<p>A tape measure device has an elongated blade (20) with a central concave-convex segment (40) with at least one planar segment (42, 44) adjoining edgewise the central concave-convex segment to form a junction that extends substantially along the entire length of the elongated blade. During formation of the blade the junction is annealed to avoid formation of a flaw or incipient fracture along the junction.</p>
