EDC tape measure

[Rdnesh69]

First off, do you guys carry a tape measure every day and which one. Second,I need recommendations that would fit my aggravatingly specific wants and needs.

Here's the list, let's see what you can come up with...
. 3 feet
.non metallic tape(sewing style)
.locking
.auto retract
.durable, preferably some sort of metal casing
.SMALL.THIN and SMALL.. keychain small without
keychain quality
.Lastly, half decent looking.... Ok I think that's it

 

[tiguy7]

I have never seen a retractable cloth tape. I think the thing would get shredded going in and out of the housing. The metal housings on most tapes are made out of pot metal (Zinc die cast) and are quite heavy. The Chrome plated plastic housings start to peel after a while. I would recommend a 3ft./1 Meter metal tape in an all plastic housing. The ones I have seen are retracting, but they don't lock.

 

[gomipile]

There are plenty of locking retractable cloth tape measures, but the ones I've seen are all built with a plastic body. They're a common, inexpensive, and very functional tool used in sewing.

The nicest looking ones I've seen are leather covered, but still have a plastic body. There's a company that makes one with an engravable metal case with leather sides, but I think it also is built on a common plastic body.