I recently happened across the Dewalt ATOMIC laser distance measuring tool, model DW055PL, at a local Home Depot store.
Dewalt is no stranger to laser distance measuring tools, and the Atomic series “Pocket” laser distance measuring tool is an interesting evolution.
Advertisement
The Dewalt DW055PL has a 55-foot measurement range, and with accuracy of ±1/4″ at 32′.
It has a large LCD display that looks to be easy to read, and a simple 1-button user interface.
The product description says that you get 3 unit options – inches, feet, and meters.
The laser distance measuring tool is compact, measuring 2.5″ long x 1.5″ wide x 3/4″ deep. It’s powered by a USB-rechargeable Li-ion battery.
The Atomic laser measurer comes with a wrist strap and USB charging cord.
Advertisement
Price: $20-30
When I spotted it at Home Depot last month, it was $30. Home Depot now has it for $20 online with store pickup.
Buy Now via Home Depot
Buy Now via Ohio Power Tool
Buy Now via Tool Nut
Discussion
The negative-type display looks to be easily readable to me, and I like that the display clearly shows that measurements are referenced along the bottom edge of the tool as the starting point.
I tend to use laser distance measuring tools a lot these days, and especially one-button versions like this one. Actually, my sample of Dewalt’s smaller Pocket laser distance measurer has been seeing more use, and this new one looks to be a significant upgrade with respect to range and display readability.
I think that display readability is going to be a big selling point here.
Personally, I’m still on the fence about Li-ion-powered tools like this vs. alkaline (AA/AAA) battery-powered devices.
Interestingly, this looks to be the first Dewalt ATOMIC tool that’s not a 20V Max cordless power tool. Interesting.
Compare
The Bosch GLM 20 is the next-closest competitor, but it is appreciably more expensive at $40 right now. The GLM 20 tends to drop to $30 or so for holiday shopping seasons, and we might see that price again for Father’s Day.
The Bosch is a little more accurate at ±1/8″. It has a slightly longer range – 65-feet – but it’s also larger and more expensive. It has a backlit display, but personally I think negative LCD displays are usually easier to read.
Jonathan Glenn Travelstead
Do either of these charge with usb c?
Stuart
Looks like it could be micro USB based on the images.
Andrew Drozd
Unless Bosch has had a brand new overhaul, its not rechargeable, you change out AAA batteries. I’ve had a more advanced model for years, it’s been great. I especially like that you can bluetooth it to your mobile devices, and even use it to design layouts on the fly, just shoot your points and tell the app where it represents. I did a fairly complex 2,500 basement layout with multiple offices, hallways, and utility points in about 3 hours.
Dean
Nice portable size but the 1/4” accuracy makes it a no-buy for me. I’ll stick with my one button 165’ Bosch model.
Dean
It’s the Bosch GLM165-10 Blaze One Laser Distance Measure, 165 ft. Range. Currently $62 on Amazon. Has 1/16” accuracy. Love it!
Jim Felt
Agreed!
And doesn’t depend on a (slow) USB charge port.
That alone is a hard no go.
Jared
If you don’t have something like this – you should. They are super useful.
Measuring windows for blinds, room square footage, … even how long of an extension cord I’ll need. It’s just a nice device to have around.
Mr. Creek
I personally don’t care for the “Atomic” labeling. Nothing wrong with it as a stand alone product. However. Dewalt already has, “Atomic” as a line of XR 20v/12v tools. I know they did recently release a 20v/12v leveling laser. It seems to me it would make more sense to label that one with, “Atomic” as its less confusing to the end user. Or maybe they did it on purpose so when someone on Amazon looks at that name this pops up. 12v/20v Atomic = 12v/20v laser with the same branding/line/compatibility.
DeWalt pocket laser call it anything else other than Atomic, unless that pocket laser has a slide pack in the back to use it. Must be a fancy brushless pocket laser.
Just my humble opinion.
JoeM
I’m… Sorta? With you on this… Though I’m wondering more if this was labelled “Atomic’ due to it being a reduced-sized version of one of their larger Pocket Lasers?
