Welcome to Architect Gadgets and to the Bosch GLM 20 Review!
In this post, we will review the laser measure Bosch GLM 20 to clearly explain what it can offer. After reading this post, you will have a complete understanding of what its strengths and weaknesses are. Not sure if this is the right product for you? Then check out our Best Laser Measures for Architects post, where you will find the ten best laser measure devices for Architects.
Still here? Then let’s get started with the review of this product.
Review Process
We want to be crystal clear about how we do things here, so we would like you to explain how we have reviewed this product.
What we do
- Check the specifications
- Compare the product with the other products in its category
- Check all the reviews on Amazon to see common praises and complaints
- Surf the Internet looking for detailed reviews of this product
What we don’t do
- Try the product (we would like to do it in the future, though)
That’s about it. For now, we are doing the research that, otherwise, you should be doing when buying a product. Moreover, we are also writing it all down in a, hopefully, clear and entertaining way so it is easy and fast for you to digest. We hope you find it useful!
Overview
With 4.8 out of 5 stars (148 reviews) on Amazon.com at the time of this writing, BOSCH GLM 20 is a great choice if you are on a budget and you only want to use it for interiors in small projects. With a range up to 65 feet (20 metres) and an accuracy of 1/8 inches (3 millimetres), it does a great job when you need to do surveys for “as-built” information on small projects.
Designed to be used only in interiors, its low price makes it a safe choice to get started with. You will probably need to upgrade to a different product if you see the benefit of laser measuring and you want to start using it both inside and outside. However, this is a great choice if you have never used a laser measure before. Not sure if you are going to make the most of this amazing way to measure? Then get started with the Bosch GLM 20!
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Low cost
- Durable
- Compact
- Accurate
- Simple to use
Cons:
- The laser beam can be difficult to see in bright interiors. Nearly impossible to use in exteriors.
- No carrying case included
Specifications
| Bosch GLM 20 | |
| Specification | |
| Range | 65 feet (20 meters) |
| Accuracy | 1/8 inches (3 millimetres) |
| Memory | 2 measurements |
| Protection Rating | N/A |
| Measurement modes | |
| Continuous | ✓ |
Key features
Simple to use
One of the most prevailing comments about this model is how easy it is to use. With its one-button operation, there is hardly any learning curve with the Bosch GLM 20. This is a big advantage compared to other more complex models, which require a fair amount of knowledge to make the most of them.
Size
A very small product that would fit nicely in your pocket. Dimensions are 4 x 1.4 x 0.9 inches (10,2 x 3,6 x 2,3 cm). Smaller than a smartphone. Even smaller than a Nokia 3310.
Accuracy
You will find a lot of low-quality products claiming a certain accuracy but not being able to deliver it consistently. With the Bosch GLM 20, however, the accuracy will be what it says. This is another of the most shared praises on the Amazon reviews.
Backlit screen
Another frequent positive comment about this model is the backlit screen. This is a very handy feature that makes reading much easier, especially if for whatever reason there is no power on site. Great feature here considering that some more expensive products do not have it. The only downside to this feature is that it turns on and off automatically, so you do not have any control if, for example, you want to keep it on continuously.
Is this a good fit for you?
Before deciding to buy this product, make sure you are aware of its possibilities. The Bosch GLM 20 is an amazing tool to have, but it will only be useful for you if it matches your needs. Therefore, consider the following points. It will probably be a good fit for you if you…
- Don’t visit the construction site very often.
- Work only on small projects.
- Haven’t used a laser measure before and you are not sure if it is the right tool for you.
- Want to use it for interiors only.
About the Manufacturer
Bosch is one of the most renowned brands in this field. As you know if you have read our Best Laser Measures for Architects post, it has excellent choices for all the different needs. In addition to that, it is a safe bet as far as quality is concerned. Apart from laser measures, Bosch also offers digital levels, rotatory lasers, line lasers, point laser, optical lasers, and measuring tool accessories.
Conclusion
In our opinion, the Bosch GLM 20 is a great choice to get started with. As we said before, please bear in mind that it will be almost impossible to use it outdoors. Therefore, we would recommend checking the “Laser measures for interiors and exteriors in buildings of all sizes” section of our Best Laser Measures for Architects post if you want to buy a laser measure that can be used outdoors. Please also bear in mind that it measures up to only 65 feet (20 metres), so it will not be suitable if you work on big projects or you like to design very long corridors. However, if you work on small projects, you are going to use it in interiors only and you don’t visit site very often, this is probably the best product for you. What it loses in features and measuring modes, it wins in simplicity and price.
