Milwaukee has officially announced a whole slew of new tape measures – redesigned Stud tape measures that we’ll talk about in more detail another time, Wide Blade tape measures, and Compact Wide Blade tape measures.
The newly redesigned Milwaukee Stud tape measures have smaller springs, making them more compact, and 14′ of standout.
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Milwaukee is launching all-new lines of Wide and Compact Wide tape measure, with the Wide Blade tape measures boasting the longest and straightest standout compared to current competing options.
The Wide Blade tape measures feature 14′ of standout, giving individual users longer reach, which is said to increase jobsite efficiency. The blades also feature anti-tear blade coatings to reinforce the first 6 inches, a reinforced frame for drop protection, a finger stop for controlled blade retraction, and 2-sided blade printing. These tapes will be available in a range of sizes, with 16′ and 25′ options also available with magnetic hooks.
Here’s a look at the forward and reverse printing.
The new Milwaukee Compact Wide Blade tape measures are similar, but feature a best-in-class compact size and 12′ of standout. They also have reinforced impact-resistant frames and 2-sided blade printing. These tapes will also be available as magnetic models with finger stops.
Sizes, Styles, and Pricing
Redesigned Stud Tape Measures
Milwaukee classifies the Stud tape measures as being ideal for heavy users (such as framers) where durability is the key user need.
- 16′ (48-22-9716): $22.99
- 25′ (48-22-9725): $27.99
- 25′ Magnetic (48-22-9725M): $29.99
- 35′ (48-22-9735): $39.99
Wide Blade Tape Measures
The Wide Blade tapes are said to be ideal for commercial MEP users (mechanical, electrical, plumbing trades), framers, and other users where blade standout is the key user need.
- 16′ (48-22-0216): $19.99
- 16′ Magnetic (48-22-0216M): $22.99
- 25′ (48-22-0225): $24.99
- 25′ Magnetic (48-22-0225M): $27.99
- 30′ (48-22-0230): $29.99
- 35′ (48-22-0235): $34.99
- 40′ (48-22-0240): $39.99
Compact Wide Blade Tape Measures
The Compact Wide Blade tape measures are said to be ideal for residential contractors and other users where a more compact size is the highest priority.
- 16′ (48-22-0416): $13.99
- 16′ Magnetic (48-22-0316): $16.99
- 25′ (48-22-0425): $19.99
- 25′ Magnetic (48-22-0325): $19.99
- 30′ (48-22-0430): $22.99
- 35′ Magnetic (48-22-0335): $29.99
ETA: August September 2019
Discussion
Milwaukee notes that their 14′ and 12′ standout specs are based on maximum performance, which I hope refers to usable standout. We’ve seen tape measure standout claims that we couldn’t quite repeat on our own before, and others where tape measures were so arced and fragile they were unusable at anywhere near their standout specs. That’s why the longest and straightest standout part is most interesting.
The original Milwaukee Stud tape measure only featured 10 feet of standout. The newly designed ones now have 14′ of standout, as do the Wide Blade tapes. The Compact Wide Blade tapes have 12′ of standout, which still seems appreciable.
Both the Wide Blade and Compact Wide Blade tape measures have double-sided printing, which a lot of users like. The Compact Wide Blade tapes only have finger stops on the magnetic tapes. Surprisingly, that’s a $3 step up for the 16′ size, but there’s no added cost for the magnetic 25′ tape compared to the non-magnetic model.
I’ve seen more and more local contractors sporting Milwaukee tape measures, and they’re often happy to talk about all the things they like about them, most notably the finger blade stop on the more premium models.
Whether or not you’ve wished for longer standout on your Milwaukee tape measure, more options and continued improvements (and work towards improvements) is always good.
For my needs, I’ll likely be on the lookout for promo packs featuring the Compact Wide Blade tapes.
Update: More Details and Information
Here are the blade widths and standouts:
- Stud: 1-5/16″/33mm, 14′ standout
- Wide Blade: 1-5/16″/33mm, 14′ standout
- Compact Wide Blade: 1-1/8″/30mm, 12′ standout
- Compact Magnetic: 1″/27mm, 12′ standout
- Compact & Auto Lock: 25mm, 9′ standout
The Stud tapes will replace the original Stud tape measures, and the Compact Wide Blade magnetic tape measures are replacing the current compact magnetic series tape measures, with model numbers 48-22-01XX. The Wide Blade tape measures are a new category.
Michael Eibling says
Well this will be nice. I’ve been using Dewalt tapes over the Milwaukee Stud tape measure (Because it’s just an embarrassment to Milwaukee)
Be nice to have a red tape on my belt instead of yellow. (I particularly like the double sided printing for the scale)
Dave says
These tapes dont last. Fatmax are the way to go. I liked them but they just do not hold up.
RWMT says
Indeed, that does appear to be the consensus on the previous models, but these are not even in stores yet and Milwaukee Reps claim those issues have been addressed with these new tapes. So maybe give’em a chance at redemption before you go defecating all over their name as if you’ve already purchased and handled the lot of them only to have them fall apart whilst being bagged at checkout.
Dave Harder says
I’ve had a 30′ Milwaukee tape before and the paint in the first 3 feet didn’t last more than a month before it started peeling. Are these gonna last any better?
Flotsam says
I think that is a bit of innovation, nice job Milwaukee
Rory says
Milwaukee tapes are for Milwaukee lovers.
If you need to get work done use a Fatmax or Dewalt (same as Fatmax) because they LAST.
Tyler Dorsett says
My dewalt wide blade rips at the inch mark every month. Swap it at depot every time but highly inconvenient
Rory says
Try a Milwaukee and you’ll be back there every week.
or
Keep 2 DeWalt tapes on hand, one to use and one for warranty… I know you shouldn’t have to but it will save special trips.
