Milwaukee’s new wide blade tapes are the most recent example of evolutionary improvement in a tool that every trade uses every day. Their new 16’ and 25’ models are big league tapes for all the reasons you’d expect, plus a few new ones. Blades on these tapes are wide, strong and abrasion resistant, like any pro-grade tape needs to be. The locking button is the easiest to activate of any tape I’ve used over the years, and the blades easily stood out more than 11 feet without buckling during my tests. The tape cases have a high-friction overwrap covering making them easy to grab comfortably. Evolutionary improvements include a wire-style belt hook that won’t cut fabric, and a lanyard lug on the backside for tethering the tape when working at heights. The case is also thicker than on other tapes I’ve pulled apart, with internal bracing for extra strength. Cost for the 16’ and 25’ models is less than $30. Available in Imperial only or Imperial- metric graduations at Home Depot.
