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Protractors are often associated with the small tools that you used during geometry class in school. Digital protractors do serve the same function, but while geometry protractors are used for drawing 2D angles on paper, digital versions have more practical three-dimensional applications.
Digital protractors are similar to simpler protractors that have two legs, a bolt and a wingnut. However, they also feature a digital display that shows the angles being measured. You can choose from a variety of sizes and designs depending on what kind of work you do. Check out some of the top digital protractors for 2022 below.
Finding Your Next Digital Protractor: A Buyers Guide
You will need the best tools available to make something from scratch, particularly if it requires engineering or carpentry skills. In this day and age, almost all of these tools have digital counterparts that are a lot more efficient than traditional versions.
For example, digital protractors have become more accurate over the years. Modern technology has made it possible to accurately measure angles using digital displays. This has reduced human error. But considering how many products are available in this space, it can be easy to get confused, especially if youre inexperienced. This guide will help you make informed purchases when shopping for these products.
The Benefits Of Digital Protractors
Accuracy
Whether youre working on a painting, a sculpture, a desk, a bookshelf, or an architectural blueprint, you need to keep your measurements as accurate as possible – especially when it comes to carpentry and architecture. Even the slightest mistake while taking measurements can lead to big consequences. Digital protractors make it easy to verify and correct your measurements.
Reliability
No matter how skilled you are in your chosen field, human error can still happen. Reliability is second in fields that require extreme accuracy. Even though you could be exact with every measurement, a single error can lead to a project’s failure. Using digital protractors, you increase your chances of consistently accurate results by helping eliminate human error.
Things To Consider When Choosing Digital Protractors
Range
Digital protractors can measure from 0 to 180 degrees, or 0 to 360 degrees. 360-degree protractors may seem like a better option, but that isnt always the case. If youre measuring an area where you know the angle doesnt exceed 180 degrees, a 360-degree protractor is almost useless and much more likely to give inaccurate measurements.
Length
While the length of a protractors arms won’t impact its measurement range, it can affect its accuracy. Shorter protractors are more likely to give inaccurate measurements. Longer arms, however, are easier to align with the measurement. However, they can be difficult to store and transport.
Battery life
Digital protractors run on electricity or batteries, as their name implies. Most of them are equipped with replaceable batteries. This means you can use your digital protractor anywhere, even on the move. However, you don’t want to have to replace the batteries as often as possible. So you should go for digital protractors with lower power usage.
Easy-to-read display
If you still get incorrect readings due to errors in the display, it is not worth investing in a digital ruler. A bigger, well-lit, and easy-to-read LED display on your tool can help you see your measurements clearly.
Additional features
If youre going for a model with added features that can make measuring things even more convenient, you might want to look for protractors featuring a locking highlight, which locks the devices arms at the required angle. Angle-memory storage is another desirable feature.
