Festool v. Felder Smackdown!

HowardH

Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2007
Messages
1,572
Being the proud owner of products from both manufacturers, I thought it appropriate to compare/contrast a much under appreciated tool from each company - the measuring tape!  

[attachimg=#1]

Both are high quality befitting such companies and both have their pro's and con's, to wit:

Size.  The Felder tape fits well in my hand.  I has a handy carry strap but I don't know anyone who would be girlie enough to use it. The Felder is 16' long and the Festool is 10'.  The Felder tape is a bit wider too so it holds it shape a little longer before breaking over.

[attachimg=#2]

The markings are comparable but the Festool is both Imperial and Metric and the Felder is only Imperial.  However, with my old eyes, it's hard to see the metric markings clearly without reading glasses. However, the Festool has this handy window on the top to view the markings.  Very clever.

[attachimg=#3]

[attachimg=#4]

The Felder has a dual blade locking system. The traditional slide on the front of the case which will hold the blade hands free and another one at the bottom which is used to hold the tape only as long as the user has the button depressed.  The Festool only has the traditional locking tab.  

[attachimg=#5]

The Festool has this circle drawing attachment at the bottom with a point on the end to use as a pivot.  There is a small hole at the one inch mark so you can put a sharp pencil through it and then arc around the pivot point.  The Felder has the same hole at the same spot but no pivot point.  I suppose it would be useful to scribe a line while using your thumb and finger against the edge of a board but drawing a circle would be problematic.

[attachimg=#6]

The Felder also has a belt clip and the Festool doesn't have any way of attaching itself.  You have either put it down somewhere or in your pants pocket.  Not the best idea.  

[attachimg=#7]

All in all, they both work well with each brand having their own unique features.  I usually choose which ever one is handy.  

 
I heard nothing but bad things about the Festool tape measure, so its like the only Festool i dont own, but im in love with the Festool Folding Rule. I go through a tape every quarter bc i use them a lot. I like the Tajima 16' a lot. I also compliment that with a Stanley Fat Max 30' for estimates and decks. Its hook has a top and bottom so there are multiple ways to hook on to the material. This should be standard feature on all tapes in my opinion. I took a look at Builderbobs Stabila, i believe a 16' that had measurements on both top and bottom of tape. Probably not a game changer in the shop, but im sure i would find uses in the field. The tape didnt feel as strong as the Tajima. The Tajimas are also dirt cheap. The Tajima just feels great in my hand and fits perfect in my Bjornkladders. I find that 16' is perfect for interior work. In the shop i almost exclusively use the folding rule as i find it to be the most accurate thing besides story sticks. Thanks Eric
 
HowardH said:
All in all, they both work well with each brand having their own unique features.  I usually choose which ever one is handy.  

What are you going to do if you start marking with the Festool in metric and then lose it and have to finish with the imperial Felder? To be a properly prepared woodworker, you should have two of both types.
[poke]
 
I feel like I'm the victim on sensational advertising ... just like all those threads with "ultimate" in the subject ...  [mad] [sad]

Here I was thinking there's to be a bold cut quality comparison ... ho hum.

Tape measures ... well, did they both measure 10 feet to be 10 feet at least? Inside and outside measurements can also be out depending on the tape measure's quality ...

 
Back
Top