RE: The Tape Measure of Choice
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RE: The Tape Measure of Choice - 2/10/2006 11:46:08 PM
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dcmarlin
Posts: 145
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Who needs tapes or wheels? Just ask the roofer! I believe everything they tell me!
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RE: The Tape Measure of Choice - 2/11/2006 8:59:11 AM
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okclarryd
Posts: 612
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Home base: Oklahoma City, Ok
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I found the source for magnetic tape measure holders. These are the nuts. If you have ever had one, you'll want another.
Contact Chreia@msn.com and she will fix you up. She had them on Ebay for a while but they're not there now.
Tell 'er Okclarryd sent ya. If she doesn't hang up, you're good to go.
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LARRY D HARDIN
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RE: The Tape Measure of Choice - 3/14/2006 5:01:07 PM
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JGardner
Posts: 322
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Home base: Daphne, AL
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Ok, I have the Disto made by Leica, but have been searching the Home Depot's for Stanley's version of the Disto. After at least six HD's searched in Alabama, Florida, and Texas, the service people keep directing me to the Hardware section and showing me their ****py sonic laser device.
I was under the impression that the Stanley version of the Disto was just cheaper and priced at about 100 bucks. Therefore, I am hoping that it will make a good back up. I used the sonic thing and it still costs around 20 bucks (it only took a few measurements before I returned it- don't buy it, your cat firm might send you home if you do).
What section is Stanley's disto in? Is it in a glass case with a security guard beside it? Is it in their secret vault? Please advise.
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Jud
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RE: The Tape Measure of Choice - 3/14/2006 5:06:56 PM
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kmerian
Posts: 55
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Home base: San Antonio, Tx
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quote:
ORIGINAL: JGardner
Ok, I have the Disto made by Leica, but have been searching the Home Depot's for Stanley's version of the Disto. After at least six HD's searched in Alabama, Florida, and Texas, the service people keep directing me to the Hardware section and showing me their ****py sonic laser device.
I was under the impression that the Stanley version of the Disto was just cheaper and priced at about 100 bucks. Therefore, I am hoping that it will make a good back up. I used the sonic thing and it still costs around 20 bucks (it only took a few measurements before I returned it- don't buy it, your cat firm might send you home if you do).
What section is Stanley's disto in? Is it in a glass case with a security guard beside it? Is it in their secret vault? Please advise.
The Stanley FatMax Laser, I believe is an internet only item at Home Depot. Lowe's has them in stock they are with the tape measures. and yes, they are only $100
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RE: The Tape Measure of Choice - 3/14/2006 5:17:48 PM
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JGardner
Posts: 322
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Your'e right. Larry indicated that they're only sold as you say. My apologies for the redundancy.
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RE: The Tape Measure of Choice - 3/18/2006 4:06:06 PM
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Doug
Posts: 102
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Another adjuster and i did the taster's challenge between the Stanley fat max laser, and my $35 Ryobi laser from home depot. Accuracy for both was very good, but the Ryobi has about a 65' limit instead of the 100' of the stanley. Money saved was not the issue , at the time i bought it, the Stanley was not available and the Ryobi was the only thing there.
Since these things are mostly just for interiors, the 65' limit has not been a problem so far. I have noticed that a microwave oven in the direct vicinity of your measurements can throw the game off though - doesnt need to be running to do this-- weird. But i always carry a tape too, when the electronic reading doesnt seem right because of stuff like this
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RE: The Tape Measure of Choice - 3/18/2006 5:08:32 PM
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BobH
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You are comparing 2 economy models. Kind of like racing an old Ford Pinto against an old Chevy Vega.
Although the Stanley Fat Max laser is made by Leica, it is only rated at less than 1/3 of the distance of the "real" Leica's which are in the $300 and up price range. Worth every penny.
Just tested my Leica in the kitchen "with" and without microwave running, no difference. I used to double check the measurements with a tape, and no longer feel the need. It is dead accurate.
The older "sonic" measure devices are terrible, your laser is better than that, but it isn't the top of the line.
_____________________________
Bob Harvey
Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler. Albert Einstein
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RE: The Tape Measure of Choice - 3/18/2006 11:37:18 PM
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rhida
Posts: 52
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Home base: Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
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I've been searching for a 50' stainless steel Lufkin tape measure - I've searched local stores and the internet to no avail. Any ideas as to where I can locate one?
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RE: The Tape Measure of Choice - 3/19/2006 9:04:34 AM
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rhida
Posts: 52
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Home base: Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
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Kenneth,
Thank you for the link - I will contact first thing Monday.
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RE: The Tape Measure of Choice - 3/20/2006 10:48:33 AM
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Action
Posts: 109
Joined: 2/22/2006
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Been following this thread. Here's a quick, handy, summary. Hope it helps.
