New Stanley Products - Tape Measure Care

New Stanley Hand Tools are now available from e-TradeCounter.co.uk. However how can you keep your tools in good condition and extend their life?

We have found some useful guides from Stanley Hand Tools own website and bring them here for you. All tips are suggestions from Stanley Hand Tools to prolong the life of your tools.

Today are tips on prolonging the life of your tape measure. One of the most common tools to find in the yard or even at home, the tape measure can really last a life time if treated with care. We hope you find the Stanley hand Tools tips for prolonging your tape measures life useful.

Keeping The Blade Clean,
The blade of the tape measure is protected however dirt, sand, drywall dust and metal chips can scratch through or damage the protective layer. Once the layer is damaged or removed it can cause problems for the blade. The best prevention for this is to wipe the blade clean on frequent occasions. This rule should always be on your mind when working with gritty materials. Also wipe the blade down if you have been working on roofing tar or with glues, as they can damage the winding mechanism on the tape rule.

Be Careful Of Water And Fluids,
If the blade is left damp or wet when retracted this may cause rusting in the spring motor. Again wipe the blade clean to remove any fluids that could damage the workings of the spring motor or cause rust. However when wiping your blade be careful of solvents, some will remove the protective seal or even melt it. Only use mineral spirits or alcohol to remove fluids and wipe the blade.

Control Retraction Speed,
Do not let you blade recoil at high speed, this can damage the case, the tape and yourself. The recoiling blade can strike with the force of a hammer blow. This can also cause a whipping action that can damage the blade or yourself. Practice controlling the speed of recoil and slowing the blade with your finger under the tape’s mouth.

Watch The Blade,
Look out for sharp corners or stepping on the edge of the blade. Pulling the tape over a sharp edge or corner can twist the blade. This twists and kinks will become more and more damaged and will eventually break the blade.

Hook Traps,
Hook traps are places where your hook can become snared. This ranges from small cracks to nail heads and everything in between. Check if the hook is lodge or trapped anywhere before pulling on the tape. Else you can twist the blade or break the hook.

Power Tool Care,
When using power tools be extra careful of your blade and hook. A power tool will rip the tape rule and can damage the hook. Be sure to have your blade out the way unless required, if require take extra care.

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