Frankly I’d like to know what happened to the model of Laser Measuring Tools that DeWALT released that had BlueTooth connectivity. I saw it on ToolGuyd once, and then it never showed up anywhere. I’ve looked, it evaporated, or was never produced. We never got that (or I just truly am blind and can’t find it.) but we got… This one? It’s nice and all, especially with a Metric setting, but I have too many questions about the “Why” surrounding this tool.
Otherwise… It’s not just your humble opinion, it’s mine as well, Mr. Creek.
fred
Bosch recently announced that they are calling their line of laser measuring tools “Blaze”. I’m not sure how the “Blaze” instruments compare to their older models – but here’s a Bosch link:
https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/more/news-and-extras/specials/blaze.html
Stuart
They’ve actually been using “Blaze” marketing name for 5 years now, starting with the GLM 20.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/bosch-glm-20-laser-distance-measuring-tool/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
TonyT
fred,
The e-mail I received today was about new models in the Blaze line up, including two with green LEDs. I don’t know if it’s new, but some of the lower end models support dual power (LiOn or 2x AA).
https://measuring-bosch.com/blaze-laser-distance-measuring/
I wish both Bosch and Makita would learn how to communicate with Toolguyd and similar sites, and would be much better at bringing ALL their tools to the USA.
TonyT
Oops, should be green lasers for outdoor use (not LEDs).
Stuart
Yeah – it’s about the USA launch of these: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/bosch-laser-distance-measuring-tool-glm50-27c/%3C/a%3E I’m working on a draft and am just waiting on Bosch for some answers.
fred
I got that email too – and thought it was a name change. I’m still very happy with my Disto 810 – and like its being able to measure from a picture you frame on the touchscreen. I also find its being able to do the trigonometry when you point at something that is either above or below your standing position to be invaluable in landscaping work. But if Dewalt, Bosch or someone else could match or exceed the Disto810 at a lower price – I might buy one as a spare.
Nathan
I’m waiting for a better phone connected distance measurer to do more like that for less dollars. I mean the process needs are more than met by any smartphone today.
BT couple the data – have a hand held laser emitter/reader or even if you had one that strapped to your mobile. and the software could run those processes and give oyu a better screen view. Could even port to CAD – which I think the Disto 810 can do.
Aaron
I really like the tiny rechargeable ones that have been out for a while. Nice that they are improving it, not enough to replace them. Primary benefit is that it is tiny and just works.
Nathan
1/4 inch accuracy is disturbing. as it’s not ratio’d over the max length.
so if you measure 10 ft – it might be 9ft 11 3/4 in or 10 ft 1/4 inch. same at 4 ft, same at 20 ft. I’d pay more for more accurate.
and I think it’s too small.
follow on question is there a cheapish device that has a 50ft range and 1/16th inch accuracy?
Big Richard
Based on the description – “55-foot measurement range, and with accuracy of ±1/4″ at 32′” – I would assume it is ratio’d? if not, why would they give a seemingly arbitrary number like 32′?
I would assume it is more accurate under lengths of 32′, but less accurate above. How much is uncertain, and this is just my assumption based on their rating.
To your question, I have their DW065E model, 65ft range ±1/8″, and it was only around $50. It’s not the ±1/16″ you’re looking for, but I like it.
MoogleMan3
I/4″ is not accurate enough. One of the reasons I spent more on my laser measure (Bosch GLM-50C) is because it’s accurate to 1/16″.
Chris S
You didn’t cover the most important feature this laser has (and that should continue to be more standard on every laser)… the continuous measurement/tracking feature.
It gives you the ability to use it like a tape measure. You don’t need to click a button and wait for it to take a measurement. Instead, it gives you a readout that is constantly updating anywhere the laser is pointed.
A useful example of this is standing on a ladder and trying to measure off a wall (10′ for example). Standard tape measures need to be supported and then you need to grow a third hand to hold the pencil up and make a mark.
With the laser, one hand can hold it against the ceiling (and slide it to the correct distance), while the other hand can make a straight mark across the back of the unit to mark exactly (approximately with the +/-1/4″ accuracy…bleh) 10′ from the wall, putting your mutant growth out of a job.
