Does the L6-20 come ready to use, or does it require calibration before the first job?

The complete tenths package ships ready to deploy; no field calibration is required before use. However, we recommend checking the bubble vial level before your first site session and having the optical system professionally verified annually if the level experiences drops or rough handling.

What is the maximum and practical sighting distance for the L6-20?

The 22-power magnification delivers clear sightings to 300+ feet under good conditions, but typical contractor work occurs in the 50–200 foot range where the operator can comfortably read tenths marks on the rod without excessive squinting. Beyond 300 feet, atmospheric conditions and rod vibration begin to affect reading accuracy.

Can the tenths rod be used with other optical levels, or is it matched only to the L6-20?

The tenths rod is a standard-format leveling rod compatible with most optical levels, including other David White and industry-standard meridian levels. However, verify rod length and calibration match your specific level's sighting range for best results.

How does the sealed optical housing protect the internal components from jobsite conditions?

The sealed housing resists dust infiltration and moisture, which are the primary causes of optical degradation on construction sites. This protection extends the life of internal lenses and reticles compared to unsealed designs, reducing the need for professional servicing.

Is the aluminum tripod sturdy enough for sloped or uneven terrain?

Yes. The aluminum tripod legs are engineered to lock firmly on slopes and soft ground without creep during multiple consecutive sightings. For very steep slopes or soft soil, leg extensions and outriggers are available as optional accessories.

Does the L6-20 work well in direct sunlight, or does bright sun degrade sighting clarity?

Unlike laser levels, the L6-20 optical system is not affected by bright sunlight, making it an excellent choice for full-sun jobsites and open grading areas. The sealed optics and reticle remain clear regardless of ambient light conditions.

Side view of Leica DISTO D5 laser distance meter showing textured grip and control button

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Leica Geosystems950879SKU David White L6-20 / 44-8824-1T tenths packageNew

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Leica 950879 DISTO D5 Laser KIT Distance Quick Measuring Tool - up to 660 feet

$885.00

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Quick Answer

What is the Leica Geosystems 950879?

The Leica 950879 DISTO D5 Laser KIT Distance Quick Measuring Tool - up to 660 feet is a Leica Geosystems professional jobsite instrument. It's available from Express Tools as an authorized Leica Geosystems dealer with same-day shipping on in-stock orders.

FIELD APPLICATIONS

What contractors use this accessories for

Foundation and Elevation Layout

General contractors use the L6-20 to establish building elevations and verify foundation heights before concrete placement. The 22-power magnification and tenths rod allow precise sighting of batter boards and grade stakes from 50–300 feet away.

Concrete Grading and Slope Verification

Concrete crews use the meridian level to confirm finish-grade elevations and verify drainage slopes (typically 1–2% fall) before and after concrete pours. Tenths measurements integrate directly into slope calculations without conversion errors.

Drainage and Site Grading

Grading contractors use the L6-20 to set finished grades for parking lots, landscaping, and stormwater management. The sealed optical system performs reliably in dust-heavy environments, and the tenths calibration speeds grade-check calculations.

Site Datum Establishment

Site supervisors use the meridian level to establish and verify project datums that reference building plans and CAD drawings. Tenths-calibrated readings eliminate conversion steps and reduce survey-related rework.

Building Layout and Verification

General contractors use the optical level to verify building setbacks, story heights, and elevation changes across multi-level sites. The stable tripod locks on slopes and uneven terrain without creep during multiple consecutive sightings.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Product Description

The Leica DISTO D5 (950879) is engineered for professional contractors who cannot afford measurement errors on exterior building dimensions, parking lot layouts, pipe runs, and mechanical installations. This is not a hardware store laser — it is an IP65-rated instrument built to survive real jobsite conditions. Whether you are estimating, setting out, or verifying as-builts, the D5 delivers the accuracy, range, and connectivity that serious field work demands.

