Ox Tools Pro Tuff Bladed Tape Measure Targets High-End Competitors
Tape measures are a must-have in everyone's toolbox, ranging in price and length from the most seasoned Pro to the greenest DIYer. But are all tape measures created equal? of course not. The OX Tools Pro Tuff Blade measuring tape is aimed at the high end, and we wondered if it was worth paying the extra bucks for.
advantage
- Nylon coating helps protect the blade
- Strong double magnetic hook
- 13 ft. protrusion (tested)
- Throw over 8 feet (tested)
- excellent durability
- Protective Rubber Overmolding
shortcoming
- Belt clip could be stronger
- Print visibility needs some improvement
durability
Ox Tools have done a great job with the overall design of this tape. Four screws hold the case together (the 5th screw in the middle is just the clip). A thick layer of overmolding covers nearly every vulnerable point.
Then there's the nylon coating on the blade. It extends the entire length to protect it, though we've seen no extra protection on some models closest to the hook. Still, it has excellent wear resistance. When we folded the blade up and stepped on it, it creased, and it took a few tries before the blade finally broke. Most of the tapes we tested cracked right away.
With a total of four rivets securing the hook, we're pretty confident it won't fall anywhere.
If there's a downside, it's that the belt clips on the weaker side. Its strength is very similar to most clips and could benefit from thicker or diverted wire. The clip got damaged when I dropped it 10 feet onto concrete. Even throwing it as high into the air as possible will only scratch the outside.
stand out
In our tests, the OX Tools Pro Tuff Blade Tape Measure had an impressive 13-foot and 15-foot reach, if you're careful.
Some people like to loosen the tape blades, some like to throw them all at once. We like to see at least 8 feet (96 inches) of space to help us handle the boards, and we are able to consistently exceed that (98 inches).
Magnets and Hooks
The improved measuring tape features a large hook with dual magnets and 6 lbs of resistance. This allowed us to extend the tape measure all the way up to 25 feet with the hook snapped onto a toolbox in our shop. Not many tape measurements have this strength.
The last Ox tape measure we reviewed had a fun oversized hook shaped like a bull coming towards you. While it's clever, we appreciate Ox's rethinking of the design. It's still a little bigger than most, but grabs well from any direction.
visibility
There isn't much groundbreaking in the visibility category of this Ox Tools tape measure. It has the standard black markers on yellow tape, which provides some contrast, but the yellow is a bit pale and the black is a bit washed out, so the colors don't pop like other brands. For those of us closer to 50 than 30, it will make a difference.
A nice design choice for the OX is to print numbers and markings on both sides of the blade, giving you more options when taking measurements.
other highlights
- 1 1/4" wide blade
- Tether ready for when you work at heights
This tape measure retails for $19.98 at your local Lowe's. It originally retailed for $29.98, and this $10 price cut makes it even more attractive. Ox backs it with a 90-day limited warranty.
the bottom line
As a quality tape measure, the Pro Tuff Blade Tape Measure from Ox Tools is designed to stand out. While the visibility could use some improvement, the durability is excellent, and it's a smooth handling tape that's comfortable to use.
To browse the entire OX Tools family, click here.
OX Tools Pro Tuff Bladed Tape Measure Specifications
- Model: OX-P506025
- Length: 25 feet
- Stand out: 13 ft.
- Nylon coating: 0.02mm
- double magnetic hook
- Blade Width: 1 1/4 inches
- Weight: 1.31 lbs.
- Length: 3-7/16 inches
- Measurement Type: Standard (SAE)
- Magnetic Strength: 6 lbs.
- Warranty: 90 days limited
- Price: $19.98