Laser levels are one of those fantastic tools that you don’t realise you need until you have them! You may have seen them being regularly used by workmen, contractors and on construction sites – and with good reason – as they are by far the most accurate way to measure and align pretty much anything! Strangely, the fact that they are regularly used by professionals actually puts a lot of regular DIY’ers and homeowners off, but there are so many laser levels out there to suit everyone!
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Laser levels come in all shapes and sizes, but there are now many models that are handheld, making them small and cheap enough to be just used around the home. The will send out a level laser line around pretty much any room, so that you can line up pictures, tv stands, furniture – anything really!
So if you are wanting professional quality, level furniture and pictures around your home, or a decorating job that is the envy of all y our neighbours, it is definitely time to purchase a laser level.
Best Pick – DeWalt DW088K-XJ Lazer
- 2 button operation
- Low battery indication for ease of use
- Built-in magnetic pivot bracket mounts easily on metal surfaces
- Overmoulded housing and thick glass
- Maintains calibration under jobsite conditions
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Why Do I Need a Laser Level?
We understand that you might be dubious about purchasing a laser level in comparison to a traditional level – this may be due to the cost, or the fact that a traditional level has always worked for you, so you are thinking “Why change now?”. We appreciate all of this, but a laser level will save you considerable time when working and give you a much more professional finish!
Using a laser level is a much more simple process than having to manually set a level, it also allows you to use it for other jobs, and makes drawing lines and marking points at a greater distance considerably easier. Another benefit is that it greatly reduces user error! It can be so easy to put the level in slightly the wrong place, or to misjudge the line that you are looking at – the chances of this happening with a laser level are slim to none!
One of the main benefits of using a laser level though, is the fact that you aren’t limited to just using it to check if a surface is level, you can use it to project a line across a surface, a room or even a garden – you can then use this to draw lines where needed, so you know your DIY project is going to be accurate. They can be used to measure perfect horizontal or vertical lines, for fitting plumbing (or wiring) that needs to go in straight lines, to measure distances,
Only Got 5 Minutes?
If you are sick of wonky pictures, on wonky decorated walls, next to unlevel door frames, leading to a mismatch tiled floor – then look no further, as this section of the article is just for you. Filled with all the most important information you may need before purchasing your laser level.
Types of Laser Level
There are different types of laser level on the market depending on the jobs that you will be completing. We have given you details of these to help you find one that is right for you…
- Line Laser Level – A line laser level is the most common type of laser level that you will find for home DIY projects. The laser simply throws a line out across the surface of the room. This can be used to check that pictures are hung correctly, or doors and door frames are straight, for example.
- Dot/Spot Laser Level – These are more or less the same as line laser levels, only they send a dot onto the furthest surface that they reach. This can be used to see if things are level on different sides of a room. So if you wanted to hang curtains at the same point on different sides of the room, you could send this laser from one curtain pole to the other, to check they are level.
- Cross Line Laser Level – As the name suggests, a cross line laser level will simply send a cross out across the room, perfect for if you are hanging pictures or mirrors as you will not only be able to see if it is straight in line with the ceiling but also in line with the wall. These laser levels can also be used for completing some tiling jobs.
- Rotary Laser Level – A rotary laser level is unlikely to be needed for many household DIY projects (they are seen more frequently in construction sites), however they can still be handy for many jobs, so if you have the money to invest in a high-quality piece of kit then it’s always worth getting the best product that you can! A rotary laser level will send its laser around a 360-degree angle, showing a perfect line all the way around the room. If you are wanting to fit a dado rail when decorating or are fitting cupboards or wardrobes, then this tool can prove invaluable. Many come with a tripod, so you can manipulate the height that you want your line to be from the centre of the room.
- Tile Laser Level – A tile laser level is mainly used for installing floor tiles – which means it is a lot of expense unless you are going to be doing this regularly. It is a device that will sit on the floor and send out a beam which you can then use to judge cuts in tiles and if they are lined up correctly.
