Which laser level (level) to choose

During construction or repair, you constantly have to mark some lines that should be located at the same height, be horizontal, vertical, and have a certain angle of inclination. All this can be done using 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 plotter 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 can imagine, everything is not just that. A tool with different capabilities and accuracy cannot cost the same.

With such a device, many jobs become easier and take less time.

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

• Point (axis builders). Usually three to five points are displayed in different planes. No lines, no planes, they do not build. It will be possible to see only points, but at a great distance (to make it clearer, you can compare their principle with laser pointers). Used in large areas to transfer marks. Useful in repairs for line marking wallpapering, markings for fasteners for pictures, shelves, etc. In more serious operations, this type of tool is not used.
  

  The simplest laser levels only give points in one or more planes

• Crossliners, line builders, line levels. Sometimes referred to as plane builders, they essentially 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 into the laser range. This is used in construction and finishing works. The operating range is 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 of premises, it is convenient if the device can form vertical, horizontal lines, give a "cross" on the floor and on the ceiling. Due to the nature of the scanning of the rays, the line is displayed only on the part of the room into which the device is directed. For example, one wall and part of the ceiling / floor. To get marks on another wall, the device must be turned around.
  

  Linear laser provides one or more planes with a specific sweep angle

• 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. Tools of this type can only be justified by professionals (prices for this type of laser levels start at $ 400). For home use, they are useless.
  

  Rotary laser levels rotate the plane 360 ​​°

Now choosing a laser level is easier, you already know what type of instrument you need. For most, this is a line / plane builder.

Main technical parameters

To choose a laser level, it is necessary to navigate in the characteristics of the device, to know the possible minimum and maximum values ​​of at least the main characteristics that will determine its capabilities and 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 how they can be used.

To choose a laser level, you need to know the basic technical characteristics

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, furniture assembly. If a routine 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 drawing all kinds of lines and marks.

For more serious work - installing partitions, leveling walls, floors, etc. already two intersecting planes are needed. In this case, a set of horizontal + vertical planes is desirable. So it will also be possible to display the plane of the floor and ceiling. When choosing a model with such functionality, pay attention to the possibility of using the planes separately. The intersection of planes is not always necessary, and the battery charge "eats".

Different models can emit from one to five beams

In addition to planes, for serious work, such opportunities as nadir, zenith, plumb line are useful. Why do you 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 unfold several parallel planes horizontally and vertically, and have a half-plane sweep function: right-left. This is important if several people will be working on the site. Everyone will set the labels they need, which will allow them to perform different operations at the same time.

Measurement range

The range of the beams is one of the key indicators that influences the choice of the laser level. Most of the inexpensive models spread the beams 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, it is necessary to look for models with a range of 50 meters or more.

Large areas may require longer range. Some models can work with a receiver that increases the range of the level by 2-3 times

Please note that many models of laser levels have the ability to significantly increase the range. For this, there are special receivers (usually purchased separately). In models that are compatible with receivers, the measurement range is indicated by 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 from the laser. If there is no receiver, you will have to work at dusk, since the laser trace is practically 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 instruments can give a deviation of only a fraction of a millimeter, less accurate ones - up to 3-4 mm per meter.

An error of a few millimeters by ten meters is in most cases quite acceptable.

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 grows 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 norms.

Rechargeable batteries or batteries

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

Battery models are more expensive and massive

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

Device enclosure protection class

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 designated as IP followed by two numbers. A level for outdoor use must have IP54 or higher (numbers may be higher).

For outdoor use, look for a laser level with a housing that resists moisture and dust

This means that the insides of the device are protected from dust getting inside, 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 - IP20 or so is sufficient.

Additional parameters and functions

In addition to the basic 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

For the measurements to be correct, the level must be installed vertically upward. 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 performed incorrectly. In order not to face such a situation, it is necessary to double-check the position of the device several times.

Self-leveling (self-compensation for a small tilt angle)

Some lasers have a self-leveling or self-leveling function. When deviated 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 maximum allowable, they either emit a sound / give a light signal, or turn off the beams. Work is restored when it returns to normal.

Having a laser level with this function, the device is easy to set up at the very beginning of work. Also, during its use, you do not have to worry that it has changed position - it will give a signal.

However, sometimes the level needs to be set at a specific angle. The self-leveling function will prevent you from doing this. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase a model in which this function can be blocked.

Self-shutdown

This function allows you to save 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 work takes more than 15 minutes and self-shutdown can be unnerving. Whether or not you need this function is up to you.

Automatic shutdown is not always good

Operating temperature

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 suitable only for heated rooms or work in the warm season.

Most of the laser levels are designed to work in a heated room

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

Mount type

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

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

  The type of fastening affects the ease of use

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

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

What else you need to pay attention to is how close the level can be set to the vertical plane. The closer the beam can be located to the wall, the easier it is to level the surface of the wall, mark niches in the wall, etc. It depends on the design of the case - the slots for the exit of the rays should be either on a par with the edge of the case, or even slightly outside it.

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

Very useful if the laser level has a shockproof housing. Construction or renovation is a high-risk area for any tool, so it falls frequently. If the case is shockproof, chances are high that it will survive even after a fall.

Shockproof casing won't hurt

If dropped or carelessly transported, the level settings may go astray and it may start to lie. To eliminate this "phenomenon" in some devices, the possibility of self-tuning is provided. For which it will be necessary to carry out certain manipulations described in the instructions.

Manufacturers and models

A good laser level is not only about suitable characteristics and feature set. The quality of performance is also important, and it 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 look for the level of the same company. If not, you will have to trust the general opinion.

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

Issuing one when looking for a laser level

Makita collects consistently good reviews. There are also a lot of models, the quality is stable. INSTRUMAX and ADA work at about the same price category, which also have many successful models of different types. From more budgetary brands called Skill (Skill), Robotoolz (Robotuls), Bison, RGK.

Parameters for choosing a level for construction / repair

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

• Two planes - vertical and horizontal with the possibility of their separate inclusion.
• Zenith, nadir and plumb line.
• The sweep angle of the planes is about 120-140 °, you can get a full 360 ° by turning it several times.
• Self-leveling with position change signaling.
• Self-leveling blocking capability.
• A bright beam with a range of at least 10-15 m.

You may also need a receiver, respectively, the level must work with it.

You also need to choose a laser level by manufacturer

The following devices satisfy these conditions:

• 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 fraction of the suitable laser levels. As additional selection markers, you can add a fixation method (magnets, for example), the presence of a case or a tripod as standard. Or those additional features that seem convenient to you.