Picture this: you're trying to hang a curtain rod above the window. You have the curtain rod in one hand and a hammer and a nail in the other. Of course, you'd probably want that curtain rod hung in a straight line.
So you then decide to take out your spirit level and realize that you can't. Your hands are already full—literally.
Maybe you resort to the traditional method of using a pencil, ruler, and spirit level to mark a straight line on the wall. And once you’ve mounted your curtain rod, you can then erase the marking on the wall.
While that makes sense, there's a tool that can make the leveling job a lot easier: a laser level. It's a tool that projects a level beam toward the wall, floor, or other surfaces. Simply put, a laser level allows you to level or plumb hands-free.
Whether you're a construction professional, framer, or DIY home renovation enthusiast, a laser level is definitely a godsend for tasks that involve leveling. It's a must-have in your tool chest. But if you've ever gone online and searched for the “best laser level,” you may have faced tons of results and various types of laser levels on the market, making choosing one extremely overwhelming.
So we've made it easy for you.
Before you go ahead and buy a laser level online, read on and find out the different types of laser levels, this is a breif introduction about one type:
1. Manual Laser Level
A manual laser level is exactly what it sounds like. You have to manually level this construction laser and line up the bubble inside its built-in vial. To do this, you need to turn its knob or reposition the laser level itself.
Because of their relatively simple construction, manual laser levels offer a cheaper alternative to self-leveling laser levels, making the former a perfect choice for DIY projects. They also require less battery power than a self-leveling unit. And if you know how to set them up properly, they can help you create perfectly straight reference lines.
The problem with this construction laser is that once it gets disturbed or moved, its accuracy and performance may be instantly affected.
Uses of a Manual Laser Level
Economical yet functional enough, manual laser levels are great for DIY framing, cabinetry, and other simple building projects.
Pros of a Manual Laser Level
Less expensive than an auto laser level or a self-leveling laser level
More energy-saving than a self-leveling laser level
Comes with a straightforward technology
Cons of a Manual Laser Level
Less accurate than a self-leveling laser level
Requires a proper setup to yield accurate results
Requires a greater amount of time to set up and level
Once it gets accidentally moved, you need to level it again
What Is The Advantage Of Laser Leveling?
You might be trying to hang a set of pictures along a single wall, but you don't want them to look lopsided. With a standard leveling system, you could have a problem. It's impossible to hold your level against the wall while you're hammering a set of nails. You would need an extra arm, and you don't have one. So, you would need to have a second person to help you with the job. Laser levels make it easier to do these tasks. And in many cases, they don't require a second person.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a self-leveling laser level?
Blog what is the advantage of laser leveling
A laser leveling device will emit a beam that will give you a straight-line reference along any surface (such as a wall or floor). And because most laser levels can be mounted to a tripod or wall, your hands will be free to hammer nails or line up whatever needs to be straight. These tools will make DIY projects a lot simpler, but they can also be beneficial for the construction professional.
How do I use a 5-point laser level?
Laser levels send out a beam of light that can create a virtual chalk line whenever you need a straight and level reference point, and its size will depend on the size of the diode. For this type of application, a smaller beam is preferable because it's more precise. With a wider beam, the actual level point can be anywhere inside the width of the beam.
Can I use a laser level on the floor?
You can use a surface laser leveling device by setting it at the benchmark high spot that you want throughout the floor. A single laser line means you have a consistent elevation that's on your benchmark point. But if you see two lines, the floor is either lower or higher. From there, you'll need to rotate the device few degrees and mark spots that are low or high until you make a complete circle. This is where a rotary self-leveling laser comes in handy.
How do I choose a laser level?
Blog what is the advantage of laser leveling
Not all laser levels are created equal, and there are many things you have to consider before you decide to buy one. Laser leveling devices can be a useful alignment tool if you find one that's suitable for the kinds of tasks that you'll be performing. Dot lasers are the most basic types of laser levels, and they're typically used for simple tasks that are occasionally performed around the house. A rotary self-leveling laser is made for more complex construction projects that need more precise measurements.
What is a Crossline Laser Level?
Are you looking to invest in a new laser level but are unsure which to pick? More often than not it can be hard to tell all the laser level technology options apart. Here at Position Partner's, we know we're guilty of using technical language which is one of the reasons we're writing this, to help you understand exactly what our lasers do and how they can help you.
If someone has recommended you use a cross line laser level but you don't know how it will benefit your project, or even how it is different to all the other lasers on the market, then you've come to the right place. As major suppliers of laser levels to the Australian, New Zealand, and South-East Asian markets we've become experts at all things laser levels.
To put it in short terms, a crossline laser level is able to produce a horizontal and vertical laser line, either individually or at the same time. This enables you to line up the exact horizontal and vertical coordinates of your project with ease, making your job quicker and easier. The crossline laser level is a popular laser level choice for all industries and applications and often competes against the rotary laser, which we discuss more in our step by step guide for using a rotary laser.
The crossline laser is an evolved version of a line laser and the way it works is very similar to the technology deployed in a line laser. The device projects a laser through an optical lens to project the laser as a line instead of a point. If that overcomplicated your understanding, a simple way to understand how it works is thinking of a piece of glass that is flat on one side and curved on the other. When you shine a light or laser through it, it instantly stretches it.
Crossline laser levels have specially built optical lenses that allow them to project two lasers, one vertical and one horizontal. This gives you the choice between having both on or just one. This choice is particularly important depending on the type of work you are doing, as at times it is more of a hindrance than a benefit to have both lasers on.
Applications for Laser Distance Meters
Laser distance meters quickly measure distance to a target using the unit's laser spot, and can also do a quick calculation of area and volume.
Here's a collection of 101 great ideas on where to use a laser distance meter:
Facilities: Layout
1. Provide accurate estimates for bidding out work (HVAC, electrical, cable, maintenance). Measure distances, area, and/or volume.
2. Measure height or width of buildings1 and other objects, by triangulation if needed.
3. Verify CAD drawings for as-builts and design drawings.
4. Determine how square a room or object really is, or whether the sides are completely parallel.
5. Lay out parking lots.
6. Verify that new construction satisfies usage requirements.
7. Determine the footprint of equipment or office cubicles to be installed to aid in layout.
8. Create as-built building dim
ensions where no blueprints are provided.
9. Calculate total internal floor space/volume of a room or building.
10. Measure distances over areas where obstacles in the way disallow the use of measuring tapes or wheels.
Laser Detectors Receivers Construction
With all of the types, makes and models of rotating laser receivers on the market, make sure you understand the basics of laser receivers so you can make a wise purchase decision. Laser Receivers (sometimes referred to as laser detectors) receive rotating laser signals at great distances. They are sometimes hand held, but most often attach to grade rods with sliding brackets. Laser receivers annunciate distinctly with light, sound and sometimes readable information to indicate when a laser receiver converges on and locates a rotating laser beam. A rotating laser may be visible for a few hundred feet indoors and much shorter distances in daylight, so when used with an appropriate laser receiver the operating radius is extended out to the laser operating range (which, depending on the laser transmitter, can be 175m, 300m, or even up to 500m). A receiver is generally required for outdoor use and for indoor use when there are very long working distances involved. Special receivers are required for line generator units (or other non-rotating lasers). Machine control receivers are addressed separately.
Hand held or rod mounted construction laser receivers range from very basic to very sophisticated, with prices starting at around $150 and ranging up to $500, and up to $700 for the new digital grade rod receivers. More advanced features are available on the more sophisticated units which, as one would expect, have the highest cost.