Seriously though, get one with +/-1/8″ accuracy or better. 1/4″ out one way and then another will make a row of lights look like shi…
MichaelHammer
I have 3 different Bosch units, all of them are continuous measuring. Not having owned any others, I assumed all laser distance measurers did this.
Dave Brock
on sale now at the HD for 19.97
https://slickdeals.net/f/15006343-dewalt-55-ft-pocket-laser-distance-measurer-19-97?src=frontpage
dave
Stuart
That’s the price I mentioned in the post…
=)
Something went wrong though because you can’t actually add it to your cart.
Ed
Read this and made a trip to my local HD in Cedar Park TX. Searched where I thought they would be but none found despite the store website saying they had 15 in stock. Two associates helped me, they had to block and aisle and go up top to find this box of 15 in a shrink wrapped pallet with lots of other stuff. The associate brought it to me and was amazed how small it was and the price to him and the others was amazing. He thanked me and said he was going to get one and the other associate probably would too.
Used it yesterday measuring my back patio for sun shades and it worked great. Took 3 minutes to get all measurements. Then used my big tape and it took 10 minutes to measure each length twice to confirm first measurement.
This tool will get some serious use here in our new home in TX.
Thanks for the heads up!
Stuart
I’m glad you were able to get your hands on one, and that you found the post to be helpful!
Ed
Today my wife found an exact match to wood flooring in our new home. We want to replace two rooms which are now carpeted. I grabbed the unit and we had measurements in less than 5 minutes for both rooms including cutouts for hallway and foyer. She said why didn’t I have this tool when she looked at this a month ago and had to use a 25 ft Stanley tape and notebook to get all the measurements and it took more than 1/2 an hour. She promptly took the laser measure from me and put it in her ‘tool’ drawer in the kitchen.
Might need to get another one now!
Jared
A curious note: this same laser is available without the Atomic branding.
When this post was published was pretty sure this was the same laser I bought my cousin as a present, but that one didn’t have any Atomic branding. I couldn’t find it to link to at the time – it was a promotional item from Home Depot and removed from the website afterwards. However, I just stumbled on a listing for it again today:
https://bcfasteners.com/shop/dewalt-dw055pl-55ft-laser-distance-measurer/
Same model number, no “Atomic” label.
Stuart
Maybe that’s just be an earlier product image, as other retailers have the same model number with Atomic branding.
Jared
Hmm, I suppose. Perhaps Dewalt updated the product and added the Atomic branding later.
Lonestar
I purchased the Dewalt ATOMIC 55 ft laser measure at Home Depot for just over $30. I intended to use it in a manner that would keep me standing firmly on the floor while I measure the size of the ceiling air registers (need to replace them and due to a knee injury I can’t climb a ladder right now). I admit I can’t figure out how to use the tool for this purpose. It seems to measure the distance from the laser to the ceiling/register, but I want to measure the dimensions of the register itself. Am I doing something wrong OR have I purchased the wrong tool for the job?
Stuart
Unfortunately, you might have purchased the wrong tool for the job.
More advanced tools might be able to do the calculations for you, or you can take two measurements and do some trigonometry to calculate the approximate length of the register.
If you have two measurements – one for each end of the register – from a fixed point, you should be able to use the law of cosines to calculate the approximate length of the register, hopefully close enough to determine is nominal size.
https://www.google.com/search?q=law+of+cosines+calculator
Lonestar
I had a feeling…I purchased a tool with the wrong FUNCTION: distance measure instead of tape measure. SIGH There are laser tape measuring tools with a similar form factor so I’ll investigate further. Thanks for confirming my suspicion.
Stuart
Laser distance measuring tools ALL take point-to-point measurements.
More premium tools do the same, but offer built-in calculations.
Lonestar
Well, I’m not able to measure from one point on the ceiling vent grille to the other side to determine dimensions for the replacement. I’ve heard that white ceilings will sometimes create difficulty? If I point at one corner of the grille and point at the opposite corner, I get a reading that equals the distance from my hand to the grille but not the side-to-side measurement of the grille itself.