Gordon says
What exactly do you use standout for other than passing the tip to someone to hold for you? I’ve never found a tape to be accurate enough towards the end of it’s standout length.
Stuart says
Me? I’ve found longer standout to be more useful with magnetic hooks, if anything, or short lengths for reaching the opposite side of a long board or sheet. But also keep in mind I’m not a contractor.
What I’ve also found is that longer standout means straighter and stronger extension even at shorter lengths. If a tape can extend to say 14′, it’s going to be sturdier when extended unsupported at 4′ or 8′ than a tape with 10′ standout.
So even if you don’t need 14 feet of standout, there could be benefits at shorter unsupported extension lengths as well.
There is a downside of longer standout – greater strength usually requires greater support in the form of a highly curved blade.
Joseph says
Is there any chance of a metric version of these being available someday? When I do finish work, I use a metric tape and it’s hard to find a full metric one instead of a dual marking one.
Stuart says
Good question, I’ll try to find out!
Corey Moore says
The care and time it takes to hit these max standouts takes more time than it does to take the 2-3 steps to reach by hand. Easily a most annoying marketing bullet point, akin to alledged drop ratings. Just make a tape than can fall off a ladder, not rub readings off, and reach 10 feet. Boom. Perfect tape.
Louis says
You are too short sighted. Do you think the only place where tapes are used is on flat, accessible ground surface?
I use milwaukee tape daily and the decent standout of previous 3y.o tape that fare better than most other brand helped much every time I had to send it to a partner 8-10-12-15-20 feet away, both in the air building metal structure and and unable to reach each other to give the end.
Good standout also means it’ll be more stable against wind gust and allow to reach and keep a decent 8′ reach when holding the tape with one hand, arm extended, belted and unstable in a structure with side wind coming and going.
I stopped using those cheap fatmax tape few years ago and everyone using my tape usually switch over to Milwaukee on their next tape.
Corey Moore says
I don’t dig fatmax as much as everyone else, I’ve got a pair of older XP tapes. And I, too spend lots of time in baskets, in metal framing/piping/cabling, but my first question is why doesn’t your other guy have a tape measure? Lol other than that, more often than I really should, if I’m catching something’s thrown to me in a man basket, I take off my hard hat to mak catching it way easier. Mule tape and jet line make for great slip knots and swinging stuff to other equipment/lowering it to the ground. I’ve been known to tape crap to my spare pelican hook to retrieve/pass stuff short distances.
Mike (the other one) says
I’m not seeing much innovation here. Other than the longer standout, there’s nothing here you can’t find elsewhere. i.e. Komelon has the markings on the back, and they are cheaper.
Jon says
They made a great tape measure and discontinued it. The measurements on both sides. The scale ruler on the back, which was white and also had regular measurements and a wide blade. I don’t get why they stopped making that.
ambrous says
the originals were awesome still have mine. then they cheaped out.
Tyler says
When is this going to be available and where?
Wide blade 16′ to be exact
Stuart says
August 2019, and presumably where Milwaukee tools are sold. I would imagine Home Depot stocking some of the styles in stores, and online dealers more of them.
Skye A Cohen says
I will never buy a tape that doesn’t have a flat surface on the front to apply some laminate for a scratch pad. I don’t know how people work without it. Fatmax is the best so far. For anyone not in the know they sell them but put a holesaw in a drill press without the center bit and find some light colored laminate. Glue or double stick tape it on the tape.
Maintenance man says
Use a grinder or wood chisel on your tape to remove lettering, and you have a flat surface!
Skye A Cohen says
Thanks for the reply but this tape is rounded, like convex on the surface. The older model, or an older model is also hard to explain but not possible to simply scratch some letters off for a flat surface.
Vince Tkac says
What is the model number / item number on the one with the little window in the top? I can’t find it on the site.
Stuart says
That’s the finger stop (located on the bottom of the tapes), available in the Stud, Wide Blade, and Magnetic Compact Wide Blade models.
TJ says
Or is it the Stanley power lock?https://www.thetapestore.co.uk/tapes-rules/tape-measures/tape-length/5m-16ft-tape-measures/stanley-powerlock-top-reader-5m-0-33-932
Jeff Anderson says
As an industrial electrician, I can tell you that standout capability (only in the context of magnetic tipped tapes) is absolutely huge.
Corey Moore says
How so?
Jerry says
It’ about time someone looked at improving tape measure’s. The only tape measures I had that really worked as far as stand out, were Bostitch, as soon as Stanley/ Dewalt bought them out, they no longer had a decent standout. Recently I was working on a project with a group and and at the end of the day someone had replaced my last Bostitch with at fat max. I guess they must have recognized quality. The Fat max will not even slide up a 12′ wall without falling back on me.
Can’t wait to try the milwaukee wide blade tape.
As a plus it can also be used as a level/laser rod on the back side.
Hudson says
If the blade width on the new Stud is gonna be the same as the Wide Blade what is the point of the Wide Blade?
Stuart says
Stud is more durable and a little pricier. *Might* be more compact.
Grant Peterson says
I’m happy to see Milwaukee at least attempt to improve their tape measures. I’m hardcore Milwaukee but their tapes are a sad joke. I like the longer standout but would really like to see a 4 sided hook on the end of the blade (like the fatmax extremes and higher end dewalt tapes). I’m not sold on the finger stop either, I’ve noticed in the concrete trade and laying pipe its just another place for mud and debris to get in and prevent it from retracting properly.
When are these supposed to be available?