CRAFTSMAN Keychain Tape Measure – Workshop Quick-Reference Tool for Plumbers, 6 FT
CRAFTSMAN Keychain Tape Measure – Workshop Quick-Reference Tool for Plumbers, 6 FT
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Why you'll love it
- Always have a tape measure on hand thanks to the built-in key ring
- Trusted CRAFTSMAN brand reputation for durable, job-site-grade tools
- Lacquer-coated blade resists wear and extends product life
- Rubber overmold provides a secure, slip-resistant grip even with greasy or wet hands
- Compact 6-ft size is enough for most quick measurements without bulk
- Affordable backup or starter measuring tool compared to full-size tapes
Perfect for
- Quick on-the-go measurements when a full-size tape isn't available
- Verifying furniture dimensions before moving or purchasing
- Measuring small craft, sewing, or hobby projects
- Gifting to tradespeople, dads, or recent trade-school graduates
- Keeping a backup measuring tool clipped to keys, tool belt, or backpack
Product Information
LENGTH: 6-ft long CONVENIENCE: Key ring allows you to easily take the tape with you wherever you go DURABILITY: Lacquer coating helps protect the blade ADDED GRIP: Rubber overmold
Measure twice, cut once, and rely on CRAFTSMAN tapes for fast and accurate measurements. Our handy 6-ft keychain tape measure allows you to take accurate measurements on the go, so clip it on and enjoy the convenience of CRAFTSMAN quality wherever your work takes you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 6-foot blade long enough for typical contractor measurements?
For quick reference checks, client-site verifications, cabinet fits, and short-run measurements, 6 feet covers the majority of in-home and small-jobsite tasks. For long-span framing or layout work, most contractors pair it with a full-size 25-foot tape and use the keychain version as a portable backup.
Will the lacquer-coated blade hold up on a dusty or humid jobsite?
Yes. The lacquer coating protects the blade against corrosion, dust abrasion, and everyday wear. It also helps the markings stay legible longer than uncoated blades, which is useful in shop and field environments where the tape gets tossed into tool bags and truck dashboards.
Does the rubber overmold really help with grip on a greasy jobsite?
Yes. The rubber overmold casing is designed to maintain traction even when the user's hands are dusty, slightly oily, or wet. For HVAC techs, mechanics, electricians, and plumbers who frequently work in less-than-pristine conditions, this is a meaningful upgrade over hard plastic housings.
Can I clip this to my keychain so it is always on me between jobs?
Yes. The integrated key ring is designed for daily carry, so most contractors clip it to a keychain lanyard, a retractable tool tether, or a carabiner on their tool belt or work bag. That way the tape is available whether they are at the shop, on a client's property, or running between job sites.
Will it survive being bounced around in a truck or tool bag?
Yes. The compact housing, rubber overmold, and protected blade design are built for rough handling. Many contractors report using the same unit for years across daily truck and tool-bag use without the lock or retraction failing.
Is this a good backup tape for a contractor who already owns a full-size measure?
Yes. It fills the gap that full-size tapes leave behind: quick checks at the door, vehicle measurements, client-present consultations, and moments when pulling out a 25-foot tape is overkill. Many pros keep one clipped to their keys as a permanent secondary tool.
How does the blade marking visibility hold up in low light?
The black markings on the contrasting blade remain readable under typical jobsite lighting, including dim basements, attics, and under-cabinet work areas. For very low-light conditions, a separate headlamp is still recommended, but the markings are not the weak point of the design.
Does the lock mechanism hold firmly during solo measurements?
Yes. The thumb lock engages solidly, allowing one-handed measurements when the user's other hand is occupied holding a workpiece, a stud, or a client sample. This is a frequently cited productivity benefit for solo trade work.
Is the retraction smooth, or does it snap back hard?
The retraction is tuned for controlled return rather than aggressive snap-back. That means less blade whip, fewer pinched fingers, and less risk of the tape skating across a finished floor or client surface during quick checks.
Can I use this for cabinet, trim, or finish measurements on client sites?
Yes. The 6-foot length is well-suited to cabinet heights, countertop spans, trim runs, and standard door and window dimensions commonly checked during client consultations. It is small enough to pull out discreetly in front of clients without looking like you brought a full tool kit to a sales call.
