Simplicity Wins the Day for the Bosch GLM15 Laser Measure
These days, technology has given us powerful tools in small packages. From layout to distance measuring, we’ve benefited greatly from technology in our jobsite laser tools. Sometimes, though, to access the amazing calculating features, I feel like I need a 40-hour training session just on the tool. The new Bosch GLM15 Laser Measure is a breath of fresh air when it comes to simple measuring jobs.
The GLM 15 Laser Measure has but one function: measuring distance. On paper, it’s accurate to within 1/8 of an inch up to 50 feet. It features a simple one-button function and can switch between metric and standard measurements. It will display one measurement while still measuring another, or it will display two measurements simultaneously. The compact size easily fits in your pocket, favorite toolbox, or tool bag. Think of the GLM15 as nothing more or less than a really good tape measure replacement.
Bosch GLM15 Laser Measure Specs
- Power Source: 2 AAA Batteries (included)
- Battery Life: Approximately 5 hours of use
- Range: 50 feet
- Accuracy: +/- 1/8 inch
- Precision: 1/16 inch (standard), 0.001 meter (metric)
- Warranty: 2 Years
Bosch GLM15 Laser Measure Out of the Box
When I opened up the package to get my first look at the Bosch GLM15 Laser Measure, several things were immediately apparent. First, this measuring tool is compact. It fits easily in my hand and is lightweight. It has just one button. Hallelujah! I love simplicity. Don’t get me wrong, I like electronic tools that do a lot of things, but sometimes I just don’t want to spend 8 hours reading the instructions. Bosch packages the GLM15 with the required batteries, so I wasn’t forced to head to the store to purchase more.
Bosch GLM15 Laser Measure: Learning the Features
The GLM15 Laser Measure is a simple-looking device with straightforward instructions, but is it actually simple to use? I inserted the two AAA batteries and pressed the button…
The red laser beam hit the wall on the other side of the house, and I had a distance on the display in feet, inches, and fractions of an inch. That was it – no setup, no calibration. Simply insert the batteries and press the button.
At this point, I was excited and couldn’t wait to start using the GLM15. We were considering a place to move, so we decided to use a laser measure instead of a tape measure to see how furniture might fit in the house we were looking at. While we did not need it to be perfectly accurate, it was a great way to familiarize myself with the functions.
To turn the GLM15 on, simply press the button once. A blinking indicator in the top left of the digital display indicates that you are in continuous measuring mode. If you would like to switch to metric units, hold the button down as you turn the unit on, and it will cycle between metric and standard. Standard units are in feet, inches, and fractions of an inch, while metric units are in meters with three decimal places.
Press the button a second time and the measurement is held for you. The word “Hold” appears and the blinking indicator is off.
Pressing the button again holds the first measurement above your continuous measurement. The blinking indicator is on, so you know an active measurement is being taken.
Pressing the button one more time will hold the last two measurements, with the word “Hold” displayed. If you continue to press the button, you will alternate between the previously held measurement/active measurement and two held measurements.
The measurements are taken from the back of the laser. This is an important consideration when it comes down to measuring wall-to-wall, the insides of a frame, or anywhere else that you don’t have the luxury of open space behind you.
That’s really all there is to it!
Measuring for Accuracy with the Bosch GLM15 Laser Measure
General measuring is great, but there are times when you need specific, accurate measurements for estimates and materials. I took the GLM15 Laser Measure and measured distances in varying light conditions and against different materials to compare them with a tape measure. I also wanted to see if the unit would suffer from accuracy issues when measuring at an angle or into a corner.
When measuring the distance to a wall, the Bosch GLM15 Laser Measure was accurate to within a millimeter of the tape measure I used. From the same spot, I tried several other materials, including paper, plastic, and painted glass. The measurement was still dead on against the glass or plastic, and it was only 1/16 of an inch off against the paper. Bosch does inform you in the instructions that reflectivity can slightly affect the accuracy in certain materials.
When measuring at angles and into corners, I did not find any lack of accuracy in the measurements against the walls and wood that I tested it on.
Conclusions
When it comes to getting accurate measurements, you really need to have the Laser Measure sitting on a flat, stable surface. I suppose that if you’re an Olympic Archer, you might be able to get away with measuring accurately while holding it in your hand, but for most of us mortals, I doubt it.
One area where this really has room for improvement is in the display. The fractions were sometimes hard to see unless I had good lighting. A backlit display would be great for improving that, but it would likely increase the price and impact battery life.
For the vast majority of professionals, the +/- 1/8 of an inch accuracy and precision, measured to 1/16 of an inch, will meet all their needs. Keep in mind that even though there is a little bit of variance in the laser on different materials, there is also variance in the tape measures themselves.
There are still a couple of areas where the tape measure still rules over a laser. The obvious one being the ability to measure over the surface of materials, like a 2 x 4, that the laser can’t reflect off the end of. I will still carry a tape measure for those functions.
On the other hand, the Bosch GLM15 has a permanent home in my toolbox as my go-to measuring tool for distances to solid objects. The $49.97 price tag places it at about twice the cost of the better tape measures available. With the time it saves and the simplicity of its function, I would recommend the Bosch GLM15 Laser Measure to any professional or serious DIY enthusiast who will be taking a lot of measurements for area estimation applications, including framing, drywall, cabinetry, and flooring. It also has a home with HVAC pros measuring for ductwork. If you’re willing to use a second person and go for measurements “surveyor style”, the GLM15 becomes even more valuable.
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