It is so often the tools we reach for every day that don’t seem to get the love they deserve. Through the years I have had dozens of different tape measures, all with different pros and cons, but last year I came across the Crescent Lufkin Shockforce lineup of tapes, and I haven’t looked back since. Let’s see what makes these so special, in the Crescent Shockforce Tapes Review.

About the Brand

Crescent Lufkin Shockforce Tapes Review

 Crescent Tools has been around a long time, with a history dating all the way back to 1907. You likely know the name as the original maker of the adjustable wrench, dubbed the Crescent Wrench.

Today, Crescent Tools is made up of several industry-defining brands: Lufkin, Wiss, Nicholson, H.K. Porter, JOBOX, and, most recently, APEX. This brings incredible versatility to their lineup and continues to take each of these brands forward with innovation and creativity.

Standout Features

Crescent Lufkin Shockforce Tapes Review

Two-color schemes are available: standard black on yellow, as well as my personal favorite, the NITE EYE, which is lime green on black color scheme. The narrow blade design with a matte finish makes the tapes light and reduces glare. Double-sided print allows users at any angle to clearly see their measurements. This is a huge benefit when working on odd projects or in tight spots. Both color schemes are available in 16/25/35-ft lengths for versatility.

The internal spring design provides a compact design and reduces weight overall.

Crescent pumped their Shockforce up with a 14-ft standout to extend users’ ability to measure at heights and lengths that are usually hard to reach with standard tapes.

The end hook, which is an often-overlooked feature on a tape measure, is diamond-coated and prevents slipping.

Rated for 100-foot drops, Crescent designed them to be job site-ready and stand up to real use.

Integrated steel tether hooks provide durability and allow easy arc and circle making when needed.

Value

Crescent Lufkin Shockforce Tapes Review

Crescent brings a lot to the table in terms of value on their Shockforce Tapes. You can find the Shockforce lineup in a variety of stores, like Lowe’s or on Amazon. Here is a great value pack at Lowe’s- a two pack of the NITE EYE Tape Measures, a 16ft and a 25ft, for $29.98. 

My Thoughts

Crescent Lufkin Shockforce Tapes Review

I have used so many measuring tapes over the years. I used to hold tight to the notion that tape measurers just weren’t designed to last, but I have had my original Shockforce for over a year now and I haven’t seen any aspect of it fail.

There are a lot of things I really have enjoyed on the Shockforce tapes, but to start their overall build quality is insane. While I haven’t dropped them from 100 feet, I have dropped them from 30 feet more than I care to admit, and it’s insane how well they’ve managed to hold up. Honestly, if my kids can get ahold of a tape and not ruin it instantly, I think that’s a surefire way to prove it’s durable.

What most people have really loved are the markings. Outside of it being very high visibility in both color schemes, it’s also bold and easy to read. I love that they printed them on both sides, too, making the actual functionality of the tapes that much better. Honestly, I am surprised at how often I have used that feature!

The hook is solid, something I think most tapes fall short on. Crescent did a good job making sure they made the hook durable and that it actually gripped the work surface. This may seem small, but I honestly have always found this to be a sticking point on tapes!

Crescent has a solid tape in their lineup. With two color choices and several different lengths to choose from, you pretty much have a solution for every user. Like most of my Crescent tools, this is another classic addition that I reach for constantly.