Editorial Review
The Stanley 25-Foot FatMax Tape Measure is reinforced on the first six feet with BladeArmor coating for maximum durability. A Mylar polyester film extends the life of the entire blade. This tape rule comes with a cushion grip built into the case for a non-slip grip and impact resistance. A top forward blade lock design makes it easier to lock and unlock the blade while a heavy, heat-treated spring provides long life and smooth blade recoil.
Tape Rule is reinforced with BladeArmor coating for maximum durability. See the full line of Stanley tape rules. |
Hand tools for the pro or expert enthusiast.
view the FatMax product demo (requires Flash) |
The tape blade measures 25-feet-by-1-1/4-inch with a 11-foot tape standout. To simplify framing jobs, the bright yellow, easy-to-read blade has 16-inch and 19.2-inch stud center markings. It comes with Stanley's limited lifetime warranty.
About Stanley FatMax Tape Systems and BladeArmor Coating
The FatMax family of products has established itself as one of Stanley's most extensive and innovative product families in the company's 161-year history. The FatMax line of hand tools features core tools essential for the pro or expert enthusiast who desire high quality, durable tools. BladeArmor coating is a patented industrial thermoplastic coating, the very same material that has been used to strengthen and protect aircraft parts, such as the rotor blades on the Sikorsky Black Hawk Helicopter. Simply put, it helps aircraft survive war zones, and it also helps tape blades survive construction zones. Applying BladeArmor coating to tape blades reduces both tape breakage and tape returns, enabling it to conquer the toughest testing ground of all -- the job site!
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Customer Reviews
Best tape I have found 
2006-11-10
As a contractor, I look for a sturdy and relaible tape measure for all sorts of situations. THe Fat Max is the tape I search out due to it's long stand-out and relable operation.
Great Tape...get the 16 ft! 
2006-03-18
My boss has this tape and I fell in love with it, I also have the Stanley lever lock(see my other reviews) which is ok but these fat max's really can reach farther and with the rubber boot surrounding you can hold it better. Well I picked up the 16ft fat max and Ilike it better because of the smaller size. It fits in my handsbetter and in my toolbelt a lot better as well. My boss recently stole this tape (16 ft.) from me because he likes the smaller size as well. UPDATE: My boss finally bought the 16ft and another coworker of mine did the same. Sadley my tape got to close to the miter saw and was cut in half. I think i willtry the new stanley fat max xl 16ft.
One and only 2006-02-25
This is the only tape I can use. Once you use it you can not go back to a weak 1" tape. The standout is 10' to 11' which is about 2x what a 1" tape can do. The 25' has a smaller case than the 35' which is hard to fit in smaller hands.
Fat Max 2006-01-31
Fat Max stanley measuring tape is the only way to go.Once you use one you will never go back to a skinny tape.
Long tape standout is the principal feature of this measure... 
2005-12-20
1 1/4" wide Fat max tape measure.
Pros:
- My Fat Max stands out unsupported to about 10' 3". Even though not the 11' claimed, it's still several feet longer than 1" tape measures. This is the important advantage of this tape, especially when working alone, because measuring takes less time and less effort.
- Case has a rubber coating around most of it, making it easier to hold onto, although that black case can get hot if it's been in the sunshine.
- Tape end has the normal bottom "hook" but also has a double top hook, for grabbing that other end.
- Although I don't make a habit of dropping tools, this one seems pretty tough. (Although some reviewers have had their Fat Max's break open on falling?)
- Highly rated in Fine Homebuilding magazine.
Cons:
- Costs much more than 1" wide tape measures of the same length.
- About 1/4 bulkier and is heavier than a 1" wide tape measure of the same length. 3/4" tape measures are lighter still. The Fat Max might be awkwardly large for someone with small hands.
- Even with the belt clip removed, the Fat Max is an inconveniently tight fit in my tape holster, whereas 1" wide tape measures of the same length fits with ease.
