Laser level: how to choose and how to use it? Browse laser levels

Regardless, is there on the wall line for the installation of curb strips or for laying tiles in the bathroom needed a laser level. With clear, sharp markings, which extends for 10 m or more, the work will go much faster, easier and potentially more accurate than when using the traditional tool.

For different tasks developed different variants of laser levels, from simple point to three-dimensional projectors. But which ones are best suited to perform those or other works? It depends on requirements. This review of the laser levels and is designed to help you make the right decision.

The Basics

Lasers have undergone evolution from Corluka from science fiction to an organic part of everyday life. They provide greater precision, as in the case of eye surgery - and a huge delicacy. What are they?

The Word «laser» – is an acronym of the expression "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation" in English. In consumer products the laser light source is a conventional led. Light "stimulated" by an electric current, which increases its intensity. He then concentrated in a point or line and is projected by prisms or mirrors.

The Laser beam always travels in a straight line, but it cannot be called level. To become useful in some inexpensive devices you can use a bubble of air, as in conventional measuring instrument. More advanced models are equipped with internal plumb sensors and are self-leveling. If improperly installed, they can audible or visual warning.

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You may think that laser level was invented by a Builder or engineer, but in fact it was patented in 1996, Stephen G. Daniel Oros, Jr., who developed it for use in monitoring systems of the heart.

Before you choose a laser level for a specific task, you should consider 4 parameters for these tools are:

• Type;
• Mode;
• Accuracy and range;
• Additional features.
  

Types of levels

Although all line lasers generate a beam of the same, they are divided into several different types. The main difference is in the amount of the projected beams of light, but there are others, it is necessary to elaborate.

Laser level base type projecting a single beam that displays on the working surface point. Why some people call them. The initial alignment is often accomplished by using air bubbles, as in a conventional instrument. Such laser levels, usually cheap, and if you just need to align the objects along the wall (to fix the hooks for coats or perhaps the rails), they are quite adequate. Devices of this type are often small, very portable, but the low power greatly restricts their operating range.

Cross levels

This is the most popular type of the linear laser because they offer excellent flexibility at a reasonable price. Divided into 2 subtypes: with 2 and with 3 beams.

In the first case are displayed one horizontal and one vertical mark intersecting at an angle of 90° for the selected surface. If their path is nothing, then these rays will give a one line laser level 360 degree horizontal and another – through the wall, ceiling and opposite wall. In practice, however, actual coverage is limited to a smaller working range.

Three-beam instruments produces second vertical beam of light perpendicular to the first. This gives the lines of front, rear and side walls that allows you to operate the laser level 360 degrees in 3 dimensions, i.e. on all the walls at once.

Tools of this type are used for everything from installing drywall to walls and floors, wiring and lighting or the installation of suspended ceilings.

Rotational levels

Lasers with cross lines especially good at home. However, for really large spaces need a greater range, which provide rotational levels. As the name implies, these lasers do not produce a fixed beam, a constantly rotating 360°. This happens fairly quickly, so the point which projects the tool seems like a solid flat line. Many rotating lasers generate only a single beam, while some models generate vertical and sheer selection.

Although rotational levels and can be used with the installation of curbs or rails to ensure the same height of the doors across the room, the high cost suggests their use in commercial construction projects. They can be very large and can be used for tasks such as the construction of warehouses and creation of Parking spaces, where the range can be used in the best way.

Modes of operation

This feature can be misleading because they often sound the same as the number of light beams to which they are irrelevant. So before you choose a laser level, check the number of independent radiation sources.

For Example, there are tools with 3 modes: horizontal, vertical and plumb. This is very similar to 3 of the beam. But in fact it is not. In this case, single-line laser is designed in different modes. Such a tool is easier to use than those that must be modified to achieve the desired result, but it is not three-prong.

Another example – a model with modes, level, plumb and cross. Neither three nor four beams here. In fact, this description of dual-beam level is really good and cheap device, but its description is confusing.

Accuracy

How to choose a laser level measurement error? In General, the more expensive the tool, the better. The accuracy of the laser level for the house, usually equal to ± 6 mm at 10 m. This is very good accuracy. If you hang a dozen paintings at a distance of five feet from each other, to notice this difference will be difficult.

