Black&Decker AutoTape Model # ATM100 Type 3 6V DC 25 ' Measuring Tape with laser. When I changed out the 4 AAA batteries I was very careful how I put them in the Tape. The batteries were brand new. The tape would not work no matter how I installed the batteries. HELP!

SOURCE: how to fix a stanley power-lock 25 ft measuring tape

Take the four corner screws out and the last center (short screw out). Split the shells in two pieces. Seperate the yellow or measureing tape from the black spindle tape. The spindle tape holds or attaches the measurement tap to the spindle. I have only seen a plastic spindle and this tutorial only applies to the plastic one. Take the spindle out and set the half casings on their backs, so you can see the cavity of the shells. The black spindle tape will be preformed to only wrap one way. Go ahead and attach the yello measuring tape to the black spindle tape. Pay close attention which side of the yellow tape is facing up or in our intended direction which is towards the center of the spindle. This way when you pull the tape out it is facing up for the person can see the measure marks. Wrap the tape tightly. If the tabs are broke and there's no way to secure the Yellow to the black, use two strips of Duct Tape and adhere the sections together. Do not use too much tape, since the clearance inside the spindle is tight. Once you wrap the tape inside, put a temporary piece of tape to secure the yellow and keep it from unraveling again. Next take a 1" wood screw and a battery powered drill and insert the screw into the center of the plastic spindle. Slowly tap the screw until it catches, do not drill the screw all the way in, only enough to catch in the plastic. Once the screw is partly into the plastic place the spindle into one of the half shells. The reason for the drill and screw is to return the tension back to the internal spring. Whichever side you placed the screw into you need to be sure to apply a clockwise turn. Keep the hex head of the drill so to not release the tension. At the same time place the spindle in the half shell and lock its square center piece into the shell. Now you can remove the screw from the center, then remove the tape holding the yellow meauring tape down, Still holding the measuring tape so it wont unravel, begin placing the last half shell on. Obviously you need to line everything up so the tape slides freely through its opening. Align the tape slide stop, which rests between the two shell halves. Replace the screws and remember the short one goes in the middle and holds down the belt clip.

Frank

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Take a look at the inside of the Battery cover. You will see a (-) and (+). Look at your unit from the bottom with batter case away from you. Insert batteries with Neg up, Pos up, Neg up, then Pos up.

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