact size, affordability, and practical everyday usefulness.

Mentioned 3 times in the threads we read

  • Fits in back pocket
  • Cheap enough to keep several
  • Reels well
My favorite (but non-bifl) tape were the 3/4"x 25' Lufkins.
– synapticrelease Reddit comment
Thin enough to fit in your back pocket but cheap enough to have 5 on hand at any given moment.
– synapticrelease Reddit comment
I have a Lufkin of the same vintage. Still reels perfectly.
– Equivalent_Warthog22 Reddit comment
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Milwaukee tape measure with Whyteface

Milwaukee tape measure with Whyteface External link

Milwaukee measuring tape valued for drop resistance and a readable white-backed blade design.

Mentioned 3 times in the threads we read

  • Survives long drops
  • Still works after impact
  • Readable whyteface backing
I like the Milwaukee one with the Whyteface on the back though.
– unknown Reddit comment
Dropped my milwaukee 5M tape measure about 8-9 meters from a scissor lift onto concrete.
– arons4 Reddit comment
i noticed it was perfectly fine and it just bounced a bit. Still using it today.
– arons4 Reddit comment

Available at www.homedepot.com

Kobalt tape measure

Kobalt tape measure External link

Mid-priced tape measure mainly recommended because replacements are easy under store warranty.

Mentioned 3 times in the threads we read

  • Free replacements
  • Good warranty value
  • Closest thing to bifl for some users
Closest to bifl is Kobalt.
– happyslaughterhouse Reddit comment
Buy on Amazon

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Sources:
This 1988 Stanley tape measure. They still make this model.
[Request]Best Tape Measure I can get?
1959 Keuffel & Esser 100' tape measure used by my contractor. In continuous use from his grandfather, father, to today. Never babied, just used like the tool intended.