Today while strolling through the Tool King retail store, I noticed a cool new product from Stanely. It's the TLM100 Laser Measuring Tool produced for Stanley by CST/Berger.

Functionality -wise, the TLM100 is very similar to the cool Bosch DLR165K Laser Rangefinder we reported on a few months ago. Both devices use a laser to measure distance very accurately (within ¼" at a hundred feet!).

Although many lesser digital rangefinders have lasers on them, they are only included as a targeting mechanism and are not used for the actual measurement task (they usually use sonor to accomplish this).

So what's the difference between the Stanley and the Bosch? We prepared this chart based on the published data available from both manufacturers.

Although it is more expensive, by almost all counts, the Bosch looks like it will be a better tool. It's got a greater measuring range and is more accurate. That's not to say that the Stanley isn't a great tool too. Fact is, it's way more accurate than any sonic measurer and is probably accurate enough for any estimating task you can think of. Personally, I'd prefer the Bosch.

We should also mention that Stanley's website mentions both a TLM200 and TLM300, the big brothers of the TLM100. Both units are more expensive than the Bosch and still don't have it's range and accuracy.

• Check out the Stanley TLM100 @ ToolKing.com
• Stanley TLM100
• Bosch DLR165K