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CatDaddy
USA
310 Posts |
 Posted - 01/29/2003 : 19:30:12
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From what I have read, it sounds like the DISTO Lazer measuring tools are probably the best way to go.
Are any of the ultrasonic measuring tools good products? An IA showed me one made my Calculated Industries that we checked with a tape and it came out to the inch on an inside wall to wall measurement.
I was thinking of picking one up to do just inside work. What do you guys that have used them think and what would you recommend?
Thanks for your replies. |
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Tom Toll
USA
154 Posts |
Posted - 01/29/2003 : 22:18:39
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As long as you have an open shot from wall to wall you are alright. If you have a cabinet, light fixture or something within a few feet of the sonic wave, you do not get an accurate reading. The laser beam can be seen and if you see the spot on the wall you got an accurate measurement to + or - 1/16 of an inch. You can be more inaccurate with a tape if you don't take the roll up into consideration. Disto is the way to go, if you can afford it
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CatDaddy
USA
310 Posts |
Posted - 01/29/2003 : 22:34:40
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| Tom - there is a Disto Basic on Ebay right now but the reserve is $350. Its new in the box. You think I can beat that? Is Disto the only one that measures with the lazer? |
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Russ
USA
75 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2003 : 06:48:25
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Any Disto will do! I have used my "Classic" for three years, and it is a wonderful time saving device. Interior measuring is its forte. Large commercial warehouse's can be measured in a few minutes compared to dragging a large reel tape, especially if its full of junk. Flood losses are a breeze to measure even if the contents are still inside. Outside you'll need binoculars or the eye piece to see long distances.
I have been talking to Jack Thompson, V.P. of Leica sales and they are planning on attending CADO's Convention and bringing the latest disto's to check out!
There may even be a Disto door prize!!
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Newt
USA
657 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2003 : 08:53:12
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I have the Calculated Industries just on a fluke I bought it to try out, and was surprised at how accurate mine was.
On the downside the distance is limited to 50 feet, it may or may not be as accurate because the quality is not Disto. So no two would be the same, I got lucky. The batteries may be dificult to find.
By all means go with the Disto, if you can afford it. I think you could make up some target plates for the roof or the outside. Later I will have the chance to experiment some.
The sensor in the cheap one is Polaroid, Disto has a Leica sensor so take it from there. |
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Newt
USA
657 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2003 : 09:01:30
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| PS I will probably buy a Disto at the convention, and help support them for showing up. If suppliers show up and you need something, thats the place to get it. Thats what gets them there in the first place, customers. |
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canduss
USA
120 Posts |
Posted - 03/09/2003 : 02:09:23
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| Sonin 45 is one of the best I have had the pleasure to use for an accurate & easy interior measuring tool......accurate to 1/4".....and proven by myself and other insurance professionals during numerous Insurance reinspections.....(remember to always rely on your measuring tape) for accuracy...... |
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Linda
USA
127 Posts |
Posted - 03/09/2003 : 11:44:46
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I can't say enough good about Disto's and especially the new Generation 5 models. Chuck Deaton has been using Distos longer than anyone I personally know and I doubt you could "give" him anything else. I have one as do several of my loosely associated adjuster friends. You can't beat them for accuracy, ease of use, they are water resistant and with the new back lights are easy to read outdoors or in a dark room. The prices have come down considerably from 2 years ago and short of having a set of plans for the building couldn't be more accurate or faster. They are accurate to 300 feet.
The Disto glasses, optional accessory, are invaluable for outdoors unless you have the telescope.
Stop by the LeicaGeo booth at the CADO Convention and try one! I am a generous person but the one thing you cannot borrow is my Disto!
See "What's in the Tool Bag" for more discussion on measuring devices.
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Cheryl Joyce
USA
45 Posts |
Posted - 03/09/2003 : 15:01:52
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I have used the sonin 45 since 1994, EQ-California. I have never ever gotten an inaccurate reading, what I mean is you can tell that a distance is not accurate when you get some off the wall number(no pun intended), so you just zap it again. If there is any doubt at all, zap it twice. So you know your final attempt is accurate. It is very impressive when you pull out the tape measure and it reads exactly what you just pointed and measured. Insured and contractors are impressed with the accuracy and never question your measurements. It's funny cause when you run into that same contractor on a next job, they ask if you still have "your little handy measuring tool". Sometimes you get insured trying to explain to their children what it is you are doing by pointing the little box at a wall, you would not believe the creative minds some people have. One insured told their child that It was taking a picture and measuring the distance AND sending it to my computer all at one time. There is a thought, 3 birds with one stone. I didn't bother saying anything different except that "you would be surprised what they have come up with to help in the field". That way I still showed face with the insured and their child. The Sonin 45 is great. I wasn't sure if they are still sold and was just thinking about typing the name into a search engine to see if they were still available.
On the flip, someone asked about another laser type measurer. Stanley makes a product called InteliMeasure. Same basic action and it too puts a red dot on the object you are reflecting from. I have found it not as accurate as the Sonin 45, as often, but it does get the job done, you just pay a little closer attention to the read-outs. Same thing if in doubt zap it twice or pull out the steel stanley or craftsman and confirm the confidence of the insured or contractor. You only have to do it once and they don't question.
Seems the price range in 94 for Sonin was around $40-$50 and the Stanley was around the same price range.
I would like to look at the Disto, seems that many of you have good things to say about it.
Good luck and happy measuring to all.
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CatDaddy
USA
310 Posts |
Posted - 03/09/2003 : 15:29:11
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Thanks for the information on the Sonin. I have not had a chance to demo a Sonin but I did get to try another adjusters similar device that was made by Calculated Industries. We checked it against a tape and it was right on. He had the same to say about it as Cheryl did the Sonin, that you can get a bad reading off some surfaces. It was small and impressive unit. Here is the website if anyone is interested.
www.calculated.com/products/3336.html?real_estate
Thanks again for the info!
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ShermaninCO
USA
40 Posts |
Posted - 03/09/2003 : 17:13:29
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| Yes the Sonin is still available at www.sonin.com They have several models the 45 that does 45' the 60Pro that does 60' one with a laser pointer that does 60' and one with a receiver that will do 250' outdoor as well. |
Bill Sherman
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SONIN Pro Measuring Device?
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