How to Use a Laser Distance Measurer
Whether it’s for home use or professional construction work, a
laser distance measurer is one of the best tools to have because it allows for the quick and easy measurement of distances with a great deal of accuracy. It’s based on the principle of reflection as it applies to a laser beam. The device sends out a pulse of laser light in the direction of the object that needs to be measured, and it uses the time it takes for the beam to reach the object and reflect back to the device to measure the distance.
Laser measuring devices that use this technology are typically called “laser distance meters” and belong to a category of measuring devices that don’t need to make contact with the point being measured. They were preceded by ultrasound meters, which go as far back as the 1990’s and were based on the principle of sound wave reflection. But because they didn’t allow you to target a specific point, they weren’t very precise. Today,
laser measuring devices are very popular because it allows you to make precise measurement quickly.
Limitations and Dangers of a Standard Tape Measure
While the standard tape measure has been used by contractors and construction workers for a long time, getting accurate measurements aren’t that easy. If you need to take long measurements and there’s no stable point to hook the tape measure, you will need to have someone else hold it for you so the tape stays in place while you measure. And what if you need to measure the ceiling for light installations? You’ll need a ladder for that, and the thought of an extended tape measure hitting your face when you’re trying to retract it is far from pleasant. Not to mention, all the obstacles (such as furniture and posts) that could block the path between both points and will make a standard tape measure completely useless.
Advantages of a Laser Distance Measurer
A
laser distance measurer is an improvement from the standard tape measure. It doesn’t remove the basic functions of any kind of useful measuring tool, but it does eliminate some of the limitations of a standard tape measure. It also has some extra features that make measuring easier, which can make your work go more smoothly. This kind of
laser measurement tool will give you the following advantages:
- It can measure long distances without the need for a second person, as long as the laser beam can reach the end point.
- It can measure ceilings or other high places without the need for a ladder.
- It can measure through tight spaces without losing accuracy, as long as there’s a way for the laser to reach the target.
Because it uses light, it removes many of the limitations of a standard tape measure (which makes it more efficient).
Applications for a Laser Distance Measurer
Laser measuring devices can be used for any all types of length measurements, which are needed for people who work in carpentry, but they can also be used for installing the following:
- Crown molding.
- Chair rails.
- Base boards.
- HVAC systems (including duct lengths).
Electricians can use this
laser measurement tool to measure any of the following:
- Conduit lengths.
- Wire and cable lengths.
They can also use it to determine light and lumens requirements. Plumbers will find a
laser distance measurer useful as well, because it can help with the following:
- Measuring pipe lengths.
- Measuring the distance between pumps.
It can also be used to perform any of the following:
- Measure the distance between machines.
- Measure conveyor belt lengths.
- Determine clearance heights for high-voltage lines.
- Area measurements (in square feet or meters).
- Measuring room dimensions.
- Estimating materials (such as drywall, flooring, lumber, HVAC, painting, and drop ceilings).
- Determining the “footprint” of equipment or materials.
- Volume measurements (in cubic feet or meters).
- Measuring concrete pours.
- Measuring duct dimensions.
- Measuring industrial oven volumes.
- Measuring room volumes for air exchange and flow.
- Determining insulation requirements.
- Making indirect measurements (such as height or width).
- Measuring the dimensions of windows or window coverings.
- Measuring the dimensions of structures or equipment.
- Measuring horizontal or vertical surface dimensions.
A
laser distance measurer can be used in a number of exterior applications, but its effectiveness may be limited because of lighting conditions, temperature range, and the presence of an optimal target surface with which you can get accurate results. Certain unfavorable conditions (such as direct sunlight, porous or unreflective surfaces, as well as extreme temperature conditions) can compromise the effectiveness of the laser beam and could limit its ability to measure accurately in some situations.
Calculating Distance with a Laser Distance Measurer
You can use this
laser measurement tool to calculate distance by performing the following steps:
- Press the power button to turn on the device.
- Choose a measuring reference position (front, rear, or corner extension piece) and line up the device accordingly.
- Point the laser beam toward the target.
- Press and release the “measure” button.
- Keep the unit still until it has recorded your measurement.
- The laser beam will shut off once it has recorded the measurement.
- Press and release the power button to clear the screen.
- Press and hold the power button to turn off the device.
Be sure to read the manual for your specific model to get more detailed information.
How to Calibrate a Laser Distance Measurer
To make sure all your
laser measuring devices are calculating the right distance, you will have to compare it with a physical measuring device (such as a tape measure or yardstick). Measure a specific length with the yardstick or tape measure. Once that’s done, either make a mark or secure the tape measure in place. Place the
laser distance measurer at the exact distance indicated by the tape measure, while making sure that it’s set to the right measuring position (front, rear, or corner extension piece). Turn on the device and direct the beam toward the target. Press and release the “measure” button. If the figure is much larger or smaller than the actual measurement, you will have to send the device back to the manufacturer so it can be adjusted.
