Whatever your trade, professional or amateur, there are two tools that you should always have in your box. The first is a quality multimeter, whether you are directly working with electricity or just want to test to make sure the power is definitely off before you drill that hole or mount that bracket to a worrisome ‘bang’. The second, is a quality laser level, for reasons we will go into below.
Whether you are a carpenter by trade or a do it yourself handyman looking to spruce things up around the house, you know the most important part of making any project look polished and professional is ensuring that all of your work is straight and level. In order to improve the accuracy of your next project and make your life easier, you will need the best tools for the job. A laser level or rotary laser level will cut your time significantly and reduce the risk of errors in alignment.
If you have already begun the search for a laser level, then you know that there are more than a few makes and models on the market in all different price ranges. How can you be sure which level will be the best one for your project and budget? To figure this out, you must decide what you need to accomplish. Some tasks will require the kind of precision that can only come by using a rotary laser level while others only require the use of a 1-point line level. If you are on a tight budget, it is important to decide what features you would like to have and which ones you can do without. Be sure to do some research and read reviews from people who have used the exact make and model that you would like to purchase in order to find out what that tool’s strengths and weaknesses are.
Black & Decker BDL170 Bulls Eye Auto-Leveling Laser with AnglePro
The Black & Decker BDL170 Bulls Eye Auto-Leveling Laser with AnglePro projects both horizontal and vertical lines and features automatic leveling capabilities and automatic reference for angled lines. These features make this unit perfect for adding a professional touch to your home décor projects and can be used outdoors with laser enhancement glasses. This laser includes a wall mount, batteries, and a 2-year warranty. If you just need a basic laser level that won’t break the bank, this model will fit the bill nicely.
Bosch GTL2 Laser Square
The Bosch GTL2 Laser Square projects vertical and horizontal lines, allowing you to make perfect 90-degree angles which can be turned in 5-degree increments, making it the perfect tool for many indoor projects. It can also be used outdoors when combined with laser enhancement glasses. It is easy to use- simply press a button to turn both lines on and off. This unit comes with two adhesive mounting strips which will allow you to mount the laser to any smooth surface. This is a simple laser level without any unnecessary bells and whistles for less complex projects, making it an excellent product at a price that is easy on the budget.
Bosch GLL 1P Combination Point and Line Laser Level
With its compact size of 5.4 x 11.1 x 2.5 inches, bright laser line projections, and strong magnet for mounting, the Bosch GLL 1P Combination Point and Line Laser Level makes it easy to ensure precise leveling and alignment on your indoor projects and can be used outdoors when combined with laser enhancement glasses. It can also be placed on flat surfaces or mounted to any camera tripod for further versatility. If you have a simple task to compete and don’t need all the frills of the more expensive laser levels, this tool will fit both your needs and your budget. A mount and batteries are included in this package so you can start your project right away.
Bosch GPL3T 3-Point Torpedo Alignment Laser Kit
With the ability to attach to a regular camera tripod and weighing in at only 1.6 pounds, the GPL3T 3-Point Torpedo Alignment Laser combines high functionality with extreme portability. With its patented diamond-cut beam splitter and plumb, level, and square point projections, you will be able to accurately align any project with ease. This kit includes the laser, a leveling base, a belt pouch, and batteries and comes with a three-year limited warranty to help put your mind at ease.
AdirPro 790-34 Cube 3-D Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser Level
The AdirPro 790-34 Cube 3-D Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser Level projects a horizontal and vertical line at the same time, which makes it great for installing cabinetry, flooring, or wallpaper; it can also be used on outdoor projects when combined with laser enhancement glasses. At only 2.5 inches cube and 8 ounces, it is easy to place this level exactly where you need it and it can be mounted with any camera tripod for increased versatility. Included with the laser is a user’s manual, bag cover, 4-foot tripod, and batteries.
DeWalt DW088K Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser
With fully intersecting horizontal and vertical line projection capabilities, a magnetic pivot base which allows you to mount it on metal surfaces, and the ability to mount it to most camera tripods, the DeWalt DW088K Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser is ideal for many indoor projects, and can also be used on outdoor projects when combined with laser enhancement glasses. Its compact size of just 9.2 x 4.5 x 9.5 inches and 1 pound makes transporting this laser to the job site a breeze. IP54 rated against dust and water, which will provide a longer life for your equipment, and backed by a three-year limited warranty and one-year of free service provides reassurance that this unit will last for years to come. Included with the laser are a user’s manual, acoustic ceiling mount, hard-sided carrying case, and batteries.
Bosch GPL 5 5-Point Alignment Laser
The Bosch GPL 5 5-Point Alignment Laser projects 5 laser points which will allow you to transfer points, and level, square, and grade your projects, but it doesn’t give full cross lines like the Craftsman 48250. These laser points are bright indoors but may require laser enhancement glasses for use outdoors. At 4 pounds and 4.125 inches, the GPL 5 is easy to take on the go and features a hard carrying case and detachable mounting base. The unit comes pre-calibrated and is self-leveling, making it a breeze to get your project under way.
Johnson Level Tool 99 006K Self-Leveling Rotary Laser System
If you are looking for a laser level that is easy to use both indoors and out, the 99 006K Self-Leveling Rotary Laser System may be the tool for you. As soon as the transportation lock is disengaged and the unit is turned on, this laser begins to level itself either vertically or horizontally depending on your needs. With three different rotational speeds (200, 400, and 600 RPMs), its red light beam will be visible in a variety of lighting conditions. This system includes everything you need to get started: laser enhancement glasses and detector for your outdoor projects, a carrying case, an aluminum tripod, a mount that can be used on wall or ceilings, and batteries.
Bosch GLL3-80 3-Plane Leveling-Alignment Laser
The Bosch GLL3-80 3-Plane Leveling-Alignment Laser projects three continuous 360-degree lines which makes it an asset for indoor projects ranging from interior decorating to pipe alignment as well as outdoor projects with the use of laser-enhancing glasses. It is self-leveling and easy to use, and its compact size of 6.2 x 5.5 x 3 inches and a weight of only 1.7 pounds makes it convenient to carry along wherever you need it. Included with the laser are a user’s manual, a wall mount, a hard carrying case, and batteries. This device is IP54 rated against dust and water which will provide a longer life for your machine and comes with a 30-day money back guarantee and a 1-year warranty for total peace of mind.
Pacific Laser Systems PLS-60560 Multi Line Laser Tool
With its ability to project 360 degrees horizontally and add vertical lines for a 90-degree layout, the PLS-60560 Multi Line Laser Tool is perfect for complex indoor projects such as laying cabinets or tiles and will even give you the ability to work on electrical and HVAC projects with ease. This unit is self-leveling and includes a 360-degree fine adjust base for ultimate functionality in nearly any situation, just be sure to purchase laser enhancement glasses if you need to use it outdoors.
There are so many different types of laser levels which are used to complete vastly different types of job, so best thing you can do when deciding which one is right for your project is to figure out what needs done and how much you are willing to spend on your equipment. The more expensive laser levels will be able to do almost any job under the sun but it might be a bit of an overkill and an unnecessary expense if all you want to do is hang pictures with precise alignment. Make sure you get a tool from a manufacturer that is known for its great products so that the inexpensive models will be just as durable as their pricier counterparts.
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