: Back in the '80s I used to get a new Timex watch almost yearly. I'd
: forget to take it off before diving and implode the things.
: Eventually they pointed out I might be an idjit, and they were
: done replacing my watches.

Sears has excellent hand tools with 100% free replacement for breakage, I have used it many times, especially for tapes and screw drivers. (No where on the packaging does it say 'not to be used as a pry bar')
Speaking of tape measures - very seldom are any two going to give the same measurement. I have seen them off by 1/4"+ in 5'. It doesn't make any difference which tape measure you use - just keep using the same one. May not be as critical in kayak building as it was in airplane building but still good to know. Build two different parts with two different tapes - they probably aren't going to fit together.
Have a great New Years everyone :)