Spot-on, literally. With this tool, you wont have to rely on a flexible metal tape measure. Make the Call: Theres a learning curve that comes with adding this layer of technology. Its Bluetooth connectivity allows this laser distance measurer to wirelessly share information to a phone, while the free Bosch app gives users the ability to document measurements and create floor plans. 
This is where we had a failure, with the RockSeed coming substantially under the rest of the laser measures (which were all close to each other). With over 20 years of expertise as a tech journalist, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge across a vast number of product categories, including timelapse cameras, home security cameras, NVR cameras, photography books, webcams, 3D printers and 3D scanners, borescopes, radar detectorsand, above all, drones. He is the author of a number of books including The Complete Guide to Drones (opens in new tab), The Smart Smart Home Handbook (opens in new tab), 101 Tips for DSLR Video (opens in new tab) and The Drone Pilot's Handbook (opens in new tab). And of course with any long-range measure a pro would do well to pack a tripod, target and perhaps even laser glasses to be ready for any conditions. For accurate measurements, consider using a small target, like a sticky note, on the opposite side of the distance being measured. Other systems featuring camera-integration function as rangefinders.
And while it doesn't measure as far as the first device on our list (50m to the Mileseey's 70m), it still represents excellent value at this price. Upgraded models have an extended measuring range, and they may be capable of indirect measurement with the Pythagorean measurement function, keeping all information stored safely on the device. Or you can measure only two hypotenuses, and the vertical height is calculated automatically. It also offers area, distance, volume and Pythagorean measurements. If you need to calculate the height of trees from a distance, the Forestry Pro makes the task a lot easier. A laser measurer can produce an accurate measurement at long distances, unlike a metal tape measure that may slip or sag if not properly supported at both ends. Laser distance measures might also come with Bluetooth connectivity, which allows the stored measurements to be transferred wirelessly to a smartphone or a tablet, saving time and effort. Read more If youre doing an estimate for painting, its an easy way to take out the area of garage doors and other large non-paintable areas as you go. Adam is our resident expert on all aspects of camera drones and drone photography, from buying guides on the best choices for aerial photographers of all ability levels to the latest rules and regulations on piloting drones. It takes measurements up to 40 feet and features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. You want to find a laser distance measure that checks off all your needs and stays within budget. Also, the DISTO E7100i features a min/max function that allows the user to sweep the laser measure across a corner while it records only the longest measurement, offering extreme accuracy. Many laser measuring tools also provide area or volume measurements as well as an impressive accuracy range that can measure to within 1/8-inch, 1/16-inch, or even 1/32 of an inch. Typically, yes.
How much youre willing to spend is another first thing to consider. It has a USB-rechargeable lithium battery (cable included) and while it lacks memory functions, the single button operation makes it nice and easy to use. There are, however, some specific instances where a full-color screen may help. See also Best laser levels (opens in new tab). If youre on the tech-savvy side of things, a Bluetooth connection can help you transfer data from your laser distance measure to your phone, tablet, or computer. Take a nostalgic trip back to 80s Japan with these Blade Runner-esque images, The best borescopes and inspection cameras, I spent a week in Iceland with the OM SYSTEM OM-1 and this is what I learned, My 5 favorite features of the OM SYSTEM OM-1 I for landscape photography, Quotes on photography and art to change the way you shoot, What's the point of Manual mode in photography? Through this process, it is able to determine the distance between the laser measure and the object its pointed toward. It's also capable of area and volume calculations. If youre working on residential jobs, 50 feet of range often covers your needs for indoor measurements.
It provides an inexpensive and convenient alternative to always having to bust out the tape measure. Works great. Pros who use the DeWalt Tool Connect app wont have to add an additional app or confuse themselves with another interface, and thats a real pro. It was also the best app in the test, as it was the easiest to use once its set up. The atolla device is compact enough to fit comfortably in a pocket, a tool box, or a bag, and is affordable enough that nearly any DIYer should consider it. Im using a TackLife Model 60M. We also liked that its relatively compact for such a budget-minded laser measure. By Make the Call: Consider the longest measurements you need a laser distance measure for. As for the rest? Portability and affordability are important considerations for some folks, and this model offers both. On the plus side, the device has a partner app for both iOS and Android, which can not only assist with area calculations for materials but export data and sketches in JPEG, PDF & XLS. However, using technology like this as a residential contractor will definitely set you apart.
