Small Project Design

 View Only

Community HTML

BI(h)OME (by Kevin Daly Architects)

Quick Links

Who we are

AIA Small Project Design (SPD) Knowledge Community supports, celebrates, and promotes small projects by engaging designers and the public.

Expand all | Collapse all

Favorite Laser Measure

  • 1.  Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-18-2015 01:48 PM

    Does anyone have a favorite laser measure for doing as-builts and existing conditions documentation?

    ------------------------------
    Marika Snider AIA
    Architect
    Snider Architecture
    Beavercreek OH
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-21-2015 05:20 PM

    Yes, I do! I've found this one to be accurate and easy to use.

    Bosch DLR130K Laser Measure

    Amazon remove preview
    Bosch DLR130K Laser Measure
     
    View this on Amazon >
    ------------------------------
    Dawn Zuber AIA
    Owner
    Studio Z Architecture
    Canton MI



  • 3.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-21-2015 05:22 PM

    BOSCH DLR165

    Have used it for years, but by now there is a better one.

    ------------------------------
    Ronald Peters AIA
    President
    HistoricStreetscapes PLLC
    Mesa AZ



  • 4.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-21-2015 05:25 PM
    Leica Disto Laser. They have several models with varying capabilities.
    We have been using their products for over 20 years and they have always performed very well.
    I am currently using the D2 model as it is small and compact and easy to take on survey trips.

    Laile A. Giansetto, AIA
    PSM Architects, Inc.
    1250  45th St.  #325
    Emeryville CA 94608
    P:  510.655.1922
    F:  510.655.5756









  • 5.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-21-2015 05:27 PM
    I like my Leica Disto D210XT.  It's not the newest, however.  Totally adequate for interiors.  Outside, it is challenged on a bright sunny day (and can be challenging to see just where that red dot is landing).  A 12" square bit of foamcore, some duct tape, etc. can help to make a target a building corner.

    There seem to be some which can interface with smartphones, apparently to share data, and perhaps to do the magic measuring of spaces via a smartphone app.

    It looks like, if you want to be able to get the photo-measurements out of the smartphone (into pdf or better), you need to subscribe to a service. 

    --
    best regards,
    Joel Niemi
    - Architect
    425.422.4276
    jniemiarchitect@gmail.com
    http://www.linkedin.com/in/jniemiarchitect





  • 6.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-21-2015 05:29 PM

    Yes, we use them frequently. Wonderful time saver! You will still need a tape measure for small dimensions and areas spots that make the Laser impractical (typically 8" or less). You can spend pretty much whatever you want on these things  - anywhere from $25 Home Depot model to the $850 Leica Disto model.

    ------------------------------
    Rob Walker AIA
    Principal
    Rob Walker Architects, LLC
    Birmingham AL



  • 7.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-21-2015 05:31 PM

    Hello Marika,

     

    I had tried cheaper ($35 to $50) manufacturers but eventually purchased the $99.00 Bosch laser measurer.  The cheaper units can give you a different measurement each time but the Bosch is accurate to the 1/16" with a range of 150'.  It also does area calculations which I rarely use.   This is the only one I found which I can trust.

     

      John I. Lehman, AIA

       6888 Mink Hollow Road

       Highland, Maryland  20777

       Phone: 301.854.1109

       email: jlehman@lapc.us

     

       http://info.houzz.com/rs/houzz/images/2015ServiceBadges-80X80.png

     






  • 8.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-21-2015 05:32 PM

    I have the BOSCH DLR 165 that I like really well.  One feature I like is the click that I can feel as well hear when the measurement is taken.

    ------------------------------
    Scott Thompson AIA
    ArchitectureWorks, LLP
    Birmingham AL



  • 9.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-21-2015 05:36 PM

    We've tried many over the years, the best by far has been our Hilti PD30. Current version is the PD-E (656' range) or PD-I (328'). Accurate and robust. Pricey but has lasted a bunch of years and still going strong.  

    ------------------------------
    Paul Gladysz AIA
    Partner
    BDA Architecture, P.C.
    Albuquerque NM



  • 10.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-21-2015 05:40 PM
    Bought a Leica Disto E7400x. Thought I'd lost it on at a client's site and replaced it with Bosch GLM 35. Both are more than adequate for the use you're describing. Bosch is $200 less. (And I found the Leica). 

