Buying a survey tape

[runawaylobster]

I'm looking for a survey tape, and there are all kinds of different ones,

for example, nylon coated or fiberglass?

http://www.measureandlevel.com/product.asp_Q_catID_E_11_A_subCatID_E_5_A_LBound_E _0

http://www.surveysupplies.biz/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=32&zenid=df4fd376d9fe05dd6be950091bb5374b

does anyone have a reccomendation???

thanks

LL

[SLIM]

I use a cheap and I mean cheap Fiberglass tape. I get mine from a discount tool store, you know the kind that has the cheap stuff that wont last long (looks like it wont) but this way I am not out much money. Remember that with all the silt and water and crap you get into a higher price tape will last about the same. Buddy I have sone some with has a higher priced tape and it did not last aslong. We have usesd them in both dry caves and spings. He has going through 3 to my one. It is a 300 foot tape with both eng, metric on it. Just need to hose the mudd off it form time to time.

SLIM

[Kelly Jessop]

I like 100' fiberglass,anything bigger is not really needed. The main thing I look for is the mechanism that locks the tape from unspooling when you are carrying it. From the link you have,I use the CST (or something similar)

[Kelly Jessop]

Look at http://www.cavesurvey.com/survey.htm

[skip]

http://www.innermountainoutfitters.net/img/catalog/thumb_27-7340.jpg

fiberglass....check Lowe's or Home Depot...or Inner Mountain:

http://www.innermountainoutfitters.net/index.php

-skip

[runawaylobster]

you guys are great :)


thanks for all the help..

now i'm off to do some shopping.

If this was a piece of dive gear it would be twice the price I think... :)

LL

[FW]

Just be sure it isn't TOO cheap! I got one that had water soluble markings :(

[SLIM]

WOW FW that has to be cheaper then mine. Boy that would suck.

Got mine from one of those tool outlet stores that sells off brand of tools and suck.

SLIM

[runawaylobster]

I think one with glow in the dark markings would be awesome.. :)

[skip]

KESON® 1810 Series ½"W Fiberglass Measuring Tapes

http://www.benmeadows.com/images/refinfo/printer.gif (http://www.benmeadows.com/search/tape+measure/6795/122562/?printpage=true)
http://www.benmeadows.com/store/assets/product_images/bmw122540.jpg (javascript:PopUpImage('/store/assets/product_images_XL/bmw122540.jpg');) Printed Two Sides: Feet, Inches, 8ths, Other Side Feet, 10ths, 100ths

Fiberglass tapes are resistant to changes in accuracy from tension and extreme temperatures. Tapes barely stretch under tension and return to original accuracy after release of tension. Safe when used around electrical hazards. Tapes feature black and red markings on white background and have a heavy duty end hook that folds down when not in use. The open reel case is made from tough molded plastic with a metal reinforced crank handle. The closed metal case is coated with a rust inhibitor and has a flush-folding handle.


QtyItem #ProductSell
PackClick For
Availhttp://www.benmeadows.com/images/store/usflag.gif
Price 122562KESON® 1810 Series 100'L Fiberglass Measuring Tape, Metal Case, One Side: Feet, Inches, 8ths Other Side: Feet, 10ths, 100ths 1 EAhttp://www.benmeadows.com/images/statusgreen.gif (javascript:PopUpAvail('/store/product_avail.asp?status=green&sku=122562&expectdate=&dept_id=6795&pf_id=5127'))$26.60


wonder if the metal case would rust? I like the smaller handier size.

-skip

[Webmaster]

The open reel tapes are generally easier to handle and to clean. The closed reel ones can be a real pain when they get clogged with mud and such.

It's also a pain winding up the open reel tapes because the handle is much smaller diameter. Also with an open reel, you don't have to take the whole thing apart when the end of the tape inevitibly wears off.

I have several tapes that are missing from a few inches to several feet of the beginning of the tape where it has just worn off. You pick a new point to read from and just apply that as a correction factor to all your length measurements.

I would stick with a 100', fiberglass, open reel tape unless you come up with a special purpose you need a different size for. Some will have graduations on only one side, most will have ft/inches on one side and ft/ 10ths foot on the other, or meters and ft/inches.

Marbry

[sdenney]

Home Depot sells the Lufkin 100' fiberglass tapes (one side is in 1/10s and the other is in inches). They sell $10, $20, and $30 units. The $10 is crap, and the only difference between the $20 and $30 is the more expensive is "High-vis", of course that won't really help in a cave setting. The $20 is the one I got.

[Oister]

http://www.innermountainoutfitters.net/img/catalog/thumb_27-7340.jpg

fiberglass....check Lowe's or Home Depot...or Inner Mountain:

http://www.innermountainoutfitters.net/index.php

-skipI have this one and it has held up very well for underwater survey. I have not used it in a cave.