Crescent Lufkin 1/2" x 12' Mezurall Chrome Clad A8 Tape Measure - C9212

I'm a sheet metal machinist and use tapes ALL the time at work. I needed something professional, solid, and easy to read, while small enough to carry in my pocket. A lot of the larger tape measures can't fit in tight spaces between machines and materials, so I also needed something narrow. After considering many different tapes online, including Snap-On, Stanley, and others, this one seemed to fit the ticket. A month after use, I'm so glad I invested in it. It's definitely on the costlier side of the spectrum, but you get what you pay for when it comes to good tools.What I liked:1. Even though it's small, it's very easy to read, which is unique among the smaller tapes. Generally, when you buy a smaller tape, you find yourself squinting and trying to get in a better position to see the measurements. Not with this tape. The marks are very easy to see, and the different color of the tape is easier on the eyes than the general neon bright colors most tapes use. You might not like this, but I find it much easier on the eyes, especially after cutting several hundred parts in a row.2. It has a heft to it, which means it's got a decent amount of metal inside. I haven't had it that long, but it's already stood up to a great deal of abuse, being dropped, kicked, etc. I don't doubt it will last a long time even under difficult work.3. As previously mentioned, it's a narrow tape. It will fit in really tight spaces, and is very small and compact for the amount of tape it puts out. This makes it ideal for machine, automotive, and other work where you're trying to fit stuff through those tight spaces. Sure you can get a bigger tape for cheaper, but it just doesn't do what this one does.Recommendations:1. I think it could be improved with a small removable clip, such as the smaller Stanley tapes use. It's a bit annoying having to dig in my deep pockets for it when I need it.2. A tape stop button would be nice, but generally the smaller tapes like this don't have them since there's not enough room inside the tape for yet another mechanism. A bit of inventiveness on the part of the manufacturer would make it better this way.3. The almost silver-gray metallic color of the tape might be harder to see in darker areas. I work in a well-lit shop, so it's never an issue for me.All in all though, a really nice tool. I don't think I would choose any other product for the work that I do.

I purchased my orginal Lufkin tape measure in the 1950's. Back then it was considered the benchmark of measuring tapes. One of the originals having a sliding tip for inside and outside measurements. Affectionately known as a "Yo-Yo's" in those days.The scale on this Lufkin is simple and easy to read. Many of todays devices try to show too much, metric, inches, and are not as accurate.The original was a 6' device. Today's 12' device makes it a little bigger in the pocket.If a quality tool is your goal this is it. Expensive, but, you'll have it a long time.

This product should not carry the quality Lufkin name.Feels like it is made as cheaply as possible.I bought this to replace an older model and i am unhappy.The tape itself is also very hard to read. "chrome clad looks antiquated"Old one was quality metal, with white clad beautiful tape inside.The only thing good about it is the weight very light weight for pocket, probably because the case is plastic now, instead of metal...I am very dissatisfied with Lufkin's C9212 1/2-Inch x 12-Foot Mezurall Chrome Clad Tape

I'm a machinest this is my second one in eight years I use it daily. It fits well in your pocket

I have carried this type of Lufkin tape measure for many years. It is the perfect pocket tape measure. Will continue to purchase in the future.