But, should the user want a faster method or a longer measurement, the laser measure can handle them up to 130 feet.
BOSCH Blaze GLM50C Bluetooth Laser Distance Measure, BOSCH GLM400CL Blaze Outdoor Bluetooth Laser Measure. The Bosch was an absolute joy to use during testing. I always want to take it with me to the symphony, to measure the hall height, but my wife wont let me.
You can drag the wheel on the bottom of the unit forward or back across your surface to get an accurate measurement. Commercial applications usually require larger distance measurements, so a longer range tool makes sense. That means no more fumbling with AAA batteries. We have some specific recommendations, but we also walk you through which features matter and what to look for as you shop. Laser distance measurers use a laser and an optical sensor to determine the distance between two surfaces to find the height of a room, the length of a stairway, or other helpful measurements. The circular saw is often the tool of choice for making straight cuts in a variety of common materials, and its one [], Saudi Arabia Announces The Line As A Futuristic 100% Renewable Energy City Weve often imagined what our cities of the future might look like, but Ill be the first to admit that Saudi Arabias The Line was nowhere on my radar. The best laser measuring tools arent just about the basics. Make the Call:This is ajudgment call. After lining up the laser distance measure with the surface on the other end of the room, the measurement is calculated almost instantly. By Timothy Dale and Tom Scalisi | Updated Apr 21, 2022 4:15 PM. Others might give you storage for up to 200 measurements or more. However, the upgraded case does come at a cost, so users can expect to pay more for an outdoor laser measure. Get the Leica DISTO E7100i at Amazon, The Home Depot, and Walmart. It's reasonably robust, with IP54 ingression protection.
While Bluetooth is helpful in laser measures, its not an industry standard, so its completely up to your comfort level if you want it. Also, the DISTO Plan app was a little frustrating to use; it wasnt as easy to swap between metric and imperial measurements as it is on the actual laser. It also interfaces with iOS and Google Play apps via Bluetooth. A digital viewfinder is most helpful on a long-range laser distance measure where its difficult to see where the laser dot lands. An average laser distance measurer is capable of accurately measuring a distance to within 1/8-inch or even 1/16-inch at a distance of 50 feet. It really can make the difference between getting a job done quickly and efficiently, and having to scrap it completely. No fancy controls. However, as the distance between objects increases, any slight alteration to the laser measure can change the measurement. The best deck screws for composite decking may not be the same ones you use on pressure-treated wood decks. Laser measures work by computing the time taken for a light pulse to be reflected back to the sensor. For under $50, this tool is the best laser distance measurer for the moneyhands-down. Be sure to first match the types of materials you are fastening. But for contract estimators this us unlikely to be a huge issue. LED is much brighter and easier to read. Some even let you prepare files for export to 3D design software, which helps architects draw accurate plans and games designers to re-create real world. Make the Call:Theres not really a bad call here. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Get the BOSCH GLM400CL laser measure on Amazon. Of course, most laser distance measures work best indoors for estimating. A laser measure essentially emits light in a concentrated beam, then measures the time it takes for the light to hit an object and reflect back to the laser measure. None of our Pro team is interested in a laser distance meter that doesnt have this feature.
For example, you can just measure the hypotenuse, and the horizontal distance and vertical height are calculated automatically. Also, the bottom of the GLM50C is completely flat, making lining up measurements easier. When estimating for paint, drywall, flooring, airflow, and more, we consider this an essential function. See our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. Before putting it away in a tool box, clean the laser measure to continue to get the best results. Even though you may not be able to see the laser, its accurate if it falls within its range of use. Measuring up to 400-feet, the Bosch Blaze lets you take and spot your measurement and then transfer the measurement documentation directly to a smartphone or tablet. The Bosch GLM 50 C tops our list for the best laser distance measurer for outdoor use. The Dtape DT50 is nice and cheap, but it still does a good job. Theres one key thing to note about Pro Tool Reviews: Were all about the professional tool user and tradesman! The best borescopes and inspection cameras (opens in new tab) There are many choices when it comes to laser distance measurers for DIYers and professionals. A traditional tape measure is a better option for short measurements because it takes less time to set up, but there are hybrid laser measures that incorporate a traditional tape measure into the laser measure, providing users with both tools. , Those who have no experience using a laser distance measurer may want to consider a model with detailed operating instructions or one with very basic functionality.
