Earlier today I saw a promo for the Hilti PD 5 laser distance measuring tool, and its slender form factor caught my attention.
I’m used to box-shaped laser distance measurers, and while they’ve gotten to be small and pocketable, this one looks especially compact and portable.
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Maybe it’s not actually smaller in girth than the smaller tools that have come out in recent years – I haven’t actually checked – but the Hilti’s pen-like shape should make for quicker pocket or pouch retrieval.
It just seems like the shape is a usability plus in favor of the Hilti for anyone in the market for a medium range premium laser distance measurer.
The Hilti PD 5 has a range of 8 inches to 230 feet, with ±0.06″ accuracy.
- 635nm red laser
- 328 feet range*
- Single and continuous measurements
- 2x AAA batteries last for 8,000 measurements
- ±0.06″ accuracy
- 14 to 122°F operating temperature range
- One-button operation
- IP55 water and dust protection
- Memory shows 2 last measurements
- Dimensions: 6.5″ x 1.3″ x 0.8″
- Weighs 3.5 oz
* Hilti’s website says it has 328 feet max range, retailers’ product pages say 230 feet. A digital copy of the operating instructions on a retailer’s site also says 230 feet, but the operating instructions on Hilti’s site says 328 feet. It seems that the PD 5 was updated at some point.
It comes with a small tool pouch.
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Price: $214 to $249
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The Hilti PD 5 laser distance measurer came out a few years ago. If you’ve used it, what do you think?
While I find myself liking the idea of the compact stick-shaped form factor, I wonder if the PD 5 would offer enough features to win me over if I were in the marker for a 200-300+ range laser distance measuring tool.
Higher-priced tools often come with additional measurement modes, such as for area or volume, or enhanced features such as a backlit display or Bluetooth smartphone connectivity.
This design came out in 2010, according to the user manual, so it might be unfair to compare it to the latest and greatest laser distance measuring tools from competitors.
The manual does mention a way to “browse through units of measure,” but it’s unclear as to whether this means different ways of displaying imperial measurements, or if it can also display metric units.
Chad Brink
I have used an older Hilti laser for almost 10 years on my job as a draftsman for use in measuring up buildings to generate CAD blueprints. It has been a great tool. I’ve often thought about upgrading to a smaller form factor but its not been worth the cost to upgrade. I will be upgrading soon though and it will be to the new Hilti PD-C with camera. This seems to be the perfect laser for my business as I have also had to take photos of all areas I measure. A laser that combines the measuring with the photo taking and then is powerful enough to allow measurements from the saved photos later would be a godsend. Please do a review of the PD-C
fred
The PD-C looks like the next generation of premium distance measuring instruments. When I saw it being previewed on the ProTool Reviews Blog – it made me rethink my purchase of a Leica D-810 Disto – but since I no longer use the Disto every day – I probably will not be upgrading – would have been nice though even at more than twice the price of the Disto.
Toolfreak
Geez, this thing is 7 years old and is still selling for $200? I know it’s a Hilti tool and has quite a distance capability and accuracy but dang.
In the world of tech 7 years is an eternity and I would have expected Hiliti to have come out with a new model with newer tech after at least 5 years if not much sooner. What the heck is the deal?
Bosch has rotated through several models of their compact laser measures in that time and is apparently coming out with more, or at least Home Depot keeps getting rid of the earlier Bosch models and replacing them with newer, more expensive units with more features. Lowe’s is still trying to sell the old ones for the same sale price they were two years ago, plus they of course have that Kobalt model that is a really good deal.
Hilti should keep the PD 5 but lower the price to attract more consumers. I’m pretty sure those wanting to measure greater distances would pay $100 or so for it – I would if I was in the market or needed that capability. I do want a laser measure that can do 100-300 ft or so, but I’m willing to wait until the base models get to that point rather than spending more since it’s a want for the occasional times it would be helpful rather than a need.
I do like the bar-shaped form factor though, of both the Hilti and the various base model Bosch measures. The simple shape and smaller size makes them easier to use, both in the hand and when setting them down on a surface, especially the narrow edge of a 2×4 or such spots where the wide and bulky models, however fully featured, don’t do so well.
Still, as nice as the tech is, they really only seem to be good for estimates, not final measurements for say, cutting that 2×4 to an exact length. Still need a laser measure that will do that. Maybe one day they’ll have a laser tool that measures the length and cuts the wood too.
John
I bought one of these roughly 4 years ago with the thought of using it for quotes. Little did i know just how handy it would be. We used it to do insitu frame and found that the measurement accuracy and compaxt design was great. Compared to a tape measure it is spot on no deduction at all. Compact design is great either in the pocket or in the chisel holder on the tool belt also has a pocket clip. Yes the price tag seemed abit steep however the amount of drops and tumbles it has taken, by our boys not myself, and still remained accurate is a testament to you get what you pay for.