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How to choose a digital protractor

This WordPress post guides readers in selecting a digital protractor that meets their needs. It lists some key factors to consider when choosing a digital protractor, such as quality, accuracy, ease-of-use, and compatibility with a specific application or device. It also provides information on the various types of digital protractors available, such as dial, laser, angle, and smart digital protractors, and explains their features and limitations. Ultimately, readers can use this article to identify the best digital protractor for their particular project, providing accurate and reliable measurements with the optimal balance of quality and affordability.

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We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the principle of operation and the scope of application of a tool popular among many professional builders โ€“ a goniometer. In the article, we will consider the main technical characteristics of an electronic angle meter, as well as determine the current criteria for choosing models.

In the construction business, as well as in production, the importance of measurement accuracy can hardly be overestimated. At relatively large distances, millimeters of errors quickly add up to centimeters โ€“ and it is no longer possible to achieve high-quality mating of parts and structures.

Of course, many measurements can be performed with simple good mechanics or long-range optical devices, but with the advent of digital and laser devices, tasks have become easier, you just need to purchase a suitable tool. One of these incredibly convenient assistants is the electronic protractor.

What a digital protractor can do

This device is sometimes called an electronic protractor. Indeed, the main purpose of this device is to measure and plot angles. But from conventional electronic devices that work with perpendicular lines and planes, the goniometer differs in that it helps to control sharp and extended angles with a wide variety of degrees..

It is necessary not only at the installation stage, as it provides many opportunities for creating plans and drawings, as well as for diagnosing spatial systems.

Indirect angles give the builder a lot of inconvenience, but at the same time they are used quite often, these are both individual structural elements and whole planes. For example:

  • the rafters of the roofing system are exposed with a slope;
  • the string of the stairs or the entire flight of stairs also requires compliance with the angle;
  • more and more often, designers and architects draw partitions that are not perpendicular to each other, or construct bay windows.

Bosch GAM 220 MF Bosch GAM 220 MF

The operating principle of the protractor is simple. You need to attach the tool to one side (base โ€“ from which the calculations are carried out) of the measured angle and take the movable work bar to the other side of the corner until it touches without gaps. With such a movement of the measuring bar, the sensor element rotates, after stopping the device calculates the value of the inner or outer angle and gives a numerical value to the display.

Many models of goniometers are universal instruments, they are not limited to their main purpose, they also allow you to set out predefined angles in nature (the opening angle of the instrument is fixed and set for outlining), measure slopes (that is, perform the functions of an electronic level), give direction (work as axis builders). There are many other specific points regarding practicality and functionality..

What are the criteria for choosing a digital protractor

There is a wide range of similar equipment on the market. There are typical models that easily fall into general categories, and there are also specific products with unusual characteristics..

1. For what purposes the tool is needed

A builderโ€™s goniometer must be at least 400 mm long (possibly with a retractable rail) so that it can be used to create markings. It is good if there are elements such as a laser and a level in the structure. And, for example, in a carpentry shop or in production, a light 25-centimeter device without unnecessary โ€œgadgetsโ€ will be more convenient. A plus for them will be the presence of a marking ruler and a square cut out on the end face.

ADA AngleMeter ADA AngleMeter

Any devices are suitable for household use, and models with high measurement accuracy are better adapted for professional use..

2. Size of the maximum error

Manufacturers sometimes indicate several data in degrees. In this case, we can talk about accuracy:

  • measuring angles;
  • determination of slopes (horizontal / vertical level);
  • calculation / setting of an angle.

Indicators of 0.1 ยฐ are considered averages. High-tech professional models do not fall out for an error of hundredths of a degree. And household devices can give a tolerance of half a degree. By the way, at flat corners, many instruments give twice the error (instead of 0.1โ€“0.2). Naturally, the smaller the maximum errors, the more accurate the angle meter.

3. Range of the measured angle

Each electronic protractor has strict restrictions on working with large angles, they are necessarily prescribed in the instructions. There are models that are not designed to work with unfolded corners, their bar can only be in one line with the body (180 degrees). Sometimes this is not enough, and devices that rotate at 220-225 degrees are very useful..

Bosch GAM 220 MF Bosch GAM 220 MF

4. Level availability

Almost all digital protractors have built-in bubble elements that allow you to quickly control the vertical and horizontal. Advanced devices for professional use have an additional display that displays data on the deviation of the base rod of the protractor relative to the vertical or horizontal line. The digital level can use arrows to indicate the direction in which direction to align.

5. Availability of a laser

This option is most useful for construction work when oblique corners need to be transferred over long distances. Naturally, both vertical and horizontal lines are transferred by the laser beam (laser level). If it is possible to install such a device on a tripod โ€“ we get a simple level.

Geo-Fennel Multi Digit Pro Geo-Fennel Multi Digit Pro

6. The nature of the issuance of information

There is always an LCD display, but there are also two of them โ€“ one on each side (for easier viewing). As mentioned above, there are protractors with an additional panel for level readings. High-tech models offer special options:

  • backlight;
  • gravitational flip of the display digits (if measuring overhead);
  • indication of the measurement sector (helps under the ceiling or in cramped conditions to quickly understand which angle is calculated);
  • visual control can be supplemented by an audible signal.

7. Memory

The result of each last measurement can be recorded (for example, if the numbers cannot be read locally or too many measurements are taken). Also, frequently used angles can be memorized, which is convenient, for example, when building markings.

8. Power characteristics

These instruments use a 9-volt โ€œKronaโ€ or several 1.5-volt AA batteries (sometimes batteries of this format can be supplied), as well as 3-volt โ€œtabletsโ€. The most important thing for the user is to know how many hours of operation a full charge will last. Typically this range is 20-100 hours.

A very convenient function is going into sleep mode to save energy. Delay is 3-5 minutes of inactivity after the last measurement.

9. Climatic version

Temperature limits (if any) are worth investigating right away if you have to work outside in winter or in the heat of the sun. The influence can be exerted both on the battery charge and on the operation of the sensors. Some well-established standard: from -10 to +50.

10. Ergonomics and equipment

This is a hand tool and should be as comfortable as possible. The weight of the models can be from 350 grams (goniometer 25 cm) to 1.5 kilograms. Fixation of the set angle must be clear and reliable.

SKIL 0580 SKIL 0580

It is good if the LCD panel is recessed into the body, and the buttons are made in a touch-sensitive version (it is easier to look after in a construction site). A big plus if the kit includes an extension bar and a protective case. We get a lot of possibilities if there is a tripod thread or a magnetic mount.

Comparative table of popular goniometer models

Product Measurement accuracy (degrees) Measurement angle (degrees) Digital level Rail length / weight, cm / gram Memory Lasers Cost (c.u.)
SKIL 0580 0.5 220 not 32/549 Yes not 65
ADA AngleMeter 0.1 180 not 25/400 not not 45
Bosch GAM 220 MF 0.1 220 not 40/1100 Yes not 230
Geo-Fennel Multi Digit Pro 0.1 180 Yes 53/1300 Yes Yes 240
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Comments: 2
  1. Oakley

    How can I go about selecting a digital protractor? What are some key factors to consider such as accuracy, resolution, and functionality? Are there any specific brands or models that come highly recommended for precise angle measurements? I would appreciate any advice or recommendations from those with experience in using digital protractors. Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Skylar Clarke

    Iโ€™m curious, what factors should one consider when selecting a digital protractor? Are there specific features or specifications that make one model more suitable for certain tasks than others? Any recommendations or tips on how to make an informed decision would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply
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