A few years ago, Stanley introduced a commerative tape measure to celebrate their 175th anniversery. The tape measure was sold at Menards and independent hardware stores for about $8.00.
For one reason or another, the market took off and collectors were buying them up as fast as they could. Stores ran out of stock and prices shot up to $60.00 each on eBay. There was even a guy who was making custom leather pouches for the rule. It got so bad that well known woodworking bloggers were posting websites where you can still buy the tape measure for around $10.00
A year later, after the rage went down, Menards got more stock in but end up having to clearance them out for $5.99.
I bought one when they first came out and started to use it. It’s a nice rule but unfortunately it has no tape lock which sucks. But wouldn’t you know it, the bugger is really handy. We keep it laying around our house and it’s the first tape measure we grab when looking for something to measure. Plus, it’s easy to keep in my pocket when we’re out and about. The nice thing about its design is that it blends into our decor and doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. We just have the rule laying around the house. Which picture below looks nicer?
You can still buy the tape measure on eBay for a reasonable price. If you need something that’s handy to have around the house, buy it. You won’t regret it.
MVFlaim Furnituremaker 
Stick it in that nail apron to the right, still there, just out of sight.
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Haha. You have a point.
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Looks like Highland Woodworking still has them for $8.99 or you can buy a twelve pack $89.90.
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I thought it was Highland who carried them at the retail price but couldn’t remember. I’m just glad I didn’t buy one for $60.00.
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There are always suckers out there. I agree with you on its handiness being small and compact, pity about it not having a hook. I bought a small starrett some years back for about $6.00. It’s very accurate as the measurements line up with all my starrett rules and it’s my most used tape in my shop. I feel the big ones are too clunky to use
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Stanley made a six foot version of this thing with a push button lock decades ago. I owned one, but the tape got stuck.
This rule is nice to keep in my pocket while measuring furniture that will fit in the Ford Edge while shopping for antiques.
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GREAT WRITE UP I LOVE THE TAPE TOO CHECK OUT MY IG PAGE AT OLDTAPE61
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Thanks Barry. I follow you on Instagram but I’m having trouble logging into my account after getting a new phone. It’s been horribly frustrating. All my years of posting is locked. 😡
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