DeWalt Tape Measure Holder

Why I reached for this holder

I spend a lot of time on ladders and lifts, where a tape measure can either be your best friend or a dropped-object incident waiting to happen. I wanted something that would keep a tape secure on a harness without relying solely on the tape’s own belt clip. This DeWalt holder promised a simple answer: a rugged pouch with a steel D-ring for tethering, a stainless clip for mounting, and adjustable straps to lock a tape in place. I’ve run it for several weeks on both a work belt and a full-body harness, rotating through a slimmer 16-foot tape, a chunky 25-foot model, and an oversized 35-footer.

Design and build

The holder is built from rugged polyester that’s stiff enough to stand open but flexible enough to conform around different tape bodies. The stitching is clean and reinforced at stress points, and the edges are bound to resist fraying. Bright yellow accents help it stand out in a crowded pouch or at the bottom of a gang box. At roughly 5.1 inches tall and about 3.75 inches wide, it has a compact footprint that doesn’t hog belt space.

A steel D-ring sits where it should—high and centered—making it easy to snap in a lanyard. The stainless mounting clip is stout, with enough spring tension that I never worried about it popping off mid-climb. It grabbed onto my harness webbing and my leather tool belt with equal confidence. The whole package feels purpose-built for jobsite abuse without being bulky.

Setup and fit

Getting a tape seated is straightforward: slide the body into the pouch, cinch the elastic strap around the belly of the tape, and then secure the hook-and-loop closures so the tape can’t creep up and out. Because the strap is elastic, you can dial in a snug wrap without crushing the tape.

Fit varies with the tape’s profile, as you’d expect. My slim 16-foot tape dropped in and out easily; it felt like the sweet spot for effortless access. A wide-body 25-foot tape also fits, but here the holder’s tight sidewalls become more noticeable. With the strap cinched for security, the draw requires a deliberate tug and a bit of a rock side-to-side. It’s fine once you get the rhythm, but it’s not as quick as using a tape’s built-in belt clip.

I also tried a 35-foot tape—the kind you carry when you’re measuring long runs and need standout. It does fit, and the elastic will accommodate the girth, but it’s a two-handed draw most of the time. If you regularly carry a 30- or 35-foot tape and need constant in-and-out access, plan for a slightly slower workflow or consider loosening the strap more than you might for smaller tapes.

Practical tip: adjust the strap to the minimum tension that still keeps the tape from rattling. If you’re in and out of the holder all day, backing off the strap just a bit pays off in speed without giving up much security.

Access and retention in daily use

Retention is where the holder excels. Even with vigorous movement—climbing, crawling through framing, or hopping in and out of a truck—the tape stayed put. The elastic-strap-plus-Velcro setup isn’t fancy, but it’s reliable. The trade-off is access speed. With a slim tape, I could often draw one-handed by hooking my fingers under the tape and levering it out. With bulkier tapes, a second hand to steady the holder made the motion smoother.

The mouth of the pouch doesn’t have a rigid lip, so it flexes slightly as you pull the tape. That flex helps accommodate different shapes, but it also adds a bit of friction on the way out. If you prioritize speed, consider positioning the holder slightly forward on your dominant side so you can brace the pouch with your thumb while pulling the tape with your fingers. That little adjustment eliminated most of the “wiggle” for me.

Mounting and carry

The stainless clip is the right choice here. It bites securely onto belts and harness straps and doesn’t deform over time. I ran it on a thick leather belt and on 45 mm harness webbing with equal success. The holder rides close to the body, which helps keep the tape from swinging when you’re moving quickly or working in tight spaces. On a harness, the close ride also means less snags when stepping through rebar or scaffolding.

The steel D-ring is positioned for quick lanyard connection, and pairing the holder with a small coiled lanyard turns it into a proper at-height solution. It’s labeled to ANSI/ISEA 121-2018, which is the dropped-object prevention standard many sites now require. That compliance, plus the lanyard-ready D-ring, makes this setup a solid choice for anyone working above ground level.

Durability and weather resistance

Polyester was the right material call. It shrugs off abrasion, doesn’t soak up water, and wipes clean. After weeks of use, the exterior shows light scuffing but no fraying. The hook-and-loop still grabs confidently, and the elastic hasn’t lost tension. The clip hasn’t warped or loosened its spring. I’ve worn it in drizzle and in dusty conditions; neither seemed to phase it, and the tape inside stayed protected from the worst of the grime.

Long-term, the parts most likely to show wear are the elastic strap and the hook-and-loop. So far, though, they’re holding up well, and the two-year warranty offers some added peace of mind if something prematurely gives out.

What could be better

• Access with large tapes: The holder will accept tapes up to 35 feet, but the bigger the body, the slower the draw. A slightly wider opening or a semi-rigid mouth could improve one-handed retrieval without sacrificing retention.

• Strap ergonomics: The Velcro strap does its job, but it can snag on gloves or other textiles if you swing it open frequently. A smoother pull tab or a rounded edge on the hook side would help.

• Size options: One size fits most is convenient, but offering a “large” variant for 30–35 foot tapes would better serve users who need more room and faster access.

Who it’s for

• Tradespeople who work at height: If you’re on lifts, scaffolding, or roofs, the D-ring and ANSI/ISEA 121-2018 compliance make this holder a smart way to keep your tape tethered and secure.

• Belt and harness users who value security over speed: If you’ve ever had a tape pop off a belt clip or vanish into a crawlspace, you’ll appreciate the retention this holder delivers.

• Estimators and supervisors: If you’re in and out of a truck, walking jobs, and occasionally climbing ladders, the compact profile and reliable clip make it easy to keep a tape handy without committing to a full rig.

Who might pass: If your workflow demands lightning-fast, one-handed draws from a wide-body 25- or 35-foot tape all day, this holder may feel a touch restrictive. A holster with a molded opening or relying on the tape’s own belt clip might be faster for you.

Tips for best results

• Right-size your tape: A 16- to slim 25-foot tape is the sweet spot for speed and security.

• Tune the strap once: Find the loosest setting that keeps the tape contained. Mark the strap position with a silver marker so you can return to it quickly.

• Place it thoughtfully: Mount it slightly forward on your dominant side for easier bracing and cleaner draws.

• Use the D-ring: If you’re at height, clip in a short lanyard to the D-ring. It adds negligible bulk and real safety.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt holder for anyone who prioritizes secure carry and tethering over absolute speed, especially if you work at height or on busy sites where dropped-object policies are enforced. It’s durable, compact, and confidently mounts to belts and harnesses. With slimmer tapes, access is quick enough; with bulky 25- to 35-foot tapes, expect a more deliberate draw. If your day revolves around constant, one-handed pulls of a wide-body tape, you may want a holster with a wider, rigid opening. For everyone else—carpenters, remodelers, estimators, and supervisors who want a dependable, lanyard-ready home for a tape—the balance of retention, build quality, ANSI/ISEA 121-2018 compliance, and a two-year warranty makes this a solid buy.