Abstract: A tape measure system with primary and secondary locking assemblies. A housing has a first face and a second face with a peripheral wall therebetween. A slot is provided in at least one linear extent on the peripheral wall. A length of flexible, essentially inextensible tape, is adapted to be rolled up in a spool-like configuration within the housing. The tape is formed of a flexible material with an arcuate cross-sectional configuration and has a central axis of rotation extending perpendicularly through central extents of the first and second faces, an interior end and a free exterior end extending through the slot to exterior of the housing, and a generally rigid stopper to preclude the exterior end of the tape from entering the housing. A locking assembly includes a first component operatively coupled with respect to the linear extent of the housing and a second component positionable in spaced operative proximity to the fixed component for the positioning of a portion of the tape therebetween.