Milwaukee quietly announced new AutoLock tape measures, with auto-locking blade mechanisms.
These kinds of tape measures can be convenient to use. Pull the tape out, and it holds its position until you depress the button to unlock and retract the blade.
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It looks to me like these new tape measures were styled after the the new compact tape measures Milwaukee came out with last year.
Actually, these look like they could be a tad bit smaller. The pocket clip looks to be largely the same.
The new tape measures will be available in 4 sizes/styles:
- 16′, 48-22-6816
- 25′, 48-22-6825
- 5m/16′, 48-22-6817
- 8m/26′, 48-22-6826
The smaller tapes (16′, 5m) will be priced at $11, and the larger ones (25′, 8m) $15.
Standard features include nylon-bonded blade protection, and a 5-point reinforced frame for drop protection. Milwaukee says that these features make their tape measures the most durable ones in the industry.
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Compare(Milwaukee Tape Measures via Home Depot)
First Thoughts
It’s nice to see Milwaukee expand their tape measure lineup further. Now, if only they came out with a…
Hmm, I seem to be drawing a blank. What other types of tape measures do you think Milwaukee should come out with? Their current tape measure lineup doesn’t seem to have a lot of holes.
Maybe smaller sizes? But how many people use tape measures smaller than 16′ on a regular basis? I sometimes use 12′ tapes, but only ones that I bought as part of bundle packs. I use keychain tape measures frequently, but Milwaukee already makes one, and a good one at that.
mosh
I actually like my Dewalt 9′ discussed here.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/dewalt-9-foot-pocket-tape-measure/%3C/a%3E%3Cbr /> Not always do I need 25′.
Very convenient the magnet is is strong enough to hold to my key clip.
Tcmault
I wish the Milwaukee key chain tape had a magnet like the Dewalt. I have both. Like the Milwaukee more, but use the Dewalt more since I just put it on the side of my tool box.
littlehead
I like that dewalt one too. except I took the magnet out as it was affecting other devices in my pocket.
MacLean
Do these have the truss marks at 19.2 inches? Black diamond…
Stuart
I imagine that they should, will check will Milwaukee just to confirm.
Stuart
Milwaukee says: “YES!”
Koko The Talking Ape
I use a 12′ Stanley pretty often, but not often enough that I want a tape measure in my pocket all the time. And it has better standout than a pocket tape measure. If I lose it, no big deal.
Nathan
I have the stanley 25 autolock and love it – I love the fact it can also be operated either way just moving the button.
Does this milwaukee do that too – go auto or standard?
ca
I hated my Stanley Auto-Lock. The lock was so weak that, not only could it not hold the weight of the tape measure body, it could also barely hold the extended tape open. Very disappointed. I wonder how these Milwaukees compare.
Stuart
I only see the one locking button, and there was no mention of dual-mode locking in the press materials.
Tom
Fractional tape graduated in tenths of a foot would be nice.
Jim Premo
Lufkin makes them. Buy them at your local survey , engineering supply store.
Ryan
Wish they could bring their wide blade tape to the US. Seems so silly that SBD has a patent on wide tape measures. That’s like patenting the sharpness of a knife or the speed of a motor.
D
I have a 3m Komelon self lock. It’s a great tape measure and I’m a big fan of auto locking. They’re hard to find and somewhat expensive though. Great to see Milwaukee bring one out. I need a 5m tape. I have their 2m key chain tape and it’s far better than the Stanley key chain tape I have.
Joseph
I EDC a 6ft Milwaukee on my key chain but would prefer if they had an 8ft keychain model. 6 ft is never quite enough for doors, furniture, fridges etc.
Joe H
Try the Dewalt.
Pete
I’ll probably pick one up. I like the function of the older autolocking stanleys but dislike the button location. And they always tipped over on me.
This milwaukee tape looks great, a quick test instore to see if it tips over easily. If not, sold!
Ian M
They need to do a stainless steel tape like the Komelon one, being a plumber so many tape measures I have owned have failed due to getting wet ( the spring rusts out and snaps or stops recoiling). I have never had a Komelon inox fail on me
fred
Exactly – we bought our first SS Komelon (possibly at Lowes) in 2010 – and many of the guys really liked them because they could be washed off:
https://www.amazon.com/Komelon-SLSS125-Stainless-Self-Locking-Measure/dp/B002FCLEJC/
fred
BTW – I posted about various tapes over on the Forum site:
https://discuss.toolguyd.com/t/do-you-need-a-specialty-tape-measure/573
Thom
I hope they use a different locking mechanism than they used on the Empire tapes. I bought 2 of those and the tape stopped auto locking after about a week.. The wedge to hold the tape open is very soft and wears out quickly
Joe
Min 30’ but preferred 35’ tapes are all I allow at work., the crews gotta have them to frame. Craftsman 30’ were the best tape for the money $19 and lifetime warranty, I bought 4 tapes and they lasted 25 years by returning them over and over…
Nowadays Dewalt has a 90 day warranty, so I return them 3 at at a time. No tape lasts much more then 60 days Framing in all weather.
Sand is the tapes enemy, don’t care about “ stand out” or rugged overmold….produce a coating that can take the wet and sandy conditions,,,,,
Grady
I have several of the Dewalt 9’s, and keep one in all my vehicles. Just in case I forget. VERY HANDY, and works great. Picked up the Milwaukee 16′ just this week. So far all I can say about it is it’s a tape measure.
Tool Of The Trade
It would be great if someone made a finger lever lock tape like a rocker switch but recessed in the housing so the tape will sit flat. Or put the lever on the back or the top of the housing. It would also be cool if the big brands made a wide blade lefty/righty tape (no more upside down measurements). Fastcap (check em out) is the only brand that I’ve ever seen that makes them (I have 4 of em), but the blade is too small. Extremely handy tape measure and very accurate. Since just about all building materials are no longer than 16 feet, I’ve found that 25′ tapes are unnecessary unless I’m building a large deck or measuring roof decking roof, facia, gutters, siding, etc. 16′ for all day use
Jackie
Bought a Milwaukee auto lock measurement tape used it a couple of times loved it them wented to measure a large measurement the auto lock would not work any ideas what happened thank you