Tools of the Year: Reekon T1M Digital Tape Measure

The Reekon T1M digital tape measure has completely changed how I feel about this entire category of tools.

Reekon Tools has created something wonderfully convenient and useful here. It just works, and it’s both accurate and precise.

I’m not a digital tape measure kind of person, or so I thought. And to be frank, I wasn’t a huge fan of the fully-featured Tomahawk flagship model.

But the Reekon T1M? There’s plenty of nuances I can nitpick about. But when it comes to flaws, compromises, or downsides, there’s simply nothing to complain about.

These tools are quick to use, and the measurement memory function works great. Oops, you broke the tape? Don’t worry, it’s user-replaceable.

There’s also an app, which I still haven’t downloaded, but I really should in order to fully review the T1M.

Its rechargeable battery is spec’ed to run for up to 150 hours, and the tool is drop-tested to 6 feet.

I’m even a fan of the marking square feature that can be stowed out of the way. It’s a “great to have, but out of the way if you don’t need it” kind of accessory function.

Part of my fondness for the T1M isn’t about the tool, but the tool’s journey. Reekon Tools is an innovator, and their posts over time provide brief but meaningful glimpses into the hard work that goes into their products.

The controls are a little oversized, but in a good way. I found them comfortable to use.

I don’t really like this category of tools – digital tape measures – but I love this particular tool.

It’s like having digital calipers, but one that can be used out to 16 or 25 feet depending on the model.

I still don’t see myself as a digital tape measure type of person. I move to different work stations and tend to prefer having everything I need everywhere I might need them.

If I moved around to different jobs, I’d have one of these glued to my hip.

Can I give it a glowing recommendation? Absolutely. Reekon Tools is a great brand with great people, and the T1M is a fantastic tool.

But that didn’t seem like enough. It needs to stand out a little more even.

So, I’m naming the Reekon Tools T1M digital tape measure a tool of the year.

I’m not sure I can call it unique, as I started seeing what look to be knock-offs or “inspired” tools launch later.

But Reekon’s approach seems unique, and their attention to customer needs and interests is definitely something special.

The T1M is a special tool – it’s the type that I’ll look back on 10 years from now – oh, I remember the T1M, it was an excellent innovation. There aren’t many like this.

The T1M has a built-in battery and charges via USB-C. If you want a replaceable battery, you might want to look to the T1 Tomahawk instead.

Availability

The T1M is available in 16′ and 25′ sizes. At the time of this posting, both are being discounted as part of different retailers’ Black Friday deals.

Buy the 16′ at Amazon
Buy the 16′ at Acme Tools
Buy the 25′ at Amazon
Buy the 25′ at Acme Tools

Buy the T1 Tomahawk at Home Depot
Visit Reekon Tools

Questions? I still haven’t tested the app, but I’ve got both tape measures on-hand and would be glad to tackle any questions you might have.