My Favorite Retractable Tape Measure and Digital Tape Measure Combo Is 42% Off on Black Friday.
Black Friday sales officially kick off on Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1. Before they end, Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price tracking tools.
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I like to joke that my father was the second-worst carpenter in New Jersey, and he raised me to be the worst. It’s a slight exaggeration, but the old advice “measure twice, cut once” really doesn’t work for me. I measure seven times, and somehow I still often get it wrong when it comes to cutting.
This has led to a certain degree of paranoia when it comes to my DIY projects at home, and consequently, to buying multiple tape measures, as I try to convince myself that the tool, not me, is to blame for unevenness. As a result, I’ve used a variety of tape measures, both mechanical and digital. Both have their advantages: a mechanical tape measure can withstand a beating and still be usable, while a digital tape measure can produce results that a physical tape measure struggles to achieve.
I had both for a while, using them as needed. Then I found this: the Fanttik A10 , which was 42% off on Black Friday.
The A10’s physical film isn’t very long—just under 3 meters. But it’s long enough for close-ups where digital film might be inconvenient due to space limitations, and it’s suitable for most DIY projects. Plus, it helps me get my muscle memory going, since I’m used to shooting with regular film.
But for longer distances that are difficult to measure with a regular tape measure due to sag and twisting (and those moments when the hook fails and the whole system returns to its original position), the A10 is a precise laser rangefinder with a measuring range of up to 165 feet. I don’t know about you at home, but I’ll never need to measure anything longer than 165 feet. Having both measuring tools in one is incredibly convenient.
The A10 is a well-designed tool. It has several measurement modes, including area and volume (I’ve never needed to measure a room’s volume, but it’s nice to know it’s there if I need to). It can also be used as a level, and while I still carry my trusty level for most jobs, the A10 proved to be a reliable leveler in the few tests I’ve conducted.
You can purchase a stand for the A10 if you want. This can be useful if you don’t have a convenient location for mounting the laser level. Any stand with a 1/4-inch threaded mount will work. It charges via a standard USB-C port, and the battery lasts a very long time.
Overall, the A10 is a fantastic tool . But my favorite part is definitely the combination of mechanical and digital measurement in a single pocket-sized device. For someone who’s always meticulous about detail, this has been a huge help, especially since I can switch between them and double-check my measurements at any time without having to pick up another tool. Anyone who does DIY will find this incredibly useful.
Which stores have the biggest discounts on Black Friday?
With both large retailers and small businesses competing for Black Friday shoppers, you can expect sales at virtually every store until Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” discounts depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to be offered by large retailers that can afford lower prices, such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our blog .
Are Black Friday deals worth it?
In short, yes, Black Friday still offers deals you rarely see the rest of the year. If you’re shopping or looking for gifts, now is the time to look for deals on essentials, especially tech , home goods , and fitness equipment . Of course, if you’re looking to save money, the best way to save is to buy nothing.
Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?
Black Friday used to favor large retailers and higher-end appliances, while Cyber Monday favored cheaper appliances and gave small businesses a chance to compete online. However, today, this distinction has become virtually meaningless. Every major retailer runs sales on both days, so it’s best to know what you need, use price trackers, or consult guides like our blog , which uses price trackers, and not worry about finding the perfect time.