How to Fix a Loose Tape Measure Lock

Remove the top and bottom screws from your tape measure using a Phillips head screwdriver.

Remove the screw that fastens the clip with your Phillips head screwdriver and place the clip to the side.

Loosen the rubber housing from its contact points with a spudger and remove it from the back of the tape measure.

Remove the bottom screw with your Phillips head screwdriver.

Pry open the yellow casing using your flathead screwdriver and lay down the halves so the internal components are facing up.

Carefully remove the button and tooth, and remove the spring from the tooth.

Use a nail file or 220-400 grit sandpaper to roughen the surface of the pad using around 5 passes.

Place the tooth back into its housing while also pressing the spring into place.

Apply pressure to the tooth and press the button back into place.

Slightly retract the tape while holding the internal components in place.

Press the small remaining black piece back into place.

Reattach the band to its loop, then place the empty shell of the tape measure on top of the side housing the mechanism.

Screw in the front-bottom screw using your Phillips head screwdriver, recalling the order in which you removed them.

Reattach the rubber housing and press it into place such that it is flush with the yellow housing.

Reattach the clip using your Phillips head screwdriver.

Reinsert the larger of the two remaining screws in the top hole.

Reinsert the remaining screw in the bottom hole, and you have a repaired tape measure!