This is the new Dewalt Pocket Tape Measure, a cute little 9-foot tape measure that manages to be small, handy, and inexpensive.
The new mini Dewalt tape measure, DWHT33028, has a metal pocket clip and magnetic back.
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It’s small. The Pocket Tape is larger than the Milwaukee and Stanley keychain tape measures we reviewed, but also seemingly more durable, longer, and more capable.
The magnet on the back is small, but strong enough to keep it from sliding down a steel surface.
The tape is easily readable. The blade is 1/2″ wide and coated with Tylon for durability.
(A Google search turns up that Tylon is a brand name for a variety of nylon and nylon-based materials.)
The hook is small, but proportionally so. It could be larger, but I don’t think that would accomplish anything but to make the tape clumsier to use.
The Dewalt Pocket Tape Measure clips inside my pocket, outside to my belt, and also has a lanyard slot for added carrying options and versatility.
I like it, and will probably buy a couple the first time I see them in stores. They should be available now at stores that carry Dewalt tools. Maybe I’ll stick one to the side of every tool box.
Price: $6
Buy Now(via Acme Tool)
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
I wish there was more to say, but this is one of the simplest products and tape measures I’ve tested in some time.
It simply works. Dewalt sought out to create a quick-access and easy to carry tape measure, and they succeeded.
No, it doesn’t have record-breaking standout, no it probably won’t survive a drop from 50 feet up, no it doesn’t have a super strong double-action spring return.
It’s a compact tape that’s easy to carry.
I’ll be comparing it to my keychain tape measures, and maybe my <16 foot tape measures, if I can find any of them. I’m sure I have a 10 foot tape measure or two, and maybe a few 12 foot tape measures around here somewhere.
Than you to Dewalt for providing the test sample unconditionally.
pete says
Looks great, i’ll be picking one up for sure.
Troy says
How does it compare to the Stanley 12′? https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-33-212-12-Foot-PowerLock-Tape/dp/B00002X2GK/
This has been my kitchen drawer tape measure for years.
Stuart says
I’m sure I have one somewhere, but it’ll take me some time to dig it out. I bought one or two Stanley PowerLock bundles during a past year’s winter holiday sale.
At the least, this one has a magnetic bag, the Stanley doesn’t.
Travis Collins says
I’ve been waiting for these to become available. Look like the most useful tape measure in its size to date from any manufacturer.
I love magnets!
Bolt says
Looks good and useful. I always liked the idea of a 6′ tape but in practice I always found that the things i needed to measure were longer than that.
glenn says
I have a few of the Stanley and Milwaukee 2m tapes and the Dewalt above has the same problem. The blade is too narrow for them to be truly useful.
Usually I am only measuring and cutting lengths under 2m and more often under 1m but these are just too floppy so I have to use a 5m tape. The first company to produce a 2 or 3m tape with a 25mm blade will be on to a winner.
fred says
It would be nice. Only a few 16-footers have 1 inch blades – and the widest they seem to put on 10 footers is 5/8 – with 3/4 on some 12 footers
A2Bob says
I had a Sears 10′ x 1″ tape years ago. The blade finally broke and I have not been able to find one of similar dimensions.
Toolfreak says
Wonder why only 9ft and not 12?
I’m also interested in how this compares to the Stanley 12′ tapes, both the basic plastic 12′ and the leverlock.
If the Dewalt 9′ is smaller and lighter it might be worth it, otherwise if it’s around the same size, makes me wonder why bother having something just as big but with 3′ less tape.
RC WARD says
Ah that extra 3 feet is the bomb.
Chris says
I have a couple of Lee Valley 10′ cabinetmaker’s tapes. They’re incredibly handy (though they don’t have a magnet) and are available for both left-handers and rightys
Nathan says
OK so I’d like to see a size comparison pic between this, somebody’s 12 – some bodies useful 6 (emphasis on the useful as I have a 6 that I think is the size of a half dollar) and one of those cabinet maker things.
Just to show where the tradeoff’s took place. I Think they might have gotten to the sweet spot of portability – usability. After a few checks in my hand (I assume HD, LOWES will have them) – I can see putting on in each car’s bag – and I can see putting one on one of my metal boxes so it’s always there if I take that box somewhere.
better than nothing. Yes a 12 ft will stay in the kitchen smurfall drawer
Tomas says
I like those Komelion self lock tape measures. They don’t roll back until you press the release (the opposite of most tape measures. They make a 16′ one that’s my go to.
Fm2176 says
It’s available in Home Depot stores now. Picked one up this morning. Seems pretty good for the money.
mosh says
I picked one up today in Home Depot I love the magnet it holds to my key clip so I don’t have to use the clip time Saver
ACC says
Worth noting the body measures 2″, so easy end to end math. Seems as light and compact as it could be. I think the Stanley Powerlock 12′ is the best tape out there. It has a 3/4″ blade and is so compact. This 9′ DeWalt is proportionately smaller and much lighter. Useful standout on the DeWalt is about 33″. For the 12′ Stanley it’s about 53″. If Dewalt made this in a 12′ with a 5/8″ or 3/4″ blade it would be tops.
FYI I consider useful standout, to be the point where you can reliably reach with the expectation that the blade won’t collapse.
Mike boney says
I’m a woodworker and have used many tapes through the years. This tape is absolutely perfect! Just the right length and size for production woodworking. My only complaint is that the clip is too wide and it falls off of your pocket. So you just have to take it off and bend it in a bit so it clamps instead of just hangs. The magnet is nice but it is always getting stuck to what I’m working next to ie saws, forklifts, metal tables. Other than that I love it
Allen Secord says
I totally agree with Mike boney. The clip is too wide and the tape measure falls off my pocket. Also, I find the magnetic feature is annoying. I thiught it would be an asset, but I was wrong. I cant place it just anywhere without the magnet attracting things that I don’t want magnetized. I’m also concerned about the magnetic affect on electronic equipment, i.e. cell phone, e-book, etc. Overall, I like the tape measure, however, I would like to remove the magnet. The only suitable location I have found to place the magnet is on the refrigerator or perhaps a car fender. There is no suitable place inside my car to hang the tape measure; there is little if any exposed metal. I’m reluctant to remove the screw holding the magnet for fear of affecting the retracting mechanism inside the tape measure. I would like to know if removing the screw holding the magnet is a problem.
Mike Boney says
I have done it successfully, but you do need to be careful. It can unwind and pop open. I put it in a vice when I do it. Take the clip off too and bend it in a bit so it will actually stay clipped to your pocket or bag. A pain but after you do that it’s a great small tape. It’s nice and compact without too much plastic or rubber over molding bulking it up.