If youre looking for a very affordable distance finder with a name youll recognize, the Klein Tools 93LDM65 is a good pick with only a few drawbacks. 
Bosch also includes a tripod mount, which most of us wont need, but it makes the Bosch even more versatile. 
Next we tried connecting to four popular insurance computer-aided drafting (CAD) and room planning apps. Decimal readouts for feet are available on all but two of the meters, and both of our runner-up picks let you see decimal inches. If you remember the Pythagorean theorem you can calculate that yourself, but it seems like an obvious mode to include. stabila We ran each of these tools through day-to-day tasks for contractors, insurance estimators and home improvement hobbyists. stabila medidor compacto 2mm 60m laserafstandsmeter Your Best Digs saves you time and money with reviews of the products you need. We also interviewed other professionals who use measuring tools daily: Victor Millares is a project manager with Viking Environmental Group and uses laser measurers every day to estimate asbestos and lead abatement jobs. Leica was the clear winner on compatibility: Software developers go out of their way to make their apps work specifically with Leicas DISTO brand. Instead of marking your 16-inch studs or cabinet widths at the back end of the meter as on other devices, you see a visual depiction of the mark on the LCD screen. This is the least-expensive tool in our lineup, but its not actually any easier to use than the TackLife, which only costs about $7 more. In a world where the Bosch GLM 50C didnt offer the unique features that come along with the graphical display, Leica would have this in the bag with the DISTO D2. As you slide the meter along the line youre marking intervals on, you have a few inches of wiggle room around each point where you can see the mark on the screen, instead of needing to get the tool nudged to exactly the right spot before making your mark. The Klein Tools meter gave the least-reliable outdoor measurements in our tests, but its still within a millimeter of the other tools for indoor readings. Hes also used laser distance meters to generate computer-based layouts for home renovation projects. cubit You can use stakes, post-it notes or masking tape to create targets for the laser to shoot, but a tape measure can just lie on the ground. But its just as accurate as the other meters at any distance youd be able to hand-hold them, anyhow. All had excellent average review scores from buyers, though we did go with a newer DEWALT meter over an older, better-reviewed model thats discontinued. If youre looking for a literal replacement for a tape measure, with no features other than checking distances, the Bosch GLM 20 is a reliable choice. Minimum distance: We also checked the minimum distance each tool can measure, listed on the chart above in inches. Estimators nearly all carry one, even if the contractors they work with stick to the old metal tape. The high-contrast screen is one of its best features, earning a tie with the Bosch for easiest screen to read in a dark room or in full sunlight. The Bosch takes this even further, giving you a precise tilt measurement. If youre working outside on a bigger job, youd need to spend big bucks to get something with a sight glass or camera for reliable measurements at more than 100 feet. Screen readability: If youre in a tight corner or working outside, you need to be able to see what measurements youre getting without moving the meter. Bosch is arguably better-known among contractors than Leica, but support for the GLM 50C was spotty. If youre on the other end of the spectrum, just looking for an affordable laser you can still rely on, the Tacklife HD60 is accurate, bright and fairly easy to use without skimping on handy features. You can only connect this measuring tool to the DEWALT Connect app, which just has a photo markup function. If you don't need the Bluetooth connection, TackLife will still give you impressive functionality from a very affordable tool. Contact the team at KROSSTECH today to learn more about DURABOX. tachymeter geodetic theodolite For example, you get the usual painter-friendly area calculation with add and subtract functions, but no indirect height function. 2022 Your Best Digs - All rights reserved. The Platforms can show the reseller, the current status of each of his customers. distance measure laser tape Its not the most powerful layout tool, but if you like to sketch a room on paper anyhow, its actually much more convenient than other workflows. This tilt sensor and tripod mount are usually only found on much more expensive tools. Leicas interface is the real disappointment after using the Bosch meter. If you frequently do wall area estimates and you want a tool you can afford to leave in your unlocked toolbox over lunch, this is a good fit. The fact that you need the more expensive X3 or X4 to use Leicas fast-and-easy Smart Room drawing workflow is annoying. Skip the free DISTO Sketch app entirely; its very limited. Indirect, area and volume measurements work the same as on other meters, though you cant add or subtract from them. All it takes is a few taps of the screen to set up and use the laser measure integration. The features you dont get on the TackLife that you can get with more expensive meters: Neither the Bosch nor the Leica has every one of those features at the under-$200 price point, but if you need any of them you should look closely at our top picks. disto leica But many professionals in North America (even tradespeople in Canada working on residential projects) use inches and feet for measuring rooms and building materials. Laser distance measuring tools have come a long way, and we were impressed with the accuracy of even the most inexpensive tools we tested. Leica gives you more range than most of us could possibly use with a handheld tool. DURABOX products are designed and manufactured to stand the test of time. ld stabila If you prefer working in full CAD drawings to smartphone sketches but cant afford more expensive survey gear, this is an excellent option. The lack of a tripod mount and level indicator makes that a wash, depending on your project. If youre someone like a camera assistant who only needs estimated focus distance measurements, this bare-bones Bosch meter is a good value. Sadly, you cant subtract a window or door area in this mode, but its still a great time-saver for quick estimates. Boschs Bluetooth compatibility is a bit lacking compared to Leica if youre using pro-grade software. With double-lined 2.1mm solid fibreboard construction, you can count on the superior quality and lifespan of all our DURABOX products. If you werent expecting to see a Bosch take the top spot in this review, you were probably expecting to see a Leica. Thank you., Its been a pleasure dealing with Krosstech., We are really happy with the product. If you want compatibility with AutoDesk or A La Mode software products, the Leica DISTO D2 is the easy choice. Yes! Box sizes start from 300mm (D) x 100mm (W) x 95mm (H) and range all the way up to 600mm (D) x 300mm (W) x 95mm (H). From presenting visual sales proposals to gathering in-depth site data, ArcSite does so much more than amazing drawings. With a laser, you need to keep track of the dot by setting up your measurements carefully and resting the meter on something that wont shake or move.
Stake out: When you need to place a feature like a wall stud, light fixture or shelf support at precise, regular intervals, stake-out mode will help you mark those spots at the distances you set. The full-color screen gives you functions like an angle finder, stake-out mode, and easy unit switching that make it a valuable tool for professionals and homeowners alike. Screens with a high-contrast display won this competition easily. All the meters offer a foot-inch-fraction mode to replicate what youd get from an old-fashioned tape measure, but the better meters offer other modes like inch-and-fraction readings or decimal readings (see below). Other than the Bosch GLM 20, they were all able to see a wall at less than 2 inches, but the Leica was able to read about 3/16 closer than the others. Yes, it's very easy! Leicas DISTO Plan is good for quickly sketching a basic room and reviewing it, while Boschs MeasureOn is comparable in sketch mode but also offers a detailed plan mode with options for wall thickness, electrical outlet locations and drop ceilings.