What About A Laser Measuring Device?

[RonRock]

I'm about to buy one. I'm often alone and need to measure a room or long item. I figure one of these devices may be the answer.

Anybody know anything about them? I'm figuring not much over 100.00, less would be better, but I don't want a POS that I will hate.

My local Home Depot has this Ryobi on closeout for 40.00. I'm not too impressed with Ryobi, but it seems like a good buy. Looks like they sell for 150.00 or did sell for that. May be an obsolete item.

http://www.homeconstructionimprovement.com/ryobi-tek4-rp4010-laser-distance-measure-review/

 

[tarbellb]

I would also like more info on these. Anybody out there have experience with them? Any to consider buying or not buying? I remember seeing the "hot deals" for the Ryobi, but also the bad reviews.

I know that they can be a huge time saver and very accurate. A crane operator came to drop off a item and measured my backyard in seconds.

Links are always the best for referring a tool/site/info. Thanks!

 

[bsaint]

Like a laser interferometer?

http://www.renishaw.com/en/laser-interferometer-systems--6800

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

One of our hook runners has the Ryobi and it works really well. He is normally within .250" or a little less of known distances with it.

 

[cwlo]

I have had the Bosch unit for a number of years. I like it a lot. Its accurate, and indispensable for long measurements. I think its under $100.

Chris

 

[RonRock]

I'm looking at Bosch right now.

 

[91FE]

I have had the Bosch unit for a number of years. I like it a lot. Its accurate, and indispensable for long measurements. I think its under $100.

Chris

Yep, that's the one I've got. Two thumbs up!

 

[IndyGarage]

Leica disto

 

[Chuck McB]

What IndyGarage said . We have one here at work that's about 10 years old but it is awesome. There are laser measuring devices then there things like Leica disto products that are extremely accurate. Check the accuracy of the home depot devices it's listed on the package.

 

[RonRock]

A quick search looks like the "Leica disto" starts out around 200.00 that is a bit out of the range for me. Probably a good tool though.

From what I have found most of the ones in my price range are +/- 1/16". As spec'd but reviews say actually 1/8 to as much as 1/4" real world. I'd think that would be tolerable for what I expect to use it for.


I'm leaning towards the Bosch DLR130K or possibly the step up GLR225-RT. Not sure if the price jump is worth it for the GLR unit though.

The Ryobi looks like a good buy at 40.00, but I don't like the battery system that it comes with. Never been around their system.

 

[Mstrfxit12]

Not sure what kind of accuracy or functionality you are looking for but I have a Hilti PD 42 and have had excellent luck with it. Its accurate and repeatable. Its not cheap and its def not "homeowner class". Its taken a few drops and keeps on ticking..

http://www.us.hilti.com/holus/page/module/product/prca_rangedetail.jsf?lang=en&nodeId=-66673

 

[BWS]

We've seen them change reference if its in direct sunlight....and these were some pretty high $$ units(approaching 1k$).The best "level" I ever had was an old "3 screw" Nikon.Used it for years before it got stolen.Am back to using dad's K&E "4 screw" transit.....and as accurate as it is(gets re-certed every so often),its not quite as good as a 3 screw* when used in the "level" plane..



*A builders level or transit has adj screws that are used for leveling,the interface between instrument and tripod.....it can be the "traditional 4 screws or 3 screws.Both have certain advantages......but in the day to day world of construction the 3 screws are a bit more accurate.

 

[Steevo]

We had a room carpeted a few months ago, and the "measurer" who came out to get the room size had a laser measuring device that talked to his tablet. He'd put it against a wall, press the button, grab the measurement, then he'd tap the line on his drawing that it represented, and the program recorded the dimension. When he was done, it calculated the square footage and number of feet needed from a 12' roll to do the room.

Pretty slick tool.

 

[RonRock]

That is one of the reasons I decided I need one. My carpet estimator had one that drew the room as he "measured." Then like you said, figured the seams. Very cool, and no doubt better than a person could figure in some situations.

I don't expect to get anything that elaborate in my price range.


Although I did find the Leica D2 on Ebay for 150.00. But it comes from South Korea. Not sure about that. Is buying from S Korea a bad idea? Likely a knock off?

 

[zuk123]

I've carried and used my Leica disto for at least 10 years... I love it. It's one of those tools that once you use it, you can't ever go back.

Leica was making units for other companies for a while, notably Hilti. Don't know if they still do. Pretty sure they invented it, as theirs was the only one around for a long time.

If you are working to 1/4's and the max distance of the unit is more than you need, then the Ryobi might work. Especially indoors. I wouldn't do it though. It's been my experience that with lasers and optics, you need a quality manf. or you are throwing your money away. On the other hand, $40 isn't much of a risk. My Leica was $510 when I bought it and it was a BIG purchase for me at the time.

I use the math functions on my Leica all the time too, but you might not. That is one way to get a cheaper unit.

I love my Leica, I can measure to black surfaces, to shiny surfaces, in daylight, even if I can't see the dot, the device can. It's made me a ton of money over the years and is still going strong.

zuk

 

[Divcod]

Looking to buy a laser measuring device for a gift for son who is an architect. Looked at Leica, mentioned above, but as this post is a little dated thought I'd request an update.

Thks

 

[Vvmvbb]

I'm looking at Bosch right now.

I got the Bosch GLM 15 for Christmas and it's remarkable. Love it.

 

[APEowner]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=310165

 

[IUEC Medic]

I use a Bosch dlr130.

It's nice and very accurate, but Leica's products are state of the art... Arguably the best you can buy for indoor/outdoor/long distances.

Not saying anything negative about the Bosch, but the next one I buy will be a Leica.

 

[Divcod]

I use a Bosch dlr130.

It's nice and very accurate, but Leica's products are state of the art... Arguably the best you can buy for indoor/outdoor/long distances.

Not saying anything negative about the Bosch, but the next one I buy will be a Leica.

Ordered a Leica 7400X last night for $279 as specs listed performance level useful on commercial buildings. Thks for the input.