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I know there are all kinds of lazer tools now days, transit levels, etc.
I was wondering if there is such a thing as a lazer measurer. I thought I heard or read somewhere that you just point it at an object and it reads the distance. This would be for measuring distances from the foot of driveways to the garage doors. I am a concrete estimator, and that would help me in my job to be able to just point it at the garage doors and get the distance rather than physically measuring it. Some days it's over 100 degrees here during our busy season, and it sure gets hot walking those concrete areas doing measurements all day.
Would love to have something like that. And if it does exist, are they expensive ? And if you have one or have used one, how do you like it...is it any good ?
We have one and I would say it works great for estimates. But I wouldn't depend on it for precise measurements. Also, for longer distances, it's sometimes hard to keep it steady for the second or so it needs to take the reading. And the smaller your target on the other end, the harder it is (for example, if you had no wall, but someone holding up a surface for you, rather like a surveyor.)
If you need something for quote estimating, I'd say this would work. But for actually ordering your supplies, I'd use a real tape of some kind.
PS: it works well as a laser-light dog/cat toy, too ;-)
That's kinda what thought. Seems like I heard that the distance they are effective is not very far either...is that so ? What's the maximum distance yours will measure ?
I really don't have to have accuracy to the inch, but more so to the foot.
I figure all concrete by the square foot, so I generally round up to the next foot if it's more than 6 inches anyway. Sounds like this would be perfect for me if the distance is far enough. I need for it to reach at least 60 to 75 ft.
The website says 50', and that sounds about right. You might get away with 60', but I think the accuracy goes down. Could you maybe take 2 measurements and add them? This would require a helper (the homeowner?) to hold something up for you to bounce the light off of from the middle of the driveway. Or maybe you could slip together a quick stand out of pvc or something to act as your center 'wall'. Just a base and an upright holding a piece of cardboard or something. The stand would also help you measure the driveway width...