FastCap FlatBack Measuring Tape

I also like the erasable writing surface on the case where I jot down measurements so I won’t forget them. But the thing that makes the Flatback unusual is the tape itself. Instead of being cupped to make it rigid for long standout, the tape is flat and flexible. That means I don’t have to rock the tape to bring an edge down on a workpiece to mark a dimension accurately. And it means I can measure curved surfaces precisely without the tape buckling in the middle. (Downside: The tape has no standout at all, drooping immediately as it comes out of the case). The face of the flexible tape has a blank writing area along one edge for using it like a story stick. So, instead of having to remember that the hinges on the cabinets need to be 3-5/16" from the bottom of the door, I just pencil a mark at 3-5/16" on the tape surface and write “bottom hinge.” The marks erase easily. And, did I mention the built-in pencil sharpener? Many of the features on the Flatback are found on other FastCap tapes as well. Check the company’s Web site to find the model with the features you want. —Tested by Dean Fiene