Measurement wheel measures long on anything bumpy. Advise?

[cdanj]

My measurement wheel is off by as much as 2 feet when going over grass or even a paver patio. I checked it against a tape and it is accurate on smooth surfaces.
Is a larger wheel better on bumpy? Or do I need to go slower? Or both?

 

[swandel1]

I was a "wheel guy" vs a "tape guy" for many years before the laser became affordable. A larger wheel will do much better on uneven terrain. Small wheel works best if you can run it on the outside wall as it is all flat (assuming you measure beneath the windows). I still see a lot of guys use the screwdriver & tape method.

 

[cdanj]

Thanks. I use a wheel when I can't use the laser.
But the screwdriver tape sounds like something I should keep handy in the glove box.

 

[Surf Cat]

Roll the wheel against the stucco or the siding, roll the wheel above on the fascia. Better yet, get yourself a laser and a fiberglass measuring tape at Home Depot..... you should have a toolbox not just one tool. I also have a protractor to measure angles of bay windows or odd angles of a dwelling.

 

[TC]

How do you measure ceiling height?

 

[Dublin ohio]

Wheels are the most inaccurate measuring tool you can use for appraisal purposes. Unless like many have said you can roll them on a wall below the windows. Using them on the ground is iffy at the best. What do you do if you have a sloped lot.

 

[Artemis Fowl]

How big is your wheel?

The bigger ones are more accurate over less smooth surfaces. Those little 4inchers are useless.

 

[chad hampton]

Wheels are ok for massive commercial structures where you can be off a few feet here and there. A tape is the most accurate way to measure single family homes.

I never liked a wheel for homes. I tried it a few times.

 

[Surf Cat]

Whichever device or method you use... just make sure to square it up in the car before driving away.

 

[Tom4value]

Who goes into the tech world kicking and screaming holding onto the drapes? This guy! Still, I became a laser guy 9 years ago. I keep an old tape in my trunk for bright sunny days when the laser just can’t read anything. . Also, only way to measure a ceiling that might be less than 7 feet.