Taming the Tape Measure

I came across a yellow metal tape measure resting flat near the corner of the rug. It looked like an armored beetle with a stiff silver tongue sticking out. I grabbed the little metal tab with both hands and gave a firm pull. The flexible steel tape slid out with a crisp rasp, extending across the floorboards. I took four steady paces backward, holding the tension tight like a drawn bowstring. Then my thumb nudged the black slide lock. The tape vanished back into the plastic case with an instant snap and a loud click! I laughed right out loud at how fast that snap was. That little thing packs a punch.