Choosing a laser level

Taking into account the development of technologies in the world, tools, including construction ones, are constantly being improved. If a couple of decades ago, fingers on the hands would have been enough to list a home construction tool, now there are much more of it in the set of a home craftsman. More and more electric and petrol tools are bought for the house.

Consumers often try to choose a convenient and practical tool, including a cordless one. Along with the instrument, the means of measurement are also being improved. There used to be a tape measure and a meter, now there is just nothing, including such a useful and convenient tool as a laser level.

We note right away that the laser level is quite an expensive thing and not everyone can afford it, but it is so convenient that there are probably no such masters who would not dream of a good laser level.

If you are reading this article, then most likely you are looking for specific tips on choosing a laser level, and not general information. In this regard, we will not be distracted by general information about what levels are, we will simply give a link on our website: "Construction level." On this page you can find quite a lot of information about different types of building levels, how they work, device, etc. And now back to the main topic of our article.

So what is a laser level for?

This tool in real time without any time costs allows you to build (mark) both horizontal and vertical planes and lines. Inexpensive models - they are also called laser builders, do not highlight lines with a laser, but only dots that must be manually connected using a coloring cord or a ruler with a pencil. In any case, it is much more accurate and faster than using bubble levels or water levels.

In the process of building or repairing a laser level, there is a lot of work.
We list a few of them: laying walls, pouring the foundation, installing roofs, doors and windows. In the process of finishing, it is very convenient to use it to align the vertical line for wallpapering, the place and level of hanging cabinets and shelves, and much more. We have listed all this in order to convince you that even without repair and construction, there will always be work for this tool. And now directly to the choice of level.

Choosing a laser level model

1. Models with one line.

Let's start with the simplest laser level. These are models that almost everyone can afford. One thing but ... they are not very functional. The fact is that these levels, or rather levels, can build only one horizontal line and work at a short distance. In this case, the level itself must be set horizontally by the bubbles manually.

In fact, this tool simply conveniently projects a horizontal plane onto a wall, for example, it can also be used to conveniently mark the material - the laser line is very clearly visible and it is perfectly straight. Among this class, the most widespread are the so-called "pocket models" due to their small dimensions. The range of the beam (visibility) for this class of levels is usually from 2 m to 5 m. The cost of these models is about 1000 rubles. , the ADA LaserMarker laser level
model .

2. Models with a linear cross.

These laser level models already build two intersecting lines on a vertical surface. This is already more in demand, for example, in finishing work, when it is necessary to build a vertical line and determine the horizon. Typically, these models already have the function of self-aligning laser beams, although they differ in the short range of the laser beam. As a rule, this type of instrument has a special thread in the body for installation on a tripod, which allows you to raise the instrument above the floor level.

It is also worth noting that such laser level models have a fairly high error - the self-leveling angle is about 4 degrees, with an error of about 0.8 mm per meter of distance. The cost of laser levels with a linear cross ranges from 3,000 rubles to 5,000 rubles. As a representative of this class, we note the BOSCH Quigo II level.

3. Models with a linear cross and a plumb line.

Compared to the previous class, similar laser levels have one more feature - the construction of a plumb point under the level. Thus, you can fix the vertical plane not only on finished wall surfaces, but also on the floor - for example, for marking partitions. At a cost, such models are already more expensive than 7,000 rubles, but more functional. As a rule, these laser levels have special adjustable legs and a bubble level for manual adjustment. They can also be mounted on a tripod.

These laser levels already reach 20 - 40 meters in range and so-called receivers can be used on them - devices that capture the beam in good lighting, when the human eye simply does not see it. A characteristic representative of this class of laser levels is the ADA 2D Basic Level laser level.

4. Models with full marking of horizontal and vertical planes.

Finally, we have reached the universal models of the laser level. We are talking about those models that can build three planes at once - two mutually perpendicular and one horizontal. Depending on the price (from 15,000 rubles to 60,000), they have some advantages and disadvantages. So cheaper models build planes not at 360 degrees, but somewhat less, and their range of beams and receivers is also smaller. In any case, they will reach 40 meters with rays. They also come in a variety of configurations, on which the price of the device depends.

More expensive configurations of laser levels come in a case with special magnetic holders, with which it is convenient to fix and adjust the level in a vertical plane on walls and metal structures. Also, you can often find special glasses in the kit so that the rays can be seen better, and of course, a very important addition to the levels is a special receiver, thanks to which the receiving range of the level rays increases to 80 meters (depending on the brand and model).

Such models have a good level of accuracy (0.2 mm per meter of range and more precisely), self-leveling adjustment level within 1 - 2 degrees, as well as light and sound indication when self-leveling is impossible. An example of this class of laser levels is the BOSCH model (0 601 063 30A) GLL 3-80 Professional

5. Rotary laser levels.

Similar models of laser levels are designed for professional work. Most of the measurements in them are automated. With their help, you can automatically measure the size and area of ​​​​rooms, the excess of the surface at a long distance, tilt angles, etc. The range of the rays on such models reaches 300 meters with very high accuracy (0.05 mm per meter of length). Usually they are equipped with special displays and you only need to read information from them. The cost of these instruments is from 60 thousand rubles and more. A characteristic representative of this class of laser levels is the BOSCH GRL 300 HVG level.

If we analyze the data presented in relation to the laser levels described above, then in our opinion, for home needs and private construction, a model in the range of 15–20 thousand rubles with full marking of horizontal and vertical planes is quite suitable. By the way, you can buy a receiver later. If you need a device to work over long distances and areas (construction), then it is better to immediately purchase a rotary laser level. Believe me, it will quickly pay off, and the time for marking and measurements will take much less.