Best Budget – Semlos Multipurpose Laser Level
- 3 in 1 Laser Levels - Combines a fine-tuned tape measure, a triple-positioned leveling bubble and a NEW laser level to provide maximum accurate measurement results.
- 3 Laser Projection Modes - Horizontal line, vertical line and cross-hair line. Laser nozzle can be adjusted. Red laser is 2 times brighter than green laser with the same light source. Even in very bright environments, the red line can be seen.
- Bubble with LED Light - Vertical and two- way horizontal level bubble with led light. Can be use at dark without other light.
- Measuring Tape - 8ft measure tape includes imperial and metric measurement, with graduations down to 1/32" and 1mm.
- Works Anywhere - Suitable for a variety of level and accurate measurement, such as hanging shelves and cabinets, tiles and picture frames with accuracy. A thoughtful father gift for your dad.
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Features to Look For
Regardless of the type of laser level that you are considering purchasing, there will be some main features that you should look out for…
Manual/Automatic Leveling Lasers
Manual levelling laser levels will need you to adjust them so that they are sat straight on a surface and therefore sending out a straight line. These models will usually come with the traditional spirit level built it, which you must then use to make sure that your device is level. Whereas automatic or self-levelling laser levels will correct themselves so that they are level on almost any surface and able to send out a level beam. Although more expensive, an automatic laser level will save you a considerable amount of time if you are going to be using your tool regularly, they also help to remove any user error! Saves you getting the blame for all those wonky pictures on the wall!
Accuracy and Distance
Make sure to look how far your laser beam will be visible for, and also how accurate it will be at this maximum distance. Many laser beams will lose strength at their maximum visibility length, which can affect the accuracy of the line, so look for one that is likely to have longer visibility than you are going to need.
Green beam vs Red Beam
Green beams tend to be easier to see because they are brighter than red beams and easier for our eyes to see, but a red beam (as a general rule) will be easier to spot outside. The red laser beams are also easier to emit, which means that any laser level using a red beam will likely have a battery that lasts longer than green laser models.
Power
Almost all laser levels will be cordless, using standard batteries. However, some do come with a rechargeable battery, which is worth considering if you are going to be using your laser level more regularly. Make sure to check on the product description how long the battery life is, as if you are wanting to complete larger jobs you will need it to be able to last (on and off) all day!
You need to make sure to check how powerful your laser beam will be, especially if you are going to be using your laser level outside, as the beam will be more difficult to see in the sunlight, and usually travelling for a further distance. Most laser levels will be grouped into being used for indoor or outdoor use, but remember that most outdoor laser levels will also be able to be used inside, it is more than indoor laser levels will be harder to use outside.
Water and Debris Resistant
Look for models that offer water and debris resistance. Even if you think that you are unlikely to use your product outside, you never know when it might be in a damp environment, or when you might be using it on a job that goes drastically wrong (such as plumbing works!) leaving your laser level having a bit of a shower! Equally, most laser levels are going to be exposed to a certain amount of dust and debris, so lookout for a model that is protected from this!
Using a Laser Level
Be sure to look into how easy it is to use the laser level that you are interested in. Many high-end products might be fantastic, with a never-ending list of features, but if they are designed to be used on a construction site, by professionals, then they could be rather complicated to set up and use in the first place!
Be careful not to drop your laser level (or even knock it in your toolbox), as this could damage the laser and how accurately aligned it is. Servicing and re-aligning your laser level can be expensive so it is always better to look after it in the first place. Some laser levels will actually come with a free service for the first and even the second year of use, which will save you money in the long run.
Make sure to give your laser level half a chance of being accurate, by placing it on the most level surface you can find (even if it is self-levelling it will usually only do this to a degree). Then simply point the device and laser at the wall/floor/surface that you are wanting to work with and switch on. For some models, there will be additional settings to work with, such as the angle of the line that you are wanting.
We found this video which provides really precise information on how a laser level works.
