Over at Amazon, they have the Bosch GLM100-23 laser distance measuring tool on sale for Father Day.
This is a compact laser distance measuring tool with 100ft range and great accuracy (±1/16″), and it’s discounted to $40 right now.
Bosch has become my first-stop when it comes to laser distance measuring tools.
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I bought a GLM100-23 over a year ago, and highly recommend it. Mine grew legs and temporarily walked away. Bosch sent me a test sample upon request, and I’m happy to answer any questions you might have.
This is a compact and slim-featured model that handles 99% of my laser distance measuring tasks, and it’s been a joy to use. For the other tasks, I break out a piece of paper or a calculator.
The simplicity is a huge benefit – I see this is a laser distance measuring tool anyone can use.
It runs on 2x AAA batteries, which are included.
Deal Price: $40
Regular Price: $50
At the time of this posting, Home Depot has it for $60, and Lowe’s has it for $50.
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For contrast, Dewalt’s Atomic series laser distance measuring tool (DW055PL via HD) is also $40 but has a range of just 55ft and accuracy of ±1/4″ at 32ft. Dewalt’s next-best laser distance measurer (DWHT77100 via HD) has a 100ft range, accuracy of 1/8″ at 32ft, and costs $90, which is more than double the price.
If you need longer measuring range or more features, such as built-in calculations, check out the GLM165-22. There’s also a green laser version, GLM165-25G.
Al
I have the Bosch DLR130 and sadly discovered that the red laser is only good for indoors. To use it outdoors, you have to wait until late in the day where everything is in shadow. At distance, anything other than white drywall required using a white piece of paper or cardboard to pick up the reflection.
Will definitely look at the green laser version. Maybe it will work better on stucco, brick, concrete. Thanks for the link to the 165.
Stuart
Yes. Personally, I prefer red lasers for indoors measurements, and the same goes for leveling lasers. If I needed a green laser for outdoors measurements, I’d still get a red for indoors.
TonyT
Why? Is the red easier to see indoors?
Thanks!
Stuart
With distance measuring tools, I tend to be more cautious about reflections. With laser levels, less glare in my experience, and often thinner beam width.
Green lasers are often higher intensity. That’s good when you need it, and not when you don’t.
s
and regardless of if you’re using a red or green laser, if you need better clarity for brightness or distance reasons, those colored laser targets work wonders. i kept one of each on the truck for just that reason. having to measure full size decks, or screen rooms, it saves tons of time over trying to ‘math’ with a tape measure carefully dropped along the floor.
just set it a predictable distance away from the desired surface and add that to the lasered measurement.
Stuart
Great tip, thank you!
Wayne R.
Are you referring to something like these?
https://www.amazon.com/Pieces-Targets-Magnetic-Enhancing-Visibility/dp/B09F277TV3/
S
Yes.
s
i’ve been extremely happy with harbor freights laser distance meter. it’s a little cheaper at $34, and still measures to 1/16″, but perhaps the most important advantage to me is that it’s blocky.
far too many laser tapes, the bosch included, tend to get overly caught up in rounded and smoothed out styling. but i love the ‘brick’ of the HF model simply because it’s far easier to rest it on/against surfaces to pull a measurement.
the laser still suffers the same red laser/bright sun problem, but i found the form factor far more comfortable to use, even if it looks less professional.
https://www.harborfreight.com/100-ft-laser-distance-meter-64001.html
Matt_T
Part # for the green variant is GLM165-25G not 22G. Yeah I tried searching for it LOL.
Stuart
Whoops. Thanks for catching that! *fixed*
(The Amazon link directs to both, but I should have double checked, sorry!)
John
I have an older Bosch that works well, but suffers from 3 drawbacks, so I seldom reach for it:
1. Fractional measurements too tiny to read without reading glasses.
2. Black on grey readout not bright enough.
3. Red laser doesn’t work outdoors.
This newer model at least addresses 1 & 2.
What is it about green lasers that makes them better outdoors?
Stuart
Green lasers tend to be brighter.
eddiesky
I had one of the original Bosch laser range finder and dimension gadget. Problem was the hard to read LCD.
I replaced with the GLM165-25G and its so much easier to read and the laser can be live so measurements are live (hold it steady!) or just line up and press to shoot. I estimated tile, amount of paint needed, room dimensions for realtor. It has a weird belt clip that you loosen to slide off to replace batteries. You can also get optional rechargeable LiOn battery.
I think it was $85 on a deal. Worth it.
Blocky
The display looks much improved from my older Bosch model. 2 questions for you, Stuart— my older unit has noticeable passive battery drain and so I always take the batteries out. Have you observed this?
Also, does the unit ever inadvertently turn on in a tool pocket (due to the raised action button)? This has happened a couple times with my older one which has buttons flush with the display.
I’m looking for motivation to upgrade early.
Stuart
I don’t pocket-carry this or others a lot, but most could turn on inadvertently. The button is recessed slightly with raised outer edges. It’ll resist pocket activation, but I’d think it’s still possible.
I haven’t noticed idle drain. I spent some time last night tracking my personal copy down and checked it just now. I bought it in November 2023 and loaded it with rechargeable 900 mAh NiMH batteries. (It comes with alkaline, but I trust rechargeables and Energizer lithium as being more leak resistant over long stretches of disuse). It shows 2 out of 3 battery bars. I’ve used it occasionally, but it’s been idle for most of 1.5 years.
Based on this, I’m still not worried about idle discharge. I *have* seen excessive self-discharge in certain models (e.g. Dewalt Atomic) where you need to be on top of periodic charge maintenance. I had similar non-concerns with an older Bosch model (GLM15?).
Blocky
Thank you so much for answering my questions. This model does seem to address my pain points.
I don’t think it’s the exact link, but I noticed this model is on sale now at $33. I picked one up!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C76CPGC7/
Bill
Good timing for this article, as I just purchased the Bosch GLM165-27CGL green light laser with the rechargeable lithium ion battery. I have read some reviews of Bosch lasers and several talk about passive battery drain. Having owned the GLM42 and the GLM50-C for several years, both red lasers, I have yet to experience any noticeable passive battery drain.
My motivation for purchasing the green laser is for some outdoor projects where my red lasers don’t work well, except in low ambient light. Initial testing is showing an advantage for the green light laser visibility.
Scott K
I bought this in a pre Black Friday sale and I’m very happy with it. I really bought it to help measure an outdoor project (knowing it’s meant for indoor use) and it served its purpose. I’ve found myself using it more and more because it’s just so quick to take lots of measurements back to back. I do wish it had some additional features like the ability to add measurements together – I know this is offered on higher models that I don’t really need.