    Ronald E. Geyer, AIA, NCIDQ, Principal
    Good City Architects LLC
    (864) 360-9292






  • 11.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-21-2015 05:45 PM
    Hi Marika - I have a Leica Disto E7100i, which is the smallest one they make (I think), and has Bluetooth capability.  I haven't set that up yet but I've used it to measure a few buildings.  I really like it, especially the smaller size.  I've used larger Disto's in previous firms, and found them to be a bit clumsy to handle along with all the other stuff that I'm usually juggling.  

    Roxanne

    Roxanne Button AIA, MRAIC, LEED AP, CSI

    DesignSynergies Architecture P.C.
    THE GRANITE WORKS
    846 MAIN STREET, SUITE 2
    BUFFALO NY 14202

    WBE Certified by New York State, Erie County, & City of Buffalo
    T. 716.322.5512
    F. 716.608.1432

    Please consider the environment before printing this email.

    This email message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.
    You'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype





  • 12.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-21-2015 05:57 PM

    I would like to know the same. If there is a company in Houston, it may help. If someone has an experience using this laser measuring companies for existing buildings, please share.

    ------------------------------
    Tarit Chaudhuri AIA, CCIM
    President
    Archicon Services, Inc.
    Houston TX



  • 13.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-21-2015 06:01 PM

    The BOSCH GLR 825 is a great tool!

    Factory reconditioned is fine…see Amazon to purchase.

    The GLR 825 is an upgraded tool with a greater distance capability and a magnification viewer to see several hundred feet in daylight conditions.

    Michael Grab, AIA

    <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Erie</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">PA</st1:state></st1:place>

     






  • 14.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-21-2015 06:08 PM

    After a bit of research and cost evaluation I just bought a Bosch GLM 80 primarily because it shows up on a lot of reviewers lists as a good product and it was readily available.  Fine Homebuilding & Journal of Light Construction have done articles with reviews on this subject so "google" them.  This Bosch model is about $150.  Just starting to use it but it seems to work fine.  Models with more features and longer measure distances cost more.  In my work I still need to use a tape measure whenever possible but the laser is great when I'm doing field measurements alone across larger rooms and for double checking the sum of several distances.    

     

    Angelo L. Biondi, AIA

    A.Biondi Architects, LLC

    1815 Spruce Ave.

    Highland Park, Illinois  60035

    P:  847.780.4315

    F:  847.780.4845

    C:  847.287.9682

     

    angelo@abiondiarchitects.com

     

     

    Please respect the environment by printing this email only if necessary.

     






  • 15.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-21-2015 06:17 PM

    Leica Disto D2 is the best for the price.

    Excellent for accuracy and simple to use.

     

    Regards,

     

    MER

    MERARCHITECT LOGOL

    www.merarchitect.com

     

    7447 RAINBOW HEIGHTS RD,

    FALLBROOK, CA 92028 

    760-728-5380 OFFICE

     

    mer@merarchitect.com

                 or

    merarchitect@gmail.com   

     

    Note:

    TO SEND LARGE FILES USE THE

    DROP BOX LINKED BELOW:  

    http://dropbox.yousendit.com/MERARCHITECT

     

     

     






  • 16.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-21-2015 06:21 PM

    I use a craftsman hand held laser measure and a 10" laser level that does slope and degrees etc. I think they came in a set, had them for 4 or 5 years, no problems, reliable and accurate.

    http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-accutrac-laser-measuring-tool/p-00948298000P 

    http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-10-in-digital-lasertrac-reg-level/p-00948292000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

    ------------------------------
    Robert Zappulla AIA
    Architect
    ARCLINE studio LLC
    Roswell GA



  • 17.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-21-2015 06:33 PM
    We have both a Hilti PD-30 and a smaller Bosch unit and our favorite is the PD-30 by far. It's been with us for years, probably only changed batteries twice. 

    Michael Byrd, AIA CDT LEED-AP

    principal







  • 18.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-21-2015 07:13 PM
    We use a Leitz laser measure. I bought it because of the reputation and reports said it was the "best." But it has it's quirks, I imagine they all do. I tend to round off measurements to the nearest 1/2". The laser measurement displays 1/32" accuracy and they have no way to make the display round off.

    Then there is the issue of trying to hold it steady. Perhaps you've used one. Placing it on the floor and looking up to see that the dot isn't on some light fixture or beam is getting more difficult the older I get. And I have yet to work out how to get it to calculate a height by standing back and moving the dot from top to bottom of a wall. Seems to me they want you to use a tripod to get it right. I am not a surveyor.

