Sonic Tape measure??

[nmlowe]

I know it's not to do with cars, but I've been searching everywhere for one of those tape measures like the estate agents use. You know the one, just point it at a solid surface and the distance is shown on the little display. I belive there are two types:
Laser and Ultrasonic versions. Apparently the laser one is best, but it's probably much more expensive.

It's for my dad's birthday, as he is an Alarm surveyor and works mostly on large commercial properties (warehouses, factories, offices, industrial estates etc) and I bet it's a pain in the arse using a conventional tape measure.

I've tried everywhere: B&Q, Amazon, Countless search engines I just can't find one. I know they exist as he used to have one years ago. Have they become illegal or something?

Cheers for any help.

>>> Edited by nmlowe on Wednesday 23 October 20:40

[Mr E]

Maplin will happily sell you one for not much (30 squid)

www.maplin.co.uk

Search for 'ultrasonic tape measure'....

[nmlowe]

Cheers, I've just found it....
On further research I have found that ultrasonic ones are no good in large corridors or outside due to echoing and wind/traffic noise etc.
A Laser one would do the job, but they cost between £250 and £500 and only do a distance of 20m.
I think I'll buy him some socks and a bottle of whiskey instead.

Cheers anyway.

[pdv6]

Didn't Dr Who have one of those?
Oh, wait, that was a screwdriver...

[jmorgan]

Try here.
www.yorksurvey.co.uk/
Get a few items from this place. Under Measuring/distance measure

>> Edited by jmorgan on Thursday 24th October 09:00