Empire True Blue 12-Inch
Score: 92/100
DeWalt DWHT34036L
Score: 90/100Rankings
The Empire EM81.12 is a 12-inch heavy-duty magnetic torpedo level featuring an extruded aluminum frame and four True Blue vials for precise multi-angle measurements. It is designed for professional tradespeople who require high accuracy in tight spaces, offering a full-length magnet and a unique Vari-Pitch vial for slope calculations. It is ideal for plumbers, electricians, and framers needing precision in confined areas.
The DEWALT DWHT34036 is a 100-foot closed-case long steel tape measure designed for professional contractors and surveyors. It features a 5:1 gear ratio for rapid manual rewind, a rust-resistant yellow steel blade with 1/8-inch graduations, and a durable ABS case. It is highly praised for its speed and durability, though the steel blade lacks flexibility for curved measurements.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 0best | 0.1 |
— | 100best | |
| ↓ lower better | 208.6 gramsbest | 499 grams |
4best | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Durability(2) | ||
Warranty | Lifetime | Limited Lifetime |
Housing Material | Extruded Aluminum | Plastic/ABS |
Dimensions & Range(1) | ||
Weight (grams) | 208.6 grams | 499 grams |
Performance & Accuracy(2) | ||
Accuracy / Resolution | 0.0005 | 0.125 |
Scale Type | Vari-Pitch | Steel |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional sources and tool reviewers consistently praise the Empire EM81.12 for its precision and robust build quality. The Vari-Pitch vial is highlighted as a key utility feature for showing exact deviations, while the strong full-length magnet and top-read windows are noted as standout features for professionals.
Everyday users commonly praise the compact 12-inch size, noting its ability to fit into tight spaces where larger levels fail. The strong magnet is a recurring positive for hands-free leveling on posts, and the Vari-Pitch vial is valued for slope checks.
“perfect for this project”
“great for compact tri-axis readings in toolboxes”
“5 STARS! Best 100' tape measure on Amazon!”
Professional reviewers and editors praise the DEWALT DWHT34036 as the top 100-foot steel tape, highlighting its 5:1 gear for the fastest rewind speed, which is ideal for roofing from ground level. Editors note its toughness for pros like landscapers and surveyors.
Users echo professional views, commonly praising the speedy rewind, ease of pull-out, and portability features like the carabiner and belt clip. One user called it the 'Best 100' tape measure on Amazon' for roof measurements.