- Due to the curvature of the tape it "rides" further above the surface than narrower tape measures, so you have to press the tape down to get that last bit of accuracy in the reading. Narrower tape measures are easier and quicker to read accurately, since you don't need to press the tape down as often.
- Width of the tape measure isn't shown on tool, so you have to remember the width and add that, for inside readings.
- Bottom and top "hooks" should be longer or have micro grippers like some other tape measures. Although usually OK, it too easily slips off what I'm trying to hook it on - this is particularly frustrating when that spot is far away, and is partially caused by how much you have to arc the tape for it to stand out so far. I.e., the tape may be at the wrong angle to grab easily.
- The sliding blade lock takes too much effort. I can do it with one thumb, but have to press with serious oomph to lock or unlock it, and I'm 6/4 and weigh 260 lbs. I'd say it takes triple the effort over any of the 1" measures I own. Doesn't work near as well as the Stanley Power Lock, Leigh, or Craftsman measures, for example.
- Tape seems to crease sooner than narrower tapes, which means it will wear out faster. This is probably due to the width of the tape being less flexible to twisting, and the very fast rewind rate which can whip the tape, causing damage.
Not really a con, since it's not expected, but it doesn't have a lifetime warranty like Craftsman tape measures (not sure if other brands have such warranties). I've seen construction workers bring a bag full of worn-out Craftsman tape measures into a Sears store and walk out with free replacements!
Summary:
For any project where long tape standout is important, this is a good choice. For almost any other purpose, I reach for a 1" or smaller tape measure because they are lighter, smaller, quicker to read, and the blade locks works better.
Not tough enough 
2007-11-10
I'm with the other 2 star guy . I use mine 100s of times a day . I wear them out too fast. If you bend it to read the tape, its nick city, then tape tear, then new tape. I'll be getting the cheaper one myself.
Good Tape...But Breaks Easy 2007-04-13
I'm a finish carpenter and unfortunetely I got addicted to the fat max too, but after going through one tape every 2 months or less I've switched back to the "Wimpier" 1" rule. The problem is that the tape is so ridgid (which is great if your measuring across a room) that it gets nicks in the side of it instead of flexing then when the edge of the tape hits anything the tape starts to rip and after a few more uses the tape breaks. After dropping $25 bucks a tape every couple of months i just can't afford these tapes anymore. They are nice but you have to baby them, even so I still go through them way too fast. I use my tape hundreds of times a day and this one just doesn't stand up to the punishment. The locking mechanisim doesn't work well either, you have to push much harder than most tapes to lock the tape in place.
Great Tape Measure 2007-01-18
I think this is the best steel tape ever. Wide and easy to read, it can extend further than any other tape I have ever used.
Great for rough construction 2007-01-02
This tape is vary tough I've dropped it many times, some from 10+ feet. Yeh it's bulky for sure but most of the folks I see using them simply clip them onto what every belt or strap they are wearing. I can't see much improvement on it except maybe more screws to hold the clip and 1/32 marks but really it`s not used often where that kind of accuracy is needed. Bottom line if you need quick, long, unsupported measurements (say finding the center of a ceiling) this tape is worth giving a try. Also I haven't notice the locking mechanism being hard to open or close. I have had it come out of the little slot inside and make it hard to open after a good hard drop thou.
I'm addicted 2006-11-21
I really am addicted to thes tapes. Working on real busy sites tapes grow feet and disappear. Unfortunatley these walk of on me about once every three monts or so which kinda stinks at $20.00 a pop but, I cant buy another tape. Ive been using these since 2000 and only ever had one break on me and that was on the day i got it and I was able to take it back no Problem so I think that had a bad spring to begin with. Once you use the thick tape ull never gp backto a thin tape again this is so much easier not only on vertical standout but horizontal as well and even in the wind wich is to me a real plus. It just feels so tuff and heavy duty compared to other tapes that i cant use other tapes try one and you wont be disapppointed
