How to choose a laser level (level): types, functions, prices

During construction or repair, you constantly have to mark some lines that should be at the same height, be horizontal, vertical, have a certain angle of inclination. All this can be done with the help of a water and bubble level, but these actions take a lot of time and effort. It is much easier to carry out such operations with a laser level or, as they say, a laser level, a builder of planes and lines. How to choose a laser level and we will talk further. 

Types of laser levels

If you look at the prices of these measuring instruments, you will see a very large run-up – from $20-30 to $850. As you understand, everything is not just like that. A tool with different capabilities and precision cannot cost the same.

To choose a laser level, first of all, you need to decide on the type of work for which you need it. Under these works and select a laser level. They are of the following types:

• Point (axis builders). Display usually three to five points in different planes. Neither lines nor planes, they build. It will be possible to see only dots, but at a great distance (to make it clearer, you can compare their principle with laser pointers). Used on large sites for transferring marks. Useful in repairs for marking lines for wallpapering, marking for fasteners for paintings, shelves, etc. In more serious operations, this type of tool is not used.
  

• Crossliners, line builders, linear levels. Sometimes they are called plane builders, since in fact they form a plane of a certain size (depending on the sweep angle). When working with such a laser level, a straight line is displayed on any plane that falls within the laser coverage area. This is used in construction and finishing works. Range – usually up to 20 meters, if necessary, it can be increased (if there is a mode of operation with the receiver). For repair and interior decoration, it is convenient if the device can form vertical, horizontal lines, give a “cross” on the floor and on the ceiling. Due to the peculiarities of the beam sweep, the line is displayed only on the part of the room into which the device is directed. For example, on one wall and part of the ceiling / floor. To get marks on another wall, the device must be deployed.
  

• Rotary plane builders. The functions are the same as the crossliners, only the planes are rotated 360 °. For this, a complex system is used, which is reflected in the price. Only professionals can justify tools of this type (prices for this type of laser levels start at $400). They are useless for home use.
  

Now it’s easier to choose a laser level, you already know what type of tool you need. For most, this is a line/plane builder.

Main technical parameters

To choose a laser level, you need to navigate the characteristics of the device, know the possible minimum and maximum values ​​of at least the main characteristics that will determine its capabilities and the operations in which it can be used. There are several characteristics that are common to all laser levels. These are the key parameters that determine the possibilities of their use.

Number of beams

The simplest models can produce one or two beams. For some jobs, this is enough – for most finishing work, marking walls or ceilings, assembling furniture. If a normal repair is expected, you can choose a laser level that can produce two lines. This will not undermine your budget – such models are inexpensive, but they can significantly reduce the time for applying various kinds of lines and marks.

For more serious work – installing partitions, leveling walls, floors, etc. we need two intersecting planes. In this case, a set is desirable – horizontal + vertical planes. So it will also be possible to display the plane of the floor and ceiling. When choosing a model with such functionality, please note that it is possible to use the planes separately. The intersection of the planes is not always necessary, and the battery charge “eats”.

In addition to planes, for serious work, such features as nadir, zenith, plumb line are useful. Why do we need a plumb line, everyone imagines, nadir and zenith are required when installing racks in the middle of the room. For example, in the construction of partitions, in other similar works.

For professionals, even more complex models are needed. They can deploy several parallel planes horizontally and vertically, have the function of scanning a half-plane: right-left. This is important if several people will work at the facility. Each will set the labels he needs, which will allow you to perform different operations at the same time.

Measurement range

The range of the beams is one of the key indicators that affects the choice of the laser level. Most of the low-cost models spread the rays to a distance of up to 20 meters. For work inside an apartment or a private house, even for marking the foundation of a private house, this is enough. But for work on large construction, for marking the site itself, this is clearly not enough. For such operations, you need to look for models with a range of 50 meters or more.

Please note that many models of laser levels have the ability to significantly increase the range. There are special receivers for this (usually bought separately). In models that are compatible with receivers, the measurement range is indicated through a fraction. For example, 50/100 m. This means that the maximum range without a receiver is 50 m, with a receiver – 100 m. If there is a dash in the second part, the level is incompatible with the receiver. It is these models (with a receiver) that are taken to work on the street. With them, even during the day, you can see the trace of the laser. If there is no receiver, you will have to work at dusk, since the trace of the laser is almost invisible in the sun.

Error

Any measuring device has a certain error, and electronic levels are no exception. They can give some deviation of the rays from the ideal straight line. This deviation is the level error. It is indicated in millimeters per meter of beam passage. High-precision devices can give a deviation of just a fraction of a millimeter, less accurate – up to 3-4 mm per meter.

It is clear that a smaller error is better. But for repair or construction work in the volume of a private house, a difference of 2-3 mm per meter is practically nothing, and with an increase in the accuracy of the level, the price increases significantly. For private use, an average accuracy of about 2 mm is quite sufficient. Such devices do not give significant, visible to the eye errors, and no one will check you. High-precision laser levels are needed by architects and foremen as well as professionals. Their work must comply with the rules.

Accumulators or batteries

The operation of the laser level is based on the use of an LED. They consume little electricity, so two or three AA batteries are enough for them to work. They can work on them for 15-25 hours (depending on the number of simultaneously working beams).

More expensive professional models may be battery powered (INSTRUMAX GREENLINER 2V for $135 and INSTRUMAX CONSTRUCTOR 360 4V for $145). They are much more expensive, and the choice of such models is much smaller. By the way, there are models that can be powered by a charger (INSTRUMAX 3D RED).

Degree of protection of the instrument housing

If you need to choose a laser level for outdoor work, you need to pay attention to the protection class of the case. It is denoted as IP followed by two numbers. An outdoor level must be IP54 or higher (numbers may be higher).

