New tools - Laser Measuring Device Recommendation

pettyconstruction

pettyconstruction

Member
Joined
Oct 17, 2010
Messages
722
So,
On a effort to get out of the Stone Age,I am thinking about a laser distance measurer(laser tape).
I have a line laser and a rotery level,but I think the laser tape looks cool.
Anyone use them? Love/hate? I need some feedback before I jump,kinda spendy.
Thanks,Chuck
 
pettyconstruction said:
So,
On a effort to get out of the Stone Age,I am thinking about a laser distance measurer(laser tape).
I have a line laser and a rotery level,but I think the laser tape looks cool.
Anyone use them? Love/hate? I need some feedback before I jump,kinda spendy.
Thanks,Chuck
Click to expand...

I have one and it works very well, but I haven't got into the pattern of using it regularly - mostly because I'm a hobbyist and the need isn't there at the moment.

If I was doing something like new kitchens, built-ins, etc I'd be using it every day ... easiest way to take a long measurement!

Mine's a little Stabila - works great.
 
they are almost all the same laser eye,class rating.Bosch isa good value, hilti next step up,leica best, that is the one that I see the most of, professionally used everyday.
 
I have the Hilti PD 40 and absolutely love it !!! It took a while to get use to grabbing it instead of a tape, but it's indispensable to me now. You can take all your measurements for crown/base etc etc and take them right to the saw. It's especially handy for those measurements where someone on the "dumb end" is needed. I would highly recommend one.
 
I picked up the Leica D3 back in '09 or whenever it came out.

I absolutely love it. So much easier to use than stretching out a tape after 5' or so. It's very handy in remodeling where replacing a number of framing members might mean that there are variances in length. Put this down on the bottom plate and shoot it at the top every 16" and you can walk back to the saw in 30 seconds with a whole wall's worth of info.

Think I picked it because it was a bit more accurate than the others over longer distances, and it can do angles for stairs.

Also makes a very handy cat entertainment system as they chase the dot.

If you are working by yourself, it's indispensable.
 
I use a Bosch, don't remember the exact model. It's great when looking at jobs, measuring up lineal footage of trim for multiple areas. Just shoot and add to memory, look at the total at the end. Like others have mentioned it makes working by yourself so much easier, especially crown moulding.
 
I've owned a Hilti PD 30 for several years. Great tool, usefull for looking at jobs as well as installations.
It's one of those things, that if I lost it, I'd replace it ASAP.

Get one, you'll be happy you did.

John
 
Another vote for the Stabila LD400.  For what it's worth, I'm pretty sure the guts are made by Leica.  I considered both but ended up choosing the Stabila based on price and features.
 
I use a laser for measuring up jobsites. So much faster and easier. No worries about scratching up stuff, wrestling with a 25' tape, etc. Bought the Stabila L200 400? The basic one that costs $150-$200 can't remember the exact model. Great little basic measure that did everything. Fits great in a shirt pocket or pants pocket. Unfortunately fell out of my pouch and was gone in a matter of a minute along the sidewalk of a building. Only drawback it was pretty much worthless outdoors.
Replaced it with the Leica D3/5? its out in the truck right now. Bigger, bulkier, won't fit in a shirt pocket or comfortably in a pant pocket, too many lousy buttons, lousy backlight and poor placement of the backlight button. Works good though. Actually also works well outside. It has a sight glass you look through to see where the laser is in the distance for outdoor measuring. Very nice feature.
Indoor measuring get the little Stabila; if you need outdoor measuring get the Leica with the sight glass. I know a couple guys who use the basic Bosch and Ryobi ones HD sells, they seem to work.
 
I've used Leica for years and they've worked flawlessly. I'm using their D8 now which is awesome but spendy. The D8 is really good at outdoor measurements during the day (without a reflective target) as well.

Several of Leica's newer lasers now include a digital tilt sensor that read from 0-360 degrees with +/- 0.1 degree accuracy. This is used for indirect measurements and comes in handy for measuring angles too.

I just got an email about a new model Leica's bringing to market in May, the E7500i. It's going to sync to iOS devices and with their free app "DISTO sketch".  Draw lines with your finger and measure as you go. Hopefully they figure out a way for the D8 to work with this app, this would really come in handy.
 
Thanks,
That's the info I was looking for .
I have been looking at the Leica d5,but I may look at the stabila instead.
I too am trying to get rid of the other guy/ gal at the other end of the tape,like I have done with setting up a concrete slab with a rotary laser.
Thanks again,
Chuck
 
woodie said:
I've used Leica for years and they've worked flawlessly. I'm using their D8 now which is awesome but spendy. The D8 is really good at outdoor measurements during the day (without a reflective target) as well.
Click to expand...

I've had the D8 for a couple of years. Perfect performance!
 
woodie said:
I've used Leica for years and they've worked flawlessly. I'm using their D8 now which is awesome but spendy. The D8 is really good at outdoor measurements during the day (without a reflective target) as well.

Several of Leica's newer lasers now include a digital tilt sensor that read from 0-360 degrees with +/- 0.1 degree accuracy. This is used for indirect measurements and comes in handy for measuring angles too.

I just got an email about a new model Leica's bringing to market in May, the E7500i. It's going to sync to iOS devices and with their free app "DISTO sketch".  Draw lines with your finger and measure as you go. Hopefully they figure out a way for the D8 to work with this app, this would really come in handy.
Click to expand...
As I am in no real hurry,I think I may hold out and look at that new leica.
I like the idea of a sketch with imported numbers as you go.
Thanks,Chuck
 
I have the hilt PD5 I really like it. I have used it to cut trim and it works great.
 
Update:
After I looked at my needs vrs my wants,
I went with a stabila ld300.
I really didn't need 600 feet of ability,but needed a very accurate laser.

The one I picked up,says it is good for 3/32",but just for 100 feet.
I think that's good for the base/crown that I wanted one for.

I still may get the leica e7500i,if I find that indeed the features that it has.
The price point was good also,$173 out the door,with tax and all.

Thanks for all the help.
Chuck
Ps. I love this site,just ask and the answer is yours.
 
I sell the Stabila Laser Measures. The best demonstration that I've found is to do a side-by-side with the tape or other measuring unit that the Stabila is possibly going to replace or enhance.

I use the LD 300 myself as a demo' and personal unit. I haven't found any measuring device that has beat its accuracy within 100' or so. Try to repeatably drag a tape 100' with a helper. Try it by yourself? Is it wet? Muddy?

The LD 400 and LD 500 are more accurate over longer distances and have more functionality.

I'm not sure how accurate or repeatable most people seek but once I demonstrate the Stabilas, those questions pretty much dissolve.

Tom
 
I had a demo LD500 all weekend,and thought the 300
was more accurate.At 100'.
I was very impressed with the 500,but it claimed to be t/- 1/4".
I need better than that,just not at 600' as the 500 says.

I know I will not go back to a tape for the things I do.
Very nice unit.
Thanks,Chuck
 
Hey Chuck, i always take mine with me to do estimates, much nicer than dragging a tape across someones finished home and customers love the thing!  i think its just one mode distinguishing factor between me and the other guys

enjoy your new laser!!

John
 
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