    In the end I'm not sure if one of the less expensive brands would have been equally good.

    Peter
    .




  • 19.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-21-2015 08:25 PM
    We prefer the Bosch (100 ft distance)
    I have had other manufacturers this is our favorite
    Also giving Bosch mini lasers to staff for an xmas gift
    Ralph
    Ralph Fey AIA architects

    Sent from my iPhone




  • 20.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-21-2015 09:29 PM
    i like the bosch DLR130. best 80 bucks ive ever spent! 
    Jonathan Brier, Architect, NCARB
    California Architect License # C 34001
    www.brierarchitecture.com
    tel. (734) 272 2384





  • 21.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-23-2015 08:01 AM
    I use a Leica Disto, I forget which one.  It works perfectly.  I set the display to decimal feet, (1/100 of a foot is pretty close to 1/8"), so I don't have to deal with inches and fractions of inches.  The computer sure doesn't care.

    John J Gilchrist AIA
    jgilchristaia@aol.com
    210 Summit Ave A# Montvale NJ 07645
    www.JohnJGilchristArchitectPC.com
    201-573-1877






  • 22.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-24-2015 09:27 PM
    Hello, Folks ---
     
    Shazam, I'm not the only analog guy here!  Thank you, Michael Strogoff. 
    My equipment is:
    1.     Stanley 40-ft. x 1-1/4" tape (11-ft. reach-out), for most long measures.
    2.     Kakley (local shop)/True Value 25-ft. x 1" tape (5-ft. reach-out).
    3.     Lufkin 6-ft. wood folding carpenters' rule w/ 6" brass extender.
    4.     Heavy-back yellow pad, narrow-ruled.
    5.     Pentel #P207, 0.7mm mechanical pencil, w/ "B" lead.
    6.     (Soon, I hope): Wall-caliper.
     
    The hands-on measuring is a great help in my getting the feel of a building, for my small-projects, manual-drafting (using the same Pentel, on yellow trace) practice.
    Techniques include:
    1.     Running dimensions:
    After hooking the end of the tape, I walk the tape, noting critical points w/ the pencil, until I run-out-of tape.  Maintaining the tension can be tough at times.  Then I walk it again writing those dimensions on the layout on the pad w/ a curved line that indicates the "overall" stretch.  This eliminates cumulative errors.
    2.     Exterior wrap:
    Running dims. are great for going around the perimeter on the building.  Direction (left - right, or...?) is suited to hooking points, topo, shrubbery, etc.  Knowing how to "roll a thorn-bush" is very important.
    3.     Tall Verticals:
    Measure from floor up to 5' or 6', in front of my face.  Then measure from the top/ceiling down to the first point, and add-'em-up.
    4.     Unit counting:
    At tall verticals, beyond easy measuring, I count units when available, measured for increments at first.  Brick; not just 3 courses for +/- 8", but 9 or more courses.  Asphalt shingles are usually 5"/course.  Old wood siding, done well, is proportioned to openings, etc., but you'll quickly get an "eye" on each job, for what you can't reach.  And, you can reach-out the upper windows.  One good (!!!) thing about vinyl siding; that 4" (or whatever) increment, will run forever.
     
    Enjoy!
    Thanks ---
    Bill Devlin
     





  • 23.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-22-2015 12:27 AM

    Yes, I dearly love my Bosch DLR165K. It is very accurate, as long as you hold it straight and true to the target. A little practice makes perfect. One of my favorite tools ever. 2" to 165' range, accurate to 1/16".

    Fabulous. 

    ------------------------------
    Sarah Hadskey AIA
    Architect, NCARB, LEED AP
    SAM Studio
    Memphis TN



  • 24.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-23-2015 05:50 PM

    We use the Bosch DLR130 and the RYOBI TEK 4.  The benefit of the RYOBI is that it has a level and it has a small kickstand at the base that allows you to stabilize the unit in two positions.  It looks like the version we have (model #RP4010) has been discontinued or upgraded as shown below.  It still has the level but may not have the kickstand. 

