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Crescent Lufkin 25-Ft. Command Control Tape Measure Review

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Bottom line: The Crescent Lufkin 25-Ft. Command Control Tape Measure brings value, build quality, and versatility in spades. The standout features are its ergonomics and self-retraction mechanism. We’re comfortable recommending it for projects around the house and on the job site.

Crescent Lufkin 25-Foot Command Control Tape Measure
Pros:
  • Strong self-retraction
  • Smooth sliding lock
  • Great ergonomics
  • Includes a finger brake
Cons:
  • Poor blade durability
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Crescent Lufkin 25-Ft. Command Control Tape Measure review

Weight458 grams
Length25 feet (available in both an engineer and a SAE measurement scale)
Blade width1 3/16 inches
Standout12 feet
HousingPlastic and rubber
WarrantyLifetime

Ergonomics

Crescent Lufkin Command Control Tape Measure In Hand

The Crescent Lufkin 25-Ft. Command Control Tape Measure sits in the hand better than many other tape measures we tested. While the profile is a bit taller than other popular models, this hand tool’s narrower body and strategically molded, grippy housing fit well into the contours of your palm.

The belt clip also adds to the tape measure’s ease of one-handed use. You can easily slide the hook onto a wide array of material thicknesses without looking. This helps for efficiency when you’re not needing to use two hands to hook the tape measure onto your pocket or tool belt.

Crescent Lufkin Command Control Tape Measure Clip

The blade

The Crescent Lufkin 25-Ft. Command Control Tape Measure has one of the more unique blades of the models we tested. Pull out the blade for the first time, and you immediately notice the matte finish that gives you a sense of quality craftsmanship. The blade also has a deep concave design that adds to its long standout of 12 feet in our tests.

Hook style360-degree hook
Blade markings1/16” and 10ths & 100ths of a foot
Blade durability (poor, good, great)Poor
Blade protectionMatte nylon coating

Hook style

Crescent Lufkin Command Control Tape Measure Hook

The Crescent Lufkin 25-Ft. Command Control Tape Measure has a 360-degree hook that latches the hook onto a workpiece in any orientation. You shouldn’t worry about frustrating instances where the hook keeps detaching from the edge of the measured item.

MORE >> How to use a tape measure

Blade markings

Crescent Lufkin Command Control Tape Measure Blade Markings
The blade markings for the engineer’s scale version.

The blade of the Crescent Lufkin 25-Ft. Command Control Tape Measure includes two measurement scales for the engineer’s model. The bottom edge has a standard feet and inches scale while the top edge lays out measurements on a scale of 10ths and 100ths of a foot. 

Consider, though, that the engineer models’ blade doesn’t include standard stud markings every 16 inches and a diamond every 19.2 inches. But Crescent does offer the same tape measure with a standard SAE measurement scale that does include stud markings.

MORE >> How to read a tape measure

Blade durability

While the Crescent Lufkin 25-Ft. Command Control Tape Measure does have a nylon coating, the blade performed poorly in our durability tests. In fact, other tested tape measures with similar nylon coatings fared much better than this model, including the Craftsman Pro Reach 25-Ft. Magnetic Tape Measure and the Klein Tools 25-Ft. Double Hook Magnetic Tape Measure.

The paint on the tape of the Crescent Lufkin 25-Ft. Command Control Tape Measure quickly succumbed to the abrasiveness of a dowel wrapped with 150-grit sandpaper and rubbing the blade for a few seconds. While regular use won’t be as severe as our tests, it is worth considering that this model will experience more visible wear and tear than other tape measures tested.

Self-retraction strength

While the blade durability of the Crescent Lufkin 25-Ft. Command Control Tape Measure performed poorly, the opposite is true for this model’s self-retraction mechanism – it’s the best performing out of the bunch. The tape measure feels like it will fly out of your hand even when retracting the blade from a few feet out.

The blade also retracts well without assistance over longer lengths and on surfaces with different amounts of friction, even when holding the tape measure at hip height. 

Sliding lock

Crescent Lufkin Command Control Tape Measure Sliding Lock

The sliding lock mechanism is good enough for one-handed use. The short travel makes it a cinch to lock and unlock the blade with one hand and thumb, and it is smooth to set.

The molded rails that protect the sliding lock are one thoughtful design element that should add some longevity and durability. Dropping the Crescent Lufkin 25-Ft. Command Control Tape Measure shouldn’t damage the button at all.

One nice design feature as well is the inclusion of a finger brake on the underside of the tape measure’s housing. This not only improves the ergonomics for one-handed use when not needing to use the sliding lock but also helps moderate the speed of the powerful retraction mechanism.

Accuracy

The Crescent Lufkin 25-Ft. Command Control Tape Measure was dead on accurate out of the box to within our tested tolerance of 1/32 of an inch. The floating hook is also loosely attached to the blade, so measurements should be consistently accurate, which could make this tape measure a good option for woodworking.

Value

It’s surprising how a well-built tape measure with such great versatility can be found for under $20. The value offered with the Crescent Lufkin 25-Ft. Command Control Tape Measure is among the best we’ve found on the market. Most other popular tape measures offer less versatility and worse build quality at this price point.

FAQs

Do Crescent Tools tape measures have a lifetime warranty?

Yes, Crescent Tools tape measures include a limited lifetime warranty covering workmanship defects. General misuse and abuse (yep, if you drop it off the roof, for example) is not covered under warranty. Just return the tape measure to where it was purchased or call (800)-688-8949.

Where are Crescent Lufkin tape measures made?

Most Crescent Tools measuring devices, including tape measures, are made in the U.S.A.

How durable is the Crescent Lufkin Tape Measure?

The Crescent Lufkin Tape Measure is durable enough for rugged use on the job site. Its housing is well protected and can survive bigger drops. But the tape measures blade isn’t as durable, at least according to our abrasion tests.

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