Tool Test: Laser Measures

For most finish carpenters, there is nothing more familiar than a measuring tape. But is today's technology ready to move measuring tapes out of tool belts? In this tool test, finish carpenter Kit Camp takes a look at handheld laser measures, electronic devices that take measurements, and often do a whole lot more. The current field of laser measures can perform tasks such as indirect measuring and auto tallying. They also have timers, memory, and extensive range. For the test, Camp rates the Leica Disto D3 as best overall and the CST/Berger LT-160 as best value. He also includes a sidebar on tips for accurate measuring, including calibrating a tape with a laser measure; aiming for solid targets; and holding the measure steady.

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