Measuring Summary
Tape Measure of Choice (Descending order of preference-more or less):
1. FatMax 35‘--Durability, rigidity when measuring longer lengths, questionable warranty
2. Sears Craftsman 30’ (Model 39676)--Durability, easy to find (yellow), Craftsman lifetime warranty, limited to 30’
3. Disto Laser--Speed, accuracy, great interior/limited exterior tool, T=$(Approx 20min savings per scope), get “eye piece” and tripod for up to 300’ accuracy in sunlight, $350+/-, info at www.distogage.com,
4. HILTI PD30 Laser--$500!, 650’=98% accuracy, testament-"Measured 3 story commercial bldg in 1.5 hrs.", HD website=$174.50 (posted 12-05, but check web site(s) before you drive to store for best price)
5. Roll-a-tape surveyor wheel--Accurate to the inch?, great for fences/ground measurements…W.W. Granger model discounted to $40
6. Ryobi (Model MPT006/$35) Laser--Cost effective
7. Trimble (SPECTRA HD150) Laser--Better than Disto?, ? Portability, www.trimble.com
8. Executive Wheel--$29.95 @ Lowes, folds for compact handling, wheel only 4” diameter
9. Stanley Laser--Cost effective, approx. 65' limit
10. TARGET, FatMax equivalent--Only $8.99, consensus not in yet, could be cost effective backup
Alternate Methods, Tried and True Tips from the Vets:
1. SAFETY FIRST
2. Always carry two or more tapes and/or Disto or other laser
3. Tennis (rubber) ball attached to 100’tape, toss from ridge--WATCH FOR POWER LINES/OTHER ELECTRICAL DEVICES YOU CAN‘T SEE OVER THE ROOFLINE!, “DON’T” use golf ball (who's underneath?), consider nylon tape
4. WHEELS: “Shingle Bump” makes for inaccurate measurement
5. Always check (google) web sites first for best price--especially so with lasers
6. Ground Measurements: Use Blue Book, span and pitch if steep, unsafe roof climb
Questionable:
1. Ultrasonic measurements
Other Web Sites for further info (Disclaimer-Not a recommendation from me, just reposted from thread):
www.distagage.com (lasers)
Chreia@msn.com (holsters)
http://www.go2marine.com/g2m/action/GoBPage/id/31987F/banner_series_50_foot_tape_measures_lufkin.html?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=fr1 (Lufkin)
Thanks for this thread, CatDaddy!
Charlie
PS: Miss anything?
< Message edited by Action -- 3/22/2006 8:45:21 AM >
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Charlie "Action" Jackson
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RE: The Tape Measure of Choice - 3/20/2006 10:28:02 PM
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kmerian
Posts: 55
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Home base: San Antonio, Tx
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Action
9. Stanley Laser--Consensus=****py
I re-read this forum and I feel just the opposite is true on the Stanley Laser, I don't see where anyone referred to it as "****py". I LOVE mine and although it is only rated for up to 100' I have yet to be in a situation where I needed more than that. Also the RYOBI is a sonic device with a laser pointer.
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RE: The Tape Measure of Choice - 3/20/2006 11:26:17 PM
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Action
Posts: 109
Joined: 2/22/2006
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rhking (****) and RoofMonkey (10 yr. vet picked competitor)--pg. 2, and BobHs comments, pg.4. There are other comments on the Stanley (laser)--some that lean positive, but those seem to be price issues. In fairness, I should have used other word than ****py.
< Message edited by Action -- 3/20/2006 11:37:34 PM >
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Charlie "Action" Jackson
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RE: The Tape Measure of Choice - 3/20/2006 11:39:06 PM
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kmerian
Posts: 55
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Home base: San Antonio, Tx
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Action
rhking (****) and RoofMonkey (10 yr. vet picked competitor)--pg. 2. There are other comments on the Stanley (laser)--some that lean positive, but those seem to be price issues. In fairness, I should have used other word than ****py.
I believe rhking was speaking of ultrasonics (especially since B&D does not make a laser measure) Also, roofmonkey's post seems to be a glowing review of the Stanley Laser, since he stated he owns one and everyone who borrowed it immediately bought a laser device. Perhaps they can clarify this for us?
I know it seems like I am being argumenative and nit-picking, but I do not want people getting the wrong idea about this handy little device.
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RE: The Tape Measure of Choice - 3/21/2006 8:42:48 AM
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Action
Posts: 109
Joined: 2/22/2006
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The second guy (10 year vet/RoofMonkey) bypassed the Stanley -- IMO. Be that as it may, I'll edit out "****py."
Charlie
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Charlie "Action" Jackson
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RE: The Tape Measure of Choice - 3/25/2006 2:48:52 PM
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Doug
Posts: 102
Joined: 8/18/2004
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quote:
ORIGINAL: BobH
You are comparing 2 economy models. Kind of like racing an old Ford Pinto against an old Chevy Vega.
Although the Stanley Fat Max laser is made by Leica, it is only rated at less than 1/3 of the distance of the "real" Leica's which are in the $300 and up price range. Worth every penny.
