DeWalt Laser Distance Measurers Compared

DeWalt Laser Distance Measures
2017 PTIA Award Winner

DeWalt has several models of laser distance measures. With a variety of features that support a range of leveling and layout applications, DeWalt Laser Distance Measures deliver a variety of accuracies and convenience to the jobsite. Ranging from 30-foot to over 330-foot working ranges, these LDMs all retail for less than $100 and some feature DeWalt Tool Connect.


DeWalt DW040HD 40 ft. Pocket Laser Distance Measurer

This DeWalt DW040HD Pocket Laser Distance Measure measures up to 40 ft. away. The backlit, high contrast LCD display (white on black background) makes it easy to read—even in harsh sunlight. For basic distance measurements and area calculations, this tool deserves a place in your bag or glove box.

DeWalt DW040HD pocket laser

It is accurate within 1/4″ at 40 ft., and it uses a Li-ion rechargeable battery. Connect the included USB micro cord to recharge it. The DeWalt DW040HD 40 ft. Laser Distance Measure retails for $29.97 and includes a wrist strap.

DeWalt 40-Foot Laser Distance Measurer Specs

  • Model: DeWalt DW040HD
  • Accuracy: 1/4″ @ 40 ft.
  • Battery: Li-ion rechargeable
  • Measuring range: 40 ft
  • MSRP: $29.97

DeWalt DW055E 55 ft. Laser Distance Measurer

This pocket-sized DeWalt Laser Distance Measure also features a backlit, high contrast LCD display for visibility in various lighting conditions. This compact and lightweight model can also quickly measure distance for a variety of applications, including painting and flooring estimates.

DeWalt DW055E 55 ft

It is accurate within 1/8″ at 30 ft., and it includes two AAA batteries.  The MSRP on the 55 ft. DeWalt DW055E Laser Distance Measure is about $41.

DeWalt 330-Foot Laser Distance Measurer Specs

  • Model: DeWalt DW055E
  • Accuracy: 1/8″ @ 30 ft.
  • Battery: 2 x AAA
  • Measuring range: 55 ft
  • MSRP: $41

DeWalt DW099S Bluetooth 100 ft. Laser Distance Measurer

The DeWalt DW099S Bluetooth 100 ft. Laser Distance Measurer comes with Bluetooth-enabled. It works with the DeWalt Tool Connect App to allow for measurement and photo storage.  You can also mark up those photos and retrieve them later within the app. The DeWalt Tool Connect App is available on both Android and Apple platforms.

DeWalt DW099S Bluetooth 100 ft. Laser Distance Measurer

This model of the DeWalt Laser Distance Measure features a 1.5″ black, backlit LCD screen.  The high contrast screen provides visibility in various lighting conditions. It displays continuous measurement tracking that quickly finds the distance from a target.  Distances are displayed in feet, inches, and meters. It can calculate area and volume, and it can perform simple addition and subtraction functions.

DeWalt Laser Distance Measure

Designed for drop resistance, this model features an over-molded grip. It also comes packaged with a wrist strap for added carrying convenience. Accurate up to 3/32″ at 100′, this DeWalt Laser Distance Measure retails for around $100.

DeWalt 100-Foot Laser Distance Measurer Specs

  • Model: DeWalt DW099S
  • Bluetooth Enabled
  • Accuracy: 3/32″
  • Battery: 2 AAA
  • Measuring Range: 30 M or 100 Ft
  • Calculates Area and Volume
  • MSRP: $99.99

DeWalt DW0330S Tool Connect 330 ft. Laser Distance Measurer

The DeWalt DW0330S Tool Connect 330 ft. Laser Distance Measurer lets you take and store measurements. You can also mark up photos using the Tool Connect app as well as create and export projects.

DeWalt DW0330S Tool Connect 330 ft Laser Measurer

Powered by a single AAA battery, the DeWalt DW0330S Laser Distance Measure features a large backlit color LCD screen. While maintaining a high contrast design, the LCD features helpful color icons to let you know the current mode and measurement settings.

Distances can be displayed in feet, inches, and meters. It also lets you calculate area, volume, and more. Combined with the app, you get a lot of functionality for estimating, remodeling, and trade work.

DeWalt also built this laser measurer with a nice over-molded grip to prevent damage if you drop it. Accurate up to 1/16″ at 30 ft, this DeWalt Laser Distance Measure retails for around $268.

DeWalt 330-Foot Laser Distance Measurer Specs

  • Model: DeWalt DW0330S
  • Bluetooth Enabled
  • Accuracy: 1/16″ @ 30 ft.
  • Battery: 1 x AAA
  • Measuring range: 330 Ft
  • Weight: 0.3 lbs
  • Calculates Area and Volume
  • MSRP: $268

Final Thoughts

Laser Distance Measurers are great tools for any professional who is estimating distances or working out how much material they might need. They’re quick and relatively easy to use, the range of distance exceeds the capability of the tape measure, and you don’t need a second person to help grab a measurement.  When you can get the accuracy to within the +/- 1/16″ range, the LDM is a great tool for most measurements.

The problem with laser distance measurers—even ones from DeWalt—is that they can be thrown off by the color or material of the surface. They also need an actual surface to bounce a laser off of.  It also can’t grab hold of the end of a board, so “pull” measurements won’t work. Professionals use these tools for their primary strength: estimating. If you need to measure actual material, you likely still need a standard tape measure when accuracy is critical.

All that said, the DeWalt Laser Distance Measure seems helpful for many applications, especially the 100-foot model.  Bluetooth connectivity and online measurement storage seem like a great way to stay organized, and the Tool Connect App has some other neat features, such as battery readings and tool location.

These LDMs are priced pretty well for what they do. In the case of the 100-foot model, you might get better range for the $100 price point, but you don’t see a whole lot of other LDMs with Bluetooth connectivity at that price. For the 40-foot model, the short range and +/- 1/4″ accuracy probably limit it to DIY applications, though for under $30, the professional might find it useful in some capacity.

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