Milwaukee Tool recently announced their new 10′ “keychain tape measure with LED light” would be launching soon, at Home Depot. Back in May, at Milwaukee’s New Product Symposium, I got my hands on the new mini tape measure, and so I can give you a detailed preview of the tool.
First off, the new keychain tape leap frogs over the Dewalt’s 9′ pocket tape with a 10′ or 3 meter blade length. The blade has an imperial scale on the top, graduated in 1/16″ increments, while the bottom of the blade has markings in centimeters and millimeters.
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The blade is very similar to their previous 6′ keychain tape.
As the official product name implies, there is also a forward-facing LED that allows you to read the blade in the dark.
You can see that the tape is significantly thicker than most other keychain tapes, due to the lump on the side containing the switch and batteries.
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The LED is not super bright, but it could also function as a flashlight in a pinch.
The LED is powered by two CR2016 3V cells. You access the batteries by removing the coin cell carrier on the side of the tape measure. In the above photo, you can see the on/off switch on the side of the tape. You can also see the four reinforcement points on the frame of the tape where the screws are.
On the rear of the tape there is a magnet and a keychain clip, giving you several carrying and storage options.
Milwaukee says the new Milwaukee 10ft keychain tape is available at Home Depot right now for $9, but when I look at my local stores there are none in stock. (They’re probably still on the way to stores.) It’s available now online.
Price: $11 with free shipping (updated 12/2022)
First Thoughts
I like to use my keychain tape with it still attached to my belt loop. It’s faster, and it’s always at hand, rather than lost in the mess of a project. I gave up my favorite tape measure — the previous version of Milwaukee’s keychain tape — because it was just too short. 6′ is just not long enough to use a tape this way. More than once, I’d over extended the tape and broke it.
I’ve started carrying Dewalt’s 9′ keychain tape, and I haven’t overextended it yet, but I really miss the dual Metric/Imperial scale. I know it isn’t as useful for marking, but it’s really handy for converting inches to mm or vice versa. Not only that, but converting this way give you perspective on the actual length.
I’m excited for this tape to come out so I can carry a tape with a dual Metric/Imperial scale without fear of over extending the blade.
Thom
For less than $10 having a dual standard tape would be handy.
Michael Brown
Wish they’d remove the LED, don’t need the bulk on a pocket tape measure !! Love the metric and inch scales!
Michael Brown
Awe the older model didn’t have the LED. off to Home Depot to see if they have the older model, or get it from zoro next time I order.
salmon
How many different models of tape measure does Milwaukee sell? Stanley has maybe 5 total if you count all the different sizes, and everybody knows if they get a 25 foot powermax it’ll work great like they always have.
Milwaukee I have no idea what I’m going to get. They all look the same and there are so many models I presume some of them are crap.
Tim E.
I think Stanley has a few more than 5, there’s the the power lock, FatMax, the regular plastic bodied Stanley that isn’t FatMax, hi vis tapes, FatMax with blade armor, …
Not saying Milwaukee is any better now, they have auto lock, stud, the premium magnetic tapes, the regular contractor tapes, …
I think the Stanley and DeWalt sections individually are as big as the Milwaukee at Home Depot, for what it’s worth. Glad to see another longer keychain measure available, it’s kind of a gap still, need more than 6’ but you want something clippable instead of going all the way to a full body 12’ or 16’.
Koko the Talking Ape
This might be an LED too far.
These LEDs with the simple built-in lens throw a lot of side glare, far off the axis of the beam itself. They can dazzle your eyes, especially if you wear glasses or goggles. Also, I find it irritating AF, especially if the light is that intense blue-white.
I have masked off part of the LEDs on my Milwaukee tools for that reason. I may end up covering them entirely.
On the other hand, headlamps can always throw light where you need it, and can be light and comfortable. Even the weakest one is strong enough unless you are working in actual darkness.
Joe
Toolguyd and others definitely get excited over any Milwaukee product, just like Most of the tool channels. I’ve never seen any other company ,(Milwaukee) pump out so much ,so fast, and Give away so many Free tools to anyone , anywhere that will sing the happy Chinese Milwaukee marketing song…..
