Care & Tips

A well cared for Gatortape is a happy Gatortape and a happy Gatortape will live a long and happy life. Follow these tips so your Gatortape doesn't get snappy!!

When extending or recoiling the blade ensure your finger or thumb is not resting on the locking mechanism as this can prematurely wear the legend, we recommend ensuring your finger or thumb is on the unlock button whilst extending or retracting the blade

Blade is protected by a lacquer coating, but dirt, sand, drywall dust or metal chips can scratch through or wear away the protective layer. Wipe the blade clean frequently when working with gritty materials. Sticky roofing tar and glues can ruin the winding action of your tape measure.

Moisture left on the blade will work its way into the spring motor and rust will follow. Wipe the blade dry after working in wet environments. Beware of solvents; some will attack the lacquer coating or melt the protective skin. Use only mineral spirits or alcohol to remove tar or glue.

Don’t let the blade recoil at high speed; it will strike the case with the force of a hammer blow and the whipping action can damage the blade, cut or pinch your finger. Practice slowing the blade with your other hand.

The hook slides to accommodate inside and outside measurements, helping you avoid errors due to the thickness of the hook. Clinching the rivets will make the hook inaccurate.

Beware of sharp corners. Stepping on the blade will almost always cause damage. Pulling the tape over a sharp edge may create a kinked or twisted blade. Continual flexing of these kinks, when the blade rewinds into the case, will eventually break the blade.

The hook can be snared easily on cracks, exposed nail heads, and the like. Take care to dislodge the hook before pulling sharply on the blade. Otherwise, you might bend the hook or cause the blade to kink or tear.