This tool can’t completely replace your tape measure, However, it’s great for many jobs. So far I have used it for putting up a 3’ by 3’ section of cement board and it also helped me measure the faucet openings. The laser measure can also measure square feet so it makes estimating paint jobs much quicker. It’s also good for making my dog run around.
★★★★★★★★★★
slifeapotomous
5 years ago
Handy Homeowner
I just bought this from Lowes last night. I consider myself an above average do it yourself homeowner and plan to use this at a home I just purchased that needs renovation. After fiddling with tape measures by myself I figured I'd give this a try. It came recommended by the sales person at Lowes. He did mention laser measuring devices do not appreciate being dropped/shocked and said if I took care of it it would be a reliable tool. After measuring my kitchen, sitting down with the designer at
... read more Lowes for cabinets I was nervous for the accuracy of my measurements. I bought this tool and took it home to double check. Most of my measurements were spot on with the laser from what I got using a tape. I did have a couple differences that I will admit were mistakes by me using a tape for long runs. The laser made correcting these distances easy. It does say it is accurate down to the 1/16th of an inch. It would be a nice feature to be able to select a readout in 1/16th of an inch as most tape measures (at least the ones I've used) are broken down in 16ths.
Upon opening the package I found the size and weight to be appropriate. It doesn't seem like it will take up much room in a pocket or tool belt. The case it came with is excessively tight. The elastic may eventually stretch we will see. I like the convenience of the Velcro loop to attach it to a belt although I am leery about how well it will actually hold. Inside my home the laser was extremely visible and I personally enjoyed the default real time measurement and I quickly found if you press the up arrow it will capture that figure so you can write it down. Not sure when I will use it but it is also nice to be able to select from which point of the device the measurement is being taken from. I have been using the default bottom of the device. You can also have it readout from the middle as well as the top. There are threads on the back to mount it to a tripod if you would need a feature like that. I have not used it much outdoors to comment on how well it works in brighter environments however I did find the screen a little difficult to see in brighter light. The few measurements I did take outdoors in a bright environment were less than 10 feet and I was still able to see the laser on the wall and it still gave a readout.
The area feature is amazing for figuring things like paint and flooring.
In the end I don't plan on fitting parts of a space shuttle together. I think for the rough measuring I plan on using it for it will be a great tool to have around. Maybe as I get more comfortable with it I will find out how accurate it is and be able to use it for finer work. I have seen videos of contractors using devices like this to install things like crown molding so we will see.
Used other laser ensures in past. Excellent range.
This person received an incentive to write a review.
★★★★★★★★★★
EileenC
3 years ago
This laser measure is the Best!
I own three of these bad larry's! I measure blinds for a retail window treatment company and would not survive without this. My only question is it possible to change the setting to read to only a 16th of an inch. While I am loving re-learning my fractions, I would love it if the unit could default to a 16th of an inch rather than 32nds.
I use this Pro 165 Laser Measure in my work. It is easy to use and fits in my shirt pocket. I have dropped it a few times (from about 3') and the device was not damaged. I will caution that it is a bit of a battery burner so carry some spare batteries. This is most evident in the cold weather, my batteries barely last 2 days in the cold.
This person received an incentive to write a review.
★★★★★★★★★★
MrCarter
2 years ago
An invaluable tool for a disabled woodworker
Being disabled, mobility, and things like measuring the old-fashioned way, are not second nature. So when I tried out this particular unit, I knew I'd be forever hooked.
Accuracy was surprising, and ease of use was vital as a wood artist. So whether it's 53ft 3-⅜in or 2ft 3-inches I can count on accuracy and dependability
I now gave different bosch laser tools. 2 measurers, and 1 level. And I use them all the time!
"This review was submitted as an entry for a review sweepstakes.”
This person received an incentive to write a review.
I am a home hobbyist that appreciates convivence. The GLM 50 C weighs less and is less bulky than my "old school" 25 foot measuring tape while measuring more than 6 times its distance. Not to mention it also measures level and angles that I would need two other tools to do so.
I really like how easy it is to read and appreciate when the screen rotates with its orientation when measuring. So much easier than deciphering the scale on my tape measure. Switching between imperial & metric is easy
... read more and important to me because I use both scales for my projects.
Its Bluetooth capabilities was a major factor in my decision to purchase this. My initial purpose was to accurately capture floor plans to build custom cabinetry. I use SkecthUp for design but still need the initial "as is" measurements to start the process. (I'm not aware of a way to integrate measurements from a Bluetooth measuring device into SkecthUp).
So why did I only rate this 4 out of 5? I had hoped the free Bosch MeasureOn app would be sufficient to meet my basic floorplan documentation needs, it didn't. After a reasonable attempt at using it I found it too limiting so I'm now using MagicPlan which works with the Bosch GLM 50 C. (PS: Bosch, if you are going to dub German speakers in videos explaining how to use the MeasureOn App to an English speaking audience don’t include both languages in the audio. Also, when you create English only tutorial videos, don’t add an introduction for every 45 second video. Spend more time showing how it works and how to use it).
While this is a great tool on its own there is another thing Bosch could do to make it better. Allow a user configuration to set the default measure mode on power up. Currently its "real time" which means the laser is on when you power up. Two draw backs come to mind with this. Safety - are people thinking about where the device is pointed when its turned on??? Battery life - I'm assuming the laser is drawing more power when on, why waste energy while the user decides what and how they are going to measure? I've had the device for less than 3 week and am on my 3rd set of batteries. I'm not sure if this is normal as I've taken lots of measurements trying different apps and getting a feel for the device. Battery life was not something I considered when I bought it. Time will tell if it’s a factor. I may post an update down the road.
Having said all that, I'll keep it and hope Bosch makes it a 5 Start product.
★★★★★★★★★★
Carrezee
6 years ago
Accurate, Long Distance
PROS: Time saver for solo measuring, move around the room quick. Large measure memory makes it easy to recall what was measured. Indirect measure is a plus. Selecting measuring mode is simple and easily identifiable.
CONS: Not bright enough to see the laser in bright sun light. Difficult to measure out 165' and see the dot, keep the dot on the target or even see it on siding. Button is hard to push to lock in measure. Can't set precision to 1/32, 1/16 etc. Some functions will get you reading
... read more the manual to figure them out.
APP:
When you use the Measure-On app it simplifies tracking measurement, activate the laser, take measurements.
Recommend Upgrades:
Add a sight to the unit. Squeeze to measure by simply squeezing the sides, allow level accuracy set to 1/16" or 1/8".
I own many Bosch tools. This measuring device is the newest in my tool bag and has proven to be spot on. I mostly use it for calculating square footage for flooring installations and really haven't tapped into a fraction of what it is capable of doing yet. Great tool and easy to use.
★★★★★★★★★★
Holly33611
9 years ago
Cuts Measuring Time In Half!
I was debating between this version and a lower model without Bluetooth. I am so glad I got this one. I measure houses to create as built blueprints for the use of proposed construction projects. This tool is a DREAM. I preload a drawing into the Bosch App and connect the Bluetooth. The just draw my lines on my plans and snap the measurement. What usually took me 1-3 hrs I can now do in 15-30 min. I know that once I get into this tool I will use it more and more. I did not even need to read the
... read more directions it is so user friendly. I also love that I can snap a picture on my phone and add the measurements right on the picture in the app. So far BEST tool I have bought in a long while!