Overview: Where the D5 Works

The DISTO D5 is the tool of choice when a tape measure is too slow, unsafe, or simply impossible. Measure across active roadways, up elevator shafts, across open floors, or diagonally through a building envelope without a second person. The integrated tilt sensor unlocks indirect measurement modes — calculate heights, horizontal distances, and slopes from a single setup point. Bluetooth Smart connectivity pushes measurements directly into Leica DISTO Plan, spreadsheets, or any Bluetooth-enabled device, eliminating transcription errors on the spot.

Key Specifications

Measuring Range: 0.05 m to 200 m (0.16 ft to 660 ft)
Accuracy: ±1.0 mm (±1/16 in) typical
IP Rating: IP65 — dust-tight and water-jet resistant
Bluetooth: Bluetooth Smart (4.0) for wireless data transfer
Display: Backlit multi-line LCD, readable in direct sunlight
Battery Life: Up to 5,000 measurements (2× AAA)
Operating Temperature: −10°C to +50°C (14°F to 122°F)
Dimensions: 130 × 54 × 29 mm | Weight: 190 g with batteries

What's in the Kit

Leica DISTO D5 laser distance meter
Protective carrying pouch with belt clip
Wrist strap for secure single-hand operation
2× AAA batteries (pre-installed)
Quick-start documentation and calibration certificate

Job Applications

Exterior Building Layout: Shoot facade lengths, setback distances, and overall building envelopes without a helper. The D5 locks on targets up to 660 feet away, so you cover large commercial footprints efficiently.

MEP Rough-In and Coordination: Plumbers, pipefitters, and mechanical contractors use the D5 to confirm pipe run lengths, floor-to-floor heights, and equipment clearances — then Bluetooth the measurements directly into a tablet for immediate coordination.

Slope and Grade Verification: The tilt sensor calculates percentage grade and elevation change, making the D5 useful for drainage layout, ramp verification, and ADA compliance checks without setting up a level.

As-Built Documentation: Verify room dimensions, ceiling heights, and structural offsets against drawings on the spot. Push measured data wirelessly to Leica DISTO Plan or field software and close out punch lists faster.

Compatible Accessories

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Leica DISTO D5 work in bright outdoor sunlight?: Yes. The D5 features a high-visibility backlit LCD and a red laser that performs well in most outdoor lighting conditions. For extreme glare situations, Leica's optional target plates improve visibility at longer distances.
What devices does the D5 Bluetooth connect to?: The D5 uses Bluetooth Smart (4.0) and is compatible with iOS and Android devices running Leica DISTO Plan, as well as any Bluetooth HID-enabled receiver for direct data entry into spreadsheets and field software.
Is the D5 accurate enough for professional estimating and as-built work?: Absolutely. At ±1.0 mm typical accuracy across its full 660-foot range, the D5 meets the tolerance requirements for construction estimating, MEP coordination, and as-built documentation on commercial projects.
What is the difference between the DISTO D5 and the DISTO D8?: The D8 adds a larger color display, camera viewfinder for long-range targeting, and extended Bluetooth functionality. The D5 covers the needs of most field contractors at a lower price point; the D8 is better suited for survey-grade documentation or targets beyond clear line-of-sight.

Why This Equipment

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KIT CONTENTS

What's In The Box

David White L6-20 Meridian Level (optical level head with integrated bubble vial and sighting scope)
13-foot measuring rod calibrated in tenths
Aluminum tripod

Why Buy This?

Professional-grade equipment, authorized dealer pricing.

The tools contractors trust on municipal infrastructure, commercial projects, and high-tolerance earthwork aren't available at hardware stores — and they shouldn't be. This equipment is engineered for professionals, and buying it through an authorized dealer means you get full manufacturer support when it matters.

Express Tools carries only factory-fresh inventory from brands contractors specify by name. No gray-market product, no import-spec units, just authentic gear with legitimate firmware and calibration documentation.

Same-day shipping on in-stock items, expert support before and after the sale, and a 30-day return window on most products. If you have questions about specs, compatibility, or applications, call us — we know this equipment.

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