This was designed to be on a flat surface for accurate measurements. If you move your hands at an angle like what you're doing at 10:42 in your video and describing the measurements as "jumping all around", this is because the angle of the laser (dot) significantly changes too with the movements of your hand or wrist - as you described that if you angle it up slightly, you're "gaining feet". So, as far as accuracy, as you mentioned that "it's not that great" - is a rather bias assumption. You can do it the scientific way by putting it on a flat surface, measure the distance with a "tape measure", then put it at a slightly upward angle, like what you're doing in your video, have someone mark the laser dot on the wall, then measure that "angled distance" with your "tape measure" and you'll see why you're "gaining feet". Just try it & you'll see why. Just like commenter @ Kenneth Feld, I would also def use it for inside measurements and rely on the data pretty heavily too. Generally speaking, these laser measures are pretty accurate if you know how to actually use them "properly" as they were designed for.
I was actually making the same argument! My point was that these are not going to be accurate at great distances and I was moving my hand to illustrate that point. I mentioned using a stand would increase accuracy, but that is not practical. However, these units are marketed as portable devices to be used in a similar manner as a tape measure. As I concluded in the video, I think they are fine for estimation and for quick measurements. For accuracy when I'm building cabinets in place, installing crown moulding, or other fine work, I'll stick with a tape measure. If I need a general idea of room measurements at the start of a remodel, these are a great way to take some quick measurements.
I just took my Bosch GLM165-22 out of the box. My reason for buying is to measure the height and width of windows for shutter installs. When I use the laser it is off by 3 inches. Can you advise me on how that's possible and if I should head back first thing in the morning to return it?
You are probably forgetting that the unit itself is part of the measurement. In other words, the measurement starts at the back of the unit, not the front.
hehe, you sound like some of my clients - we do a laser scan of a room for our equipment and although the laser heads are about $8500 each and you need 7 to get an accurate reading - they are accurate to 0.0005" It freaks a lot of people out. Now, this thing is no where near that, but I would def use it for inside measurements and rely on the data pretty heavily.
I think it does depend on context as well as the quality of the tool. For entry level lasers like this in the video, it works fine for estimating and perhaps for some measurements that are difficult to get with a tape measure.
I have the same one. Its nice for some things but I pretty much feel the same way about it you do. I will have to look at mine, I thought I figured out a way to cycle through the triangle sides to make it useful.
@@enduringcharm No I just don't know what I am talking about. lol Went and looked at mine, if I did figure it out, I forgot already. I think I might have been thinking of something else , I dunno now. I have had it a year and a half and have only used it a handful of times. Mainly have used it in times where my 25ft tape wasn't long enough and for what I do that isn't to often.
I’m noticing that the memory doesn’t allow for inches only. For example, if you take ten measurements in meters and review your ten measurements, it shows meters. If you then change units to feet/inches, it switches all ten measurements to feet/inches. The same goes for decimal feet. However, if you change the units to inches, the memory readings default to meters. I’m not sure if this is a bug or if it’s by design.
Well, that is something I have not tested! I would imagine it would be okay in a light fog, but if you get into really heavy stuff you should be home taking a vacation day anyway!
If you're going to do a review of of a measuring tool you should check to see how accurate it is,why would anyone buy it if it's not accurate your review is pretty much useless because you really don't like the unit
I covered accuracy in two different places in the video--perhaps you missed those parts? In one section I noted that laser measurement tools are not my choice for accuracy anyway, and that I'll use a tape measure if I need accuracy down to a fraction. In another section I demonstrated that very slight movements of the tool when measuring greater distances result in wild changes of the reading. And, I described how a slight angle of the tool in relation to the measuring spot will result in inaccuracy even if the tool is kept steady. To make it clear for you, laser measuring tools should not be used when perfect accuracy is required. Put another way, if you are buying any laser measuring tool you should not be expecting accuracy as a feature. They are good for quick measurements of large indoor spaces where accuracy is not a concern. Finally, I never stated that I didn't like this unit, I merely pointed out the pros and cons. I still own the tool and I still pull it out from time to time.
Thank you for this! You addressed my question right away. I needed to know if this can be used outdoor in direct sunlight.
