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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.
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.
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.
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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.
See Also
