Dewalt just launched new upgraded Atomic tape measures.
I’m sorry for yet another tape measure post this week, but this one’s surprising and interesting, and I didn’t want to sit on the news.
For the surprising part, these tapes have not yet popped up at Home Depot, and so it looks like they might not be an exclusive. Home Depot has gotten first dibs on a lot of Dewalt tape measures in the past, but apparently not these.
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The new Dewalt tape measures feature a magnetic hook. Other than that, they look nearly identical to the regular Atomic series, featuring a slide brake, finger brake, and 13ft max “reach.”
Shown here is the new 25ft tape measure, model DWHT39125S.
It’s officially being marketed as a “Compact Magnetic Tape Measure,” with no mention of Atomic branding. I’ll get into this later in the post.
Features include a “long blade length” that helps you “complete large-scale projects.”
Dewalt is also launching a 16ft model, DWHT39116S.
This one features a “convenient blade length.” It has fractional markings as with the older/other Dewalt Atomic series tape measures.
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The magnetic hook is removable. This is a great feature that I really like on Dewalt’s more premium ToughSeries tape measures.
Actually, it looks to be the same exact removable magnetic-tipped hook attachment. I like that.
Here’s where things get interesting, aside from the new removable magnetic hook.
As mentioned, these aren’t actually Dewalt Atomic tape measures, they’re simply “compact” tape measures.
It looks like Dewalt simply took the existing Atomic tape measures and added in the same hook from the ToughSeries tape measures.
Looking at the different Dewalt tools side by side, it looks like they were always already made for the magnetic hook, even back when they first launched 3 years ago. (See 3 New Dewalt Atomic Series Tape Measures).
Okay, so they added the magnetic hook and are now charge more for the new non-Atomic compact tape measures, right? Wrong.
Acme Tools Launch Pricing: $16 for the 16ft, $18 for the 25ft
Ohio Power Tool Launch Pricing: $15 for the 16ft, $17 for the 25ft
At this time, Home Depot is selling the Atomic series 16ft tape measure for $17, and the 25ft for $19 each.
So, you’re getting slightly more featured Dewalt “Compact” tape measures for less money than the Dewalt “Atomic” tape measures.
Amazon is beating Home Depot on pricing (see Amazon Beats Home Depot with Better Dewalt Tape Measure Deals), and apparently other Dewalt dealers got first dibs on a lower-priced upgraded model with removable magnetic hook attachment.
Maybe this is all leading up to Father’s Day deals or promotions at Home Depot, but the online inventory count suggests that’s not happening.
ETA is June 2025
I wonder – did these tape measures lose “Atomic” branding because Dewalt is getting rid of the label, or is there some other reason?
I like the distinction, and use it in this post because of the near-identical nature of the new version to the existing non-magnetic Atomic version.
Or maybe there will be new Atomic versions at Home Depot, and the old Atomic version will continue on as the “Compact” tape line moving forward.
Bottom-line: decent Dewalt tape measures gained a new removable feature as well as a drop in price compared to current Home Depot pricing. The Atomic vs non-Atomic “Compact” aspect is an academic context that might or might not have additional implications.
Nathan
I always thought atomic branding was for compact things sold at home depot
Stuart
I really don’t know anymore.
Home Depot typically launched Dewalt Atomic tools for a period of exclusivity after which they’d also be available at other retailers except for Lowe’s.
Scott K
This seems to echo the confusion mentioned in the $99 drill post. The variety of names/lines, the changing of branding, etc.
Eric
I thought the Atomic line was supposed to be mostly exclusive to Home Depot. Maybe the branding change is just a way to be able to sell it at more stores.
Adam
I have the previous version of the atomic 16′ tape that I got to replace/supplement my 15 year old Fatmax 16′ that has a de-laminating blade. I think it’s a bit narrower, which helps, but in general, I think it’s ergonomics are great. I don’t really make use of the finger hold, but I do think its inclusion helps with the ergonomics. Not sure I’d benefit much from the magnetic tip, and I do worry it could possibly come lose in use, but I certainly won’t argue against its inclusion at no added cost. Overall, highly recommend.
Now if they could just offer a metric version, that would be great.
Ross
Is there somewhere on the tool to store the magnet when it’s taken off the tape?
Stuart
No.
Dave
I work for a construction supply company, and we have had the Atomic line since it was available. I say that, but I don’t really know in all honesty. Our main customers are in construction, like concrete, not MEP or remodeling/renovating. So, it doesn’t come up much for me. I don’t think I’ve ever talked someone into getting an Atomic DCH172B over a regular DCH133B. Maybe Atomic is aimed at the homeowners at this point?
Stuart
Atomic is mixed. Some tools are priced and spec’ed more for value shoppers. The DCH172B is one of the few that seems aimed at being compact and lightweight compared to other 20V Max options.
That is, if you’re looking for a more compact rotary hammer and are comfortable with the rated specs, I think the DCH172B is safe choice.
John
Yeah I use the atomic ones at home and they’re great for that. For work I use the full size stanley ones.