Still, you do need to be certain you hit the right target! While most laser tape measures are only suited for measuring distance indoors, there are some products that are specifically for outdoor use.
It also has a built-in camera with an adjustable zoom so users can locate the laser at a long distance when outdoors, despite the light from the sun. If the display is backlit, the text is easier to see in both direct sunlight and low-light conditions. Anyone hunting for a high-quality, all-around top-notch laser level will be quite happy with the BOSCH Blaze GLM50C Bluetooth Laser Distance Measure. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. They can include a range of additional features to help make the laser measure easier to use and more convenient for users, including a battery life indicator, sound alerts, automatic shutoff, and holsters. There are a lot of details to consider when selecting the right laser measure for the job. Before deciding on a new laser distance measure, you may have a few lingering questions. Alkaline batteries will keep your initial cost down and lithium-ion is more convenient. I still record them in a notebook, though. However, the bodies of outdoor models need to be able to stand up to rain, snow, and fluctuating temperature extremes. Reasonably priced. This outdoor laser measure from Bosch has a robust, reinforced glass screen thats anti-scratch, glare resistant, and shatter resistant, which protects it and makes it easier to read the measurement results in bright light.
The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. Consider using a telescopic optical viewfinder, a tripod, or a targeting camera for better results outdoors. It includes Bluetooth connectivity for use with the Bosch MeasureOn app for estimating over photos.
Any of the bonus features you can get for the same price are, well, a bonus! It also has length and area measurements. The only potential issue is the speed of battery consumption. Not everyone needs all those bells and whistles, though. The system can help with all the area, volume, and Pythagorean calculations youd hope. There arent many other bells and whistles to the Lexivon 2-in-1 Digital Laser Tape Measure, but thats part of its beauty. It brings a no-nonsense measuring solution to DIYers and even entry-level professionals. Need more range? For one, the 400-foot range means its excellent for outdoor calculations. We also like that its yellow, making it harder to misplace. Unfortunately, every button press emits a beep, and this models beep drove my dog (who often works with me) up a wall. These tools rely on the uninterrupted beam of light, so any dirt or debris on the tool can block a portion of the laser, reducing the accuracy of the tool. Pairing a phone with an LDM solves these problems. The rubber body makes for a good grip and drops arent much of a concern. Adding a laser distance measurer to your tool box or workshop helps make many home renovation projects easier to complete. The atolla isnt perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it proved to be an excellent value during testing. We tested the length, area, volume, level, and every other function we couldmany times. The latter will deliver longer ranges. Do you work mostly indoors or outside (in the sunlight)? Multiple features including angle of inclination/declination, area and volume calcs, and a large memory, using a rechargeable Lithium ion battery. It helps you estimate carpet and tile, or measure a wall for paint without breaking the bank. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment. It covers the basics, like real-time length, length, area, volume, and indirect measurements. The very first laser distance measure I actually owned was a Bosch GLM15, and I still use it. Want more? To help weed through the options, consider a few key features when comparing laser measuring devices since different characteristics are important to different types of projects. Laser measures rated for use at long distances often have a higher degree of accuracy, with many products capable of accurately measuring to within 1.6 millimeters or 1/16-inch. The accuracy and measurement range are typically listed together, with most products claiming an average accuracy rating to within 1/8-inch at a distance of 50 feet. (See the What is a Digital Viewfinder section below). The following answers to some frequently asked questions may help you make a more informed decision about which model is right for you. The best laser measure for short distances, The best laser measure for carpentry or flooring, Ladder-free measurement, to an angle, with AutoCAD output, Ideal for generating full 3D measurements, The best laser measure for factories and warehouses, The best laser measure for measuring trees, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices, Naomi Osaka helps a butterfly at the Open: Sports Photography of the Year Award 2022. The best it will give you is the ability to hold a measurement. Getting data off the tool is almost as important as getting it in if you do estimates and bids. Rechargeable batteries make sense for some of the larger, more powerful models and keep you from having to carry around sparesas long as you remember to charge it! The only complaint I had is that the holster the GLM50C comes with has a very small belt loop that wont fit comfortably over tool belts or wider leather belts. While there are certainly plenty of home improvement ideas and materials taking up most of the floor space, that power tool section is where you can what []. This should protect it in most drop situations. First and foremost, its inverted color LCD screen produces large, vibrant numbers that we can see in direct sunlight. Getting the saw out? The first test included taking a measurement across three rooms, from the front door to the back of the house. More expensive models promise more, but for home decoration this is probably everything you're going to need. This DeWalt laser measuring tool is an option for professionals who need an easy-to-use device to take quick measurements of 100 feet or less. When youre measuring distances closing in on 400 feet, being off by a couple of degrees can make a big difference in your results. It comes with a detachable pocket clip as well as Bluetooth connectivity.
