Need Small Retractable Cloth Tape Measure

Hi Guys:

Can anyone tell me where I can buy a small Retractable Cloth (about 1/4” wide tape) tape measure? I think they are called “tailor’s tapes.” I have a 60” long plastic, 3/4” wide tape, but I want one of the very small “cloth” ones that is also “retractable.”

I’ve tried K-Mart, WalMart, Sears, Macy’s, J C Penney’s, various drug stores, and a couple local sewing and tailor shops. Nothing! I am here in NYC, and I haven’t gone to the garment district yet, maybe that is a possibility when I have the change.

One of the tailor shops had one, , but he has had it for about 40 years, brought it with him when he immigrated from Europe, and didn’t know where I could purchase one. His was a round, metal, and about the size of a quarter coin, or maybe slightly larger.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Try tool/ hardware stores. You should be able to get a tape there, might be a long one but you can cut it to the desired length. I just can’t understand how you can not get it at sewing stores. Ask neighbours etc if the have one, and you could just buy it from them. Try out the garment place you stated or try to buy it from the tailor you also stated.

Ebay:

Thanks aom91.

I checked 4 hardwre stores in my area, but all they had were Stanley metal tapes. One had a cloth one, but it was 1/2” x 30 feet. You know, the big ones with a crank.

All sewing stores sold plain, 1/2” x 60” , plastic. The kind you roll up yourself and put a rubber band around. It’s a bit clumsy measuring girth!

I did ask the tailor, and he said no, but under his breath muttered “maybe for $1000.” I’ll take your advise and ask girl friends. Etc. I’ll make a trip to NJ and check out the malls.

Thanks again. Good PE’ing.
Panos

Click on my Ebay link above. Exactly what you want for 2 bucks. (plus shipping)

Gprent

Thanks, man. Is there anything that you mods don’t know?

I spent about 20 minutes yesterday and about the same today checking out eBay and found nothing except the Stanley type metal tapes. Sometimes you just have to enter the right word combination to find items.

It’s a bit fancy and Victorian looking, but who is going to see it by my dick? I gobbled it up immediately and should have it by the first of the week.

Thanks again. Panos