This was designed to be on a flat surface for accurate measurements. If you move your hands at an angle like what you're doing at 10:42 in your video and describing the measurements as "jumping all around", this is because the angle of the laser (dot) significantly changes too with the movements of your hand or wrist - as you described that if you angle it up slightly, you're "gaining feet". So, as far as accuracy, as you mentioned that "it's not that great" - is a rather bias assumption. You can do it the scientific way by putting it on a flat surface, measure the distance with a "tape measure", then put it at a slightly upward angle, like what you're doing in your video, have someone mark the laser dot on the wall, then measure that "angled distance" with your "tape measure" and you'll see why you're "gaining feet". Just try it & you'll see why. Just like commenter @ Kenneth Feld, I would also def use it for inside measurements and rely on the data pretty heavily too. Generally speaking, these laser measures are pretty accurate if you know how to actually use them "properly" as they were designed for.
I was actually making the same argument! My point was that these are not going to be accurate at great distances and I was moving my hand to illustrate that point. I mentioned using a stand would increase accuracy, but that is not practical. However, these units are marketed as portable devices to be used in a similar manner as a tape measure. As I concluded in the video, I think they are fine for estimation and for quick measurements. For accuracy when I'm building cabinets in place, installing crown moulding, or other fine work, I'll stick with a tape measure. If I need a general idea of room measurements at the start of a remodel, these are a great way to take some quick measurements.
I just took my Bosch GLM165-22 out of the box. My reason for buying is to measure the height and width of windows for shutter installs. When I use the laser it is off by 3 inches. Can you advise me on how that's possible and if I should head back first thing in the morning to return it?
You are probably forgetting that the unit itself is part of the measurement. In other words, the measurement starts at the back of the unit, not the front.
Which it should take that in to consideration
hehe, you sound like some of my clients - we do a laser scan of a room for our equipment and although the laser heads are about $8500 each and you need 7 to get an accurate reading - they are accurate to 0.0005" It freaks a lot of people out. Now, this thing is no where near that, but I would def use it for inside measurements and rely on the data pretty heavily.
I think it does depend on context as well as the quality of the tool. For entry level lasers like this in the video, it works fine for estimating and perhaps for some measurements that are difficult to get with a tape measure.
I have the same one. Its nice for some things but I pretty much feel the same way about it you do. I will have to look at mine, I thought I figured out a way to cycle through the triangle sides to make it useful.
Oh, if there is a way to change which side of the triangle is calculated that would be great. Maybe some models allow it and some don't?
@@enduringcharm No I just don't know what I am talking about. lol Went and looked at mine, if I did figure it out, I forgot already. I think I might have been thinking of something else , I dunno now. I have had it a year and a half and have only used it a handful of times. Mainly have used it in times where my 25ft tape wasn't long enough and for what I do that isn't to often.
Nice 'real application' review.
I’m noticing that the memory doesn’t allow for inches only. For example, if you take ten measurements in meters and review your ten measurements, it shows meters. If you then change units to feet/inches, it switches all ten measurements to feet/inches. The same goes for decimal feet. However, if you change the units to inches, the memory readings default to meters.
I’m not sure if this is a bug or if it’s by design.
Interesting--I only use inches, but I'll have to try that.
Hello. Does this laser meter work when the weather is foggy? Thanks
Well, that is something I have not tested! I would imagine it would be okay in a light fog, but if you get into really heavy stuff you should be home taking a vacation day anyway!
@@enduringcharm Thank you very much 🙏
How to calibrate
I believe Bosch does provide a calibration service, actually. I have no idea of the cost, though. There is no self-calibration.
If you're going to do a review of of a measuring tool you should check to see how accurate it is,why would anyone buy it if it's not accurate your review is pretty much useless because you really don't like the unit
I covered accuracy in two different places in the video--perhaps you missed those parts? In one section I noted that laser measurement tools are not my choice for accuracy anyway, and that I'll use a tape measure if I need accuracy down to a fraction. In another section I demonstrated that very slight movements of the tool when measuring greater distances result in wild changes of the reading. And, I described how a slight angle of the tool in relation to the measuring spot will result in inaccuracy even if the tool is kept steady. To make it clear for you, laser measuring tools should not be used when perfect accuracy is required. Put another way, if you are buying any laser measuring tool you should not be expecting accuracy as a feature. They are good for quick measurements of large indoor spaces where accuracy is not a concern. Finally, I never stated that I didn't like this unit, I merely pointed out the pros and cons. I still own the tool and I still pull it out from time to time.