How to Repair a Powerlock Tape Measure

Tape measures than function correctly are useful for measuring many items.

Stanley Tools manufactures the PowerLock tape measure for building, remodeling and home repair projects. Tape measures have a metal tip on the end that hooks over materials to hold it in place to allow one person measuring. Flipping the tape releases it from materials but in time can skew the tip causing inaccurate measurements. Dropping a tape measure on hard surfaces can release the internal spring from either end or results in a tape measure that will not retract on its own.

Things You'll Need

• Ball peen hammer
• Punch
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Compressed air

Instructions

External Repairs

1. Place the tip of a measuring tape that is crooked or loose face up on a metal surface. Pull out about 6 inches of the tape and press the lock button down to hold it in place.

2. Place the tip of a punch on one rivet that holds the metal tip on the measuring tape. Strike the punch with a hammer using medium force. Repeat this process for each additional rivet.

3. Tap the metal end of the tape measure with a hammer to align it on the end of the measuring tape at a 90-degree angle to the tape measure.

Internal Repairs

1. Lay the tape measure on a flat surface. Insert a screwdriver into each of the four screws in the case, turning them counterclockwise to loosen them. Remove each screw by pulling it straight up and out of the case.

2. Pull the top half of the case off the tape measure. Hold the tape in place with one hand and spray the inside of the case with compressed air to remove debris, sand or sawdust.

3. Extend the measuring tape completely out of the case and press the lock button. Examine the spring on the end of the tape in the case. If the tape measure is not retracting, replace the hook on the spring on the end of the measuring tape and the other end into the center of the case. If the spring is broken, replace it with a new one.

4. Slide the lock button partially upward to release it and allow the tape to wind into the case slowly.

5. Replace the case top, insert the four screws and tighten them clockwise.

Tips & Warnings

• Store tape measures in a dry environment so they do not rust.

References

• My Miles City: Tape Measure Maintenance

Resources

• Stanley Tools: PowerLock Tape Measures