For a short tape (12'), I like the green Komelon found at WM. Auto locks open and you press a button to retract.

Longer 25+ tapes, Stanley lever lock.

I dont use any of them much these days but for several decades its been dewalt.Also the miter box was a dewalt,wore the first one out and replaced with the same. Miketa skill saw was my skill saw of choice,dewalt was too heavy.
They got plenty of workout as i did finish carpentry in new homes.
The 30 footer were great for crown and base.

quote:

Originally posted by cparktd:

Man, that brings back memories. Dad (union electrician his whole life and jack-of-all-trades) had several of those laying around. I remember using them often.

There actually are still high-quality folding rulers made, for example by Wiha:

https://www.wihatools.com/shop...s/measurement/rulers

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:
The FatMaxx ones are good to go, the lower tier models are lower tier models and are crap.

Ding ding. I actually just bought one. Expect to pay something in the ballpark of $20+ for a good tape measure.

I have a 25' FatMaxx that stays with my woodworking stuff. Rigid to 11', magnetic tip, and the housing is sufficiently durable.