Milwaukee 25' STUD™ Heavy Duty Tape Measure

The Milwaukee 25' STUD™ Heavy Duty Tape Measure is designed to stand out in a market flooded with various measuring tools. As someone who has spent considerable time with construction and DIY projects, I was eager to see how this tape measure would fare against the competition. Here's a detailed breakdown of my experience with it.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that catches your eye is its robust construction. Milwaukee has clearly put a lot of thought into making a durable tool. The EXO360™ Blade Technology is a notable feature, promising resistance against ripping and wearing. The anti-tear coating on the first six inches of the blade further reinforces this claim. Holding it in my hand, the tape measure feels solid and well-built, weighing in at 1.18 lbs.

The body is fully reinforced, providing an extra layer of durability. However, this sturdiness does come with a trade-off. The tape measure is bulkier than others I've used, making it a bit cumbersome to carry around for extended periods. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's something to consider if you prefer lighter tools.

Usability and Features

One of the standout features is the 17-foot reach, which theoretically allows you to measure long distances without needing a second person to hold the other end. In practice, though, I found that the tape tends to bend around the 11 to 12-foot mark, even under ideal conditions. While this is still impressive, it falls short of the 17-foot claim. The double-sided printing is a handy feature, making it easier to read measurements regardless of the tape's orientation.

The finger stop feature is a thoughtful addition, providing better control during tape retraction. This is particularly useful in preventing the tape from snapping back too quickly, which can be both annoying and potentially dangerous. The wire form belt clip is another small but significant feature, designed to reduce pocket tearing—a common issue with many tape measures.

Performance

In terms of performance, the Milwaukee tape measure excels in several areas. The blade's width of 1-5/16" makes it easy to read, and the large, high-visibility numbers are a boon for quick measurements. The architectural scale printed on the tape is a nice touch, especially for those who frequently work on detailed projects.

However, I did encounter a few issues. The tape doesn't always retract smoothly. Occasionally, it requires manual assistance to roll back into the casing. This can become tiresome, especially during prolonged use. Additionally, after a few weeks of usage, I noticed some signs of wear on the protective coating, particularly towards the beginning of the tape. While it hasn't impacted the tape's overall functionality yet, it does raise questions about its long-term durability.

Durability

Milwaukee markets this tape measure as being able to withstand an 80-foot drop. While I didn't test this claim to its extreme, I did accidentally drop it from about 10 feet on a couple of occasions. It survived without any noticeable damage, which speaks to its sturdy construction. However, some users may find that the blade deteriorates faster than expected, especially with heavy use.

Conclusion

The Milwaukee 25' STUD™ Heavy Duty Tape Measure is a well-designed tool that offers several useful features for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Its robust construction, large, easy-to-read numbers, and thoughtful design elements like the finger stop and double-sided printing make it a strong contender in the market.

However, it does have its drawbacks. The tape's reach doesn't quite live up to the 17-foot claim, and the retraction mechanism could be smoother. Additionally, the bulkiness might be a turn-off for some users. The wear and tear on the protective coating also raise questions about its long-term durability.

Would I recommend this tape measure? Yes, but with reservations. If you're looking for a durable, easy-to-read tape measure with some nifty features, the Milwaukee 25' STUD™ is worth considering. However, if you prioritize a longer reach or need a tool that retracts smoothly every time, you might want to explore other options. Overall, it’s a solid tool but not without its imperfections.