A Buyers Guide to Laser Levels

The number of laser measurement tools has grown considerably in recent years, with options being available for both the professional and DIY markets. In fact, the large number of types and potential uses for a laser level can be overwhelming to even the most experienced user. You can pick anywhere from a cross-hair and line to a rotary laser level, and you can even find ones that are self-leveling. Before you can choose from the variety of tools you have available, you need to be familiar with the main types of laser levels. You also need to think about how you plan to use it.

a buyers guide to laser levels infographic

Important Considerations Before Purchasing a Laser Level

Because there are so many laser levels on the market, there are some things you should consider before deciding which one is right for you. Some of them include but may not be limited to:

Accuracy— A laser level is more accurate than many other tools (such as a spirit level) that do the same job.
Manual vs. Auto— Also known as “self-leveling lasers,” auto laser levels will do most of leveling process for you. Once it’s turned on, it will automatically level itself. So, you’ll always have a true level line. It will also turn off if it has been disturbed, which will eliminate the chance of getting inaccurate measurements. Manual laser measurement tools aren’t less accurate, but they need to be set up properly. They will also keep running if they have been disturbed, which is why they’re more suitable for smaller projects.
Green Beam vs. Red Beam— Green beam laser levels are easier to see, because they’re much brighter. They’re primarily used on more large-scale, indoor projects where the line needs to be seen without a laser detector.
Indoor or Outdoor Usage— There are some types of laser levels that may be better suited for indoor applications, while others are better for outdoor use. No matter which one you choose, this is an important consideration because you want pick one that’s better suited for your intended application.

Be sure to look at the variety of tools we have available at Engineer Supply, so you can find a laser level that’s right for you!

Main Types of Laser Levels

Here are the main types of laser levels and how they can be used on a job site:

Line Laser— This is the most common type of laser level. It projects an accurate horizontal or vertical reference line onto the surface at which the device is pointed. You can use a line laser while you’re installing cabinetry, tile, drop ceilings, or even for basic leveling projects. It can even be used for installing a deck or any outdoor framing work.
Spot Laser— This tool is different from a line laser, because it projects a small circle onto the surface in which the tool is focused. This tool is great for making sure a joist or wall is plumb (or vertically aligned) or to make sure that pipes are traveling from one floor to another are also plumb. A spot laser is commonly used for plumbing installations, electrical and HVAC work, as well for a variety of framing applications.
Combination Laser— This type of laser level can project both lines and spots, which can be done both simultaneously and independently. It’s a great tool for professionals who work on a broad range of projects because they can switch between lines, spots, or both (depending on the job they need to perform). Electricians and plumbers will find a combination laser to be helpful in a number of applications (such as installing lighting, outlets, running wires, and piping).
Rotary Laser— This is one of the laser measurement tools used to start every professional construction project. The application range of a rotary laser level can include anything from grade work (which is used for digging foundations) to layout and masonry work. Both dual-slope and single-slope rotary lasers are used to keep a consistent pitch across a large area, which might be level for finding grade or when using a reference line. A dual-slope rotary laser level will move along both the X and Y axes, with X mode allowing you to “walk the line” along a vertical plane and Y mode allowing you to “angle the line” along a horizontal plane.

If you’re looking for a place to buy a rotary laser level or any other type of laser leveling tool, be sure to look at what we have at Engineer Supply.

Types of Laser Level Brands

There are several popular laser level brands, which include the following:

Topcon— The laser measurement tools offered by this brand are highly refined and will give you the most accurate results. One of the best Topcon laser levels is the RL H5A, which has three major laser functionalities into one package. It can also be used in a variety of applications and in a number of environments.
CST/Berger— With a history that goes back three centuries, this company has a great deal of experience in the design, development, and manufacture of leveling and layout tools. Not only are their product built to endure the toughest job conditions, but they also have a number of innovative features.
Bosch— This one of the most recognized brands for laser levels and construction tools, because they offer the utmost in durability. Not only do they make a variety of laser measurement tools, but they also make number of hand and powered tools that are used in a many construction projects.
Johnson Level— This company makes some of the best laser levels, spirit levels, and measuring tools on the market. Getting a laser level from Johnson will give you access to a number of innovative features, including their GreenBrite Technology that’s 400% brighter than ordinary laser levels. They have been leading this portion of the industry for over 70 years, because they have given customers the tools they need to be more efficient and profitable in every job they perform.
Pacific Laser Systems— The laser measurement tools that are offered by this brand are fast, accurate, and portable (which can save you more time and money than with traditional layout methods). The beam quality will give you a reference line that’s bright, thin, and crisp. Their products have also been drop-tested with water and dust Ingress Protection (IP).
Leica— This company is one of the leaders in the production of high-quality survey equipment. And with almost 200 years of experience in the art of capturing, analyzing, and displaying spatial data, they have offered a broad range of products. This includes laser levels, which are common tools in a variety of survey applications.

For a broad selection of laser leveling tools from many top-rated manufacturers, be sure to look at what we have at Engineer Supply.

Types of Laser Level Accessories

You can find a number of accessories that can be used with laser measurement tools, which can include the following:

Tripod— Can provide a more level reference, which will give you more accurate results.
Laser Line Detector — Sends out an acoustic or optical signal that will make it easier to find a laser beam, which can come in handy if it can’t be seen with the naked eye.
Batteries— Having strong batteries that can be recharged are helpful while you’re on a job site. Some will allow you up to two days of continuous operation.
Chargers— Laser level batteries can be recharged, so you need to have chargers you can use at a job site.
Remote Control— Allows you to adjust certain settings (such as rotational speed, as well as auto and manual leveling) remotely.
Leveling Staff— Can help you with any leveling project and can range from E-Type and bar-coded to both standard and industrial invar.

Whether you’re looking for a rotary laser level or some other laser leveling tool, be sure to look at what we have at Engineer Supply.

SHOP LASER LEVELS

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a laser level do?

A laser level is a handy tool used in both surveying and construction, because it projects a laser beam that can be used to provide an accurate level reference. There are many different types of laser levels, so be sure to look at what we have in our store.

Are laser levels dangerous?

While laser levels can give you an efficient way to perform a variety of tasks, they’re not without their shortcomings. And because eye safety is important for both surveying and construction, this aspect of laser level technology has often been questioned. Lasers are concentrated beams of light with a great deal of intensity, so they can damage your eyes in a way that would result in permanent loss of sight.

Can I use a laser level in the rain?

Many laser levels can be left out in normal rainfall, but they need to be dried off before they can be put back in their carry cases. Being wet in an air-tight environment will cause the humidity to increase, and the added moisture will get into the casing. This will affect the laser in the same way as if it were completely submerged in water. It can also condense into their interior components and circuit boards, which will damage the unit.

How does a laser level receiver work?

Also called “laser detectors,” laser level receivers are usually mounted to a level rod and can find the laser beam when you’re working in outdoor conditions. Because it can be hard to see a laser in the daylight hours, you will need to use this tool so you can get more accurate results. Most of them produce a sound, which is usually a short beep that tells you that it’s close to finding the beam and a steady tone when it has.

Where can I buy a quality laser level?

If you’re looking for one of the best places to buy a laser level along with a number of laser accessories, Engineer Supply has a broad selection from some of the best manufacturers in the industry. Feel free to look at what we have in stock, so you can find a product that will meet your specific needs.