I paid 9.99 for it with free Prime shipping and I still paid too much. This piece of junk didn't extend AT ALL. It retracts, but AHEM, they all do that and don't need batteries! I ordered the type pictured and they sent me the older model with the black switch, so I'm betting B&D knows they're defective. It's so bulky it's not even good as a tape measure, to be honest. Black & Decker used to be a good brand, but this is the second item of theirs with which I've had trouble. Save your money and buy a higher tech measuring instrument. Maybe one that isn't even tape-based.

I bought the older-looking version of this tape measure with the clunky black 2-way switch on the top. Having seen the adverts on the TV, I thought to myself "I would never buy such a ridiculous implement". Then I walked past one in my local hardware store and discovered that it had a millimetre scale as well as the inch scale. This is the only tape measure I've ever found in the USA with that feature. Being a Briton living in the USA, I had to buy it! How can you do proper, accurate measurements and arithmetic with 32nds and 16ths of an inch? Crazy system.

The motorized tape measure is horrible to hold, due to the weight and bulk. However, I have found it very useful for measuring up walls and wood when making shelves for my laundry room and garage. It's very nice being able to measure things without having to get someone to hold the other end of the tape, or watching that the ends of your fingers don't get sliced off by a snaking tape as it retracts on the spring.

Update after 1 year of ownership - Still going strong, but EATS batteries for breakfast. A set of fresh Duracells lasts a matter of only a few weeks of light use. I have tried rechargeables in it, but it then refuses to work at all. I think the battery terminals aren't making contact properly, rather than the voltage being slightly lower than it should be.

I ONLY HAVE THE USE OF ONE HAND/ARM AND I THOUGHT THIS WOULD AID ME IN MEASURING ON MY TABLE SAW. THE INCH SCALE IS ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE TAPE TO MEASURE TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BLADE. IT'S FUN TO PLAY WITH,BUT NOT TO DO ACCURATE WORK WITH. I HAVE GIVEN MINE AWAY. A POOR INVESTMENT.

This is a great idea, we purchased it for my husband for Christmas. However, he uses it very rarely, he is use to working with the good ole' fashioned tape measure that it doesn't occur to him to use this one. I'm not so sure that it is as handy as one tends to believe. But then again, not everyone is stubborn to change. :)

This was one of the best gifts I bought for my Dad. He works with wood by himself and he calls it his own little toy. Your never to old to get new toys it put a smile on his face at 67. It was worth a million.

In theory this is a pretty useful tool for working by yourself. And it seems to work, as long as your not measuring up or along a wall. Seems that after about 4 feet the tape measure cant hold itself up against gravity. I happen to own a pretty thick tape measure that, while not automatic, extends further without an extra hand than this tool. All in all, if your not going up a wall, or along a wall, the tape measure works as advertised. I would guess it would be quite handy when working on a work bench or the floor.

I bought the original auto tape measure a couple of years ago when it first came out. The tape measure was so bad that I returned it in a week
later. In January 2007 I decided to try the tape measure again.
The package said new and improved and I was very pleased with the improvements. The motor is stronger, the return spring is better, and
it seems to perform better. If you buy the auto tape measure make sure to get the new and improved model.

This thing is actually alive. You hold it in your hand, press a button, and it reaches all sort of places you formerly could only dream of reaching. It has other social possibilities I'm only just beginning to appreciate. So, reach out and measure someone....

I was surprised to find a better version available at Home Depot with laser included for the same price. I would have prefered that model .

I use a tape daily and I must say the useing this tape is a pain I have gone back to my old spring loaded tape. this thing is HEAVY for real and it takes to long to run out and when it does it buckles. the only reason I didn't fling this thing back to Sears is my ten year old son gave it to me so I use it when he is around but as soon as he goes in out of sight back it the tool bag it goes. Don't buy this thing.

This tool presents a real advantage to the user. Not only does it extend quickly, but it extends much further than expected without buckling.

Great product.Now when my husband needs to measure something I don't have to hold the tape.Quick and easy way to measure and you really only need to use one hand.

Mostly this is a novelty, but there are times when it actually comes in very useful. It is noisy and bulky, but when on a ladder and you want to scoot out the tape level so it won't bend, it is great. I call it a "GUY" toy.

In my "line" of work at times I need to do measurements of like elements in buildings (i.e. doors, heights of sinks, grab bars, etc.) This tool has made it possible to cut down my time in half. The motor noise can be a bother by the end of the day and it's too heavy to hold or even to carry. One reviewer suggested a digital read-out and that's a great idea. My tape will extend and retract the tape - I prefer to retrack the tape by using the release button on the bottom for relief from the motor noise.

When I first saw this product, I thought it might be kind of neat. In reality, just about everything about it stinks.

1. It is big and heavy
2. It is slow- extending the tape 8' takes several seconds
3. It lacks power- the motor slowly grinds to a halt and won't extend the tape further than about 8'.
4. The rewind spring to too weak- you have to help the tape back in.

I'm as big of a gadget fan as anyone, but save yourself some money on this one- it really has no redeeming qualities.

This tape measure is absolutely useless, it is way to big and just a foolish novelty, not a true tool. Buy a simple tape measure it will be a lot less frustrating.

