A measuring tape device may include a housing having an aperture, a reel assembly defining an axis, a blade having a first end configured to extend from the housing through the aperture and a second end configured to be wound on the reel assembly, a locking assembly configured to alternately allow and prevent winding of the blade onto the reel assembly based on a position of the locking assembly, and a guard assembly comprising guard members extending on opposing lateral sides of the locking assembly to protect the locking assembly from impact.