I dont know what it measures by? my dad bought a lufkin 100' 1706 and he is trying to figure out how to use it because the measurements seem to be off. for example he compares it to other measuring tapes and the lufkin tape is off by like an inch.

http://www.crescenttool.com/crescent-lufkin-measuring/tapes

Asking Lufkin is your best option as they might repair or replace for free or low cost.
The Official Site of Lufkin Brand Measuring Products
There are videos out there that will show how to take tape measures apart. However it can be tricky and if you are not careful the whole thing can become a mess to deal with. Most companies will not offer repair or replacement if you have tried to fix it yourself.

When you pull it out eightteen inches, does it feel like it's under tension like normal? Is it retracting like normal? If so pull it out hard, in a quick tug, you probably got something in it. It's just bound.

Usually skating blades are a 1/4th of an inch shorter than what the sole of your figure skating boot measures. For example, if the sole measures 10 inches, you would order a 9.75 inch blade.

www.cooperhandtools.com.au/PDFs/%20Users%20Guide.pdf

used one before a few years ago for work. Found a pdf manual online but as we also had issues with calibrating we had to send back to lufkin for calibration 4 times within 12 months. We never treated it badly just had issues. Atleast it was under warr We as a company changed over to hilti. Not to give them the thumbs up but they lease tools. Anything went wrong they just replaced or repaired anything on the spot. Was more economical for a mid size co using alot of cordless and measuring equipment.

cheers. Hope it helps

I looked around and can't find a replacement tape for this 12 footer. The tape measure itself seems to be no longer available.
I suggest recycling it and buying a new tape measure.

You need to take the screws out of the side but you may have broken the spring recoil mechinasum you can get a new tape but if the recoil is damaged its not worth fixing it would coast you more then buying a new one

try this website:

http://www.homeworkspot.com/

Buy a new one.

If it has gotten wet, muddy, or sand and grit in it you can spray WD40 in it and slowly move it in and out cleaning it as you go. do not pull it out to far ( no more than 6 inches past 49 1/2 feet. If ytou pull out a tape measure to far it will uncoil the spring and you will either need a replacement refill or just get rid of it and ask Santa for a new one. I have used broken tape blades for "measuring sticks". Simply cut them into 1 or 2 foot sections for hard to reach areas.....Joe