…..Much like the Over hyped, Under performing Milwaukee stud tape that actually does break when folded in half like every other tape does and retracks horribly,, ( don’t it’s useless coating)this is very bulky for a pocket tape,with a useless light….
……there are dozens of 12′ tapes of equal size both metric and standard on Amazon from $4-10..of course no light though….
skfarmer
i agree joe. i just can’t bring myself to buy into anything milwaukee. way back when i used to work in the hvac trade i just couldn’t see all of the milwaukee hype other than the recip saw and holeshooter and that was 25 years ago. now the product line is 10 times larger (or more)than it was then. they sure got some sort of marketing dept………
Joe
Absolutely…. Milwaukee will give Free tools to any YT channel ,any Blog, anyone that will sing for them…they rush products out ,then just make another gen 17 the next year to improve it…. DeWalt takes years to release tools ,then waits years for everyone to catch up to them….Buy American when you can..?
Adam
I can’t argue the free shilling to YT joker’s, but that is every company, DeWalt included. I remember the drool of YTers & flexvolt.
What tool is Gen 16 right now from Mwk? What tool has DeWalt not redone that has been around for more than a couple years? Ya, they have only had at least ump-teen drills released over the years. I want to say it’s DeWalt that is the father of releasing a dumbed down drill model for holidays/father day “deals.”
“… years to release tools.”
You can also spend so much time improving a tool, before you start wasting it by not releasing it. Law of diminished returns comes to mind.
Mwk has made in USA, expanding all the time, and yes DeWalt is too.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-Oscillating-Multi-Tool-Blade-Kit-6-Piece-48-90-1006/300876737
Joe
Completely mistaken about DeWalt. First ,ya they make tools in China too., But at least they make a lot here and Now another Brand Craftsman is starting to be made here…as for ” years” yes the 791,887,996,899,jigsaw,sawzall,planer,etc..have been out for almost 4 yrs and no update , Milwaukee is on Gen 3 to compete with DeWalts 4 yr old tools… (Gen 17 was in jest ,)…
…..as for DIY toos ,yes DeWalt makes Diy grade tools ,771,777, etc because some people just want a decent non pro tool, but as for Professional tools , it takes years for DeWalt to release new tools.,
…..of course any reputable YT channel will confirm this, ,Workshop addict, OzTool, Concord Carpenter( who actually just did a HD Hammer drill shoot out, and DeWalts 996(4 yr old) lost to Milwaukee gen3 by 1 point .,.
…. everyone obviously can buy whatever they want,I just point out to buy American on every channel,blog,vlog I can…we use tools for living ,7 days a week building homes…
John E
Those oscillating tool blades are originally made by Imperial. Milwaukee just bought the company. Still China owned.
Stuart
So much animosity, over a keychain tape measure?
Dewalt’s Pocket Tape is incredibly handy. https://toolguyd.com/dewalt-9-foot-pocket-tape-measure/ , so is Milwaukee’s $4 6-foot keychain tape. There’s no reason to think this one won’t be good, although I’d probably prefer one that didn’t have the light and was $2 cheaper.
Adam
I would have used either for my recent attic expedition the other day, I’m only tied to a good tape measure, not brand. The 6′ Milwaukee was perfect for minimizing my lugging of tools to the repair spot. Just needed to measure for some blocking, so nothing over 16″.
A 9′ would be nicer, but I could skip the light. I don’t know where I would be working that I wouldn’t already have enough light from another source that I would need to rely on the tape measure. I’d also prefer not to deal with button batteries if possible, though less of an factor after buying many in bulk off Amazon
I think many would rather have a built-in Bluetooth linked speaker/alarm for locating 😀
Yadda
I for one like to hear about new products including this one. Competition makes for a healthy economy so tool companies will always seek ways to attract consumers with the newly featured versions of tape measures, pliers, hammers, etc…. I vote with my dollars and support those companies and products I like and want.
