Bosch’s GLM 15 laser distance measuring tool is a super-compact and pocketable bare-bones model that’s a far cry from the bulky fully-featured laser measurers that must be worn on your belt or stowed in a tool bag. It’s as basic a laser measuring tool as you can get, and it’s just $50 (via Amazon).
Bosch revealed in their recent consumer email that there will be 3 new additions to their compact laser measuring tool range, and we dug up additional details on them. In addition to being better featured than the GLM 15, the new models are slightly more accurate as well: ± 1/16″ vs. ± 1/8″ for the GLM 15.
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GLM 30
The GLM 30 has a range of 100 ft and sports a new backlit LCD display. Additional measurement features include area/volume, indirect measurements, and plus/minus operations.
It’s priced at $70.
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
GLM 35
The GLM 35 is nearly identical to the GLM 30, but has an extended measuring range of 120 feet.
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It’s currently available for $76.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
GLM 40
The new GLM 40 offers all of the same features as the GLM 30 and GLM 35, but has a range of 135 feet and the addition of a 10-setting memory.
This model is currently available for $100, which is the same price as the larger GLM 50 (via Amazon), which has a range of 165 feet and a couple of extra features such as changeable reference points.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
First Thoughts
I like the small size of the GLM 15, as well as its simplicity, but it’s a little too bare-bones for a lot of things. On the other hand, its price is incredibly appealing, and there’s nothing quite on the market like it. The only other name-brand models that approach the GLM 15’s price point are Stanley’s laser distance measurers, and even theirs start at $55 (via Amazon).
The new models cost a bit more than the GLM 15, but they offer greater functionality that I’ve been missing with the GLM 15. They’re not fully-featured, but look to come pretty darned close.
I think that the GLM 30 is a nice step up from the GLM 15. The GLM 35 will be more appealing to those who need greater range, and the GLM 40 has that memory functionality.
One thing that I’m concerned about is the size of the new laser distance measuring tools. In most of the images, the GLM 30, 35, and 40 look to be almost as svelte as the GLM 15. But in angled views, they look appreciably chunkier to the point where they don’t look very pocketable at all. The same can be seen in Bosch’s promo videos:
While they don’t look quite as large as Bosch’s prior laser distance measurers, the new models aren’t quite as compact as the GLM 15. This is understandable, as more functionality means more electronic guts and a larger screen, but it’s still somewhat disappointing.
James C
I think one of these will be in my future. I don’t get the difference between the 30 and the 35. So the 35 is identical to the 30 but it can measure out an extra 20 feet and costs just $6 more. Why would they even make the 30 if that’s the case? Are you sure that info is correct?
Stuart
The GLM 35 and 40 are now in stock at Amazon. The GLM 30 isn’t even listed there, but is in stock at Home Depot.
It could be that the GLM 30 was built to serve a cheaper price point requested by HD or other retailers. I’m just guessing here, as I cannot think of any other reason for Bosch to do this.
Mike
This is really odd. Bosch already has/had a model GLM 30 that’s different than what’s being shown here. What I have seen is identical to the GLM 15 in all features, sizes, and specifications except being able to measure out to 30 meters (~100 feet).
All the Home Depot stores near me supposedly have them in stock right now so I might go look at them today. I won’t be purchasing one, but I want to see if they can physically show me one of these. Something’s a little hinky and I’d like to see if those reviews from Home Depot are of something they actually sell.
Sean
Speaking of which, Home Depot has the DUMBEST review system in the world. This first occurred to me when I saw this Top 100/Top 50/Top 10 contributor thing out the side (there seem to be at least 1,000 of these “top” contributors). People love these tags under their name, so naturally they’re going to start writing a lot of reviews….whether they own the product or not.
THEN, I noticed this “Seeds Program” – they send you free stuff if you write a bunch of reviews about 1,000’s of products you could never afford. Incentivizing people to right as many reviews as possible – what could possibly go wrong? For whatever reason, these particular reviews are all bumped up to the top, and since these people are getting FREE stuff, they naturally give every product 5 stars. Unless you’re a professional, well-respected reviewer like Mr. Toolguyd, typically you will drool all over a $300 product that you someone said “here, i’ll give this to you for free just to see what you think!!!!11 btw, reviews are welcome”
Now products that aren’t even on the market have reviews. I see reviews by these Top 100 people that are about the WRONG product. Home Depot is now ab-so-lute-ly useless for product information.
Stuart
They’re trying to mimic Amazon’s Vine program. I’ve seen some negative Vine reviews, but others where the reviewers had absolutely no clue as to what they’re talking about.
Mike
Yep, what you’re describing is exactly why I thought something is amiss. There are several reviews for this new GLM 30, all from Seeds members in the top 100+ reviewers list, for a brand new product that no one else seems to have.
While I was out this afternoon I did stop by a Home Depot. Three of these were supposed to be in stock. But their system had no information on their location, I could not find them on the shelves or at the professional desk, and no one could recall having seen them. On my way home I stopped by another one. Five in stock with the same result.
I’ve saved a copy of Home Depot’s page with all of the reviews. If this product turns out to be the older GLM 30 they will have some explaining to do.
Tomas
Actually the GLM35 say $65 on amazon right now, does that change your opinion on it?
Tomas
Damit, it went up to $79 just now. I’m sure amazon’s computerized price fluctuations detected some interest. I’m going to set a camelcamelcamel price watch on this thing for $65
John
Can someone explain the “X” models? Bosch has a GLM 40 and GLM 40 X as well as another model I was looking at coming out soon the GLM 50 C and GLM 50 CX model. I cannot seem to find any difference between X and non X models at all and the Bosch site is useless to show any difference. I thought maybe one was a Home Depot exclusive model but Home Depot sells both! Why do they have to be so difficult to difference these myriad of models?
sundar
hello ,
i am using the glm 40. in this i can’t change the unit of measurement. now its showing as a feet . i want to change feet to meter. in the manual it says press and hold the function key i will display some thing. but in there nothing is displaying . any one can help me to short out this problem please. my email – [email protected]
Umesh Gulati
Hi I am using the Glm 40 can’t change it from feet to metre pls help me
My mail I’d is
[email protected]
Arun
i am using the glm 40. in this i can’t change the unit of measurement. now its showing as a feet . i want to change feet to meter. in the manual it says press and hold the function key i will display some thing. but in there nothing is displaying . any one can help me to short out this problem please.
Ayman HAMED
i am using the glm 40. in this i can’t change the unit of measurement. . i want to change feet to meter.
Naveen verma
i am using the glm 40. in this i can’t change the unit of measurement. . i want to change feet to meter.This is a worst product
Defry
(1) Switch the measuring tool off.
(2) Hold down the On/Off button. It will displays “UNIT” of measure, keep holding the button, it will cycle “ft” to “m” (and back to ft again, back and forth).
(3) Let go of the On/Off button when it displays the units you desire (either “ft” or “m”). After releasing, the measuring tool switches itself on with the selected setting.
See:
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1046822/Bosch-Glm-40-Professional.html?page=15#manual
Hope this help! Cheers
Naveen Nimalan
It’s working , thank you…