Best Measuring Devices
This measuring wheel is great for heavy construction, large commercial operations, utility companies, land surveying, and many other applications where accurate measuring is critical. It has several features that make it one of the best distance measuring devices, which includes the following:
- All steel construction with a spoked wheel provides strength and durability.
- A folding handle with a locking knob for compact storage and transport.
- A large, five-digit counter that’s easy to read.
- A convenient reset knob.
- A large-circumference wheel that makes it easier to measure accurately on rough terrain.
- A wheel brake that allows you move it to a second site without losing your current measurement.
- A stand that keeps the wheel upright when it’s not being used.
It also has a 15-inch wheel diameter with a range of up to 100,000 feet.
This tape measure has units in feet, tenths, and hundredths marked on a 200-foot steel blade housed in an ABS plastic case. It also has a contoured handle, hand wind, as well as an extra-large stake that allows you to make secure measurements. It’s even backed up by a one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Because of its ergonomic design, this measuring tool will give you simplicity, versatility, and accuracy. It has a comfortable grip, an improved weight balance, dedicated function keys, and two LCD displays so it can be used with either the right or left hand — all while giving you the same ease-of-use, quality, and reliability that you want from a Scale Master. You can program up to ten custom scales, so you can use it on out-of-scale plans and plan books. It has built-in memories for easy area and volume storing. You can even add and subtract values that you have stored in memory.
This laser measuring tool has Auto Square, which will automatically calculate square footage totals with the push of a button. It also has a back-lit color display with an outstanding amount of visibility and durability. It has a variety of features that makes it one of the best measuring devices, which include the following:
- Immediately gives you accurate measurement that will automatically adjust as you move it closer to or farther from the target.
- Will give you measurements with a 1/16-inch accuracy for distances of up to 165 feet.
- Fits in any pocket for easy access.
- Has an IP54 Rating to withstand rainy or dusty jobsite conditions.
It also comes with the following items:
- Hand strap
- Target cards
- AAA batteries
- Pouch
If you’re looking for one of the best distance
measuring tools that you can use on your next project, be sure to pick yours up at Engineer Supply.
This is a great tool if you want to get fast and accurate measurements without needing a second person. It can be used for measuring heights, clearances, and horizontal distances. It also has two measuring scales — the front scale in Imperial measurements with 1/4-inch increments and the rear scale in metric units with 1/2-centimeter increments. It’s a measuring rod that can be used for direct reading, and it has no tapes that can break or wear.
This is a powerful, dual-direction laser measuring tape that can make it easier to measure buildings and rooms. The two lasers allow you to stand in the middle of the room, so you can find the distance between walls or even between the floor and ceiling. It can measure 300-foot distances or more, which makes it one of the best measuring devices for any of the following:
- Garages
- Warehouses
- Tall ceilings
- Door casings
You can even measure awkward spaces without having to climb, crawl, or balance.
This measuring tape has a stainless-steel housing, which makes it the strongest on the market. And the double nylon-coated steel blade is guaranteed to last a long time under the abuses of being on the field. It also has the following features, which makes it one of the best distance measuring devices in the industry:
- A rubber-grip shovel handle for comfortable and rapid reeling.
- A metal crank handle for durability.
- A housing that’s reinforced with rivets for superior strength.
It also comes with a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
This heavy-duty measuring wheel is designed and built for the working professional. It has a variety of features, which includes the following:
- Counter-clear control located on the pistol grip.
- Counter-clear control located near the wheel.
- Trigger-operated brake.
- Can measure up to 100,000 feet.
- Balanced, in-line design.
- Heavy-duty chassis.
- Debris scraper.
- High-traction tire.
- Wide-stance folding stand.
- Belt-driven counter for long life and smooth operation.
- Sealed roller bearings.
The graduations on this measuring wheel are in feet and tenths, and comes with a padded codura carrying case.
This 78-inch folding ruler is made from downy birch with joints that are made of Swedish steel, which allows for thinner sections and a greater level of flexibility. It has a traditional 1/16-inch scale with black and red markings, and the material is coated with a water-based protective lacquer that gives it more resistance to dirt and moisture. Every one of these measuring devices goes through a thorough inspection to ensure accuracy. The joints are also heat-treated, coated, and oiled to ensure maximum performance.
The non-slip cork backing adds value and functionality to this ruler. The imprint can be in oxidized laser engraving for 1-color black logos, or it can be done with epoxy ink screenprinting for colors other than black. If you want one of the best measuring tools that can give you the results you need for your next project, be sure to pick yours up at Engineer Supply.