    MODEL: #RP4011LK

    RYOBI Tools

    Ryobitools remove preview
    RYOBI Tools
    Finish your measuring needs accurately and quickly with help from the Ryobi Tek4 Professional Laser Distance Measure. The measure offers accurate measurements within 1/16 in. at up to 100 ft. It features quick keys for addition or subtraction mode, and includes a digital display with backlight that allows easy measurement reading.
    View this on Ryobitools >
    ------------------------------
    Steve Patmon AIA
    President
    SJPA
    San Antonio TX



  • 25.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-23-2015 06:18 PM

    I have a Stanley 16-foot tape measure.  Works like a charm but takes a while with large spaces.  Also need to be careful when retracting it, as I have caught my finger on more than one occasion.  In older spaces, I skip the tape measure completely and simply count the 2' by 4' lay-in ceiling tiles.  Close enough for most as-builts, although not entirely dependable when designing custom cabinetry.

     

    ___________________________

    Michael Strogoff, FAIA

    Strogoff Consulting, Inc.

    p: 415.383.7011

    c: 415.717.2755

    Michael@StrogoffConsulting.com

    www.StrogoffConsulting.com

    ownership transitions . mergers & acquisitions . practice management . leadership development . management recruiting

    This message is sent by Strogoff Consulting, may contain information that is privileged or confidential, and is intended exclusively for the person(s) to whom it is addressed.  Access to this email by anyone else is unauthorized.  If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately and delete this message from your system.

     






  • 26.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-23-2015 06:19 PM

    I have a Stanley 16-foot tape measure. Works like a charm but takes a while with large spaces. Also need to be careful when retracting it, as I have caught my finger on more than one occasion. And on older spaces, I skip the tape measure completely and simply count the 2’ by 4’ lay-in ceiling tiles. Close enough for most as-builts, although not entirely dependable when designing custom cabinetry.

    ------------------------------
    Michael Strogoff, FAIA
    President, Strogoff Consulting



  • 27.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-22-2015 08:01 AM

    Bosch DLR130

     

    Luther Hunter AIA

    <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">4047 Huntwick Blvd.</st1:address></st1:street>

    <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Alexandria</st1:city> <st1:state w:st="on">LA</st1:state> <st1:postalcode w:st="on">71303</st1:postalcode></st1:place>

    318-443-6865 / Phone

    318-443-6865 / Fax

    318-229-3139 / Cell

     






  • 28.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-22-2015 08:26 AM

    I use a Leica Disto D3.

    Works great. Batteries last a long time – replace maybe twice a year.

    Press the big red button to turn on; press it again to measure. Easy Peasy. Stacks a series of measurements. Very convenient.

    Numbers are a little small. When this one dies, I will get the next size up.

     

    Kevin Sullivan AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

    Kevin Sullivan Architecture LLC

    644 Linn Street Suite 1212

    Cincinnati, Ohio 45203

    513-721-2191 Office

    513-213-6772 Cell

     






  • 29.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-22-2015 11:23 AM
    I have used the Leica Disto D210XT for a few years,  about 200.00 as I recall but it is water proof and holds a number of measurements on the screen at once.  So so handy,  note that these are harder to use outdoors due to ambient light.

    Saxon


    Saxon Sigerson AIA
     
    Check out my architecture blog
    http://saxonsangles.wordpress.com
     
    Sigerson Architects
    7940 California Avenue, Suite 4
    Fair Oaks, CA 95628
    T  (916) 863-6470
    saxon@sigersonarchitects.com
    http://sigersonarchitects.com/
     






  • 30.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-22-2015 12:08 PM

    Hi Marika

    I've been using lasers for decades; my current favorite is the leica 7500i - it works even in bright sunlight due to the display; and the bluetooth while quite finicky is an added bonus in not having to write measurements down longhand

    ------------------------------
    Michael Malinowski AIA
    AIACC President Elect
    Applied Architecture, Inc.
    Sacramento CA



  • 31.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 12-22-2015 05:24 PM

    Leica Disto D8

    ------------------------------
    Rob Walker AIA
    Principal
    Rob Walker Architects, LLC
    Birmingham AL



  • 32.  RE: Favorite Laser Measure

    Posted 01-18-2016 11:21 AM

    Thanks for all of your great advice! I wound up getting a Bosch GLM 50C because that was the best that Home Depot had in stock (and it was too late to order something to arrive before Christmas) and because it comes with Blutooth capability (the big sell for some of the more expensive models). So far so good!

    ------------------------------
    Marika Snider AIA
    Architect
    Snider Architecture
    Dayton, OH