I'm the office administrator for a 40-person manufacturing company. I manage about $200,000 in equipment and service spending across eight vendors every year, and I report to both operations and finance. When I took over purchasing in 2020, I thought 'laser tracker' was a gadget used to build Level 3 self-driving maps. That changed quickly.
Here's what I learned: there is no one 'best' measurement tool. There is only a best fit for the situation. Most of the requests I see fall into one of three buckets. Let me walk you through them.
Three situations that call for different tools
Before comparing brands or prices, figure out what problem you're actually solving. Are you measuring a large object in one location? Are you monitoring linear movement on a machine? Are you troubleshooting an electrical panel? Those are different decisions.
Situation 1: Large-volume quality checks — Faro laser tracker
When our quality lead asked for a Faro laser tracker, I initially pushed back. We already have CMMs, and they work. But the portable tracker is a different category. You can set it up on a tripod beside a large weldment, put a reflector on the surface, and get measurements without moving the part into a lab. For big assemblies, like a machine frame or a fixture, that's a huge time saver.
What sold me was not the speed. It was the uncertainty statement. A laser tracker derives coordinates by measuring distance and angles, so the spec sheet should give you a volumetric error number. We asked Faro for the official accuracy specification and a sample calibration certificate before we ordered. Faro support walked us through the details, which made it easier to explain to finance.
The machine measures exactly what you ask it to measure. The job is making sure that's the right thing.
Here's the advice that goes against what most people expect: you don't automatically need to buy one. We rented a Faro tracker with an operator for the first six months. That avoided a six-figure capital purchase while we figured out whether we'd use it enough. By the time we knew it was justified, we had also learned the rental operator's tricks. This worked for us because we have predictable batch orders. If you're running daily inspection on a production line, buying makes sense. But if you're checking one-off large parts or modules, a service bureau or rental is often the smart play.
If you do own one, keep the support contract active. Faro support is not an optional extra in our world. It covers calibration reminders, software updates, and training for new team members. A laser tracker is only trustworthy if its accuracy is verified on a schedule. That's not a knock on any brand; it's just how metrology works.
One caution: do not believe anyone who says you never need calibration. You do. Put it on the calendar.
Situation 2: Linear movement feedback — wire draw encoder
Sometimes the 'measurement' request is not about a coordinate but a position or displacement. That's where I learned about the wire draw encoder. It's also called a string pot or cable-extension transducer. Basically, a precisely wound wire sits around a spool. When the wire pulls out, the spool rotates, and a sensor converts that rotation into a measurement of linear movement.
I used to overlook these because they're not as impressive as a laser tracker. But they're the right answer many times for monitoring a cylinder stroke, a stage position, or a conveyor lift.
When we needed feedback for a retrofit on an assembly lift, the engineer asked for a wire draw encoder. I compared three suppliers based on measurement range, output type, and IP rating. The thing that mattered most was the enclosure rating, because the unit sat in a dusty area and was hosed down on weekends. No amount of digital precision helps if the sensor can't survive the environment.
One phrase I avoid when buying these: 'good enough.' A wire draw encoder might cost a fraction of a laser tracker, but the spec still needs to match the application. Check linearity, repeatability, and whether the output signal, analog or digital, is compatible with the PLC or readout.
Also, this is a good time to verify the seller's invoicing. I once ordered from a supplier who had a good price but gave me a handwritten receipt. Finance rejected the expense, and I ate $2,400 from the department budget. Now I ask for a proper PO and invoice before I order, no matter what machine it is.
Situation 3: Electrical troubleshooting — digital clamp meter and the Fluke vs Klein multimeter question
The other frequent request is for electrical test tools: a digital clamp meter, a multimeter, or both. These are not interchangeable. A clamp meter lets you measure current simply by clamping around a conductor, without breaking the circuit. A multimeter is the go-to for voltage, resistance, and continuity. If the team does both, they typically need both.
When someone asks me, 'Fluke vs Klein multimeter, which one should we buy?', my honest answer is: it depends on the environment and the budget. Both brands make reliable meters. Fluke is the default in a lot of industrial plants and has a long reputation for safety and support. Klein is often a strong choice for electricians who want a well-rounded meter at a more accessible price point.
What I actually compare are the CAT ratings, not the logo. If your team is working on high-energy panels, you need a meter with the appropriate CAT III or CAT IV rating for the installation category. That's not marketing. On the spec sheet, it tells you how the meter is protected against transient spikes. A meter with a high voltage range but a low CAT rating is not a substitute.
And remember: a plain multimeter won't measure high AC current. If the request says 'I need to see what the motor is drawing,' buy a digital clamp meter. I almost ordered a standard 200 A clamp meter one time, then realized the motor startup current could go well above that. So glad I checked the current range before approving the purchase. That kind of mistake would have cost us a week of downtime.
Dodged a bullet that day, frankly.
How to tell which bucket you're in
Put another way: don't start with the product category. Start with the measurement question. Here's the checklist I use when evaluating requests.
- What is being measured: a large assembly, a moving part, or an electrical current?
- How often will the tool be used? Daily, weekly, or once every few months?
- Who will calibrate and maintain it? Do you have that skill in-house?
- What happens if the reading is wrong? This determines how much accuracy is worth paying for.
- Is the person asking for 'a laser tracker' or are they asking for a measurement result? Sometimes the result can be delivered by a simpler tool.
If the answer to 'How often' is 'rarely,' I default to rental or a service provider. If the answer is 'constantly,' I buy. If I cannot answer 'Who will maintain this?' then I look for a vendor with strong support. Faro support is good, but other suppliers have good support plans too. The goal is to avoid an expensive device sitting idle because nobody knows how to run it.
If I need a tool now but the team is not sure about future standards, I buy at the level that satisfies current safety and accuracy requirements, not the highest spec in the catalog. You can always upgrade later.
Bottom line
What was best practice in 2020 may not apply in 2025. The fundamentals—accurate measurement, safety ratings, calibration, and proper support—haven't changed. The execution has changed, and the good news is that buying teams have more options now.
Don't let a salesperson decide for you. And don't let me decide for you either. Use the three buckets, ask the right questions, and let the application guide the purchase. That's why our finance team trusts my requests: not because I'm an engineer, but because I ask the engineer what problem we're solving before I open my purchase order software.
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