ACEGMET DTX10 3-1 Digital Tape Measure - Is this the Future of Tape Measures?

[@beauxtx1959]

I got mine for $149. I used it extensively in building out the interior of a metal building for my wife's home office. LOVE IT!

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

That was quite a discount. I’m too rough on tape measures on a job site to use an expensive tape measure like this, but I can see it being useful in certain applications for certain people 👍

[@chriserickson4417]

Just yesterday on Amazon, I paid about the same, as they have it on sale.

[@niceguy7270]

This has some very useful features, except I would get laughed off the job site if I brought this to work.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

That’s exactly what my friend said when I sent him a picture of it. Like I said, who knows 10 years from now we all may be packing a smaller version that does all the same things. It’s kinda like a version one that we will have to see where it goes. (I know there are others, but version 1 of this type as a whole)

[@Tom-lc9ni]

In Australia we have tapes that have standard centre stud measurements ect marked out for apprentices and Dummies who are not good at math , range finders that can do the math on area measurements exist and probably do a better job... The only thing I could see this kind of tape being used for on a job site is a version that is much larger like a servayers tape like a 30 metres/100 foot + for marking out the incremental measurement function for drilling pier holes for retaining walls or something like that. But in its current format it's just a cool toy.

[@pubcollize]

I saw an ad for something like this from a different brand a couple months ago and at first I thought it's a joke. You gave it a good case for laying plans that require multiple sets of measurements all at once, and for such a thing it might justify both the price and the fragility. Also the thing you showed with the laser on the wall when it's hanging off of the front of the shelf looked like magic to me. Usually when I have to make a similar measurement I just assume whatever it is I'm doing is gonna be in a 2" tolerance at best.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Yeah I have been seeing the adds from the other brands as well. I can see it being useful for certain situations and as with any tool… it depends on how much you are in that situation for the price to be worth it. That’s like a Stiletto hammer for me. I know they are good, but how often I use a hammer for something besides demo it isn’t worth it… but to a framer it’s worth every penny. I think we are in the early stages of digital tape measures though… we will see how they pan out over the next few years.

[@OnusBones]

I agree with your sentiments on the battery and charging. It looks like a pair of 18650 cells based on the size and rating of the pack. Because it is custom, the tool is doomed to become a paperweight some day, when the pack can finally no longer take a charge, and either the cells inside or the whole pack have become unavailable. The cells need to charge in the tool, and need to be easily replaceable inside the pack. Personally, I consider uncommonly available custom batteries like that a dealbreaker. They often add significantly to the cost. One of the reasons I like Ryobi is their battery packs are available at any Home Depot, and are available for good prices at least a couple times a year during their "Ryobi Days."

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Good point on the battery. 5 years from now, will you be able to get a new battery? That’s a good question 👍

[@pubcollize]

That pack looks fairly similar to what digital cameras and camcorders use nowadays. It's possible the pack shape is something they came up with themselves to generate reliance, but it's equally likely it's an off-the-shelf pack.

[@914Rocky]

Really enjoy your videos. I learn a lot watching each one. Thanks.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Appreciate it.. I’m not the best videographer or editor, but I love talking about tools 😂

[@rdorazio60]

did a great job explaining how the different controls buttons work. My only comment, not nick picking but the the 3 in one I thought was for tape measure, laser measure and level.. But again thanks.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

👍👍 They say it’s for a manual tape measure, digital tape measure, and laser distance measurements… The laser line isn’t auto leveling, it’s just in line with however you are holding your tape… so you wouldn’t be able to use it for leveling.

[@Z33dott]

Guaranteed we’re all using these in the shape of a regular tape measure in 10-15 years.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

That’s what I thought when I saw it. This is kinda the first step towards some version of a cheaper option in the future that will be common. Like I said, Laser Levels just a few years ago cost a fortune and not everyone used them. You had to level them yourself and hope no one touched them… you couldn’t trust them and had to double check them… and now I own like 6 of them and can’t imagine not having them 😂 They are smaller, cheaper, level themselves, and as accurate as you can get.

[@Z33dott]

Exactly and we’re just going to keep moving faster. I wouldn’t be surprised if we get there in 5 years.

[@kendallas3705]

I bought the Reekon tape measure. They run about the same price. They are a brick also. I have been using it when I need multiple measurements because I can save the numbers. I have used it on a few base jobs and it worked pretty good. Not something you want on your hip all day tho.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I can see some applications where it would be nice, but hard to spend that much money on something that you normally beat the death out of. My tape measures lead a rough life 😂. They get treated worse than any other tools I own.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I had seen many videos for that one. I didn’t even know this was an option until they contacted me. I had been curious about them, Glad I got to try one.

[@timothystevenhoward]

wow surprised Reekon hasn't fought this copy. also, odd they are using a 17 year old SLR/Camcorder battery standard. very weird.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I hadn’t used one of theirs, but have been seeing tons of videos in my feed lately. It’s what made me curious enough to try this out. It may be slightly different enough to not be considered a copy (depending on who was first)

[@2121contreras]

This tape measure would probably be good for a home inspection report guy. I don't think i could use this . For that price and size . on some jobs where im pulling tape all day long not sure how it would hold up. Especially with siding or framing. Its like you said as time goes on it would probably become cheaper and smaller. I would probably consider it. Thanks Morgan

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Yeah the price point makes it definitely a “not for everyone tool”.. I go through a tape measure a month if I’m doing bigger jobs.

[@MattHmm-rq6dn]

How long before we get a 4 or 6 plane lazer level we stick I'm thr center of the room and gives is all the rooms measuments? That's a lazy technology that I can get behind!