This seems to work as advertised. Push the top button forward and the tape goes out. It has enough power to fully extend the 25' tape and when you're finished, it will retract it for you just as easy. It is big, bulky and heavy, but that is more than made up for the times when I'm trying to measure something and don't have anyone to hold the other end. I've used it up walls and across floors. I usually use a 60" steel ruler to measure across sheet goods, but to measure length, this works well. You extend the tape as needed and the weight keeps it in place to mark off the measurement.

[...]
This is a nice gimmick but not for serious use. I can't see any serious contractor lugging this thing around LOL. I have fairly big hands and this thing is still bulky and clumsy. My wife got this for me for an xmas present and I don't have the heart to tell her it was a waste of money.
If it was half the size it is then it would be easier to use/carry with you and then it might be worth it but not as is.

Biggest piece of juck on the market. It's heavy, the batteries go out fast and it's big. No one in the trades would use this on the job. Got mine as a gift and gave it to my wife for her little jobs around the house. Buy a real tape you will not be happy with this one.

The tape is too flimsy for distances over 10'.

It twists as it goes 10+ feet.

I put this item on my Christmas list as I often find myself working alone on a household project and figured that it would come in handy. It hasn't come in all that handy in my first month of use.

My biggest complaint is that the power extend feature really only works for the first five feet of the tape measure (or 20% of the total length.) After that, forget it. Also, the tape doesn't even retract quickly like a normal tape measure. Instead, you sort of have to press the retract button and jiggle it for the tape to retract. Even then, it happens slowly. Last, you will have to stand up the tape measure to squeeze it into a normal tool belt.

I'll keep it in the basement, dust it off to make it look used, and hope my Mother doesn't ask too many questions about this particular Christmas gift to me. This isn't a product that I would buy for friends or put on my gift list again if it ever breaks.

I purchased these tapes for gifts. Responds from guys I purchased them for say they work great.

My parents gave this to my husband this Christmas and can I just tell you I am so excited that I don't have to stand there anymore and hold the tape measure while he measures something. He thought it was cool too for outdoor work.

It makes measureing easier. It does run out of power when it is fully extended. Maybe with more use it will get better. The weight is not a problem. The large size works to it's benefit.

This electric tape measure by black and decker is just flat out awful. After extending past 4ft the motor slows drastically. And the entire length of the motor's capabilities is about 15ft. And to reach that 15ft mark takes a long time, you're better off with a manual tape measure. I'm extremely disappointed with this product.
The item is also big and heavy so it's not very practical.
I do not recommend this product for anyone. Do not waste your money.

that is poorly executed and poorly made. This is a great idea, but all the flaws mentioned by other reviewers ( bulk, poor retraction) make this item more of a hinderence then a helpful tool.

If you are thinking about buying this as a gift ( especially for a serious DIY person, craftsmen or tradesmen)... don't. Even a regular B&D tape measure would be a better bet.

Black & Decker ATM100 25' Auto Tape Measure

Ok... It's a fun toy. One of those gadgets to play with when bored. Too large, bulkey; heavy etc to be practical. Moy lowest rating ever for and Black and Decker product. Sorry!

One word, heavy, describes the product. Not something to clip on your belt to carry all day. Given its size, was surprised only 25'. Have tapes twice as long that weigh half as much.
Tried to measure a floor and by the time the tape got to the wall it curved so much that the measurement was useless. Thought this could be useful to do more with one person. There is a nice release on the bottom that recoils the tape w/o the battery.

This item works about 80% of the time, but there are times when you just need a second pair of hands! Is a Great father's Day gift!

A gadget would be putting it nicely. My mother got this for all of us on father's day. I guffawed to myself when I saw it but sadly, did not immediately return it to the store for credit and get something good. It is so heavy and big, its unwieldy. The tape is so flimsy that overhead one hand use is impossible. All in all a gimmick that fails badly. It will be one of the worst sawbucks you have ever spent.

I got this as a gift. I seems like a good idea until you actually use it. The motor starts straining around the 36 inch mark and start to feel sorry for the poor motor at the 11 foot mark (it goes to 25 feet) where I have to stop. It would be one thing if it was easy to expand and retract the tape manually, but it's not. Oversized, overweight, underpowered. Don't waste your money.

Not what the world needs now. A solution in search of a problem. Shame on Amazon for promoting such wasteful manufacturing.

Buy stuff you know you need after you have actually tried it. Your tool box will be lighter and easier to use if you keep the junk to a minimum.

Unfortunately, B&D has bought out Porter Cable, too.

If you are just looking for something to help with your "honey-do list" then this is a very nice tool. My husband has used it satisfactorily multiple times to hang pictures and wall decor. I would recommend this tool and so would my husband. It really helps when you need a third hand around to help with little projects!

I thought the batteries that came with it were bad, so I replaced them. Still lethargic. So I figured I got a bad one, returned, still no luck. So i returned that one and have a fresh one in a package that i intend to sell on Ebay. Hope to recover 25% of my investment. Woo-Hoo...

As everyone says - its way too big and heavy for any practical use. The only problem I had with the motor was that it never worked at all - it was Dead On Arrival. This was good news though - now I won't have to make a show of using it for my in-laws, who gave it to me for x-mas.