But if the level is used to put the tile on the floor or wall, such error will not be sufficient. The standard for line lasers average price range is accuracy ± 3 mm at 10 m, which for most people is more than enough for all occasions.

This does not mean that the measurement accuracy can not be improved. Some construction laser levels are able to provide much more accurate readings, reaching values of ± 2 mm at distances greater than 30 m. Such characteristics are only rotating tools, but their cost is so high.

Range of work

This implies not simply the distance at which the beam is visible to the human eye. There are devices, called receivers, which can greatly increase the working distance, although they are not always compatible. How to choose a laser level for this indicator?

Cheap instruments often are powered by standard AA batteries, so after 5–10 m light line will disappear, especially in a bright room. For reviews, laser levels this category outdoors are virtually useless.

Instruments of the middle operating range, depending on model, provide the range of 20 to 30 m, but only those that have a pulse mode that is compatible with receivers that allows you to work at a distance of 75 yards or more.

But the best laser levels are rotary. Available models, action at a distance of 800 m.

The Brightness and color of light have a direct influence on the operating range of laser levels. Typically, these tools use a red or green beam. The latter option is considered more readable, especially in bright light, allowing you to use the laser level indoors and out. Unfortunately, these LEDs are more expensive and require more power for equivalent range. Therefore, red lasers are most widely used.

To increase the visibility of the beam can special glasses. They are inexpensive, so they should pay attention.

More features

Those who have ever worked with traditional tools and tried to determine if the air bubble is exactly in the middle, will appreciate the self-alignment offered by some models.

How to use laser level in this case? Enough manually set the tool within 3–4° and he will do the rest. This greatly simplifies the setup. If desired, this feature can be turned off in order to place the level at an angle (for example, when marking stairs). The device must be blocked, so it is not damaged during transport.

A laser level supplied with mount for mounting on a tripod. It is much more convenient and standard way of installation, in contrast to the placement of the tool on the stairs or the boxes. Themselves tripods for laser level are usually not included, must be purchased separately. Mount usually a standard, so should fit any previously purchased a tripod, but will work better to check.

Another good idea is the presence of clips or magnets that allow locking the tool on the overhead rails, shelves, or in any other convenient place. Like a tripod, the presence of stable reference points ensures measurement accuracy.

The Power of the laser levels is different and is important. Usually budget models get energy from rechargeable batteries AA or AAA, and some – the tablet type. Large laser levels can be used the same type battery 12 volts, which is installed in motor vehicles or for other wireless security tools. More power almost always means greater operating range.

If the user already has the tools of a particular manufacturer, the compatibility of the battery will save the money to buy a spare. But to test the interchangeability of power sources is still necessary. Sometimes different batteries may look similar.

Protective case ever will not be superfluous. Construction laser levels are usually pretty reliable but nice to have extra protection.

Cost

Users whoyou want to align a few photos or make sure a shelf is level, a simple laser with a single line value of 1 thousand rubles will be enough. Adjustment is carried out manually using a spirit level, and then the ray starts on one or two sides. Such a device is simple and effective, and should be in every Toolbox.

A Cheap two-line cross laser level will cost 3 thousand rubles. It's good enough for a small tile works, leveling of cabinets and similar tasks. But professionals will need greater accuracy and range. Best laser level of this type will cost 17 thousand rubles. If you need an alignment from all sides, which can provide three-beam system, will have to pay another 5 thousand.

For rotating lasers of a higher class, you need to put 20–100 thousand rubles and more.

Expert Tips

Laser level – an indispensable tool that projects an accurate guide line on the work surface. Good idea, if possible, is the physical marking of the surface in case the level will be brought down. The tool is easy to install for the first time, but re-setting in the same position will be difficult. The more the working distance, the greater will be the difference.

When performing work that requires a straight angle (for example, installing garden decking or laying tiles on the floor or on the walls), very useful cross laser level, the more it is inexpensive. You can also consider buying a professional tool for tile, designed specifically for this task.

Always have a backup set of batteries, because the charge can result in the wrong time.

Line lasers are ideal for alignment at distances of a few meters. If you just need to align the wardrobe or the picture hanging on the wall, then the traditional level will be more than enough – it is equally precise and, most likely, will make the measurement much faster.

