What Laser Tape Measure do I need?

If you are a tradesperson, you need a laser tape measure with an accuracy of +/- 1 to 1.5mm measuring accuracy.
This is similiar accuracy to a good quality steel tape measure.

Window & blind furnishers, glaziers, joiners, carpet valuers, cabinet & carpentry makers, commercial valuers, builders and real estate agents all use laser tapes with this accuracy.
Choosing a model that has a memory recall of between 10 to 20 measurements, allows the operator to quickly review these measurements afterwards, as opposed to having to record each individual measurement.

The Trotec BD15, Leica Disto D2 and Leica Disto D3 models are popular choices for trade inside applications.



Trotec BD15 & Leica Disto D2 Laser Tape Measures



Are you using a Laser Tape Measure only for DIY use?

If accuracy is of no concern, and you are doing your own measuring around the house, a DIY type model laser tape measure is
perfectly suited to this type of application. Most of these models have +/-2 to 3mm measuring accuracies, and can measure area
and volumes.

The Precaster CA660 and Prexiso models are suitable for DIY use .



What is the difference between cheap Sonic Measures and Laser Tape Measures?

Buyer beware.
Laser tape measures use laser not sound for high accuracy and long range measuring. Many hardware and DIY stores sell low cost cheap"Sonic measuring tools". These tools use sound to measure. These are NOT laser tape measures.
They typically measure short distances only with very poor accuracy.



Are you measuring outdoors?

Most laser tapes have a good measuring range of up to and well over 50 meters. The laser dot that comes out of the laser tape
measure is your reference for where you are measuring to.

Outside, you cannot see this laser dot, typically after 7 to 8 meters, because it becomes impossible to see due to sunlight. Even on a cloudy day, the dot is only visible for approx. 10 to 12 meters.
Many people do not understand that even though the laser tape model can measure up to 50 meters, you are unable to measure outdoors because you do not know where you are measuring to.

For Outdoor and External measuring, a laser tape measure with a digital LCD viewfinder or optical sighting viewfinder must be used.
These viewfinders have a cross on the LCD screen or optical scope, which allows the user to accurately know where they are
measuring to. For distances greater than 50 meters, a tripod will assist in measurement accuracy and reliability. Also, a large white
or light grey target will assist in measurements typically greater than 70 meters.

The Leica Disto D5 and Lasermark TLM300 are popular choices for operators measuring both internal and external.



Disto D5 & D8 Digital LCD Viewfinders with 4x Magnification



Bluetooth wireless measurement communication

The Leica Disto D3a BT and Disto D8 models feature built-in Bluetooth communication.
Measurements can be transferred to a Bluetooth capable Windows device such as a laptop, notebook, palm pilot or computer.
The software also features an AutoCAD plug-in that allows the measurements to be utilised with the AutoCAD design software.

These instruments are popular for companines that have measurement programs on their mobile computers, and can calculate,
price and quote jobs immediately. Carpet companies, Insulation installer etc use these models.



Disto D3a BT Bluetooth Laser Tape Measure

Tilt Sensors

The Disto D8, D5 and D3 models feature a built-in electronic tilt sensor.
The tilt sensor can measure an angle as well as the distance. If your measurement needs to be level, the tilt sensor indicates how
close to level your measurement is.
In the instance where you can not measure level, and are required to point the laser tape higher or lower than the intended point, the
Tilt Sensor is capable of automatically correcting the angled slope distance to a level horizontal distance.
The Disto D5 and D3 models have a tilt sensor accuracy of +/- 3 degrees, the Disto D8 is +/- 1 degree.



Disto D3a Laser Tape Measure with Tilt Sensor