A laser tape measure, also called a laser range finder or laser range meter, is a modern measuring device that uses a laser to measure distance and area for both indoor and outdoor applications. Some of the advantages of a laser measuring device over a conventional tape measure are higher range, better accuracy and more precise readings. It also relieves you from carrying and rolling the cumbersome tapes.

The indoor applications of a laser tape measure include landscape planning and interior decoration. The outdoor applications of a laser tape measure include large-scale surveys in the construction and mining industry.

Some of the important parameters you must consider before purchasing a laser tape measure are:

1. Required range of distance measurements
2. Required accuracy of measurement
3. Laser rating for the laser tape measure
4. Properties of the laser tape measure such as battery specifications and warranty

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy an indoor laser tape measure from reputable suppliers of laser tape measures

For indoor applications such as landscape planning, estimation of HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) requirements and area estimation, use a low power laser. Generally, indoor laser tape measures have a measuring range below 100 meters.

I recommend: STRAIT-LINE is one of the leading providers of laser tape measures that offer compact laser-measuring devices suitable for indoor use. Stanley, a manufacturer of ergonomically designed hand tools, also provides instruments suitable for indoor laser tape measurement. Black & Decker is another popular supplier of indoor laser tape measure. PREXISO is one of the manufacturers of laser tape measures that offer indoor laser tape with other features such as area and volume calculation.

Buy an outdoor laser tape measure from reputable providers of laser tape measures

For outdoor applications, such as distance estimation for construction industry or geological surveys, your laser tape measure must be more powerful and focused as compared to the indoor laser tape to measure long distances.

I recommend: Leica Geosystems is a leading provider of surveying laser tape measures. Laser Technology provides laser-measuring devices suitable for various outdoor applications such as surveying and construction, mining and forestry operations. Hilti Corp. offers laser tape measures or range meters that also have other features such as Bluetooth technology and PDA (personal digital assistant) conjunction. Warren-Knight offers an array of survey equipment including laser tape measures.

Buy a laser tape measure from a retailer

You can check products from different laser tape measure suppliers on retailers' websites.

I recommend: Professional Equipment, a retailer of measuring and testing devices, offers laser tape measures at attractive prices. TigerSupplies.com is another retailer of surveying and engineering equipment that offers laser tape measures. NexTag also provides a range of distance measuring devices including laser tape measures.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be careful while using laser tape measures as their direct exposure to eyes could be hazardous.
• •  When purchasing a laser tape measure, check relevant features such as battery life, memory recall and storage capacity.