The 8m long coiled steel blade is manufactured from top-quality steel and coated with Stanley's very own (patented) Mylar coating. This cutting edge film isn't just there for show; it actually helps to prolong the life of this blade up to ten times that of cheaper, conventionally lacquered blades. At a monstrous 32mm wide the blade provides excellent standout of 3.25m which makes light work of those pesky long horizontal or vertical measurements. No more snapping of the blade after just a metre or two, this tape is more than man enough for almost any measuring scenario. The blade is tipped by a multi-direction hook which lets the user take regular (from above) measurements as well as measurements from below and from the side. The hook is of the floating variety which adjusts automatically to take into account whether the user is taking an internal or an external measurement. The same hook is also held in place by three rivets for added strength.