Adam
I think Stuart has been very open about when he’s gotten something for free, and he never does paid ‘say nice things about this product’ reviews.
It’s pretty rude of you to imply that he’s being paid to say nice things about Milwaukee (or any other brand), when he’s just genuinely excited about new tools.
Yadda
Well said!
DannyK
Seconded. Some people are so mean-spirited, they don’t even care if they express a wrong opinion with prejudice. I’ve been following this blog for awhile. There are many brands and tools being covered. Most of the times, the comment sections are full of helpful info, too. Rarely do I see caustic comments on here. For the love of tools, be nice folks!
Joe
I understand that your not in the business, therefore your comment doesn’t make any sense…of course toolguyd gets all free products,it’s his business…
Adam
Depends on how you define ‘the business’. I am in the trades, though I don’t build houses any more.
Regardless, Stuart does buy a lot of stuff for testing and reviews, as well as getting free items. He’s always been very clear about where the samples came from when posting a review.
glenn
If someone would make a 3m tape with the same blade width as their 5 and 10m tapes it would be a winner. So far as I know, all the 2 and 3m tapes have narrow blades with useless stand out.
Most times in my work I rarely have to measure over 2m, so a 3m tape with near full standout would be awesome.
I could see the light being handy at times for those that have to work under houses of in roof cavities etc.
Personally, I like and use Milwaukee tapes with the finger stop. Never broken one or had on fail.
Tom
Do you mean a 25mm wide blade? I would think a full 32mm wide blade would make the case almost shaped like a cube (as wide as it is long)!
glenn
25mm is what I meant. Had to laugh at your cube comment as I pictured it as I read it lol.
Thom
At least Milwaukee still lists their tools torque in inch/lbs not some totally vague Unit Watts Out so you cant compare it with the competition. Secondly why are Dewalt Chinese tools any different than Milwaukee /Makita/Ridgid Chinese tools? What you know as Dewalt is just Black and Decker in Yellow trade dress.. Except if it was B&D on the label you probably wouldn’t buy it.
Im not knocking SBD . I have many of their products and I’m excited to see them resurrecting the Craftsman brand. They are however an international company just like Milwaukee /TTI.
skfarmer
um no, dewalt is not just b and d in yellow dress. that is like saying proto or mac hand tools are the same as stanley hand tools.
show us a b and d tool that is the same or comparable to it’s dewalt offering. the old b and professional line of 20+ yrs ago yes but now, no.
fred
SBD certainly has enough brands to “cover the waterfront”
When B&D (before they bought Dewalt) were making pro tools (like my Super Sawcat with electronic brake) – they were trying to cover all bases with only 1 brand. They made so many cheapie tools with the B&D name on them – that the brand was severely tarnished. Now B&D on a tool seems to mean low-end homeowner quality.
What I chuckle about, is when SBD slaps their flagship brand name (Dewalt) on all manner of tools that would seem to be outside their wheelhouse. I can’t see how that can help maintain the brand’s premium positioning.
The yeti
Fred. This is the opinion of so many more.
It would be like putting Cadillac badges on a Kia.
This is why i hope for Craftsman to be the new flagship. I doubt it happens. However. To me it makes more sense than continuing to push DeWalt into mechanics tools. Etc.
Fm2176
“It would be like putting Cadillac badges on a Kia.”
How about on a Chevy Cavalier? Oh wait, the Cimarron was a thing… ?
