The pocket tape measure is a tool that everyone in the construction industry has used. Carpenters, plumbers, and even engineers have one or two of them in their toolboxes, but almost everything has been upgraded in some way. The same is true with the pocket tape measure. Taking it out every time you have to make a measurement can be tedious. Not only do you have to pull out the tape, but you also have to walk a straight line to make an accurate measurement. Now, you can use a laser distance measuring tool that will not only do it for you automatically but can also calculate area, volume, and much more.
Here are some of the best laser measuring tools on the market.
#1: Leica DISTO D2 330ft Laser Distance Measure with Bluetooth
Available in both black and red, this laser distance measuring tool is accurate up to 1/16 of an inch and has a 330-foot measuring range. It can make up to 10,000 measurements on each battery charge, and it comes with Bluetooth 4.0 so you can transfer your measurements into any program you need. It even has a Pythagoreas function that can be used for indirect height or width measurements.
#2: Tacklife HD60 Classic Laser Measure
This laser distance meter has a range of 196 feet, but it can also measure in inches and meters. It comes with two bubble levels as well as a backlit LCD display. It can also be used to calculate area and volume in addition to straight distance measurements. It has a Pythagoreas Mode, which will allow you to make indirect height and width measurements. And it comes with a handy carry pouch that can be used for convenient storage.
This laser distance measuring tool can measure distances of up to 165 feet with a great deal of accuracy, which makes it perfect for professionals. Its simple one-button operation will save you time, and it has a backlit color display that’s easy to read (even in dark areas). It will give you real-time measurements that will change as you move closer or farther away from the target, and its internal memory will allow you to store up to 10 measurements.
#4: STAPE 328-Foot Digital Laser Tape Measure
Not only can this device make standard measurements, but it can also be used to calculate area and volume. It even has a Pythagorean Mode, which will allow you take height and width measurements indirectly. It can accurately measure distances of up to 328 feet, and it has a backlit LCD display that can be easily read (even in dark areas).
#5: WETOLS 196-Foot Laser Distance Meter
This laser distance measuring tool is both simple and portable, and it will allow you to make accurate distance measurements of up to 196 feet. You can also calculate area and volume, which can be handy in certain applications. And if you need to make more indirect measurements, the Pythagoreas Mode will allow you to do so.
This device is great for taking effortless distance measurements in both indoor and outdoor applications. And unlike many other laser measuring tools that are accurate up to 1/16 of an inch, this unit has an accuracy of up to 1mm. It’s also well protected against water and dust, which will allow you to use the device in a number of different environments.
#7: Leica DISTO E7400x
This laser distance measuring tool is the perfect blend of function and precision, which is great for people who work in construction and engineering. Because of its 360-degree tilt sensor, you can easily take both horizontal and vertical measurements. Its housing and keypad are also resistant to water and dust, which will let you use it in even the harshest environments.
#8: Bosch GLR825
This unit comes with a number of measurement modes that allow you to better analyze your results, and the display is easy to read. It also has a 1.6x magnification viewfinder that can help you to focus on objects that are farther away or in outdoor environments.
#9: Fluke 424D Laser Distance Meter
This professional-grade laser distance measuring tool will allow you to take quick and accurate measurements in a number of complex situations. It also has a variety of features that that can save you time and reduce the number of erroneous measurements. It has an accuracy of 1mm at distances of up to 330 feet, and it can store up to 20 measurements that you can easily recall.
This device has a number of measurement modes. And because it has a bright display with big digits, it’s easy to get what you need quickly. It even comes with Bluetooth Technology, which allows you to transfer your measurements to whichever application you’re using.
If you’re looking for one of the best places to purchase professional-grade laser measuring tools, be sure to look at what we have at Engineer Supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use laser measuring tools?
To use any laser distance measuring tool, place the device on one end of the area you want to measure and aim the beam so it hits an object at the other end. If there’s no wall, pole, or anything that can catch the beam, you can place a target at the point where you want to measure up to.
How accurate are laser measuring tools?
Most laser measuring devices will have an accuracy of either 1/8 or 1/16 of an inch. For basic estimations and in most applications, a 1/8-inch accuracy will be adequate. But there are longer-range models that have up to a 1/16-inch accuracy. You will, however, have to pay more for these devices.
Can I use my laser measuring tools outdoors?
Every single laser distance measuring tool can be used outdoors, but it can be a bit of a “hit and miss” situation. All laser measuring tools work by sending out a laser beam, which will reflect off a surface. This reflection is used to calculate the distance of that object from the device, so the important part of this process is where the laser strikes a particular surface. If you want to know what you’re measuring to, you need to be able to physically see the dot. Because there are laws that limit the brightness and output of lasers, you won’t be able to see the beam from more than about 30 feet away if you’re outside and in full sun.
What's the difference between a laser tape measure and a laser rangefinder?
A laser rangefinder is often used for longer distances and where accuracy isn’t a critical issue. You just want to find the approximate distance between two points that are far away from each other. They’re commonly used by golfers and hunters, as well as in forestry applications. A laser distance measuring tool, however, is primarily used for measuring shorter distances and when accuracy is more critical.
Can dust affect the accuracy of my laser measuring tools?
Like any other electrical device, laser measuring instruments can be affected by dust. That’s why you need to clean them on a regular basis if you want to keep it working properly. And if there’s too much dust around the laser beam, you'll have a hard time determining where the dot is on the place from which you want to measure.
If you’re looking for a place where you can find the best laser measuring tools on the market, be sure to look at what we have at Engineer Supply.