Taking Measurements As Easy as Pointing and Clicking
The Skil 65-foot laser distance measure (ME9821-00) brings a no-nonsense measuring solution to DIYers and even entry-level professionals. Between the price, ease of use, and accuracy the Skil ME9821-00 brings, we find it a compelling choice. We also like the simplicity and innovation of the wheel measure. Overall, this tool provides an inexpensive and convenient alternative to always having to bust out the tape measure.
Pros
- Calculates distance from the back of the tool
- Simple-to-use and compact design
- Works in imperial or metric
- The wheel works well on curved surfaces
- Backlit LED screen is easy to read
- Area measurement keeps us from having to do math
- Inexpensive at $39.99
Cons
- Battery compartment door feels a bit fragile
Using the Skil ME9821-00 Laser Measure
One of the things that laser distance measures have going for them is ease-of-use, and the Skil Laser Distance Measure has that in spades.
It features intuitive controls that revolve around two buttons. The button on the side turns on the unit, switches modes, and turns it back off with a 1-second press. The measure also features an auto-shutoff after 5 minutes of inactivity.
A single tap of the front button fires off the laser, while a quick double-tap calculates the area from two previously recorded measurements. We like this as it saves us from having to work out potentially difficult multiplication problems on the job site. Estimating room size or floor space becomes much simpler with a tool like this. Who does that help? Flooring and tiling professionals, real estate agents—you name it.
The Skil Laser Distance Measure can measure up to 65 feet in 1/8″ increments. Particularly useful, it takes the measurement from the back of the unit so you can butt it up against a surface without having to calculate an offset. Some laser measures have a way to change this from the rear to the front of the unit, but Skil only measures from the back of the tool.
Measuring Curved Surfaces
For curved surface measurements, the Skil Laser Distance Measure features a wheel measuring mode. In this mode, you can drag the wheel on the bottom of the unit across your surface to get an accurate measurement. You can drag the wheel forwards or backward—either direction gives you a measurement. If you change directions while dragging, it will subtract the distance from the current measurement. You press the Main button to store the first measurement.
We found it interesting that you can actually take one measurement in laser mode and another using the wheel. The Skil LDM doesn’t care—it will calculate area taken with the two different modes.
Inverted White-on-Black Display
The Skil Laser Distance Measure features an easy-to-read, white-on-black LCD screen. We love these as they work much better when you work in a brightly lit room. The screen shows you what mode you’re in as well as the measurements you’ve taken in real-time. You can also swap between imperial and metric measurements.
When the job is done, you can either store the measure away in a front pocket or use the supplied canvas holster.
Conclusion
The Skil ME9821-00 65-foot Laser Distance Measure doesn’t do a lot of complex functions—and that actually helps make it a great tool. It only calculates a single area at a time—so you don’t fumble around with memory slots or recalls. Carrying this plus a way to notate your results gives you a fast, accurate way to run estimates and get the job done much more quickly than with a tape. For the price, the Skil does face some competition, but it also offers that measure-by-wheel function that other tools don’t. That makes it a very easy choice that sets it apart as an incredible value.
Pricing and Availability
You can pick up the Skil 65-foot laser distance measure for $49.99. It comes with two AAA batteries and a canvas holster that you can hook to your belt. It also comes with a 5-year warranty.
A 100-foot version of this laser distance measure is also available for around $66.99. Check out that tool if you need more range.
Recommendation
We really like the Skil Laser Distance Measure for its ease of use. Two buttons, a wheel, and a laser make for a really easy time with taking quick and accurate measurements or finding the area of a surface. We really like the inclusion of the wheeled mode, which makes taking measurements over curved and uneven surfaces a snap.
Skil 65ft. Compact Laser Measure Specs
- Model: Skil ME9821-00
- Battery life: ＞3000 measurements
- Power: 2 x AAA
- Auto-backlit white-on-black display
- Red laser: 635nm, class 2, ＜1mW
- Operation functions: Real-time measure, Area measure, Wheel measure, Unit switch among in/ft, inch, m
- Dimensions (HxLxW): 0.9 x 4.5 x 1.7 in.
- Weight: 0.17 lbs.
- Accuracy (inch): ±1/8inch (±3mm)
- Range (ft): 65 ft (20 m)
- Warranty: 5 years
- Price: $49.99
