Measuring tapes Vs Measuring Wheels

[xmrdfghap]

I am curious, for those of you who use wheels, do you use the big ones or the little ones? I cannot imagine trying to run a small wheel on the grass outside and expect any sort of accuracy.....but using my 100' glass tape to measure distance between outbuildings is silly as well.....well, maybe not silly, but time consuming.

I use the 100' glass tape for exterior, sonic and 25' steel tape for interior (I try to locate basic features in my drawings.....walls, fireplaces, exterior doors etc), and a big wheel for farms and large facilities. Missing a couple of inches on a modern 2000 head dairy barn that is 450 feet long isn't that important, nor is missing by a couple of feet the 1/4 mile drive to the main house.......I have driven several dozen miles with a wheel stuck out the window over my life, just so I know where the proposed easement is going to be in relation to the structures.

 

[Atlanta CG]

To: mbrunson

Interested in which model you use? They seem to start at around $500 but if they save some significant time in measuring, then two appraisals make up the difference in a short time.

 

[Anonymous]

John,

I use the Disto Lite. I also recommend this model to those that shop in my store. All of the Disto models have the same laser engine. The other models will do lots of different calculations, store measurements, etc.
The Disto Lite is the least expensive of all of them.

You can see all of the models in my store.............

http://www.appraiserdepot.com/merchant3/merchant.mv

 

[mbrunson]

John from Atlanta,

I use the Disto Classic. This model has several features that I use when doing commercial inspections. For only measuring exterior dimensions of residential properties, go with the Disto Lite.

The cost is a factor and yes they break if you drop them. But, you wouldn't be asking if you weren't interested and even the expensive model is paid for quickly in time savings. Check for a local survey equipment store or do a price comparison on-line before you buy. Everything is negotiable and most things are overpriced!!!

 

[KD247]

Greg,
My wheel is the small-wheel version. Now that I've had my wheel for a while, I find that I use it about 60% of the time.

I always throw my 30' retractable tape in my pocket, and for houses with no long walls, that's all I need. If the house is mostly surrounded by concrete or short grass, I'll use the wheel. If there aren't good rolling surfaces, I'll use the 100' fiberglass tape.

The first couple of weeks with the wheel, whenever I tried it on a rough surface (like exposed agregate walkways) I'd double-check with the tape. I found that the wheel was usually pretty accurate.

Koert

 

[Anonymous]

We started an email group for appraisers who currently use or are interested in the Disto Laser Measuring tools. These are the tools that you can use to measure outside and in any kind of weather. They use actual laser technology, not ultrasonic.

If you would like to join, please feel free. There are 55 appraisers in the group at the present time. It has turned into a really good support group for those who are using them and a great way for interested appraisers to learn more.

Here is the link........

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LaserAppraiser/

 

[Kathy in FL]

Ever slid your hand down your metal 100' tape (that maybe you left a little bit wet from the morning dew a few days ago and now it's slightly rusty) and CUT THE CRAP out of your finger?

I love my rolling wheel. I love it very very much.

Kathy in FL

 

[Jo Ann Meyer Stratton]

Kathy:

Exactly why I have been using fiberglass tapes and paper towels for almost 35 years! I wrap a paper towel around my tape, that means I can pull the tape very tightly as I slide down the tape to the next corner. The hook stays put because of the tension from the tight grip, the paper towel prevents tape burn, cuts and removes the dirt-dampness from the prior measurement. So when using a metal tape, definitely wrap it with a paper towel first!