Abstract: An improved housing for a reel of measuring tape. The housing has a base member which holds a slotted pin to support the return spring. A frame is held at the edge of the base member and has an opening for the measuring tape to be reeled in and out. A portion of the frame also forms a portion of the cover. An upper base and cover member is held against the frame to complete the housing for the measuring tape. The construction has the advantage of permitting the assembler to hold the spring as well as the measuring tape at about a right angle with respect to the slotted pin. This makes the manufacturing process safer and less costly.