How to pick a laser levels

How to Pick a Laser Level

When it comes to laser levels, there are a lot of options. And there’s quite a bit you have to consider before you decide on which one is right for you. A leveling laser is more accurate than your standard spirit level, which can be an advantage if you have to do more precise work. But there are different models that may be better suited for certain applications. Some will work in outdoor environments, while others can be used indoors. One of the most widely used laser levels is the rotary laser, because it’s a more advanced and versatile tool that can be used in a variety of jobs in both interior and exterior environments.

Here are some steps you should take as you decide on which laser level will work best for your specific needs.

#1: Think about what you want to do with it.

Before you decide on what kind of leveling laser you want to use, think about what you want to do with it. Otherwise, you could be spending a lot of money on a commercial-quality tool you may not even need. A standard line laser will work fine for more residential DIY projects. But if you’re planning to work on any large-scale projects, you may want to invest in a 360-degree rotary laser. If you plan to use it outdoors or in any harsh environments, you should pick one with an IP54 rating or above because it will be better able to withstand exposure to water and dust.

#2: Look at its accuracy and visibility range.

Laser levels will be more accurate than a standard bubble level. In fact, a good leveling laser will be accurate with 1/16 of an inch for every 100 feet. This is ten times more accurate than a spirit level, which is only accurate to 1/2 of an inch per 100 feet. This kind of precision is possible because of a laser diode that emits a concentrated beam across the area you need to level.

#3: Look at its IP rating.

The Ingress Protection (IP) Rating of a leveling laser is an international standard by which its dust and water resistance is measured. The “IP” is followed by two numbers. The first one is a rating for dust, while the second one is for water. And the higher the number, the more it can handle. The numbers for the dust rating go from 1 to 6, while the numbers for the water rating can go from 1 to 8. While an 8 rating means that can be submerged for any period of time, few of them will fall into this category.

#4: Look at whether it's horizontal or dual-beam.

A horizontal leveling laser will only emit a single beam from its beacon, so it will only give you a horizontal level reference. A dual-beam laser will emit both horizontal and vertical beams, so you can get both a level and plumb line. But there’s something you should remember about these kinds of laser levels. The term “dual-beam” refers to its ability to produce both a regular plane and a reference point. And in vertical applications, this is used to establish a 90-degree.

#5: Look at whether it has an automatic leveling system.

If it has an automatic leveling system, the device is able to level itself. It will project a horizontal and/or vertical reference line around your work area. Then, it will automatically find and maintain level within a specific range. Some of them will also have a bubble vial, so you can do some rough leveling before the device makes the final adjustments. Many of them will continue to level themselves if the setup or platform is accidentally jarred. And in many cases, they will shut themselves off if they get out of level by more than 3-5%.

If you need a place where you can find the best laser levels on the market, be sure to browse through the broad selection we have at Engineer Supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the self-leveling range of a laser level?

The self-leveling range of a laser level refers to how much the laser level will be able to compensate for any deviation or difference in the level of the laser housing. If the leveling laser has a range that’s within six degrees, the device will be able to level the beam within that range. If it goes beyond that, the device won’t be able to level itself and will typically give off a sound or emit a flashing beam.

Can I use a laser level in sunlight?

Even the best laser levels won’t work that well in sunlight, but here are some things you can do to get better results in these kinds of environments:

Use a Laser Detector — Many laser levels will work with a detector. In fact, this is the best thing you can do if you’re using it in bright sunlight. Even if you can’t see the laser, the sensor will be able to pick it up. It’s the most reliable way to use a laser level outdoors without running the risk of making a mistake.
Use a Laser Card — Often referred to as “the poor man’s laser detector,” this small piece of plastic will allow you to identify the beam’s location. It will typically have a hole in it so you can hang it on a screw, but you can also use tape if you don’t have one available.
Use Laser Recognition Glasses — These special glasses have colored plastic lenses, which you can wear while you’re using the leveling laser. And it will allow you to see the beam more easily. It may not be enough to help you on really bright days, which is why you may need to use this with another method if you still can’t see the beam.
Get a More Powerful Laser Level — If you’re not able to see the beam during daylight hours, your laser level may be too weak. And if you’re running into this situation quite a bit, you may need to get one with more power because a stronger beam is more likely to show up. Even in the brightest days, the beam will be visible if it has enough power.
Manage Daylight — No matter what you do, your leveling laser won’t be as effective in bright sunlight. In fact, the sun is your enemy when you’re working with this kind of tool. You should avoid using it in direct sunlight, and do your best to figure out when the sun isn’t at it its brightest.

If you want to find a laser level that you can use on your next project, be sure to look at what we have at Engineer Supply.

How important is the accuracy rating of a laser level?

All laser levels have an accuracy of 1-6 millimeters within a 20-meter range, but the real question is whether it’s good enough for the job you need to use it for. For indoor work, any rating within this range will be fine because you won’t need to (or even be able to) work within a tolerance any higher than that.

What is the IP Rating of a laser level?

IP stands for Ingress Protection, and it’s an international standard for determining how much dust and water resistance an enclosure or device has. The “IP” is followed by two numbers, which have two different meanings. The first one is a rating for dust, while the second one is for water. And the higher the number, the more it can handle.

How do I use a laser level in wet weather?

While your leveling laser may have strong resistance to water, there are some things you can do to prevent this kind of damage. Few lasers have a high enough rating to be completely submerged in water, so you shouldn’t place it (or even drop it) in standing water. But a lot of laser levels can handle being left in the rain if they have an IPX5 rating or higher. You should, however, make sure to dry them off before you store them back in their carry cases. If they’re wet in an air-tight environment, it will get very humid. Water can condense onto the internal components and circuit boards, which can lead to damage.

If you’re looking for a place with some of the best laser levels on the market, be sure to browse through the broad selection we have at Engineer Supply.

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