The steel rule I use is a Rabone so I'll look into getting a tape from Rabone too. I've looked at the metric only tape I've got made by Fisher Darex and this too has loosened off from its rivetts and will not last much longer and that isn't a year old. Perhaps I should take a 'self awareness course in proper treatment of tape measures' before some kind soul takes me to court for cruelty to tape measures 
