Abstract: A winding brake for spring-return tape measures comprising a case having diametral walls, a drum disposed inside the case for carrying a graduated tape, said drum comprising a flange opposite one of the diametral wall of the case, at least one inside cradle integral with said drum, a housing formed between the one diametral wall of the case and the flange of the drum comprising a cylindrical friction face at least one approximately circular elastic tongue each having a first end integral with one of said at least one cradle, and a second end adapted to come into frictional contact with the cylindrical friction face of said housing, said first end being disposed downstream with respect to said second end during winding of the tape, at least one weight placed transversely in said housing and radially between the at least one cradle and the second end of the at least one tongue adapted to cooperate with the cylindrical friction face during rotation of the drum during winding and unwinding of the tape.