Given the status DeWalt seems to have in the construction trades, I’d prefer to see them start to become relegated to just that: tools that tradesmen can use. In other words, make Craftsman the “catch-all” brand it once was, offering mechanic tools; tool boxes, cabinets, and shelving; pneumatic tools; corded and cordless power tools (to include less-featured products that may compete with DeWalt, think Ridgid vs. Milwaukee); and the various merchandise and other randomness that Craftsman has become known for. Meanwhile, maintain DeWalt’s position as SBD’s premier trade line, with corded and cordless tools, pneumatic nailers and air compressors, jobsite storage and mobile toolbox systems, suitable accessories, and maybe a few of the current non-tool items like workwear.
skfarmer
as far as toolguyd being transparent. i fully believe he is and if he ever has not been i don’t recall a time.
not sure why the milwaukee discussion even started but i don’t think it was just because of the tape measure. i think it has been under the surface for a while. it seems as if many milwaukee fans have drank the kool-aid and there is nothing else. fortunately toolguyd seems pretty well balanced and calls it like it is.
surprised nobody jumped him for almost completing calling the miter saw recommendations for dewalt
fred
You have to give TTI-Milwaukee credit for trying to innovate and/or promoting the heck out of each new offering. In buying for our plumbing business – I felt that they were trying to provide new solutions for our work – while some others were a bit slower to the punch. Among the big 3 or 4 (SBD, TTI, Bosch and Makita) – TTI seems to do a lot of tooting of their own horn. In the US – anyway Bosch and Makita seem to be a bit quieter – while SBD and TTI “duke it out” for market share. ITW – which is probably as big as Makita – meanwhile seems content to “hide their candle under a bucket.”
Tim E.
I think Fred touched on a really good point here. Milwaukee I think purposely makes and targets certain “ancillary” type tools, just so they become “must have it” tools, that they can market and drive people to the brand, which then leads to the kool aid. How many people wrench on cars, or claim to / want to / try to? Well hey, there’s this powered ratchet from Milwaukee that no one else has, that is accessible to DIYers and not just auto shops buying Mac/snap on. So then they get regular people on the Milwaukee platform, and thats a possible one more on team Red. And since too many people IMO stay brand centric without good reasons, you get fanboys. (I should clarify that there are many and very valid reasons and considerations for staying on one brand for anybody at any level, diy or pro, but there are also reasons not to, which I think get overlooked sometimes once people decide to “lock” themselves into a brand).
Especially at the DIY/amateur/semi-pro levels I think, tool performance isn’t a big enough concern to warrant cherry picking tools from different brands. Dewalt’s flexvolt circular may be more powerful than Milwaukee’s (or more useful to framers or whatever trade), but for the average person, they may not notice the difference, or may not care, and would be perfectly content with either brand’s circular. That leaves the/a main differentiator as tool breadth, rather than performance for those types of people (and for pros in certain trades as well). By Milwaukee making so many trade specific tools no one else makes, they’re winning that arena. And all that ties in to marketing for Milwaukee, getting a product and thus a touch point in a consumer’s hands.
Illustrating these points, for myself, being in the enthusiast DIY segment, tool breadth was a big part of my deciding factor on going Milwaukee for my main line, and continues to keep me there. The soldering iron, cordless heat gun, rivet gun, ratchets, some of the unique lighting solutions, and other tools that used to be or still are only available from Milwaukee, and are useful to me and what I do, drove and continue to drive that decision. To my second point, I do have Milwaukee’s circular saws, including my favorite M12 circular, not necessarily because they’re the most powerful (looking at you there, M12), but because their performance is sufficient for me to keep me happy. That said, I’m a huge proponent of being brand agnostic where it makes sense (financially, performance wise, tool wise, etc.). I have the flexvolt 12” miter because it’s a better saw than Milwaukee’s 10” (I would have gotten the flexvolt 10”, but hit a deal on the 12”, which is why I don’t mention blade size as a factor. My 12” is non-sliding, so tradeoffs). I have Milwaukee’s 7.25” miter instead of DeWalt because they’re fairly par with each other at that size, and I have more and larger Milwaukee batteries, so makes sense to stay with my main line. I have makita’s 12V rotary cutter tool because no one else makes one (except Bosch’s usb powered one now). Their router because no one else made one at the time. DeWalt’s flexvolt compressor because I didn’t want to get into rigid, and I honestly won’t trade it for a Milwaukee even if Milwaukee comes out with one, because the flexvolt compressor has served me so well. Bosch’s 2 gal vacuum I like better than the Milwaukee toolbox because it’s quieter and does a better job at keeping debris away from the filter, so I think it keeps suction longer and goes longer between needing to clean the filter.
