Description:

Key Features

Dual Lock Control The auto-lock function stops the blade as you pull it out, and the separate lock button holds it firmly when you need it fixed in place. That gives you quick one-handed measuring without fighting the tape. Stiff Steel Blade This tape measure uses a strong 16 ft. x 1 in. steel blade with an 8.2 ft. standout. That extra reach helps when you are measuring solo across framing, trim, or sheet goods. Read It Either Way The dual-sided blade gives you markings on both sides, so you spend less time twisting the tape to read a dimension. It is a small detail that speeds up layout work all day.

Overview

Tajima SS-16BW Sigma Stop Standard Scale 16-ft. Tape Measure is a compact steel tape built for everyday measuring, layout, and punch-list work. This is a tape measure designed for general measuring on jobsites, in shops, and around the house. Model Number: SS-16BW. If you want a tape that is easy to control with one hand and does not feel flimsy when extended, this one is built around that idea.

The big selling point here is Tajima's Dual Lock Mechanism. The blade automatically stops when you pull it out, so it does not snap back unless you want it to. Then, when you need the blade held in place, the lock button gives you a firmer hold. In real use, that means less fumbling when you are measuring overhead, reaching across a bench, or trying to hook an edge and keep your number steady.

The 16 ft. x 1 in. steel blade is paired with an 8.2 ft. standout, which matters if you often measure by yourself. A tape can have plenty of length but still fold over too easily. This one is built to stay stiff enough for longer unsupported reaches, making it more useful for framing checks, interior trim work, cabinet layout, and general construction measurements where an extra bit of blade control saves time.

Tajima also gives the SS-16BW a dual-sided blade, which is more useful than it sounds if you work fast. You can read measurements from more than one orientation without rolling your wrist or flipping the tape over. That is especially handy when you are taking inside and outside measurements back to back, marking material on the floor, or working in tighter spots where your view of the blade is limited.

The strong blade and strong hook matter because those are the parts that take the abuse. The hook has to grab consistently, and the blade has to resist kinking when you extend and retract it all day. Combined with the dual lock setup, this tape is aimed at users who care more about control and durability than gimmicks.

At about 0.76 lbs, it has enough heft to feel solid without turning into a brick on your belt. The body includes a belt clip for quick access on the job, and the compact shape fits the hand well for repeated measuring. This is the kind of layout tool that makes sense for carpenters, remodelers, electricians, plumbers, general contractors, and serious DIY users who want a better tape than the throwaway ones that end up bent in a month.

If your measuring work is mostly short to medium runs and you value blade control, readable markings, and a dependable lock, this Tajima tape measure lands in a very practical sweet spot. It is not trying to be oversized or flashy. It is trying to be the tape you reach for every day because it behaves the way a good tape should.

Better Control When Measuring Alone

The main advantage of this tape is control. The blade auto-locks as you pull it out, so you can stop at a dimension without the tape fighting you or trying to retract before you are ready.

• Dual Lock Mechanism combines auto stop and a firm manual lock
• 8.2 ft. standout helps with one-person measuring across open spans

Easy-to-Read Measurements From More Angles

The dual-sided blade keeps the markings visible in more working positions. That saves time during layout because you spend less time rotating the tape to find the scale.

• Dual-sided blade supports faster reading during layout and cut prep
• 1 in. blade width adds stiffness and a solid feel in use

Built for Daily Carry

A tape measure gets clipped on, dropped, grabbed with dirty gloves, and used all day. The compact body, belt clip, strong hook, and sturdy blade make this one a practical everyday carry piece instead of a drawer spare.

• Strong hook is built for repeated edge grabs
• Approximate weight of 0.76 lbs keeps it solid without being bulky

What's in the Box

• (1) Tajima SIGMA STOP Tape Measure Standard Scale 16 ft.

Key Specifications

Built For

Carpentry Construction Remodeling Electrical Plumbing General Contracting Woodworking DIY / Hobbyist

Pro Tip

Use the auto-lock when you are moving fast between marks, then engage the firm lock only when you need the blade to stay put for a transfer or repeated layout. It sounds minor, but using each lock the way it was intended makes the SS-16BW faster and easier to control.

Warranty & Support

No manufacturer's warranty.

Tool Nut's Take

Tool Nut's Take

Why the Tajima SS-16BW Sigma Stop Standard Scale 16-ft. Tape Measure earns a spot on your belt

This is a well-thought-out everyday tape that gets the basics right and adds real control where cheaper tapes usually fall apart.

• Who it's for: Pros and serious DIY users who want a 16-foot tape for daily layout, trim, remodel work, and general measuring.
• Why it stands out: The dual lock setup, stiff 1-inch blade, 8.2-foot standout, and dual-sided markings make it quicker and less annoying to use all day.
• Worth knowing: This is not a giant long-reach tape. It is a compact 16-footer built around control, readability, and durability, which for a lot of people is exactly the point.

Common Questions

• What size is this tape measure? It has a 16 ft. blade length and a 1 in. blade width.
• How far will the blade stand out? The listed standout is 8.2 ft (2.5 m).
• Does the blade lock automatically? Yes. It uses an auto-lock function when the tape is pulled out, plus a separate lock button for a firmer hold.
• Is the blade marked on both sides? Yes. This model uses a dual-sided blade for easier reading from different positions.
• Where is it made? The country of origin is Japan.