For basic estimating, that works just fine. When it comes to convenient design, its hard to beat the Lexivon 2-in-1 Digital Laser Tape Measure. Chances are that if your laser measure has addition and subtraction, it will also have area, volume, and indirect measurement (see below). This works alongside a Bluetooth connection to transfer the results into an app. Deck screws are available in a wide variety of styles, finishes, threads, and drive types. Tom May The bottom of this model is dead flat, so placing against a surface and getting a quick, accurate measurement was a breeze. We pulled each measurement from the exact same spots to ensure the laser measures were given a fair chance. When it comes to long measurements, Leicas 838725 DISTO D2 Laser Distance Measure might be the tool for the job. The device can take and send measurement data through an active Bluetooth connection. Make the Call:Both screens work just fine, but we prefer LED and the option for inverted screens if we have a choice. Laser measuring devices may display only a few numbers to indicate the distance and the unit of measurement. Laser measures are impressive tools that can make it easier to take long measurements. Also, the backlit display was very clear, and the dead flat bottom made grabbing a quick measurement a breeze. These devices, which are also known as 'laser distance measurers', 'laser distance meters' or 'laser tape measures', take all the hassle out of DIY. Your Choice: This is most helpful on commercial sites where theres a lot of technology in place to get information where it needs to go quickly. In addition, the long range, long-distance measurements are easier to achieve thanks to the 4x zoom digital camera and a feature called Smart Horizontal for circumnavigating obstacles.
Plus, their compact size makes them easy to carry, store, and use. Check out the details for [], Which Home Depot Power Tool Brands Are The Best Fit For You? Short on cash? Bluetooth connectivity allows users to wirelessly transmit collected measurements through the free Bosch app, which can also create custom blueprints. Just make sure to follow the manufacturers directions to properly connect the device. If youre a good note-taker or dont want to trust technology, memory might not be a big deal. This device can measure accurately to within 1/16-inch with a maximum distance of up to 400 feet. This means it can be pointed in three directions from the centre of a room to get all three measurements needed for an estimate of the volume without needing to take a step. Some laser distance measures add a camera to their digital viewfinder. The reason why the DeWalt is the best for pros is truly its app. Off the clock, his faith and love for his family are his top priorities, and you'll typically find him in the kitchen, on his bike (he's an Ironman), or taking folks out for a day of fishing on Tampa Bay. Mainly estimation work. The Leica Disto S910 shows how much more can be achieved with this technology than simple straight-line measurements. Many LCD displays have a backlight that helps in low light conditions, but can be tough to read in direct sun. Those who learn to use it can save tons of time and produce much more data-rich proposals and estimates. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Between the price, ease of use, and accuracy, the Skil ME9821-00 stands out. Also, the video viewfinder is incredibly useful in pulling measurements from long distances. With a measuring range of between 16cm and 70 feet, it'ss dust- and splash-proof to IP54 standards, and offers some additional useful measurement functions. I have an application for measuring a critical distance of 53 inches to 3 decimal places. Would love your thoughts, please comment. The further a laser distance measure can measure, the more powerful the laser and sensor need to be.
This compact laser distance measure from Bosch travels in a pocket or a bag to gather measurements at distances of up to 165 feet. Standard alkaline batteries are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. It also comes with a wrist strap. If youre working in small rooms, you won't need a large measuring distance.