DeWalt ToughSeries™ Tape Measure

As a long-time user of DeWalt products, I was eager to test out their ToughSeries™ Tape Measure, particularly the DWHT36935S model. This tape measure promised a range of features that seemed tailored to both professional and DIY enthusiasts: extended reach, durable housing, and a removable magnet among others. Here’s my detailed experience with this tool.

The first thing I noticed was the tape measure's robust construction. The housing is designed to withstand drops from up to 100 feet, and it genuinely feels like it could take a beating. The contoured case design offers an improved grip, which is a nice touch when you’re working in slippery or awkward conditions. The tape itself is 35 feet long, providing plenty of length for most tasks without needing assistance.

One of the standout features is the extended reach capability. The tape can extend up to 17 feet unsupported, making it incredibly useful for measuring across large spaces without needing a second person to hold the other end. In practice, the tape did indeed reach out to impressive lengths without collapsing, although I found that it started to twist and bend slightly beyond 14 feet. This is still quite useful for most of my needs, but it’s worth noting if you’re pushing the tape to its limits.

The removable magnet is another feature that adds versatility. It’s designed to easily cling to metal surfaces, which is particularly handy when measuring metal materials or working around steel structures. I found the magnet held up well, providing a reliable hold on metal surfaces. However, attaching and detaching the magnet was not as smooth as I had hoped. It required a bit more force than expected, and I did worry about potentially damaging the tape in the process.

A big plus for this tape measure is the double-sided blade printing. This makes it much easier to read measurements from various angles, which is especially useful in tight or awkward spaces. The markings are clear and easy to read, though I did miss fractional markings, which would have been helpful for quicker and more precise measurements.

Durability is a key aspect of any tape measure, and this model boasts a six-inch protective blade coating for increased longevity. In my experience, the blade held up well under normal use, but I did notice some wrinkling and wear over time, particularly near the tip. This could be a concern for those who use their tape measures heavily and need them to remain precise and intact.

The belt clip, designed for easy access, was a bit of a letdown. It’s undersized and didn’t secure the tape measure to my belt as firmly as I would have liked. On several occasions, it fell off with the slightest nudge, which is far from ideal when working on ladders or moving around a job site. This is a minor but significant flaw in the overall design, as it impacts the tool’s practicality and convenience.

Despite these issues, there are several aspects of the ToughSeries™ Tape Measure that I appreciated. The tape retracts smoothly and quickly, even when fully extended. The locking mechanism is solid and easy to use, ensuring the tape stays in place when needed. The overall design and build quality are in line with what I’ve come to expect from DeWalt, offering a feeling of reliability and sturdiness.

For those working in environments where visibility is crucial, the tape’s numbers are large and easy to read, though the black edges can sometimes make it harder to see in low-light conditions. The tape is also quite hefty, which adds to its durability but may be cumbersome for some users, especially if you’re carrying multiple tools.

In conclusion, the DeWalt ToughSeries™ Tape Measure DWHT36935S has a lot of potential, with features that cater to both professional and casual users. Its extended reach, double-sided blade, and durable construction are significant advantages. However, issues with the removable magnet, belt clip, and occasional twisting of the blade hold it back from being a perfect tool.

Would I recommend this tape measure? It depends on your specific needs. If you require a tape measure that can withstand harsh environments and offer extended reach, this model is a solid choice. However, if you need precision and ease of use without the risk of the tape twisting or the belt clip failing, you might want to explore other options. DeWalt has crafted a sturdy and versatile tool, but it’s not without its flaws. Choose based on what features are most critical to your work, and you’ll find whether this tape measure fits your toolkit.