What's In Your Truck: Laser Measuring Tools Make Measurements Easy

led lamps and drivers

As I discover tools and tips that make an electrician’s job easier, I want to let you know! In this ongoing “Electricians, What’s in Your Truck?” blog series, I share ways to save time, maximize resources and reduce project costs.

Prior to joining Van Meter, I spent a decade as a journeyman electrician. I understand the importance of balancing between quality, productivity, cost efficiency and safety, so each of the hints I share with you is designed to help you do the same.

Every electrician needs a basic measuring tool. That’s why this blog – the eighth in the series – is all about laser measuring tools. They’re easy to use and only require one person to take accurate measurements. They can also store measurements to calculate area totals, so you can accurately estimate supplies or square footage.

So let’s find out … what’s in my truck to take accurate measurements? (And what should be in your truck, too?)

LASER MEASURING TOOLS GET ACCURATE MEASUREMENTS FASTER

Whether you’re verifying CAD drawings, creating estimates, planning cable runs or determining proper receptacle placement, taking precise measurements is key to reducing rework, ensuring code compliance and maximizing jobsite resources.

What do you have in your truck right now to measure long distances?

WHY I CARRY FLUKE'S LASER MEASURING TOOL

When I visit a jobsite, I always take Fluke’s 417D Laser Distance Meter with me. It’s easy to use and offers great features that make it stand out from other options.

laser measurement tool

One-button operation lets you take reliable measurements across long distances – indoors or outdoors – while keeping your other hand free at all times. Nobody needs to be at the other end to hold a laser tape measure! Just point and shoot to capture distance measurements of up to 131 feet (40 meters). If you realize you’re not measuring from the right location, the meter continuously displays the distance in real time, automatically adjusting measurements as you move. This is also helpful if you want to quickly compare distances from two different places to the same target.

Measuring distance to a hard-to-reach location (like a high ceiling) is much easier with a laser measuring tool too. The extra-bright laser helps you keep your eye on the target point so you know you’re capturing the right information.

Some electricians I’ve encountered think laser tape measures lack the accuracy of a traditional tape measure – so they stand by the tried-and-true method. But this laser tape measure doesn’t have that problem. It provides measurement precision within 0.08 inches (2 millimeters). With built-in calculation capabilities, you can quickly determine square footage as well (without having to double-check your math).

I also like this tool because it’s compact enough to put in your pocket, tool belt or tool bag – but isn’t so small that you’ll fumble with it or have a hard time hanging onto it. If you do drop it, it can easily survive falls of up to 3 feet, and it automatically shuts off if you forget. This saves battery life, ensuring that you can complete up to 3,000 measurements on one battery charge. The backlit display is large enough for easy measurement viewing.

laser tape measure

WHY YOU SHOULD CARRY FLUKE'S LASER MEASURING TOOL TOO:

Simply put, keep Fluke’s 417D laser measuring tool in your truck because it:

  • Features the precision of a tape measure and eliminates concerns about laser tape measures not being accurate.
  • Makes it easy for one person to take measurements and complete square-footage calculationss
  • Lets you keep a hand free with one-button operation
  • Simplifies the task of measuring distance to a hard-to-reach or far-away target
  • Is super portable and small enough to go anywhere, including inside a pocket

Does Fluke’s 417D laser measuring tool seem like a tool you’d find value in using? (Or do you want to try one out?) Van Meter’s specialists can meet you in your office or on the jobsite to show you how simple it is to operate. While we’re there, we can tell you about customers who use it and what they think.

Want to learn about other tools I keep in my truck? (And the tools you should keep in your truck, too?) Check out these recent blogs, and stay tuned for the next one!

 
garry o'leary van meter

ARTICLE BY:

GARRY O'LEARY
EMPLOYEE-OWNER, CONTRACTOR SERVICES MANAGER