I work as a technician at a large hardware store. I measure floors, bathrooms, countertops, new kitchens and kitchen remodels. My tape measure gets a lot of use, I mean A LOT! After some time of constant use, the edges of the tape were covered with small nicks and fingers were cut. Once these little nicks appear on the tape, the tape will soon tear apart. A band that is 30 to 35 feet long costs about $30 or $40. Trying to put duct tape on, under, or around furniture, boxes, and piles of clothes stacked on the floor is a real headache. The POWERSMITH Laser has made my job so much better, I love measuring. I can measure faster and more accurately. No more mental ligaments tearing in the middle of work or cutting your fingers. My POWERSMITH has already paid for itself many times over. Feel free to buy, you will like it!