No one thinks twice when they see electronic switches or controls on power tools. But hand tools are another story. Except for electronic levels and stud finders, hand tools are pretty much the way they've always been. Until now, that is. Recently, two companies introduced electronic tape measures, bringing high-tech to one of the most basic of hand tools. Starrett's Digitape The best-known example is Starrett Company's Digitape, an electronic tape that comes 16 or 25 feet long. I had a chance to use the 25-footer. Except for the digital display and mode buttons on top, it looks and feels the same as a standard tape. A series of black stripes run down the center of its inch-wide blade.
