Laser Tape Measure

[Peter Stahl]

Looking to get a Laser Tape Measure (e.g. Bosch GLM 20). Any that you like or hate? If there has already been a lengthy discussion on this can you point me to it.

thanks!

[Frank Pratt]

Something to consider is that at long distances in a bright light condition (outside or in a brightly lit building), the laser dot can be impossible to see. Even at 100' they can be unusable. My first one was a good quality Fluke, but it just wasn't very useful to me because of that. This is a problem common to all the lower cost laser distance meters.

After much research, I ended up getting a Leica E7500 (I think that's the model). What's different about it is that it's got a 4x zoom camera in it with cross hairs that you use to aim at the point you are measuring to. It is amazing how well it works. Range is about 600' & is accurate to 1/16" Although with the longer distances you need a tripod or something solid to steady it on cause it's impossible to hold it still enough just by hand. Oh, and it's not cheap either.

[John K Jordan]

Looking to get a Laser Tape Measure (e.g. Bosch GLM 20). Any that you like or hate? If there has already been a lengthy discussion on this can you point me to it.

thanks!

I absolutely love mine. I have a DLR165K from about 10 years ago and have bought a couple of 130Ks for gifts for builder friends. I haven't used the GLM-20 but I suspect it will also be good. Mine is consistently good to 1/16" while the GLM-20 indicates 1/8"

This is perfect for planning in existing spaces, easily done with a measuring tape but that often needs a helper. I used it extensively when building my shop - use it to measure, cut, and install - always perfect. For example when installing 2x6 wall studs in the non-load-bearing walls (post and beam) I'd put down the plates, mark the spacing, then go down the line with the laser and measure and write down each stud length. Cut, install - perfect fit every time.

I've used it quite a bit outside and it works even when I can't see or can barely see the red dot. (I'd buy one with a green laser if Bosch made one.) Once I used it to measure the distance from the ground to an overhead power line. It was a little tricky to hold still and took a few tries to hit the wire but it worked. It does have a tripod socket that I should have used for that!

I like the audio feedback, accuracy, the tripod socket, the several reference surfaces, and the pin extension that lets me measure from a recess or a corner. I don't know if other models have the similar features. Most of them will calculate areas and angles and such but I never use those - I'd rather use paper and pencil.

I looked quickly at the Leica models and they do look good. If I ever build that new barn I might consider one.

JKJ

[Mike Wilkins]

I have the Bosch model. Don't know the model but it is the small one with one red button. Use it all the time for work; writing estimates for insurance claims. Cost around $50-60 moolah and very accurate.

[Peter Stahl]

I have the Bosch model. Don't know the model but it is the small one with one red button. Use it all the time for work; writing estimates for insurance claims. Cost around $50-60 moolah and very accurate.

That's more in my price range. Thanks for posting everyone so far.

[Dave Sabo]

Bosch's GLM50c seems to me to be the sweet spot in terms of range, accuracy and price. Usually can be found for $140 or even less on fleaBay.

It's accurate within 1/16" out to around 150 feet, has a rotating display that is really easy to read - maybe the best I've seen on these things. It can also be used as a level.

The 20, while cheap, isn't accurate enough for serious work.

[Ben Rivel]

I have the Bosch GLM50c (LINK (https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-Bluetooth-Distance-GLM-50/dp/B015FCJTEA/)) and love it! Nothing is more convenient for measuring out rooms/windows/spaces for bookshelves/cabinets/entertainment centers/etc. I find coutless uses for it!

[Brian W Evans]

+2 on the GLM50c. I especially like the measureon app for my phone that lets me overlay measurements on photos (measurements sent from the laser device to my phone via bluetooth). I think it would be better with a tablet due to the bigger screen size, however.

[Peter Stahl]

Thanks for all the replies!

[joseph f merz]

have a hilti for roughly 10yrs now .time saver for carpentry/construction . i was using it off a ladder to measure for studs fast on a remodel yesterday .I would think they would have a better one though .I would get one with a light .Hard to read mine sometimes .big clear numbers would be important .And checkout the buttons .mine can be stiff .imagine reaching and balancing on a ladder and the hit the button without flinching.Oh and on and off button is not protected .dang things battery dies do to being turned on when in storage [even in it's case].love it for laying base .swear i am going to replace it with something else often .

[Dan Rude]

If you just want to try one, ACE has a small Dewalt for sale at $19.95 for Fathers Day. I have the Stanley version, biggest issue is loosing it all the time due to size. Works very well for inside work and is quite accurate. Dan

[Dave Sabo]

If you just want to try one, ACE has a small Dewalt for sale at $19.95 for Fathers Day. I have the Stanley version, biggest issue is loosing it all the time due to size. Works very well for inside work and is quite accurate. Dan


Um, no it’s not.

1/4” over 30 ft. is the kind of accuracy I can get from eyeballing a space without a tape measure. That’s not even accurate enough for rough framing a shed in my world. No way you could rely on that for crown or baseboard or even measuring inside a cabinet for cutting a new shelf.

At 20 bucks they’ll sell a ton of them with the Dewalt name on it.

[Peter Stahl]

I bought a Bosch GLM 36. Will let you know what I think of it when I get it. Spent a little more than I wanted but if it works as well as it says then that's good. Thanks for all the replies/

[joseph f merz]

1/4" at 30 feet ,thats funny . https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-Compact-Distance-GLM-20/dp/B01CG97GR2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1528689495&sr=8-5&keywords=laser+measurement+tool . this might become my next one or something like it . simple ,easy to use and nice price .

[John K Jordan]

1/4" at 30 feet ,thats funny . https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-Compact-Distance-GLM-20/dp/B01CG97GR2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1528689495&sr=8-5&keywords=laser+measurement+tool . this might become my next one or something like it . simple ,easy to use and nice price .

My old Bosch DLR165K is consistently good to better than 1/16". Worse than that might be OK for estimating materials or rough work but I wouldn't want to use it for carpentry.

[Ken Kortge]

When buying a laser measure consider what tasks you might want it to do. My Bosch GLM50 C also has an inclinometer (degrees from level), and can use that along with the distance(s) measured to remotely calculate heights (height of a barn or a tree) and indirect distance (distance to the base of the barn or tree). It can do heights either from the ground (level). or from a center point taking two measurement (to top & to bottom). It can also self-calculate area and volume given two/three distance measurements. Unfortunately, usage is complicated enough (at least for my old brain) to have to look up how to use these fancy features each time I need to use them.

[John K Jordan]

... Unfortunately, usage is complicated enough (at least for my old brain) to have to look up how to use these fancy features each time I need to use them.

I had the same problem. Mine will do all kinds of calculations but for me it's simpler and quicker to just make the measurements, write them down, and use trig for the occasional angle. I don't trust running area and volume measurements anyway - I like to measure twice and write down the number if they are the same. One error in a running calculation would make the whole thing worthless.

JKJ

[Nick Decker]

If I'd known I was gonna be a woodworker I wouldn't have slept through geometry.

On the other hand, even if I'd paid attention I would've forgotten it by now.

What were we talking about?