Milwaukee Laser Measure Review | Family Handyman

By Deane Biermeier

Tested by Dylan Fischer and Sheri Kaz

Updated on Sep. 24, 2024

The compact and precise Milwaukee Laser Measure provides stored memory, distance, area, and volume with the push of a few buttons.

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Understanding how to read a tape measure is crucial for any home or professional project. Tracking multiple measurements and keeping the equipment in top-performance shape can often be a challenge. Luckily, the Milwaukee laser measure addresses both of those issues right out of the box.

Our product testing team evaluated the device on functionality, ease of use, accuracy, and who the tool will benefit the most–and the results may surprise you.

While the Milwaukee laser measure contains some nice features, such as a large, two-inch readout with a high-contrast display (which makes it easy to read and operate), some of the testing notes mentioned a few challenges while using the device. We dive deep into the Milwaukee laser measure to see how it stacks up to its competitors and help you decide if it’s the best laser tape measure for you.

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After unboxing the Milwaukee laser measure, our testers immediately felt that it was durable. The device is a digital alternative to a standard tape measure. Its red and black impact-resistant casing protects the backlit color read-out screen, and a few simple buttons operate all of the device’s features, one of which is its ability to store up to 30 measurement data points.

The Milwaukee laser measure uses a red laser beam to measure between objects or points with an accuracy level within 1/16 of an inch. The tool also offers measurement recording and the ability to perform functions like calculating total distance, area, and volume, allowing you to put down the pencil for a minute and let the tool do the hard work for you.

Digital tape measures are available in several forms. While some are no more complex to use than simply pointing and shooting, others have additional functions to help you calculate multiple distances, volumes, and areas. New users can often benefit from reading the instructions for their device or following the helpful hints contained in a digital tape measure guide.

The Milwaukee laser measure is one of the latter devices. The tool is useful for determining distances and saving the information for later reference or for calculating the length of irregular surfaces containing several data and measuring points, the total surface area of an object or room, or the volume of a space.

The tool is equipped with a 150-foot measuring capacity using a red laser, which, according to our tests, works better indoors than out. It features a two-inch, high-contrast, color viewing and read-out screen; a two-position auto-detecting lever; a side-shot button for versatility; and a mounting screw-hole to mount it onto a tripod.

Our product testing team ran the Milwaukee laser measure through its paces (in the team’s Milwaukee office, ironically). Overall, they determined that the tool was worthy of consideration, with a few concerns. Setting up the device was simple and only required the installation of a pair of AA batteries that Milwaukee included in the package. Our tester then had to follow the instructions to figure out how to switch from metric to standard readings and back. We expected this function to be a simple click. However, it turned out that more than a single step was involved.

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Using the device, our tester determined that it’s at least as accurate as the company’s claim of being almost spot-on with a plus or minus of 1/16th of an inch. The tester liked the two measuring activation buttons, one on the top and one on the side, which made using the device in tight spaces a snap. The two-position auto-detecting lever also made awkward measurements a breeze. A note from the tester also reveals that the high-contrast viewing screen works flawlessly in almost any light.

However, the notes went on to explain that working the added functions, including adding up multiple measurements, finding square area totals, and calculating volumes, required several steps that weren’t intuitive. In fact, the tester reported having to consult the directions several times, noting that, for those who might use the tool every day, the steps would become second nature. However, casual, infrequent users may find remembering all of the steps to be tiresome.

According to the instruction sheet from Milwaukee, you may need to reset your laser measure tool if a measuring error occurs. To do so, simply press the ‘Clear/Power’ button to cancel the last measurement and toggle off the device. Press the ‘Laser/OK’ button to turn the device back on in a reset condition.

Milwaukee builds a low-battery indicator into its laser measure. When the battery symbol on the screen begins to blink or flash, turn off the tool, replace the batteries, and reinstall the battery door. The blinking will stop when you turn the device back on. Milwaukee mentions in the user manual that only alkaline batteries should be used and removed if the tool is out of use for an extended period.

Our tester reported that the Milwaukee laser measure’s red laser light was limited to measuring only several feet or not at all in some cases when working with the tool in direct sunlight. However, that’s not unusual among red-light laser tools.

In general, there are two laser colors available for use in laser tools, such as measures and levels, including green and red. Technology.org reports that red lasers appear dimmer to the human eye than green ones do, especially in sunlight. However, even green lasers often require the use of a laser detector in very bright conditions.

That said, we didn’t hold the red-laser fact against Milwaukee for this tool. While green laser tools have dropped in price recently, they’re still more for use in professional settings and carry significantly higher price tags. The Milwaukee Laser Measure is geared more toward professionals who’ll use it indoors or for DIYers who plan to use it around the home.

Consumer reviewers appear to be happy with their purchase of the Milwaukee laser measure. Eighty-two percent of Home Depot reviewers recommend the product, which earns 4.1 out of five stars on the platform.

Negative reviews often mirror our tester’s findings that the tool doesn’t work well in sunlight, and a few reviewers note that it could be easier to operate for the price Milwaukee charges. However, positive reviews are also common, like this one from buyer CrazyCajun on The Home Depot’s site: ” I have tested it against my tape time and time again, and it has been on every single time…” Many other reviewers are also impressed with the tool’s small size and ability to perform multiple functions.

Among numerous laser measuring tools we tested, we also got our hands on the Bosch laser measure and compared it side-by-side against the Milwaukee version. While the two are quite different in terms of functionality, both have excellent features that make either a solid addition to your DIY tool collection.

The Bosch Blaze 100-foot laser measure costs less than half of the Milwaukee laser measure. However, it doesn’t provide several of the additional functions that the Milwaukee one does. Where the Milwaukee laser measure is a full-function measuring, storing, and calculating device, the Blaze is designed more for simple measuring tasks.

Both devices feature a compact design, user-friendly buttons, and easy-to-read displays. Both also operate using red lasers, giving them a limited-use status for the outdoors. However, that’s pretty much where the similarities end. The Bosch, while capable of rounding up or down to the nearest measurement, can’t calculate areas or volumes.

For pros and DIYers who are willing to spend the extra money to have their measuring tool perform calculations for them, the Milwaukee Laser Measure is the way to go. However, if simple, fast, and accurate measuring is all you need, save some cash and choose the Blaze.

Overall, we found the Milwaukee laser measure to be worth its somewhat elevated price tag. It took some time for our tester to sort through the instructions to realize the tool’s potential. However, once that was achieved, the reporting was mostly positive, despite the fact that it’s not very effective for use outdoors.

Our testing team liked the tool’s compact design and its ability to perform in tight or awkward spaces. The display screen was more than adequate for viewing, and the two-position activation buttons made the device even more versatile.

For those who work outdoors, the Milwaukee laser measure may be a little underperforming due to the red laser (it may be worth shelling out for a green laser tool in that case). However, DIYers and professionals who work primarily indoors can truly get some stuff done with the help of this tool.

The Milwaukee Laser Measure retails for around $100, depending on where you buy it. Ready to get measuring? Purchase yours at The Home Depot, Walmart or Ace Hardware.