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Measurements
Brighter, More Intuitive and More Accurate
With the ongoing issue of finding skilled workers, ease of use is a critical issue across all types of tools. Measurement tools such as lasers and levels are no exception to this rule. Manufacturers are listening to the professional contractors and developing products that are easier to use and more accurate.
MILWAUKEE TOOL
As construction professionals face tighter schedules and labor constraints, layout tools are evolving to meet the need for streamlined workflows and reduced setup time.
Kenan McCutcheon, senior product manager at Milwaukee Tool, says the laser category is positioned for continued growth, driven by increasing demand for faster, more accurate, and more intuitive solutions on the jobsite.
“The category is shifting toward smarter, connected systems that integrate seamlessly into broader cordless platforms, enabling greater efficiency and precision across a wide range of applications,” he says.
As with many tools, lasers are often viewed as offering similar performance across the board.
However, McCutcheon says differences in visibility, alignment precision, battery runtime, and setup speed can significantly affect productivity.
Due to its superior brightness and visibility, especially in bright environments or over long distances, green laser technology has become increasingly prevalent.
“This shift is driven by the human eye’s greater sensitivity to green light, which allows for easier material installation and long-range measurements,” McCutcheon says.
To support the higher power demands of green lasers, he says manufacturers have moved away from alkaline batteries in favor of rechargeable lithium-ion platforms, which offer longer runtime, reduced downtime, and integrate with broader cordless systems.
In addition, he says automation and connectivity are redefining layout workflows.
“Bluetooth-enabled remote control and automatic alignment features are transforming layout from a two-person task into a one-person operation,” McCutcheon says. “These advancements reflect a broader industry movement toward smarter, more efficient jobsite solutions that prioritize speed, accuracy, and ease of use.”
The advancements aid professional contractors in completing tasks more Efficiently, with fewer resources and less downtime. For example, he says automatic alignment technology is a major leap forward in layout efficiency.
Milwaukee Tool’s M12 Green 360-degree 3-Plane Laser w/Automatic Alignment & Receiver, enables remote alignment up to 125 feet via Bluetooth, eliminating the need for a second person during setup. Boost Mode delivers 70% brighter lines for enhanced visibility when needed, while micro control adjustment brackets allow for precise alignment without repositioning the entire laser.
“This laser is part of the M12 system, which includes over 150 compatible tools, allowing professionals to leverage a single battery platform across multiple applications,” McCutcheon says.
Other innovations on Milwaukee Tool measuring products include the Wireless Laser Alignment Base that work with all its existing line and plane lasers, micro-adjustment brackets, Boost Mode, and rotary lasers that offer simplified set-up, reflecting a continued focus on simplifying layout and maximizing efficiency.
“These solutions are designed to meet the evolving needs of professional contractors and support a more productive, streamlined approach to jobsite layout,” he says.
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Starrett Exact Plus measuring tapes feature high-impact resistant PC-ABS plastic for superior case life and incorporate heavy overmolding for improved grip. |
The L.S. Starrett Company
“The L.S. Starrett Company offers innovative hand tools with exceptional quality that professional contractors can rely on,” says Charlie Starrett, director of product management. “With strict quality control, state-of-the-art equipment and an ongoing commitment to producing superior tools, the thousands of Starrett products are the most accurate, durable and reliable tools available.”
New electronic digital outside 733.1 micrometers feature a modern, ergonomic, insulated frame design and IP67 protection. The new 733.1 electronic micrometers are accurate to +/- .0001 inches (.002mm) with a resolution of .00005 inches (0.001mm) and offer output for data collection.
Starrett combination squares feature square heads made of cast iron or forged and hardened steel and have photo-engraved, hardened and tempered steel blades. Steel precision rules also feature photoengraved graduations. Starrett combination protractors take error-prone calculations out of miter cuts. Aluminum miter, aluminum combination, plastic miter and aluminum electronic combinations are offered.
The company also produces slide calibers which are light, comfortable and easy-to-use. Starrett says the EC799 Electronic Digital Caliper offers a slim, streamlined profile, a large high-contrast LCD digital readout with inch/ millimeter readings of .0005" or 0.01mm and provides quick, accurate measurements and depth.
Starrett gages include a rule depth gage with a hardened steel head to accurately and quickly obtain measurements in 64ths of an inch. The Starrett combination steel rule depth/angle gage can be used for calipering, as a depth gage by reversing the rule and as a protractor.
Starrett long and short measuring tapes and measure Stix are offered in a wide range of styles and sizes in English and Metric versions. Starrett Exact measuring tapes include a nylon-coated blade with twice the abrasion resistance of other tapes. In addition, he says the Starrett Exact Plus measuring tapes feature high-impact resistant PC-ABS plastic for superior case life and incorporate heavy overmolding for improved grip.
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| Leading Stabila’s lineup of new products is the LD530BT laser distance measurer which offers a measuring range of up to 660 feet, a high-resolution camera, and a 2.4-inch color display. |
STABILA
Professionals in masonry, construction, and others are increasingly turning to devices that integrate directly into mobile and cloud-based workflows.
Features such as gesture control, integrated imaging, and automatic floor plan generation save significant time, reduce errors, and improve project documentation.
Leading the lineup of Stabila’s new products, which reflects broader industry trends toward digitization, mobile integration, and enhanced durability, is the LD530BT laser distance measurer.
The LD530BT is a tool built for professionals who demand top-tier performance. It offers a measuring range of up to 660 feet (200 meters), a high-resolution camera and a 2. 4-inch color display that ensures visibility even in bright sunlight.
“Jobsites have a need for laser distance measuring devices such as the Stabila LD530, for its accurate exterior usefulness,” says Rich Morse, vice president of sales at Stabila.
Among the features is Stabila’s gesture-based, contact-free measuring system Measure Control. This reduces handshake during long-distance measurements, delivering improved precision in demanding environments.
The LD530BT is powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery capable of up to 5,000 measurements on a single three-hour USB-C charge.
Morse notes that the LD530BT incorporates Bluetooth 5.0, enabling seamless data transfer to devices for instant integration into workflow software. In addition, it pairs with the Stabila Measures II app, which has received significant updates in 2025.
“Within the app it allows a camera to take a picture with your phone of a field condition that could possibly hinder a job start,” he says. “Take the photo, click the LD530 to record the measurement, the measurement now is applied into the picture of the jobsite condition and email it to a general contractor or architect.”
The latest update adds a remote trigger function, enabling measurements to be taken from a smartphone or tablet, ideal for inaccessible locations or when working solo.
“It’s technology like the LD530 that helps you work more efficiently and catching costly downtime and back charges before you start the job,” Morse says.
LEARN MORE
This article originally appeared in the October/November 2025 issue of Contractor Supply magazine. Copyright 2025, Direct Business Media.
CONTRACTOR SUPPLY MAGAZINE
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