Does the compact size make it harder to read precise measurements?
The blade markings follow standard tape-measure conventions with clear gradations, and the 6-foot length is short enough that the user keeps the relevant portion of the blade visible at all times. For most quick-reference tasks, this is actually faster than wrestling with a longer tape.
Is this accurate enough for professional work?
Yes. CRAFTSMAN builds the blade to standard measuring tolerances expected of consumer and prosumer tools. For finish carpentry, electrical rough-in, plumbing layout, and HVAC line sets, the accuracy is sufficient when used as a quick-reference tool.
Will the key ring attachment wear out the housing over time?
The integrated key ring is anchored through a reinforced boss in the housing, which is designed to handle the daily stress of keychain carry. With normal use, it does not crack, strip, or loosen the way a clipped-on aftermarket ring sometimes can.
Can I use this in place of a laser measure for quick jobs?
For very short, one-person measurements, the keychain tape is often faster than setting up a laser, especially when the user is already in motion. For long-distance, single-person, or high-precision layout work, a laser measure is still the better tool, which is why many pros carry both.
Does the CRAFTSMAN name matter for jobsite credibility?
Yes for many buyers. CRAFTSMAN is a recognized brand on residential and light-commercial jobsites, and tradespeople often prefer carrying a name that clients and coworkers already trust. The branding also reassures gift buyers that they are giving a credible tool rather than an unverified import.
Will the markings rub off over time?
The lacquer-coated blade protects the printed markings from the kind of abrasion that causes early wear. With reasonable care, the markings stay sharp and legible well past the typical lifespan of similar uncoated keychain tapes.
How do I open, extend, and retract the tape measure for the first time?
Pull the blade out by gripping the housing in one hand and the tip in the other, then use the thumb lock to hold the blade at the desired length. To retract, release the thumb lock and guide the blade back into the housing with one hand for a controlled return rather than letting it snap in fully.
How do I read the measurements on the blade?
The blade uses standard inch markings with smaller gradations for fractional readings, and the CRAFTSMAN blade follows the same conventions as most consumer tape measures. The lacquer-coated finish keeps the markings high-contrast and legible for everyday measuring tasks.
How do I attach the key ring to my existing keychain?
The integrated key ring is already mounted to the housing, so you only need to thread it onto your keychain, a small split ring, or a small carabiner. If your keychain is already full, a small accessory ring or a locking carabiner keeps the tape accessible without crowding the rest of the keys.
Is the tape measure compatible with standard keychain organizers and carabiners?
Yes. The integrated key ring fits standard split rings, key organizers from most major brands, and small to medium locking carabiners. It is designed to coexist with slim EDC setups as well as traditional keychains.
Is the tape measure compatible with imperial and metric measurements?
The CRAFTSMAN CMHT37106G model is graduated in imperial units along the blade. For users who need metric readings, the printed side may include metric equivalents, but it is best to confirm the specific blade layout for the exact model before relying on metric-only measurements.
What is included in the box when I order the tape measure?
The package includes the CRAFTSMAN keychain tape measure with the integrated key ring pre-attached to the housing. No batteries, accessories, or additional components are required to begin using it.
Is the blade safe to handle, and is the housing child-safe?
The blade has rounded edges at the tip and a controlled retraction spring, but the metal edge is still capable of cutting skin if mishandled. The housing is durable plastic with a rubber overmold, and there are no small parts that detach during normal use, though it should be stored out of reach of very young children as a general precaution.
How long will the tape measure last with regular use?
With normal daily carry and occasional jobsite use, the lacquer-coated blade, rubber overmold housing, and integrated key ring are designed to last for years. Avoiding prolonged moisture exposure, abrasive grit, and drops onto hard surfaces will extend the service life further.
What is the difference between a keychain tape measure and a full-size tape measure?
A keychain tape measure is a compact, 6-foot-class tool designed for portability and quick reference, while a full-size tape measure is typically 16 to 35 feet and is built for long-run construction and layout work. The keychain version is meant to complement, not replace, a full-size tape, and it excels at the short measurements and on-the-go checks that full-size tapes are too bulky to handle.
