Stanley STHT30812 Lever Lock Tape Rule, 16' x 3/4"

Like others have said, this does not lock at all. Completely worthless for anything.

Since new, it never retracted easily. I had to help it. Then, when trying to measure the full length of the tape, instead of unwinding, the tension spring snapped. When I looked inside, the tension spring was held in place by a tiny fragile plastic peg.

I needed a smaller tape to keep in my car for those times you need one. I didn't want one of those flimsy 6 or 10-footers with no stand-out. I bought the Stanley 16 ft. LeverLock and it is perfect for my needs. Small and light while still having features of the more "pro" versions. It works so well I bought two more to keep in other vehicles. STHT30812 [This review was collected as part of a promotion.]

This product really measures up.

I bought this tape measure about 8 months ago when I was remodeling a room in my house. Had the leverlock feature which I found very useful and actually was the primary purpose I bought it since I was doing the remodel myself. I doubt I used the tame measure more than a hundred times in that period of time and over the last 10 or so uses found the lock failing from 0 to 12 feet the lock barely holds, and at measurements beyond that it fails to the rate of abut a foot every 30 to 45 seconds. I have no issue with the actual quality of the tape, but if you are buying it more uniquely for the necessary lock function I suggest you look elsewhere.