Laser measure to replace tape measure?

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Hey guys. I’ve found the “measure” feature on my iPhone handy and was wondering if there were any laser tape measures that did similar. Like a point to point (say measuring a board, trim, a hole in the wall) and also mark a spot on say drywall with one point to another point to cut (with the tool keeping a live measure going). Would also be handy to give to my lady to measure things or mark things to cut so I don’t have to translate which line is which lol. Suggestions? I saw Leica makes a disto d1 but I’m unsure if it does what I’m asking. I don’t really need to measure past 100ft in a straight line.

 

[ItsNemo]

Laser distance tools are handy for figuring out the size of a room or getting a rough idea on dimensions, but they can't replace a tape measure since they need something to bounce off of...try measuring a 2x4 to cut it with a laser doesn't work.

 

[MovingAlong]

Hey guys. I’ve found the “measure” feature on my iPhone handy and was wondering if there were any laser tape measures that did similar. Like a point to point (say measuring a board, trim, a hole in the wall) and also mark a spot on say drywall with one point to another point to cut (with the tool keeping a live measure going). Would also be handy to give to my lady to measure things or mark things to cut so I don’t have to translate which line is which lol. Suggestions? I saw Leica makes a disto d1 but I’m unsure if it does what I’m asking. I don’t really need to measure past 100ft in a straight line.

The Disto D1 looks fascinating, but don't see where it would help your assistant with marking things to cut.

 

[zak77]

I use a Leica at work and it does work great but it wouldnt replace a tape measure for certain things. It really depends on what you are trying to measure. Like said above, interior space it's great for quick sq ft calculations but if you need to measure for a piece of trim around a window, it's not the tool for the job. It is great for measuring heights, figuring angles, and other measuring needs but it has it's limitations.

 

[whateg01]

I use a Leica at work and it does work great but it wouldnt replace a tape measure for certain things. It really depends on what you are trying to measure. Like said above, interior space it's great for quick sq ft calculations but if you need to measure for a piece of trim around a window, it's not the tool for the job. It is great for measuring heights, figuring angles, and other measuring needs but it has it's limitations.

Yup. Different tools for different jobs. My insurance agent used a laser device for calculating square footage in my house, but I don't recall what the brand or model was.

 

[Rusted Nut]

I’m a carpenter by trade. I have both. I use both, but for different applications. Lasers can be awesome to have at times.

 

[AEAdam]

I do a ridiculous amount of carpentry for a non pro. The quick answer to the question, replace a tape measure with a laser is absolutely not. Ditto, laser level and bubble level. Not interchangeable.

 

[eejack]

I can't believe I have to say this, but in true GJ fashion, you should have both

 

[merkyworks]

 

[AEAdam]

I can't believe I have to say this, but in true GJ fashion, you should have both

Oh yeah totally. Not easy measuring long distances easily. I have a Bosch model and use it as a laser pointer, also super handy and never knew I needed that. Ceiling heights can be measured pretty accurately. I think the ridge in my barn I’m converting is like 28’. Good luck measuring that any other way.

 

[whateg01]

... I think the ridge in my barn I’m converting is like 28’. Good luck measuring that any other way.

Plumb bob and a tall ladder. I would prefer the laser though.

 

[nadogail]

Optical Range Finders like the ones used for Naval Gunnery are obsolete.

Lasers need a reflective target.

 

[wake74]

I’m always impressed when I walk out to my current project and see few if any paper drawings, rarely see tape measures, etc. Everything is done straight from the model, 3D locations are done via Trimble stations, etc. Everyone just carries an IPAD in the field to look at pdf “drawings” for things that aren’t in the model (electrical single lines for instance) or go use one of the walk-up BIM stations if they want to see something on a larger screen. It’s such a difference industry than when I started 25 years ago. Now granted, these projects are large (current one is about $2B) and in a high tech industry, but even for this industry, it’s been an interesting change. The fact our design team can model it, our Trade Partners can fabricate it (mostly off-site), and it goes together in the field always impresses me.

 

[Beerhippie]

Optical Range Finders like the ones used for Naval Gunnery are obsolete.

Lasers need a reflective target.

Funny that I never noticed hunters sticking reflectors on the deer.

 

[dnschmidt]

Or golfers. I used a Bushnell laser rangefinder for years prior to hurting my shoulder which forced me to quit the game. Just bounce it off the flag and accurate to within a yard.

 

[Wamsutta]

I wish they had a laser measurer that I could point at a tree limb to determine how far it is off the ground. That would help in selecting a ladder.

 

[tak1313]

I can't believe I have to say this, but in true GJ fashion, you should have both

Ha! I have 3 lasers (all Bosch), 5 laser levels of various types (all Bosch - and yes, I have a plethora of standard levels), and probably 8 or so regular tape measures (because I keep misplacing them).

 

[Beerhippie]

I wish they had a laser measurer that I could point at a tree limb to determine how far it is off the ground. That would help in selecting a ladder.

Did you look for one?

 

[Wamsutta]

Did you look for one?

No. I wish they had one like a temperature gun that the HVAC guys use.

 

[KnurledNut]

I wish they had a laser measurer that I could point at a tree limb to determine how far it is off the ground. That would help in selecting a ladder.

Measure your shadow on the ground and divide that length by how tall you are. Use that percentage to do the same for the trees shadow.

 

[bonneyman]

Want to use an electronic tool for convenience or accuracy? Fine. But don't get rid of the old analog stand-by. Cuz, batteries fail!

Cordless ratchets are great for alot of things. But would you dump your regular ratchets because you now have a cordless? I hope not!

 

[Beerhippie]

You can do it the old-school way we used to do to figure out tree height:

Find a nice, straight stick. Break it off or just grip it so that the tip is at your eye (do not poke eye) when your arm is fully extended. Hold your arm out fully and level with the stick pointing straight up. Sight over the top of the stick and walk towards or away from the tree until the tip is the stick lines up with what you want to measure. Pace from where you are to the tree trunk and that is the height.

Works best on flat ground unless you enjoy some simple trig--but that's harder to do with a stick--so walk across the slope while measuring.

To compensate for your height, look behind you to where the line from the tip of the stick through your eye would intersect the ground.

The guy who taught me this technique would use it to determine where a tree would fall when cut. He'd measure the tree as described, but instead of pacing back to the trunk, he'd make a scuff in the dirt with his heel. The tip of the tree would land right there, each time, every time.

Basically, you're making a 45 degree right triangle, where the base (distance from tree or limb) and the height are the same.

But this still avoids one important question: Can I justify buying a new tool? Laser rangefinders are amazing these days and you don't have to spend a mint on one--especially if you don't need ranges in the hundreds to thousands of yards. And no, they do not require a reflector.

 

[danski0224]

I wish they had a laser measurer that I could point at a tree limb to determine how far it is off the ground. That would help in selecting a ladder.

Either of the laser measuring devices I have will do this.

The possible issue is being able to see the dot, while outside in daylight.

 

[Tactile]

Bosch with a bluetooth connection (MeasureOn app) to my iPhone or iPad if I need a floor plan.

 

[Wamsutta]

Either of the laser measuring devices I have will do this.

The possible issue is being able to see the dot, while outside in daylight.

I'll go out and do it in the middle of the night then. The birds will get spooked.