Does anyone know how to rewind a tape measure ?

[hickory n Steel]

My favorite tape is a Lufkin W921 ( a small metal cased 12 footer ) that I've had since I was a kid, I took it apart to fix the broken off tip and now I can't get it working properly again.

I have absolutely zero clue what I'm doing wrong, but only 7ft will come out.

Could someone please school me on this ?
I'd love to get this thing working again.

[J.A.F.E.]

I have rewound them but it can be a bit tricky the first time. You need to rewind it again I think you wound it too tight. Is the spring in a reel?

[hickory n Steel]

I have rewound them but it can be a bit tricky the first time. You need to rewind it again I think you wound it too tight. Is the spring in a reel?

Nope, not in a reel.
I've tried multiple times, and I finally got it to where it would pull out a full 12 feet but that left me with 3 feet that would not go back in.

[Mikebaker1129]

Carefully take it apart and re wrap the tape around so it winds and tightens the spring.
This will allow more of the tape to retract.
It may take a few more trys to get it just right.

1 mistake and you are starting all over!
As long as the spring mechanism is not broken,this will work.

[hickory n Steel]

Carefully take it apart and re wrap the tape around so it winds and tightens the spring.
This will allow more of the tape to retract.
It may take a few more trys to get it just right.

1 mistake and you are starting all over!
As long as the spring mechanism is not broken,this will work.

I was just letting the spring retract the tape, I'll keep trying.