Milwaukee 35' STUD™ Tape Measure

Milwaukee's 35' STUD™ Tape Measure is one of the more robust tape measures I've had the opportunity to use. Measuring at 35 feet, this tape measure is designed with both professionals and DIY enthusiasts in mind. Its standout feature is the EXO360™ blade technology, which provides a significant resistance to tearing and wear. This is a feature that immediately caught my attention and one that I found to be incredibly beneficial for extended use.

From the moment I picked up the tape measure, the fully reinforced impact-resistant body felt solid and durable in my hand. The build quality is unmistakably high, living up to Milwaukee's reputation for crafting sturdy tools. The weight, which comes in at 1.56 pounds, gives it a substantial, but not cumbersome, feel. However, the size of the tape measure is something to consider. At 4.08 inches in length, 3.71 inches in height, and 2.4 inches in width, it’s notably bulkier than some other tape measures on the market. This bulkiness can make it a tight fit in some tool pouches, and it’s something to be mindful of if you prefer a more compact tool.

One of the standout features I appreciated was the finger stop mechanism. This allows you to control the retraction of the tape, preventing it from snapping back too quickly and potentially causing injury. This feature alone adds a layer of safety and control that’s very welcome, especially when working on a busy job site. The double-sided printing on the blade is another excellent touch. Having the measurements visible on both sides makes it easier to read from different angles, and the added architectural scale on the backside is a handy tool for those working with blueprints or drawings.

The tape itself can extend up to 17 feet without bending, which is quite impressive. This reach makes it much easier to measure longer distances without the need for an extra pair of hands. However, I did find that this 17-foot standout claim wasn’t always consistent. In some instances, the tape would start to bend or twist slightly before reaching that length. Despite this, the reach is still one of the better ones I’ve used in a tape measure, making solo measurements much simpler.

The anti-tear coating on the first six inches of the blade is another thoughtful addition. This area of the tape is typically the most prone to wear and tear, and reinforcing it helps ensure the longevity of the tool. However, I did notice that after a few weeks of heavy use, the blade started to show some signs of splitting near the tip. While this wasn’t a deal-breaker, it’s something to keep an eye on if you’re using the tape measure daily.

One area where the tape measure falls short is the lack of a magnetic hook. While this may not be a feature everyone uses, it’s something that I missed, especially when trying to measure metal surfaces. The hook itself is sturdy and provides a secure grip, but the addition of a magnetic end would have made it even more versatile.

The wire form belt clip is another useful feature, allowing you to easily attach the tape measure to your belt or tool pouch. It’s secure and doesn’t slip off easily, providing a reliable way to keep the tape measure within reach at all times. However, as mentioned earlier, the bulkiness of the tape measure can make it feel a bit heavy when clipped to your belt for extended periods.

In terms of accuracy, the Milwaukee 35' STUD™ Tape Measure is top-notch. The measurements are clear and easy to read, and the blade's design helps ensure that it stays straight and true, even over longer distances. This accuracy is crucial for any project, and it’s reassuring to know that you can rely on this tape measure to provide precise measurements every time.

Durability is another strong suit of this tape measure. The EXO360™ blade technology and the overall build quality make it one of the more durable tape measures I’ve used. Even after dropping it a few times, it showed no signs of damage, and the blade retracted smoothly without any issues.

However, I did encounter a few issues that are worth mentioning. One of the tape measures I used had trouble rolling out and retracting smoothly, which seemed to be a defect rather than a consistent problem across all units. Additionally, the blade's tendency to twist when extending it was a minor inconvenience that could potentially affect the accuracy of measurements if not careful.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee 35' STUD™ Tape Measure is a robust, durable, and reliable tool that’s well-suited for both professional and DIY use. Its standout features, such as the EXO360™ blade technology, finger stop mechanism, and double-sided printing, make it a versatile and practical choice for a wide range of measuring tasks. While it does have some minor drawbacks, such as its bulkiness and the lack of a magnetic hook, these are outweighed by its overall performance and durability.

I would recommend the Milwaukee 35' STUD™ Tape Measure to anyone in need of a reliable and long-lasting tape measure. Its combination of durability, accuracy, and user-friendly features make it a valuable addition to any toolkit. Whether you’re working on a construction site or tackling a home improvement project, this tape measure is built to withstand the rigors of daily use and provide accurate measurements every time.