Tape Measure Spring Replacement - IFixit Repair Guide

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Introduction

If your Hyper Tough HT 12 foot tape measure is not reeling back in properly or is getting stuck, use this guide to replace the clock spring. This guide can also be used on most other models of tape measures as they all function with the same basic design.

Tape measures function by wrapping the yellow measurement tape around a clock spring, which is a coiled piece of metal. The natural tendency of this spring should be to keep the tape coiled and inside the tape measure outer shell. If the tape measure will not reel back in it could be because the clock spring is broken or damaged.

This guide shows how to easily open up the tape measure shell and the spring housing to replace a faulty spring. Careful consideration must be taken with the spring as to not damage your eyes as it can unwind rapidly.

What you need

1. Step 1 Spring

   

   • Remove all three screws from the clip side of the cover with a Phillips #1 screwdriver.

   • One 9.525 mm Phillips screw.

   • One 15.875 mm Phillips screw.

   • One 12.7 mm Phillips screw.

   • Remove the metal clip and open the red and black shell by pulling it apart.

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