ExtechDT40M Laser Distance Meter

Lots of features the more expensive brands don’t even have , its def worth every penny paid

UPDATE 2: 7/3/2018 - I'd drop this to no stars if I could. This thing turned out to be complete JUNK. I've only used this a few or so more times than the last update and its completely failed. The LCD screen barely works, the readings are inaccurate and don't ever read the same twice. I held this next to a tape measure and not only was it wrong, it gave me different wrong readings every try.UPDATE 1: Only used about a dozen times and the LCD screen is already failing. If it weren't for this, I'd have stayed with 4*'s.First impressions of this are that it is of high quality. The packaging is more premium cardboard than your typical cheap blister pack. Upon opening it, the meter itself is inside a pleather carrying case (with belt loop and Velcro cover). The meter also has an attached lanyard. There is a nice heft to it so you know you have something in your hands. The control buttons are a softish rubber material and make an audible and tactile "click" when pressed. The housing itself is encased in a harder rubber not plastic allowing for better grip of the unit. The screen backlight makes the screen easily readable in any lighting condition, and can be turned off if not needed. I like that it has a battery indicator on the top too - will prevent being caught with no spare batteries when needed!Who'd have though that I'd need to read the manual for this though! Very feature rich. The manual is 20 pages and goes over all the features and functions, from how to use the meter for basic measuring to area/cubic and indirect (Pythagorean calculations). So far, it has been quick and accurate in basic measurements, area calculations and cubic calculations. I have not tried the Pythagorean methods yet, although I'd suspect that it'd be just as easy and accurate as the others.This thing will allow you to also take additive measurements (point A to B + point B to C, etc), additive area (think multiple walls in a room, or planing flooring in different rooms), additive cubic (HVAC?)... It also has a "Stakeout function", where you set a predetermined distance (example they used was placing studs 16" OC) and can then move from point to point keeping them accurately placed apart.Overall, for interior building, painting, flooring, HVAC, electrical, etc you will not be disappointed with its quick measurements and features/functions.My docking of the star is that this is not one that can also be used outside, not without making white "targets" so you know where the laser is, so for determining things like siding, fencing, etc, there are likely better alternatives.

The Extech laser distance meter has been a God-sent for some recent DIY projects. It works brilliantly and has features than can meet pro needs.The basic operation is very simple. Switch on the unit by pressing the “Measure” button. Aim at your target, level using the built in (horizontal only) level and press the button again to get an accurate reading. The laser is low enough to measure against window frame molding – which is greatly appreciated!My home has an open plan with small walls lined up in an asymmetric pattern. To add to that we have numerous unusually large windows. We recently decided to re-paint the entire home and my wife wanted different colors to accent these small walls. I quickly realized that if I didn’t have accurate measurements, I would end up buying more paint than I needed (at $45/gallon) and waste a lot of money. I used the Extech’s square footage feature to accurately calculate my wall area. This feature prompts you to measure the length and width and displays an accurate square footage. If you think that is cool, then you will really appreciate that the unit can keep totaling the square footage for additional walls for a maximum of 1000 sq. feet or sq. meters. You can also deduct from this total, e.g. measure the area for the entire wall and subtract the window or door area.The one other place the Extech has saved me money is on an upcoming flooring project. Two contractors over quoted me by 200-250 sq. ft. on a 1500 sq. ft. project. It made me a little suspicious and If it hadn’t been for the Extech making area calculations so simple and accurate, I might have come up with the similar measurements. They sheepishly re-adjusted the quotes saving me about $2,500.The Extech features continuous measurement, volume measurement, multiple types of Pythagorean measurements and a stakeout (fence post / wood framing) function. The unit can also store 20 readings in memory, and has an effective backlight.What was slightly tedious and I really do mean “slightly” is that the method to access functions and set menus options seem a little archaic. It still seems to be a digital product designed from an analog product, and not a ground-up digital product.The unit gives you the option to provide measurements from either the top or bottom of the unit. I find myself using the top of the unit measurement more than the bottom of the unit but there is no menu option to set that preference. I have to manually switch off the bottom measurement each time I restart the unit…I, do however, agree that the bottom option is the correct default.What cannot be overstated is that a laser measure makes you independent. No more pulling-holding-lining up-slipping-pulling-holding tape to get measurements and no more dependency on a spouse who can never understand why tapes need to be held in a straight line :DRecommended – I don’t leave home without it.

I selected this laser distance measuring device for my use as a caddie. The golf course where I usually loop has installed some new greens, and I needed to verify that their dimensions are exactly the same as the old greens. (I have a detailed map of each green, developed for use during the US Open, which comes in handy for refreshing my memory after the winter layoff period.)For this particular purpose, the Extech DT40M meter worked very well. I made some reflectors by cutting down the poles on those $2 driveway markers, and these yielded very precise measurments. Even in sunshine, the laser beam reflected accurately up to 100 feet, which was the longest distance I needed to measure.Instructions (included) were simple and easy to follow. Operating the meter was likewise user friendly; took me all of 15 minutes to become proficient. I also took measurements of our home's interior, and noted square and cubic foot dimensions just for practice...added these to our floor plan drawings for future reference. The device is relatively small and lightweight, yet is protected by rubber "armor", and a vinyl case.Next month, I will take this meter along when I'm doing some field training for an international disaster relief organization I volunteer for; should make calculating how many tents will fit into an open area per UN Standards quick and easy!