Are the laser tapes any good?

[Nealcrenshaw]

Thinking about purchasing one,anyone have any thoughts on them? How accurate are they?

 

[Stuey]

I'm not sure, but I'll offer an opinion anyways.

Back in college, I used a modulated laser and an osilloscope to measure the speed of light, and it was just about dead-on. I'm guessing that laser tape measures use a similar principle. Bouncing a modulated laser off of an object and then measuring the phase shift of the reflected beam would provide VERY accurate distance measurements as long as there isn't significant signal degredation.

Something to be on lookout for are ultrasonic measurement devices that are "laser guided." Such devices use a laser for targeting purposes, but an ultrasonic transducer for the actual measurements. I have a Craftsman model that came with a laser level kit, and while it's roughly accurate, I wouldn't trust it over a coiled metal tape.

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

Here's a picture of one.

http://images.google.com/imgres?img...microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7DKUS&sa=N

 

[Stuey]

Oh, okay, Without anything specific to go by, I assumed you meant laser tape measures in general.

I've generally heard good things about straight-line though, although Irwin will likely ruin the brand in due time.

 

[beardking]

We actually use these in my office for verification of dimensions of existing buildings that we are going to be doing work on. Pretty accurate as far as I've experienced, but they can be a bit of a pain in the rear when taking dimensions in broad daylight. It's kind of hard to locate the little red dot 40 feet away, and it will definitely show you how much caffeine you've ingested lately.

 

[boiler7904]

I've had a Hilti PD-30 for a couple of years. It's accurate enough for my uses but I wish I had bought a unit that does triangulation. When we go and check measurements in existing buildings before doing remodeling drawings, I can measure a building in about a third of the normal amount of time it takes with a regular tape and a person on each end. Also lets us measure things that you'd never get with a regular tape like heights in a stair well, ceiling heights in a wide open space, etc.

I think mine is supposed to have a 600'+ range. Problem is that you lose site of the laser well before you get to a 600' range. The target surface also dictates if you get a good measurement. Too much reflectivity is a bad thing but they don't like real dark surfaces either.

You'll have a learning curve to whatever tool you buy. If you plan on using it cut generate cut lists like for wood trim, make sure you calibrate it against the tape measure that you'll be using at the saw.

 

[mkdive]

I have one and use it every couple of weeks at work. It works great for my purpose...(to take quick measurements of interior room dimensions). I double check it every once and awhile with an old tape...and it is pretty accurate.

 

[dirty old man]

From my experiences, there are 2 kinds.

One that uses sonar to measure distance and has a laser for spotting purposes. These kind ****.

The other uses the laser to measure distance, is more expensive and are pretty convenient.

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

Thanks for the feedback!!!,seems to be ok,I will pick one up!