Just tested my Leica in the kitchen "with" and without microwave running, no difference. I used to double check the measurements with a tape, and no longer feel the need. It is dead accurate.
The older "sonic" measure devices are terrible, your laser is better than that, but it isn't the top of the line.
I know that, but its still much faster than a tape and has proven to be accurate so far-- 50 - 100$ is cheap enough that i wont cry when i drop and break it. When i graduate to the level of doing insurance claims at damaged Sams club buildings and shopping malls, then i may need 300' capability.
That said -- i would whip my wallet out in a minute if trickle- down technology could produce a laser-sonic-photon-whatever device that worked well outside for fences, footprint measurements, etc., in the 200 -300 $ range.
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RE: The Tape Measure of Choice - 3/25/2006 5:02:42 PM
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BobH
Posts: 103
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Home base: San Luis Obispo, California
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Doug, I admit that I am a tool freak. I don't think twice about spending $$$ on tools. Over the years I have learned that you get what you pay for.
I bought my first laser measure device just before Katrina, and cannot believe how I did claims for 14 years without one. I would have loved to have had your Stanley laser (made by Leica) for all those years. I'm sure it is much better & faster than a tape measure. But you stated this: "Since these things are mostly just for interiors, the 65' limit has not been a problem so far. I have noticed that a microwave oven in the direct vicinity of your measurements can throw the game off though - doesnt need to be running to do this-- weird. But i always carry a tape too, when the electronic reading doesnt seem right because of stuff like this"
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My point is that the "more expensive" Leica Disto models have a longer range, and to me that means they have the "balls" to bounce that beam off the wall, and come back without ANY PROBLEMS, EVER.
I just checked the spec's on my recently discontinued Leica Disto Lite, and it is rated at 650 feet. I think the longest distance I used it for in an actual claim was bouncing off a 3 story vaulted entry ceiling. Perhaps the less expensive laser would get the same reading on that ceiling. All I know is that the genuine Leica Disto's do not produce "readings that don't seem right".
The manual says you can use it outdoors, there are web sites that say you can step 2' away from one end of a fence and point the dot (with special glasses to see the dot) at the other end of the fence. I did not find that workable - and personally don't trust it for outdoor use. Some people set up "target plates" and have better luck outdoors with them to bounce off of. In bright light at long distances I would get an error code "255" which means the distance was too long or the signal came back too weak. Indoors I never had that problem. I tested it inside the State Farm Cat office in Hammond & it got the 350 foot distance right on the money. So I trust that it has the power when I am in a standard residence.
I just don't know if I would have the same confidence on the lower priced, lower rated models. I wouldn't hesitate to buy the $100 Stanley laser as a backup, and I am not saying it is junk - I know they work and have seen them in use by happy adjusters.
_____________________________
Bob Harvey
Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler. Albert Einstein
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RE: The Tape Measure of Choice - 3/25/2006 5:52:20 PM
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Doug
Posts: 102
Joined: 8/18/2004
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quote:
ORIGINAL: BobH
Some people set up "target plates" and have better luck outdoors with them to bounce off of. In bright light at long distances I would get an error code "255" which means the distance was too long or the signal came back too weak. Indoors I never had that problem. I tested it inside the State Farm Cat office in Hammond & it got the 350 foot distance right on the money.
Seems like it would be as easy to stretch a 100' tape as it would be to walk out and set up target plates --
I'll keep browsing ebay for a Disto - you guys sold me after reading all the positives--- I dont need one bad enough now to lay out the cash , as i am working cleanup and daily claims. I only get an average of 20 claims a week, max with heavy mileage between each one. (thankfully mileage is paid)
i will make good use of one this fall if anything happens,though - and i can use my less expensive model as the backup.
I have seen what happens when adjusters either use inadequate devices, or use them improperly though. Just last week i did a flood re-inspect in Marin county, CA -- the original adjuster's basement length was 33'4". That was exactly the distance to a huge floor beam that hung down 12" past the rest of the floor joists in the basement ceiling, but the actual length of the basement was 42'. The homeowner and i re-measured again with a mechanical tape as well to re-confirm, but he did state the adjuster used "one of those digital things" to measure !
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RE: The Tape Measure of Choice - 3/29/2006 6:03:47 PM
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wtxj
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Been reading this forum for a while, my 35' stanley was KIA in Mississippi this last fall. So I liked the Sears ideas on warranty posted so far. Went to Sears yesterday, looking for the 35' Sears brand. Salesperson comes up , I explain what I'm am looking for and why. He looks at me and said Sears does not warrany the metal tape part anymore, just the tape housing. So just bought one more 35' Stanley.
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RE: The Tape Measure of Choice - 3/29/2006 7:16:34 PM
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trader
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Is the Stanley Fat Max 100 that accurate 1/4 inch in 100 foot? Thanks
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