Komelon N6100 Open Reel Long Steel Tape Measure

The Verdict

If you’ve ever wrestled with a 100-foot tape that curls into a tangled mess the moment you pull it out of a closed case, you already know why the Komelon N6100 exists. This is an open reel tape measure — no enclosure, no spring-loaded retraction, just a flat steel blade on a spool that you crank back by hand. It’s a niche tool for a specific job, and for that job, it’s excellent.

What You Actually Get

The N6100 is a 100-foot tape with a 1/2-inch wide steel blade. The open reel design means the blade lays completely flat when extended — no curve, no sagging in the middle. The frame is a lightweight composite material, and the folding handle makes it easy to carry or hang from a ladder rung. The blade markings are bold and readable, showing feet/inches on one edge and 10ths on the other. That dual scale is a quiet lifesaver if you’re doing concrete work or layout where decimal feet matter.

Real-World Performance

I’ve used open reel tapes for years, and the Komelon holds up well against the competition. The blade is stiff enough to push out 8-10 feet without buckling, which is more than you’ll need for most layout tasks. The end hook is a standard 2-inch anchor that grabs studs and stakes reliably. One thing I appreciate: the blade doesn’t kink easily. Cheaper tapes fold over and crease if you step on them; this one has survived being walked on a few times without permanent damage.

The winding crank does the job, but it’s not fast. Retracting 100 feet takes about 20-30 seconds of steady cranking. That’s fine when you’re measuring once and writing down numbers. It’s annoying if you’re measuring repeatedly. Buyers in the Amazon reviews echo this — one notes, “Cranking it back in takes a little time, but that’s the trade-off for a tape that lies flat.” Another mentions, “The handle makes it easy to carry around the job site. I’ve had mine for two years and it’s still accurate.”

Where It Falls Short

The biggest omission is the lack of a belt clip or holster. Komelon sells a separate pouch, but for a tool this size, you’d expect some way to attach it to your gear. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s an extra cost and an extra thing to lose.

The crank handle is also a bit stiff when new. It loosens up after a few uses, but the first couple of retractions feel like you’re fighting the mechanism. And if you’re expecting a standard tape’s “walk it back” speed, you’ll be disappointed. This is a deliberate tool, not a quick one.

Who Should Buy This

This tape is for people who measure long distances regularly and need accuracy without fighting blade curl. Concrete contractors laying out footings, framers snapping lines for floor layouts, landscapers marking property boundaries, and anyone doing site prep will get immediate value. It’s also a solid choice for DIYers tackling a big deck or fence project where a 25-foot tape means doing math in your head and hoping you’re right.

Skip it if you mostly work indoors or measure in short increments. A standard 25-foot tape is faster and more convenient for that. Also skip it if you need a belt-clip carry — you’ll be buying the pouch anyway.

FAQ

Is the Komelon N6100 accurate? Yes. The blade is marked clearly, and the hook is tight enough that measurements are consistent. One reviewer notes, “I checked it against my laser measure and it’s spot on.” For layout work, it’s reliable.

Can you use this alone, or do you need a helper? You can use it alone for shorter measurements — the blade pushes out several feet easily. For full 100-foot pulls, a helper at the far end makes life easier. The flat blade doesn’t fight you, which helps if you’re solo.

Does it come with a case or pouch? No. It ships bare with just the tape and handle. Komelon makes a separate carrying pouch, but it’s not included. If you need belt carry, budget for that extra.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You measure long distances regularly and want a tape that lies flat, reads clearly, and won’t tangle. It’s a rugged, accurate tool for serious layout work.

Skip it if: You need a fast-retracting tape for quick measurements or want a belt-clip carry option out of the box.

The Komelon N6100 earns a 4.6/5. It does one thing — long, accurate measurement — and does it very well. The missing pouch and slow crank keep it from perfection, but for the job it’s built for, it’s hard to beat at this price.

Rating: 4.6/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐½)

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.