Measure Up
David A. Dodson

Black & Decker's AutoTape

There's nothing like measuring up a wall only to have the tape bend in half as it gets close to the ceiling. It's also a cool feeling when you try to measure a long board and the tab at the end of the tape slips off just as you get to the other end. Or how about when you carefully unwind the tape, trying to run the tab down a windowsill only to have it continuously slip off the side as it nears the end? Such experiences are how alcoholics and serial killers are made. There has to be a better way. Rejoice then, fellow ineffectual inchworms, for Black and Decker has the answer with their AutoTape electric measuring tape. The big idea: a small battery operated motor extends and retracts the 25-foot tape making it easier to control. Finally, a measuring tape that's convenient to use when measuring objects longer than your arm span.

A snap to use, simply pop in four AA batteries (included), hit the switch and away it goes. Hit retract and back it comes. What could be cooler? You'll probably wear out the first set of batteries just playing with it, showing it off to friends and irritating the lovely missus with it. But when you finally get around to actually measuring something, the AutoTape's genius really becomes evident. The tape itself is designed to stay rigid up to seven feet, so go ahead and measure up that doorframe or over that freshly poured sidewalk; the AutoTape won't snap and bend like other tapes on the market. And the first time you measure from wall to wall without having someone walk the tape across the room, you'll throw all your old tapes in the trash. And don't worry about running out of juice mid measure, the AutoTape works like a standard manual tape measure with the power feature off.

Bottom line is Black and Decker's AutoTape electric tape measure is the handiest, most innovative and easiest to use tape measure on the market. It's simply a must have for any do-it-yourselfer or just about anybody with measuring needs. It also makes the perfect gift for that special measurer in your life. For about twenty-five dollars you can pick one up wherever tools are sold or from one of the dealers listed at www.BlackandDecker.com.