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coverageT

USA
4 Posts

Posted - 02/23/2004 :  16:49:11  Show Profile
I am starting out as a residential property adjuster and it is apparent that using a laser or ultrasonic measuring device can cut down estimating time (measuring rooms) vs. using a tape measure. I have seen a lot of these devices in the $30 to $60 range and then you jump up to the Disto which starts around $350. I would invest in the Disto if someone can give me a compelling reason to do so or am I ok buying one of the cheaper models to meet my needs? Thanks for your input.

Tony

Tom Toll

USA
154 Posts

Posted - 02/23/2004 :  18:10:03  Show Profile
If your are not going to measure anything over 50 feet, one of the less expensive lasers are just fine. They are not, however, as accurate as the disto. Bearing in mind that the disto is capable of measuring much more than rooms when learned properly.
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Amber

USA
23 Posts

Posted - 02/23/2004 :  18:14:25  Show Profile
Tony:
The low end measuring devices are not always accurate. Keep in mind, you get what you pay for.

~Amber
"If you think something small cannot make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito in the room." ~unknown
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okclarryd

USA
106 Posts

Posted - 02/23/2004 :  19:11:25  Show Profile
I have 2 of the ultra-sound measuring thingys that I would make you a swell deal on. If 30% to 70% error is OK, that is.

It's hard to beat a Stanley.

LARRY D HARDIN
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ChuckDeaton

USA
373 Posts

Posted - 02/23/2004 :  19:47:41  Show Profile
Disto vs "others" There are no "others". Buy a Disto and be done with it.

Carry a Disto, a 35' Fat Max, a protractor, a digital camera and a loggers tape all the time.
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katadj

USA
315 Posts

Posted - 02/23/2004 :  23:25:17  Show Profile
Disto= AMEN
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fkj

USA
17 Posts

Posted - 02/24/2004 :  13:55:29  Show Profile
If you can't afford a disto your first time out (I could not either) then get a sonic one with the laser on it. The laser is not used for measuring, but you can see where the device is aimed, and will be sure you are measuring straight across.

Fred Johnson
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jcc1138

12 Posts

Posted - 02/29/2004 :  18:01:37  Show Profile
I think the best price on a Disto Tape (the basic model) is $330.00 + tax at Lowe's. I got one with cat pay last year and I have only on my second set of AAA batteries.

This baby has been the best tool I ever got after my Steel toed/shanked Red Wings (The stand all day shoes).

I would stretch to get one if you are measuring the interior of houses (especially if you have to subtract all openings)
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Cecil

USA
35 Posts

Posted - 03/01/2004 :  06:35:24  Show Profile
If there is lot of furniture and clutter in a room the sonic one is unpredictable. When the laser point of a Disto hits a surface, your measurement is correct. I've used mine for over 2 years and have never looked back.

Are there any other "laser" only devices out there?
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ChuckDeaton

USA
373 Posts

Posted - 03/01/2004 :  07:33:14  Show Profile
Try Wolverine Durashocks, model 1619 with a blue Berkinstock insole.

The Disto is th
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ChuckDeaton

USA
373 Posts

Posted - 03/01/2004 :  07:35:29  Show Profile
Sorry about that. Not sure how it happened.

The Disto is the only laser measuring device available.
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JimF

USA
1014 Posts

Posted - 03/01/2004 :  10:25:58  Show Profile
Actually, a company called Trimble makes a real laser measuring unit which is comparable to Disto, and is similarly priced. Their laser measurement device is called the HD150 and I have included a website to view their product. I haven't tried it but know that a lot of contractors use this unit.

Check out the features of the Trimble HD150 at the following weblink:

www.trimble.com
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coverageT

USA
4 Posts

Posted - 03/06/2004 :  11:38:43  Show Profile
Well everyone, I went ahead a purchased a Disto Lite 5. I am very happy with it. I scope a lot of interior water damage losses and I have used it on a couple of recent claims. Its great not having to manipulate a tape over a bunch of contents.

Thanks for all of your feedback
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Newt

USA
657 Posts

Posted - 03/07/2004 :  20:07:54  Show Profile
I have to trust the tools I use, I found I could not trust the cheap "polaroid" type sensor to get my measurements. You will be happy with the Disto. I have never heard a bad report on one yet

I did get a wide tape (1 !/4'),x (35'), its about seven months old now. I wish I had bought more of them, while they were on sale. The way this one is lasting, maybe I will not need another one for a while. The proof in the worth of a retractable tape is how long does it last if you get it wet. My experience is, not long.

I am staying off roofs for a while so my shoes of choice is comfortable walking shoes. I spend 12 minutes each on seven gym machines in the mornings so I do not have the time to spend healing from a fall, just yet.

Water damage claims are always a pain to measure. Its hard to keep your tape dry or you have to climb over so much junk and debris, and its nasty. Bet you are enjoying that "disto".
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gdetray

USA
2 Posts

Posted - 04/08/2004 :  14:52:56  Show Profile
I started using the Disto on my claims about 5 years ago and liked it so much that I now am an authorized Leica distributor. I sell the entire Leica Disto line of laser measuring equipment and accessories, as well as the Trimble HD150. I believe that I carry the largest selection of laser measuring equipment available anywhere, and offer a 10% discount to all CADO adjusters. All products are available online at my website, http://www.distagage.com or you can order by phone toll-free at (877)423-4786. As an adjuster, I will be glad to answer any questions on laser measuring devices and help you select the best laser for your needs. To get the discount online, enter CADO as the coupon code at the checkout page. If you call and get my voicemail, leave me a message and I'll return your call when I get down off the roof- Greg DeTray, www.distagage.com
(877) 423-4786

Image Insert:
www.catadjuster.org/files/gdetray/200448145226_Distagagelogophone.GIF" border="0">
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Greg DeTray
greg@detray.net
(877) 423-4786
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