Digital Laser Distance Measurer: The Features That Matter

If you’re a contractor, electrician, DIYer or a part-time handyman who needs to perform some measuring as part of the project they’re working on, a laser distance meter can help you work faster and smarter. Laser distance measurers are the modern alternative to traditional tape measurers. These tools work by sending out a pulse of laser light to a specified area and measuring the time it takes for the reflection to return. They provide very accurate readings even when measuring large distances.

But not every digital laser distance measurer is made the same. There’s a wide selection of models available, and the best one for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Accuracy is obviously an important factor, but so are speed and convenience. You’ll want a laser distance measurer that checks all the boxes and is equipped with the necessary features to help you complete the task at hand with ease and convenience.

Accuracy

When using a conventional tape measurer, it’s easy to misread the results and get an inaccurate measurement simply because it’s very easy to start or end the measurement a few millimetres off the intended points. With a digital laser distance measurer misreading is virtually impossible. However, some laser distance measurers are more accurate than others, even if the variation is minimal. As a general rule of thumb, you should look to get a model with an accuracy of about 1.5mm as that’s great for construction, DIY work and carpentry. However, if you want the best precision possible, you should consider a model with a 0.7mm precision. Keep in mind that the more precise the laser distance measurer is, the more expensive.

Range

The range of the laser measuring tool represents how far it can reach while still providing an accurate measurement. Some models only go up to 30 metres, while others can go up to 200. It’s important not to get too carried away with playing the number game. Yes, a long-distance tool can be more convenient than a short-distance model, but you may not need to measure such long distances at all. Again, it all depends on how you intend to use the tool and the tasks you need to perform. For indoor use, you won’t need a measurer with range longer than 30-50 metres, whereas for professionals, a 150-250 range measurer will be a better option.

Functionality

Every digital laser distance meter comes equipped with a few basic functions, but some are capable of calculating advanced geometry as well. Generally, a laser measurer can tell you the distance between two points, as well as the volume and area. These three functions are necessary, and if the laser distance measurer you’re considering can’t calculate them, it’s probably not going to be worth your money. However, even this is up to personal preference and needs. If your project requires the measurement of angles between surfaces such as roof pitches, corners, etc. you’ll want a tool with more advanced functions, such as the ability to calculate the Pythagorean theorem, continuous measurement, min/max and painter.

Other Features

While you may not need any extra features, they can add to the convenience of using the tool and reporting the results. Things like memory storage, decent protection rating and Bluetooth compatibility can all come in very handy. Again, whether you need these, or any other features will depend on the type of measuring you do. For example, if you’re going to use the measuring tool for DIY projects, you may not need the extra memory storage, as you won’t have to store more than five measurements at a time. However, if you’re a professional contractor, you’ll probably need to store about 15-30 values.

The same things apply to the protection rating and Bluetooth compatibility – if you aren’t a professional, you won’t need these features as much as if you were a professional. Keep in mind that the more features a laser measurer has, the more expensive it likely will be.

Laser Measuring Tips

Using a laser measurer is pretty straightforward. All you have to do is follow a few basic steps and you’ll get extremely accurate measurements every single time. First and foremost, use a target when measuring short distances, such as Velcro dots, sticky notes or duct tape. If measuring longer distances outdoors, on the other hand, you can take advantage of an affordable reflective target.

Further, make sure you understand the features of the laser meter. For instance, you can measure a roof’s slope without having to climb up a ladder by simply using the Pythagoras theorem. If you’re measuring long distances in sunlight, take advantage of the viewfinder. Daylight can make the laser dot virtually invisible, so you’ll need the magnification feature to zoom in up to 4 times to get a better look at the dot.