Laser Level Buying Guide

The device will project a fixed green or red beam along the horizontal or vertical axis. There a many different types of laser levels to consider when deciding to buy or hire. The most common levels are line and dot lasers, grade lasers and pipe lasers.
Laser levels can be used for several reasons and should be considered a much-needed instrument for home use as well as in different industries. Uses vary from indoor applications and outdoor applications. 

Applications of Laser Levels

Some indoor application of Laser Levels include: 

• Leveling floors
  
• Easily check the height of doors and windows
  
• Align shelves, cabinets, trim etc.
  
• Measuring distances between objects
  

Some outdoor applications of laser levels include:

• Basic surveying
  
• Site layout
  
• Check the elevation of land
  
• Plumbing
  

To Buy or Hire?

Deciding you want or need a laser level is the first step, next you will need to decide whether buying or hiring is best for you. It all depends on what you’ll be using the laser for and how often you will be using it.
Buying a laser level outright can be ideal for those customers who know they will be using it regularly, especially as some laser levels can be relatively inexpensive.
If you will only be using it on a limited basis for jobs it may be wise to consider hiring.

Factors to consider when choosing the right laser level

There are many different laser levels available for use and so there is a lot to consider when trying to choose the right laser level for you. So, what laser level is right for you? Here are some things to consider:

• Accuracy – Laser levels are more accurate than other tools such as the spirit levels.
  
• Manual vs Auto – Auto lasers, also known as self leveling lasers, essentially does most of it for you. Once it starts up it will eventually give you a true level line. It will also stop if disturbed, meaning you won’t get any inaccuracies. Manual lasers aren’t less accurate than auto lasers if they are set up properly. However, unlike auto lasers, if they are disturbed they will carry on running which is why they are better suited to smaller projects.
  
• Green Beam vs Red Beam – Green beam lasers are easier to see because they appear much brighter. They are only used for large scale, indoor projects where the line needs to be seen instead of using a laser level detector.
  
• Indoor or Outdoor Usage – Are you using your level for indoor or outdoor projects? There are different types of laser levels that could be better suited for it’s intended use.
  

Types of Laser Level

There are a variety of laser levels available, all with different qualities suited to specific needs. If you require a laser level for interior use you may need to use line laser or dot lasers which are better equipped for that type of usage.
Perhaps you will need a laser for exterior use, a rotary laser should be considered in this instance.  Other types have more specific uses, such as pipe lasers. These are used for pipes and plumbing, whereas dumpy lasers are better suited to surveying.
One of the most used laser levels would be the rotary laser. This is because it is a more advanced and versatile laser that can be used for a variety of jobs ranging from exterior and interior usage.

Rotary Lasers

A rotary laser sends out a 360-degree spinning laser beam creating a highly accurate "chalk line" or leveling line from which to work.
This is very useful for a wide range of jobs including tiling, aligning and plumbing a wall, leveling floors, aligning kitchen units, any type of basic survey work, site layout, calculating grades and much more.
Once acquired, you will need to set up your rotary laser using the manual. The most beneficial way to set up the level will be using a tripod, so it is essential that you purchase a set or buy one separately.
Next you will need to turn the device on and begin leveling. It is ideal to purchase a self-leveling laser as you won’t need to calibrate the measurement – allowing you to get much more accurate measurements. Once this is complete you can begin measuring by pointing the laser where you need it to be.

Grade Lasers

Grade lasers are accurate and reliable rotating lasers that can be used for applications that require precise grade. There are single and dual grade lasers available and so can be used wherever required.
These instruments perform a wide range of tasks including laying out a construction site, collecting height and angle data, aligning concrete forms or complete site preparation and earthworks.

Pipe Lasers

The clue is in the name, pipe lasers (also known as utility construction lasers) are used for work in pipes. This can be above the ground, in manholes or in the pipes themselves.

Line Lasers

Line lasers allow the user to establish a horizontal or vertical plane by projecting a beam, or line, of light usually around 180 degrees horizontally and vertically. However, there are some line laser levels that can project a beam 360 degrees.
This device is particularly useful for anything needing horizontal or vertical leveling.
To use a line laser, you will need to set it up on the flattest/level surface available – tripods are the best way of achieving this. You can then make sure the laser is level, either manually or automatically, depending on whether you have a self leveling laser or not. The measuring and marking process can then begin and once you have your level line you can use it for reference.

Dot Lasers

A Dot laser is very similar to a line laser but instead of projecting a line it produces a dot. Usually these lasers will project a dot, or multiple, which will appear once the laser is level. When showing multiple dots, they are seen at exactly the right angle to one another.

Laser Level Accessories

• Tripod – These are useful tools to have in the laser level world. It can help to provide a level flooring, making results more accurate.
  
• Laser Line Detector – These tools work alongside laser levels and can provide acoustic or optical signals that make it easier to find laser lines.
  
• Batteries – Strong rechargeable batteries are beneficial, especially if laser levels will be going onsite. Some batteries offer up to 2 days continuous operation.
  
• Chargers – Laser level batteries are rechargeable so it is essential to carry chargers to make sure you can use it on site.
  
• Remote Controls – This product will allow you to adjust settings such as rotational speed, auto leveling, manual leveling etc. remotely.
  
• Leveling Staff – Ranging from E-type, bar coded, standard invar & industrial invar, there are many leveling staffs to choose from to assist you with leveling.