Best of the Rest
- Clearly visible 360° laser line up to a diameter of 20 meters
- Easy positioning of the laser level on different heights with the universal holder
- Many different applications thanks to the Vertical laser line with a fan angle of 120 degrees
- Quick and error-free working as the tool gives visual feedback thanks to the automatic self-levelling
- Scope of supply: PLL 360, 4 x AA batteries, tripod, bracket, carrying bag
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- Up to four times better visibility: The green laser technology makes the laser lines easier to see than red laser lines
- Capable of projecting precision laser lines even in brightly lit indoor settings
- Extended working range up to 12 meters thanks to the improved visibility of the Quigo green making the tool more versatile than the Quigo with red laser lines
- Flexible laser positioning thanks to the MM2 universal clamp and adapter plate supplied with the tool
- Items included: Quigo green, 2 x 1.5 V batteries (AAA), MM2 universal clamp, adapter plate, cardboard box
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- ★ DUAL MODES & SELF-LEVELING ★ The cross line laser with slide switch enable you to set 2 modes, self-leveling mode and manual mode. When working in self-leveling mode, the range of leveling and compensation is 4°± 1°and the laser level will automatically level for horizontal/vertical/cross line, otherwise the laser will flash to indicate thr out-of-level condition. In manual mode, the self-leveling function is deactivated and the cross is locked to use the device at any angle.
- ★ HIGH VISIBILITY & ACCURACY ★ The powerful cross line laser easily project a red cross line at a wide angle of 110°to assist your leveling jobs, bright and clear. With high accuracy of ±2.5mm, the line laser enjoys lower energy consumption and longer battery lifespan, ideal for paving tiles, installing photo, door, window, or furniture carpentry, hanging wallpaper, etc.
- ★ HIGH PROTECTION GRADE ★ The line laser reaches IP54 protection grade (shock resistant, waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, wear resistant, impact resistance, cold and high temperature.). The durable and high quality shockproof enclosure provides 4 ft. collision protection. It's compact and lightweight for easy gripping, but large enough to sit stably, ideal for construction site work.
- ★ FLEXIBLE MOUNTING DESIGN ★ The laser level can be mounted onto a tripod or affixed to most metal surface by using the magnetic bracket (not include), enable you to turn the laser level around at 360 degree, project lines in any position or angle or adjust the height from the tripod.
- ✦What You Get - Rockseed LV1 Red Laser Level Tool - Canvas Carrying Case; 2 x AA batteries; 12 months warranty.For any product question, don't hesitate to contact us.
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my laser is hard to see when I am working outside?
If you are using your laser level outside on a regular basis then you may come across the problem of your laser being difficult to see. If this is the case then it may be worth investing in a laser detector. This is a small device that will work with your laser level to pick up a “pulse” and show you where the laser beam should be. Make sure to check if your laser level is compatible with a detector though, as not all models are.
Should I invest in a laser level or just buy a laser level app?
There are a number of apps on the market at the moment that advertise themselves as being as good as a laser level tool! Unfortunately, we are yet to find one that is actually up to the task. They are much more prone to human error, as it largely depends on how and where you hold your phone. Not only this but they will not be able to project a beam of any significance onto another surface! We would definitely recommend investing in a true laser level than wasting money on an app that won’t be up to standard.
Will my laser level fit onto any tripod?
The most important thing to check if you are wanting your laser level to fit onto a tripod is where your laser level is from and where the tripod is from. There are different threads that are used so you could find yourself with two tools that do not connect to each other if you are not careful. Look for a laser level that has a standard British thread, so that you know it will fit onto any standard tripod.
Can you use a laser level outside?
Technically yes, there is no reason why you cannot use a laser level outside. However, there are some things to take into consideration…Firstly, you run the risk of not being able to see the laser in really bright sunlight. Secondly, you need to consider that strong winds may cause vibrations which impact on the accuracy of the laser. Finally – don’t forget to consider the rain!
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