This means that the interior of the device is protected from dust, the device is not afraid of rain and high humidity (ADA CUBE PROFESSIONAL EDITION and another model ADA CUBE 3D BASIC EDITION, both for $75).

For indoor work, you can take IP with much lower rates, but in general, for indoor work, a case with minimal dust protection is enough – IP20 or so.

Additional options and functions

In addition to the main parameters, there are also some additional ones. They make things easier, so it’s more about usability. After all, additional functions affect the final result only indirectly or partially.

self leveling

In order for measurements to be correct, the level must be set vertically upwards. In simple models, their position is checked by simpler devices, usually a bubble level. In some models it is built into the case, in some it is not. Then you have to resort to the usual construction, which is not very convenient. In addition, incorrect readings are possible – if during operation it changes position and you do not see this, the work will be done incorrectly. In order not to encounter such a situation, you have to double-check the position of the device several times.

Some laser levels have a self-leveling or self-leveling function. When deviating from the vertical by a small angle (usually up to 4 °), they adjust the position of the mirrors and prisms so that all readings are correct. If the slope exceeds the limit, they either make a sound / give a light signal, or turn off the beams. Operation is restored when returning to normal.

Having a laser level with such a function, the device is easy to set at the very beginning of work. Also, during its use, you can not worry that he has changed position – he will give a signal.

However, sometimes the level must be set at a certain angle. The presence of the self-leveling function will not allow this to be done. Therefore, it is desirable to purchase a model in which this function can be blocked.

Self shutdown

This feature allows you to conserve battery power. If the device does not move for 10-15 minutes, it turns off. On the one hand, this is useful, on the other hand, some jobs require more than 15 minutes and self-shutdown can be unnerving. Whether or not you need this feature is up to you.

Temperature mode of operation

If you plan to work in the warm season or only indoors, the temperature regime does not matter. Basically, the laser level can be operated at temperatures from +5°C to +40°C, that is, they are only suitable for heated rooms or work in the warm season.

If you need to choose a laser level for outdoor use with the ability to operate in the cold season, there are “frost-resistant” models that can withstand temperatures as low as -10°C. Even more resistant to frost should be looked for on purpose, there are very few of them.

Mounting type

In addition to the standard installation of the laser level on a horizontal plane, there may be several additional mounting options:

• On a special tripod. Most often needed for outdoor work, but some work (drawing horizontal lines on walls when hanging furniture, for example) is also easier to do with a tripod. A tripod is sometimes included in the kit, sometimes it is bought separately. When buying, pay attention to the diameter of the thread on the body of the level – the tripod must have the same.
• For magnets. Magnets are soldered into the body of some models. This makes it possible to mount it on any metal surface / part.
  

• On a special magnetic stand. Some models of laser levels in the kit have a small plastic platform into which magnets are soldered. A platform is installed on a metal surface, a level is placed on it.
• On a screw/nail. A special hole is made in the body of the level, into which the head of a nail or self-tapping screw is threaded. Not the most convenient way to mount, but still.

With these options, everything is clear. You can, of course, do without them, come up with some kind of your own way. These are simply opportunities for more comfortable operation.

Another thing to pay attention to is how close you can set the level to the vertical plane. The closer the beam can be to the wall, the easier it is to level the wall surface, mark niches in the wall, etc. It depends on the design of the case – the slots for the output of the rays should be either on a par with the edge of the case, or even slightly out of it. 

Shockproof housing and the possibility of self-adjustment (adjustment)

It is very useful if the laser level has a shockproof case. Construction or repair is a high-risk area for any tool, so it falls often. If the case is shockproof, it is likely that even after a fall, it will survive.

In the event of a fall or careless transportation, the level settings may go astray and it may begin to lie. To eliminate this “phenomenon” in some devices, the possibility of self-tuning is provided. For what it will be necessary to carry out certain manipulations described in the instructions.

Manufacturers and models

A good laser level is not only about the right features and functionality. The quality of workmanship is also important, and this depends on the manufacturer. So, along with the characteristics, you will also have to choose a brand. If you have a power tool of some company and it suits you, you can also look for a level from the same company. If not, you will have to trust the general opinion.

It is believed that Bosh (Bosch) has good laser levels (line builders and planes), They have household-grade devices (in a green case), there are professional ones (in a blue case), in each class there are several dozen models with different capabilities and price.

Consistently good reviews are collected by Makita (Makita). There are also a considerable number of models, the quality is stable. Approximately in the same price category, INSTRUMAX and ADA work, which also have many successful models of various types. Of the more budgetary brands, they call Skill (Skill), Robotoolz (Robotuls), Bison, RGK.

Parameters for choosing a level for construction / repair

If you are planning a full-scale repair or starting construction, the following set of characteristics for choosing a laser level would be optimal:

• Two planes – vertical and horizontal with the possibility of their separate inclusion.
• Zenith, nadir and plumb.
• The angle of development of the planes is about 120-140 °, you can get a full 360 ° by turning it several times.
• Self-levelling with position change alarm.
• Ability to block self-levelling.
• Bright beam with a range of at least 10-15 m.

You may still need a receiver, respectively, the level should work with it.

These conditions are met by the following devices:

• Bosch GLL 2-40 — $170GLL
• Infiniter CL2 — $200
• 2 Professional — $200
• Geo-Fennel 40 pocket 2 — $220
• GTL 3 Professional — $220
• RED 2D Condtrol — $250
• Condtrol Laser 3D — $250
• Condtrol XLiner Combo — $280
• Bosch GLL 2-50 — $270
• X-Line Master 4D — $285

This is only a part of suitable laser levels. As additional selection markers, you can add a fixation method (magnets, for example), the presence of a case or tripod in the basic configuration. Or those additional features that seemed convenient to you.