Of all these cases, and many I didn’t list, most were decided because a brand had a tool that no one else had. Some were performance of the tool, but some were because all the tools were of sufficient performance for my needs, so not enough justification to break from my standard.
Tool breadth is huge, at least for the DIY segment, in summary. I don’t know how much dollar revenue comes from DIY vs pros, or even in the trades how it breaks down, but I would assume it’s a significant chunk. I really think DeWalt’s biggest weakness has been focusing on core construction trades, and then banking on performance or ergonomics or other “my version is better than other versions of the same tool” wins to get people on their platform, and make them stay there for those tools. Milwaukee focused more on breadth and serving specific trades with specialized tools, brought a few of those into more widespread and general usage, and I think that’s given them an edge in the DIY market at least, and that’s a market where brand loyalty can go deep.
Tim E.
I think something else we see is that Milwaukee staggers their releases more than DeWalt in my view. We hear about most of the stuff once at NPS, then it comes out in a trickle for the rest of the year. DeWalt I think spreads out their announcements a bit more to other trade shows, and announces closer to when they’re actually ready to drop the tool, and thus drop a bunch of new tools at the same time.
But I also agree that Milwaukee probably does spend more and do a better job at marketing. Maybe that’s TTI as a whole, since I have noticed Ryobi doing a better job of marketing too in the last couple years. Milwaukee builds up anticipation for a tool between teasing and releasing, so it becomes instantly post worthy by all manner of sources once it’s dropped. Even on “catch up” tools, they turn that to their advantage. I see so much “ready for a Milwaukee mower” or “where’s the Milwaukee router” that they get free publicity basically just by not having the tools. Dewalt has the 20V mower already now, but I don’t remember it getting any good marketing build up. They did have good anticipation with the sander, when is DeWalt making one, but DeWalt beats Milwaukee to market on things and Milwaukee turns around and capitalizes on that, DeWalt hasnt been able to do the same as well.
Some of that marketing from Milwaukee is in all the deals they run. Every quarter has a set of deals, and it’s fairly common for some special buy kit to come out, buy this get a free battery, Home Depot deal of the day, etc. Those deals mean more posts about Milwaukee “there’s a deal going on”, which then feeds the feeling of “lots of red around here”. One could argue that dewalt’s method is better, don’t do deals, just charge less for your tools overall instead, like it should be. It works for some people, just like JCPenney did when they lowered prices but eliminated “sales”. But some people say where’s the deals, I don’t get continual freebies and deals with DeWalt like I do with Milwaukee, or people know the Milwaukee name more because there’s always someone posting about a Milwaukee deal.
That could also tie back to audience somewhat, Milwaukee maintains a strong social media presence, and their legions all have time to be on the internet touting their virtues. DeWalt has their fanboys as well, but they aren’t as mobilized as Milwaukee I think. Maybe that means that more enthusiast level DIY folks buy Milwaukee, and have time to take pictures and post and talk about them, while professionals are buying DeWalt and are out using them and beating them up. The first group is good for marketing, the other is good for driving sales by bulk users and the core tool market, but doesn’t make for free flashy advertising.
aaron
Hey, there’s a pocket size measuring tool that I stumbled across on accident and have been delighted by: Stanley’s STHT77425W Pocket Laser Measure!
They went on sale a little bit ago, but walmart usually has them for ~$15
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stanley-STHT77425W-30-Foot-Pocket-Laser-Distance-Measure/868767913
Lowes is carrying it with the craftsman paint job for $20
This thing is tiny, like you don’t even realize how small unless you see it in person. This is my 5th laser measure for me personally (2 got lost)
It does 95% of what I need — measure interior rooms less than 30′– and is small enough to always have around. My bosch that does trigonometry is now relegated to the box with meters and testers and low voltage tools. I even got some to loan out because seriously it has 1 button so there’s no learning curve and it charges via USB and its dirt cheap!