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

No kidding. I just got a 4 plane one in the mail… but it doesn’t take measurements

[@MattHmm-rq6dn]

I get it as Ronco would say "Set it and forget it!". I use a 4 plane as well firecore something or other for the bottom lazer. We tend to have to level floors and all I have to do is shove a price of plywood down and see where it hits it. That's why it's nice to have a beam 3/8s to 1/2in off the floor.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@MattHmm-rq6dn my thoughts on why to get one exactly.. shower pans, leveling floors, etc

[@koschev9602]

is there a way to change the inches so it just reads the 16ths max

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I was playing with it today to see. I don’t see anywhere in the settings or in the manual that says you can.

[@three-phase562]

I can't see this being used much by trades, who likely regard a tape measure as a consumable. Constantly picking it up, putting it down, knocked off the bench, all the drilling and cutting around getting it covered in dust. Even if these become cheaper, you still aren't going to want to treat this in that manner. Although laser levels have come down in price, they are still really treated as a one off purchase by most. I can see surveyors and estimators perhaps using one, where the use isn't as onerous and there is more of a benefit of being able to transfer readings to a computer, software on an iPad or tablet, building up a layout as you measure would definitely have benefits.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Yeah I go through a tape measure a month if I’m doing certain jobs often. It would be hard for me to cough out $200 a pop. I see the benefits of they can figure out ways to make them durable/accurate. Instead of a Guy yelling down to the cut guy, he sends the measurement to a tablet at the saw, etc.. but those are also the same jobs that wear out some tapes. Doing conduit bends being able to zero out your measurement would Be nice sometimes too, but the less math we do… the dumber we get 😂

[@MattHmm-rq6dn]

Yea... if I was a estimater sure impress the clients! For me if I get out the lazer distance measure that's as fancy as I get. Other then windows the room is 23.65ft it's 24 plus overage.... nothing worse than just enough material aka not enough. It may be for some but doing acspec of math keeps me sharpish and we need that getting older.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Most clients are really impressed with a Laser Measurer. I’m actually surprised at how many people still act like they never knew they existed and are wowed by them… even GC’s that I do sub work for occasionally. You are right on the math. I wonder how many people could go back and build things without some of the tools we have now.

[@MattHmm-rq6dn]

I have no issue with fancy tools. Reminds me of thoes estimators that come in loud lifted trucks with huge banner ads on the truck side. Tools like that save them time which could be money that's why it works for them. I feel especially the older generation are impressed by things like that (because they expect us to measure there place with a wooden yard stick 😆). Tools like this like stated previously wouldn't stand up in real life work only clean ones. Proper raved about rhe toughbuilt scraper utility knife but it didn't last 2 days before the mechanism got gunked up and isn't functional. I don't know how much digital stuff will infiltrate environments that tend to be harsh until they can make them as tough as a panasonic toughbook.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@MattHmm-rq6dn agree, jobsite and project manager/estimator tools are two different things

[@LordHog]

So, the basically stole the Reekon T1 Tomahawk

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I haven’t used that one, but it did look similar. I had actually seen many videos for that one in my feed is what made me curious to try this one when they offered to let me try it

[@timothystevenhoward]

wow even Reekon has a FAQ page dedicated to this copy.

[@MileseeyTools]

Thank you so much for bringing this up and for your keen interest! It's a great opportunity to clarify that our product belongs to the laser digital tape (LDT) category, which is a distinct concept. Proudly, Mileseey is the inventor of LDT technology, with our first model introduced in 2019, significantly ahead of the brand you mentioned. We're passionate about innovation and committed to delivering top-notch tools to our customers. Your interest and questions are highly valued!

[@Stefan_Kawalec]

So a perfect combination of shortcomings of a tape measure and a laser distance measure in an unwieldy form for double the price of the latter. Great. It's gonna work great after a week with plasterboard measuring. Or after it's dropped. Or wet. Great review, but IMHO it's a waste of your time.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Curiosity got me on this one. They said I didn’t have to make a video, but I figured I’d let you all see it too.

[@Stefan_Kawalec]

@@MORGANSMaintenance I have this rule that haven't failed me yet. If there's a tool that has one very specific function, does not need an external source of power and does its job perfectly, I won't be thinking about replacing it with multifunction, battery operated, "smart" gadget. Most of those things are made by some start-ups to bilk people out their money or are sold by teleshopping channels or are just low quality, Chinese-made junk for unaware DYI-ers.

[@Stefan_Kawalec]

@@MORGANSMaintenance I have this rule that haven't failed me yet. If there's a simple, one function tool, that does not require an external source of energy to be used, I'm not replacing it with a multipurpose, battery-powered, smart gadget. Most of those things are made by startups to bilk people out of their money or are teleshopping scams or/and are overseas-made junk for unaware DYI-ers.

[@Stefan_Kawalec]

@@MORGANSMaintenance I have this rule that haven't failed me yet. If there's a simple, one function tool, that does not require an external source of energy to be used, I'm not replacing it with a multipurpose, battery-powered, smart gadget. Many of those are scams. Some Chinese-made junk sold by startups or teleshopping to unaware non-professional users.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@Stefan_Kawalec good rule 👍

[@ElectroAtletico]

How much???? $20 will get you a tape measure along with the existence of a litany of free apps, with basic geometrical formulas, to do the calculations.🤓

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Yeah the price point is definitely going to put a halt on it for most people. The other ones that are similar are priced about the same. As I said, it may be the beginning stages of what will be some tape measure advancements in the future. It won’t 100% replace a tape measure for the same reason a laser lever won’t 100% replace a level. Most jobs are a little too rough for tools like this, but they will have their place on job sites as they get cheaper for certain applications.

[@914Rocky]

Great tool. Way too expensive.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I feel like that will be the opinion of many. 👍