The Lufkin "centering" tape measure arrived on time. I expected the measurements to be comparable to those on the CenterPoint tapes produced by the U.S. Tape company. On the CenterPoint tapes, you read the actual measurement number on the "actual size" scale (i.e., the "top" scale) and then find the midpoint (or center) measurement by looking for that same number on the lower "midpoint" scale. The lower scale numbers double the actual measurement. Both scales are in black numerals. On the Lufkin, the upper scale, in black numerals, also shows the "actual size" scale in black numerals. However, the lower scale is in red numerals that are one-half of the values of those on the upper scale. So, in order to find the center point, you use the Lufkin tape differently vs. the CenterPoint one. On the Lufkin, you can find the center in the following two ways. The first method is to find the actual measurement on the black numbers scale, then find the value of the red number directly beneath it on the red numbers scale (i.e, the midpoint value, or one-half of the black number value), and then find that midpoint value on the black scale. The second method is to measure your intended object with the red scale numbers (which will show one-half the actual size of the object), and then find that red number value on the upper (black numbers) scale. This may sound confusing, at first, but becomes intuitive after you use it a few times, but it is different from using the CenterPoint tapes. For a close-up view of this tape measure, do a websearch for Lufkin tapes and rules. I do like the fact that the Lufkin has fractional numbers printed on it. This is really useful to those of us who may be experiencing a decrease in visual acuity, especially as we get older. I also like the red numbers as a cue to the fact that they are not indicating "actual" size. I would like them even better if they were "sharper" (or finer). I have not tested this tape measure against a "certified" steel rule for accuracy, but I presume that it is "close enough" for most carpentry and trim work. For cabinet work, use a high-quality steel or aluminum rule with engraved graduations. As others have commented, the spring clip is a bit flimsy. The sheet metal of the clip is thinner than those on my Stanley Fat-MAX tapes, and it does not appear to be true "spring" steel. I distorted the clip which struggling to get the tape measure out of its frustration-laden "point of sale", not really environmentally-friendly, packaging card. I took the clip off, twisted and squeezed it back to "proper" shape, and then reinstalled it. I am certain that if I hang it on my belt, I will eventually snag the tape measure and quickly bend the clip, again. So, I give this a four-star rating, because of the undesirable packaging and the flimsy clip. Since this tape measure gets shipped to us in a shipping box packed with "air packs" or bubble wrap, there is no need for the packaging. The cost of making the belt clip out of a heavier gauge spring steel might be an additional penny or two for which I would gladly pay an additional $.35 . US Tape company claims that some of their tape measures are made in USA, but their CenterPoint tapes are not in their list of US-made tapes. The "Stanley Bostich" company claims that some of their tape measures are "Made in USA with Global Materials" -- whatever that means. Does that mean that complete tape measures from other "low cost" countries, are put into packaging in the USA? Only the corporate "insiders" know where their products are truly made. With that understanding, I say that -- for the price -- this Lufkin tape measure is adequate for those time when you want to find the center point of something, quickly. For more information about tape measures, in general, do a websearch for "The Best Tape Measure" at The Sweethome dot com.
