Festool Tape Rule - Mine has been stolen !

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Hi Everyone

Some time ago there was discussion here on the FOG about really good tape rules. It was then that I learnt about the Festool tape rule (495415) and so I decided to get one. What I really liked was the little window used for measuring in a recess and the arc scribing feature - things that I had not seen before as I have lived a very sheltered life.

Unfortunately my Festool rule had a dodgy blade lock and so after a very short time it was rusticated and spent its life in darkness in one of the millions of drawers that I seem to have in the workshop. That was until December when SWMBO (or actually SWMBOMOTT*) needed a tape rule for window blind making.

My wife was given a choice of a Dewalt 5m, my much cherished Stanley Special Edition and the Festool one. The latter was chosen as it was by far the cleanest and the little window looked so sweet (not my words). It was a great success especially for measuring in the window recesses for the blinds.

It was at this stage that I realised that my Festool rule had not been borrowed but had been stolen - it was never going to be given back despite the odd expletive from the sewing area as the blade lock randomly decided to fail right in the middle of hemming.

I regretted not registering the tool under the Festool theft insurance scheme. The local police were of no help at all and refused to give me a crime number and so I could not claim on my house contents policy - anyway I am not so daft as to try as the darn thing was still in my house ! I have also lost my first large near perfect square that I produced using the Parf Guide System and my 1 m steel rule.

I missed a trick with all of this and hope that this may help anyone who's other half does sewing or anything else needing a tape rule (competition gardener, wall paper hanger, undertaker etc).

The next time that you want to add some nice green and grey to your tool collection add a Festool tape rule to the order. This will make the perfect "diversionary" present for your other half.

Peter

SWMBOMOTT* - She Who Must Be Obeyed Most Of The Time

 

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At least you scored some serious points.

Looks like you'd better watch out for your MFT table next :).
 
That little tape measure gets a lot of flack on the innerwebs but I like mine. Sometimes my 25ft Milwaukee is too big for delicate stuff, and the Festool fits in my pocket.
 
I think I bought 3 of them, and they have been stolen by various fairies (@ the worst of times) and reappear at (best of) times.
They are still available in the branding of of the manufacturer (red?).

They are generally crap, but that arc function is worth it, especially if SWMBO wants frustums or arcs.

I am it sure the police would care about a 20$/20£ tape measure.
 
One way to look at Peter's unfortunate loss might be as a hint for a 354 day lead time for Santa to get an unexpected present for that person who is very hard to surprise at Christmas.
 
I decided to stop surprising my wife after she gave birth to our third child here in England - I was in Washington DC at the time drinking champagne in the basement of an undercover policeman who showed me his prize stainless steel Magnum (for the European audience that is not an ice cream).

Little did I know that a couple of days later I would be spread-eagled in Dulles airport with what felt like a similar weapon being forced into the back of my head - all because I had bought some "sorry Daddy is away" gifts for the children. My son had a shiny toy gun which was in my briefcase !

Peter
 
Yes, the TSA get very agitated when they think you are bringing a pistol on board. On the other hand, a Mora chisel knife gets through every time.

Sent from my SM-T330NU using Tapatalk

 
mrrhum said:
Yes, the TSA get very agitated when they think you are bringing a pistol on board. ...

Or even a bullet.  A friend of mine bought a knockout tool for his lathe.  One end was shaped like a bullet.  When it went through x-ray and raised some eyebrows, he offered to empty his carry-on  for TSA, whereupon the officer, hand on gun, asked him to step away while they dumped everything on the table.  Fortunately the gun did not come out.

He also got pulled over once for carrying a roll of quarters, which they apparently thought might be a homemade silencer.

 
Hey Peter, I love the reference to the person in your house with sticky fingers, SWMBOMOTT, I had a good laugh at breakfast the morning you posted. I generally refer to this person as Supreme Leader. In all seriousness though, they really need to be referred to for what they really are, thieves. If you are so gracious as to turn a blind eye, or turn the other cheek, that is great, you're a better man than most. I guess another way at looking at this situation could possibly be, at least they are showing some interest in Festool products and thus supporting your purchasing decisions. Maybe it's time to head out to you local Festool dealer and pick up a shiney new powered tool😀 Ask for their continued support after the purchase though, not before.

I really like my Festool tape measure. While not the cheapest I find the window for interior measurements really smart. I also like the tab for making circles. It's nice having one tool with several built in features and functions. For my eyes though, I do find the first few inches of the tape measure quite busy, would be nice if it was a little cleaner and easier to read. All in all, a nice addition to my workshop/ tool collection.
 
When I agree that this is not a top of the line tape rule, but I like mine because of the size and being flat. So I can fit it in my pocket without feeling it and take it anywhere. This was the main reason that I bought it. The window is a great option, but festool did not invent it. Hazet had it about 20 years before.

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I like my festool tape, Heck I ordered 3 of them to bring back with me from Toolfest. They are cheaper here then in the states.

I also get the fast cap flat tapes to. I use them for laying out on flat pieces like plywood.

But overall the festool one is my go to tape.

I got a fast cap tape I can let ya have. Its used by me but its good. The caveat is yer gonna have to come to the going away thing for me that Woodwork Wizard is organising.
 
Why all this fuss because Ms Parfitt stole a tape measure?  [eek]

Ms Untidy stole a Midi!  [eek] [eek] [eek] [big grin]
 
It looks like this may be turning into an epidemic. I suggest all Fogers stay vigalent. Keep your head on a swivel. With Festool products disappearing from workshops by means of what looks like a very elaborate network, we all need to keep our eyes and ears open.

It may also be worthwhile obtaining extra Festool products so that we are not left without in a time of need, mid project.

I'm heading to my local Lee Valley right now to pick up some gear. I will not be a victim😀
 
Ironmantrev said:
It looks like this may be turning into an epidemic. I suggest all Fogers stay vigalent. Keep your head on a swivel. With Festool products disappearing from workshops by means of what looks like a very elaborate network, we all need to keep our eyes and ears open.

It may also be worthwhile obtaining extra Festool products so that we are not left without in a time of need, mid project.

I'm heading to my local Lee Valley right now to pick up some gear. I will not be a victim😀

Brilliant  [big grin] [wink] [big grin]

Peter
 
Untidy Shop said:
Why all this fuss because Ms Parfitt stole a tape measure?  [eek]

Ms Untidy stole a Midi!  [eek] [eek] [eek] [big grin]

My MFTs seem to disappear when Mrs Jobby wants to have friends over for a BBQ
 
jobsworth said:
Untidy Shop said:
Why all this fuss because Ms Parfitt stole a tape measure?  [eek]

Ms Untidy stole a Midi!  [eek] [eek] [eek] [big grin]

My MFTs seem to disappear when Mrs Jobby wants to have friends over for a BBQ

Hi Ron,

Yes, those MFT tops burn well and give off a lot of heat !    [wink]

Peter
 
jobsworth said:
Untidy Shop said:
Why all this fuss because Ms Parfitt stole a tape measure?  [eek]
Ms Untidy stole a Midi!  [eek] [eek] [eek] [big grin]
jobsworth said:
My MFTs seem to disappear when Mrs Jobby wants to have friends over for a BBQ
[size=13pt]
Excellent; all those holes for the meat fat to drain through!  [big grin]

But Ron what is your best method for removing Ketchup and other condiment stains from MDF?

[size=8pt][member=10147]jobsworth[/member]. [member=11196]Peter Parfitt[/member]
 
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