Frequently asked questions

Threat if the beam of a laser level? In most measuring tools use lasers of class 2 or 3. Class 2 is considered low risk and can harm, if you look at it through the lens. Class 3 refers to the average risk and may cause eye damage, if you send a beam of light straight in the eye. The projected line will not bring harm, but you can't look directly at the beam source, particularly with glasses, corrective vision.

Short-term accidental exposure is unlikely to cause permanent damage but may induce short-term “blindness”, similar to the one experienced by photographing with a flash. It can be dangerous when the user is at height or working with power tools.

What is IP? Laser level often have a protection class that are installed according to the standard developed by the International electrotechnical Commission.

Initially, it determined how well industrial facilities to cope with dust and moisture. Today, many consumer devices are also classified in this way.

The IP Designation has two numbers. The first of them represents the protection class against dust and the second – from liquids. For example, the designation IP54 suggests that the building blocks dust, but not enough that it could stop the operation of the device. The device will withstand splashes of water – 5 minutes under the garden sprinkler. Enclosure class IP65 completely sealed against dust and can withstand watering with a hose, but not full immersion.

If rotating laser has the greatest range whether it is the best choice? The levels are very powerful and offer good visibility outdoors, but in other cases they are likely to be redundant. For the vast majority of users have cross lasers. Even the best of them much cheaper than the rotary.

The following is a review of the best models of laser levels of different types.

DeWalt DW088LG

This is a self-leveling laser level cross-type, which projects bright horizontal and vertical lines. Magnetic mounting allows quick installation on the steel rails. The device can be mounted on the ceiling.

The Company manufactures DeWalt laser level durable enough to withstand blows, inevitable in a tense working environment in which it is used. Housing with protection class IP65 blocks dust and water. Level stand, if he accidentally falls or is thrown into the tool box, thus keeping the lead in its class, the error is 3 mm at 10 m.

DeWalt is DW088LG green beam technology which is 4 times brighter than the red.

Laser level is powered by a lithium-ion battery voltage of 12 V. When there is insufficient charge tool not working properly (the beam starts to blink).

The Device is bulky, but lightweight. Level is set automatically within 4°. The maximum range is – 30 to 50 m depending on the mode of operation and a receiver. The disadvantages of the model, the users include the high cost and the inability to use outdoors.

Hammerhead Compact HLCL01

This is quite a simple laser level, but it can be aligned automatically. If you install it horizontally within 4°, then the rest of the adjustment tool will do it yourself. If the required slope is not achieved, then this will be signaled by the red led. If you want to use the level in a different position a manual mode, which disables this feature.

The Tool projects bright lines with an accuracy of 6 mm/10 m. it Has 3 work modes – the horizontal level, vertical plumb and cross. Equipped with a clip to facilitate installation.

Bosch 3 Plane

It is a professional tool of high class, too expensive for home use. The benefits of laser level, Bosch 3 Plane are advanced projection system of class 2a, creating a 3-beam – one in the horizontal plane and two in vertical. In pulsed mode the working range is 80 m (with receiver), but the accuracy at this distance is not high enough.

The Model is an intelligent system with self-levelling plumb laser level and alarm on the violation disable in manual mode. Allows the installation of lines at any angle.

Laser level, Bosch 3 plane is powered by 4 AAA batteries. There is a case for transport and storage.

Qooltel Multipurpose

This is a cheap tape measure with laser level 1 beam. Provides a consistently straight line, but requires calibration by the user. The disadvantage is the lack of attachment to the tripod. Combined laser level tape measure 2.5 m long and three alcohol indicators in different orientations. The error is ±2 mm at a distance of 10 m The cheapest laser level this review comes with 3 AG13 batteries button cell type.

AdirPro Cube

The find tool useful for both Amateurs and professionals. The kit includes a tripod, for laser level, 3 AAA batteries, safety glasses, wall mount and sturdy hard case with soft padding. Has a sound alarm accuracy, which can be annoying. Working range is 70 m in the presence of the receiver, and the accuracy of measurements is ± 3mm at a distance of 10 meters.

The Tool generates 2 separate the laser beam and supports 3 operation modes: auto, manual and off alignment. Protection class against dust and moisture – IP54. For greater stability and resilience of the body covered by rubber.