Black & Decker BDSM400 Sonic Distance Measurer and 3 in 1 Sensor

List Price: $66.58 Discount Price: $39.55

Features:

• A measuring device, 3-in-1 sensor, calculator, laser pointer, and square feet estimator in one small hand-held device
• Electronically detects distances by emitting sonic waves; measures accurately to within one inch at 40 feet ; memory chip stores measurement information
• Pivoting head makes it easy to take measurements at many different angles
• Includes soft bag for carrying, 9-volt battery
• 2-year warranty

Accessories:
Rayovac A1604-8PP Alkaline 9-Volt Batteries (Eight-pack)	Rayovac Rechargeable NiMH Batteries 9V Size Carded 1 Pack

Customer Reviews:

Good for designers, decorators, etc [Posted on 2005-06-08]
This is a good unit for anyone doing home improvement type work.
Wallpaper hanging, tile and really any kind of work requiring room size measurement is quicker. The stud and electrical
sensors work fairly well but remember that the distance is
limited to 50 feet. Not enough for larger buildings. This unit
is a little confusing to use at first, but continued reading of
the manual finally helped me to understand it. Be patient.

It ok. [Posted on 2006-08-28]
Works great when measuring in quiet spaces. It's really precise on measuring distances. I haven't used the other functins (find metal o electric wiring inside walls).

As i said before, it works graet on quiet spaces. I tried to use it while an electrical storm was outside, and it measured unaccurate distances. I beleive the problem was the noise entering the rooms, since this is a sonic device. Other than that, it works just fine.

Cheap Distance Measurer that works [Posted on 2007-06-14]
This unit measures lengths much better than I expected, even in rooms with obstructions. It comes with a 9-Volt battery and a carrying case. Besides home improvement and construction jobs, the measurer is also great for real estate related tasks.

I am giving the Black & Decker BDSM400 five stars because I think it offers great value for the money. If you are willing to spend extra, then I am sure you can find something more sophisticated.

Useless and largely a waste of batteries. [Posted on 2008-05-10]
Good points: it has a laser, and lasers are cool.

Bad points: it doesn't locate studs, and the laser measurements are humorously and wildly inaccurate.

If you have plaster and lathe walls, chances are this will not work for you, as it did not work for me. Actually, I tried it on a gypsum board wall and it failed to locate the studs there, too. It does detect electricity presence, but is not very accurate in locating the actual conduit. Also, if the conduit isn't actively charging, it will not find it. Even with the device in "metal" mode, it would not find conduit.

The laser measurements are 100% unreliable. I can shoot the laser and get 35 inches for a variety of distances. Sometimes it looks almost accurate, but shooting with a slight change in location leads to different results. Conclusion: it doesn't work.

I completely do not recommend buying this at all. I recommend returning it if you own, and avoiding it if you do not. Furthermore, I advocate taking your friend's device and surreptitiously breaking it so it no longer screws them up.

-C

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