A lot of test and measurement tools fall into the hands of electricians, and it’s true they probably get the most use out of them. But meters can be used to diagnose more than issues with your structure’s electrical setup. This division also finds laser tools. Not the laser distance measure we use for estimating instead of a tape measure, but powerful range finders and rotary lasers that help ensure everything from the foundation to structural beams are perfectly laid. 2017 sees more use of Bluetooth and WiFi along with lithium-battery technology. Take a closer look at the winners of the 2017 Pro Tool Innovation Test and Measurements Awards.
Winner – Laser Range Meters
Hilti PD-C Laser Measurer
What they said:
The new Hilti laser range meter PD-CS has an integrated laser module that captures and saves measurement data directly onto photographs taken by its internal digital camera, making old time-consuming methods that relied on multiple devices – including pencil and paper- things of the past.
When using the PD-CS you can digitize the entire measurement process; measuring distances, adding context to data with pictures and/or text, and sharing all the information in a single report via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Micro with just one, powerful but easy-to-use tool.
What we say:
Let’s get this straight from the get-go – the Hilti PD-C isn’t your everyday laser distance measure. This is a range meter designed for greater distances and the ability to capture measurement directly over your photos. The best part is that there’s an onboard camera, so you don’t have to fool around with uploading images to the device. Thanks to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and micro USB connectivity, you’ll be able to share your reports easily with the team.
Price: $999
For more information, click here.
Winner – Continuity Testers
Southwire Pro Continuity Tester with Remote
What they said:
The Southwire 40040S provides a simple way of checking continuity on wires and cables. The bright LEDs and loud pulsating beeper provide a positive indication of continuity and polarity. A detachable remote indicator is included for tracing multiple cable runs.
What we say:
We love the combined functions of a standard continuity tester and a remote continuity tester on one unit. Simply turn the unit on and connect the leads to see if a cord has continuity. Audio and visual cues let you know if it’s there. When tracing cable runs, pull the remote off and connect the unit to one end. Take the remote with you to the opposite, and you’ll know right away if there’s continuity and if the polarities are reversed.
Price: $25.98
For more information, click here.
Winner – Multimeters
Southwire Compact Bluetooth Cat III Multimeter
What they said:
This compact Bluetooth enabled multimeter in combination with Southwire’s MApp mobile app allows you to view, record, and share readings on your smartphone. With True RMS readings and 10 measuring functions, it can be used in a wide range of applications. The Southwire 16040T is the lowest-priced, most-compact Bluetooth-equipped multimeter available today. Southwire provides it’s Bluetooth-compatible, easy-to-use MApp mobile app free-of-charge. A Bluetooth multimeter and App dramatically improve worker productivity, collaboration, and safety.
What we say:
What should you expect from a $60 multimeter? Southwire thinks you should expect more. Along with 10 standard measuring functions with True RMS readings, the 16040T gives you an LED for low- and no-light job along with a backlit screen. They take it a huge step further with Bluetooth connectivity that allows, among other things, real-time graphical data for you or a second crewmember.
Price: $59.98
For more information, click here.
Winner – Inspection
Mountz Validator
What they said:
In a shop environment where torque wrenches may get dropped or mishandled, the Validator allows for instant verification that your wrench is still in calibration. Coupled with a Torque Wrench Management and Maintenance Program the Validator can provide significant cost savings by not relying on a time-based calibration interval but by servicing a wrench only when the wrench starts displaying the incorrect torque during in-house testing.
By performing periodic validations of your torque wrenches you can be confident that your wrenches are producing accurately the desired torque setting. Periodic checks can be accomplished quickly with the use of our special Pass / Fail Visual Feedback System. A preset a target torque and tolerance are programmed and if a torque reading falls within the tolerance a Green Light is illuminated, Pass. A Red Light is illuminated for any out of tolerance readings, Fail. The operator only needs to look at the lights.
The Validator comes equipped with a mode designed to register the highest torque value applied, Peak Mode. This is a valuable training tool for technicians to realize that a click wrench is heavily influenced by the actions of the operator. Pulling the wrench too fast or double clicking can result in significantly higher torque values than desired, putting the studs closer to their “yield point” which could lead to failure of the studs and Wheel Separation.
What we say:
The Validator may look like a torque wrench, but it’s actually what torque wrenches aspire to be when they grow up. It’s the Guru on the mountain that can tell if your torque wrench is still within calibration limits. By taking care of torque wrench calibration checks in-house, you eliminate unnecessary servicing, keeping your crew more productive and the shop more profitable. Thanks to the easy Green/Red visual indicator, there’s no guesswork involved.
Price: $495
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Winner – Rotary Laser Levels
NWi Dimensioning Laser
What they said:
We are always pushing to find the best time-savings, ease of use and efficiency for our users. One of the pain points we have found through our research was the need for construction crew and simple surveying (e.g. finding dimensions/distances of exterior, getting rough estimation of elevation, shooting corners, etc.)
This isn’t a case for getting professional surveying to do precise work where it’s vital, but for those that need a quick idea of estimation of dimensions & elevation, or to shoot corners to know generally where things are. Construction crews are currently left with 2 choices: 1. Hire a surveyor to do these simple tasks @ around $800-$1,000 per visit 2. Buying a Total Station that’s a few thousand dollars and then learning to use it.
Our solution is off based off our Smart Rotary where a rotary laser connected up to 1,200 feet away to a smart phone. We have built a new laser + detector + app platform where the detector can also calculate the distance from the rotary laser as the center point. It can also use the slope mode on the laser to find elevation.
User can mark on the app their location from the starting point, or get a satellite image and overlay the points/elevation over that.
The rotary laser itself is a 1/16″ accuracy laser with distance up to 1,200 feet. Something a lot of construction crews would be using for their projects anyway. Now, instead of having to hire a surveyor or buy a Total Station learning it for simple estimation, or to get general placement to be laid out; they can use a tool that they are familiar with, and will be using much more frequently to do the task.
What we say:
Why hire a surveyor before it’s required if you can do some of the work yourself? NWi takes a tool you’re already using – a rotary laser – and dials in an ingenious app to go along with it. Since a laser is already emitting and a receiver reads it, they simply take the next step of gather distance and slope data from it. You can even overlay that data on a satellite image. So call the surveyor if you really want to, but you’ll pay for this system after just a few uses.
Price: $1899
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Winner – Line Laser Levels
Spectra LT52 Point and Line Laser Tool
What they said:
The Spectra Precision LT52 combines a 5-beam laser pointer with a horizontal and vertical crossline laser to form a versatile laser tool to be used in a wide variety of construction alignment applications. The LT52 reduces a contractor’s initial investment by combining two products-a laser pointer and a crossline laser-into a single solution.
Ultra-bright points and cross lines can be seen in almost all interior working conditions. Points are round and focused for easy marking and are visible up to 200 feet (60 meters) away. The cross beams have a wide 210-degree fan angle which intersects the side and overhead points. Automatic self-leveling assures accuracy and fast setup. If the laser is bumped or disturbed, an “out-of-level” warning alerts the user.
A tough housing is designed to protect the unit and endure the rigors of the construction environment. The tool is specified to withstand a 3 foot (1 m) drop test. The laser is warranted with a 3-year over-the-counter dealer exchange policy. All systems include a hard-shelled carrying case.
What we say:
Cross line lasers get an upgrade this year thanks to Spectra’s addition of a 5-point laser with standard vertical and horizontal beams. Even though green beams can be seen over longer distances than red, the point spots on this model are visible up to 200 feet – 50 feet further than it’s closest green competitor. Getting the cross beams out beyond 180 degrees is also a bonus.
Price: $430
For more information, click here.