Milwaukee Compact Wide Blade Magnetic Tape Measure

When I first picked up Milwaukee’s Compact Wide Blade Magnetic Tape Measure, I was immediately struck by its robust and sturdy build. Milwaukee has a reputation for producing high-quality tools, and this tape measure certainly feels like it lives up to that standard at first glance. With a 35-foot length, it’s designed to handle a wide range of measuring tasks, from small home projects to larger construction jobs.

One of the standout features of this tape measure is its magnetic hook. This magnet is particularly strong, making it easy to attach to EMT and steel studs. This is a significant advantage when working solo, as it allows you to secure one end of the tape and extend it without needing a second pair of hands. The magnet holds firmly, reducing the frustration that often comes with trying to keep the tape in place.

The tape itself is coated with a nylon blade protection and an anti-tear coating on the first 6 inches. This is a thoughtful addition, as the first few inches of a tape measure are typically the most vulnerable to wear and tear. The coating does seem to provide some added durability, and the tape feels thicker than many others I’ve used. Additionally, the tape has a 5-point reinforced frame which certainly adds to its overall ruggedness. I accidentally dropped it a couple of times from a considerable height, and it survived without any noticeable damage.

Another feature I appreciated is the 2-sided printing on the tape. This makes it easier to read measurements from different angles, which is particularly useful when working in awkward or tight spaces. The large, clear numbers are easy to read, even from a distance, and the architectural scale is a nice touch for more precise measuring tasks.

However, despite these positives, I encountered some significant drawbacks. After some use, I noticed that the tape began to develop a crack near the 9-inch mark. This crack eventually led to a split, and the tape started catching and tearing more frequently. This issue necessitated a temporary fix with clear tape to prevent further damage. Unfortunately, this problem seems to be a recurring theme with this particular model.

Another issue I faced was the rigidity of the tape itself. While the manufacturer claims it can maintain a 15-foot reach, I found that the tape often bent or twisted after only 5 to 6 feet. This lack of standout made it challenging to take long measurements without support. The tape also developed a permanent twist after some use, making it difficult to hook onto surfaces and pull for measurements accurately.

The belt clip, although sturdy, is quite stiff. It requires significant effort to clip onto a belt or pocket, which can be frustrating when you’re trying to work quickly. This might seem like a minor issue, but it’s these small inconveniences that can add up during a long workday.

While the tape measure comes with a limited lifetime warranty, accessing this warranty can be cumbersome. The nearest service center for me was quite a distance away, making it impractical to utilize the warranty for a relatively inexpensive tool. This is a significant downside, especially considering the durability issues I faced.

On a more positive note, the finger stop feature under the tape is quite handy. It allows you to control the speed of retraction easily, which can help prevent the tape from snapping back too quickly and causing potential injuries. The soft rubber grip on the casing also provides a comfortable hold, reducing hand fatigue during prolonged use.

Despite its rugged appearance and useful features, the durability of the tape itself leaves much to be desired. For a tool that is supposed to withstand heavy-duty use, the frequent cracking and bending issues are disappointing. Milwaukee’s reputation for quality makes these shortcomings even more glaring.

In conclusion, while the Milwaukee Compact Wide Blade Magnetic Tape Measure has several features that make it appealing, such as the strong magnetic hook, 2-sided printing, and comfortable grip, its durability issues are hard to overlook. The recurring problems with the tape cracking and the cumbersome warranty process make it a less reliable choice for professionals who need a dependable tool for daily use.

Would I recommend this tape measure? Unfortunately, I would not. While it has some standout features and feels great in hand, the frequent durability issues and the impracticality of accessing the warranty undermine its overall value. For those looking for a reliable tape measure, there are other brands and models on the market that offer better performance and durability without the same level of hassle.