SquareOne tape measures more than just length

We've recently seen our share of multi-tools—Leatherman's pared-down Skeletool, the two-timing RakeHoe, and of course B&D's schizophrenic electrical oddity.

And now there's the SquareOne, which is a tape measure at heart. But that designation doesn't do it justice.

It's handy enough that the single spirit vial reads level, and that it not only holds a carpenter's pencil, but also has a built-in sharpener and a little scratchpad to mark measurements.

Cool, but it's been done.

There's still one more feature, though, that truly sets the SquareOne apart.

It doubles as a compass. Arc-tastic.

Sure, not the most accurate compass in the world. You have to add the length of the tool from its edge to the nail-driven pivot point, then add the length of the tape, to get the radius of your circle.

But it'd get you close enough to mark the location for a ceiling medallion, to make a rough measure for a recessed can light, or to plan a drywall cut to fit a Flex-C-Arch framing member.

And it may not have the 13 feet of standout that Stanley so cleverly advertises. But hey, a good tape is hard to find.

Got a soft spot for your own tape measure? Let us know in the comments below, or submit it to our reader-generated "What's in your Toolbox" section.

Here's an example: Joe's dear old homemade "stubby" tape tool.