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Using a Construction Laser on the Job

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Using A Construction Laser On the Job

Accurate, level reference points. Reliable technology. These are just a few of the benefits to your workflow when you use a construction laser on the job. Indoor, outdoor, residential, commercial, small-scale, and large industrial projects all benefit from quick, precise measurements.

Indoor Residential Uses

If you are building a new home or remodeling, a construction laser level can give you peace of mind and solid data. A receiver establishes the horizontal plane as a plumb line. Leave it in place, then use your transmitter button to shine the laser at your wall or ceiling. The readout will tell you whether it is level or not. No more eyeballing or guesswork, which can lead to retroactive repairs and rework.

Ceiling Tiles

Easily square up ceiling tiles against corners and edges of walls. Use the traditional bubble reader to identify whether the laser itself is level. Then shine the laser at your target. Leave the light on and mark the wall or ceiling with a pencil.

Doors and Windows

There is nothing more frustrating than hanging a door that does not create a flush barrier against the ground or is even 1/8" cockeyed at the top.  Using construction lasers before you get started can save you from this headache. Windows also need to be level, especially if you are framing or installing drywall for the first time. Measure twice, cut once. Otherwise, the window will be slightly cockeyed, requiring an expensive redesign. A self-leveling rotary laser will be your best option for this since it spins to create a 360-degree plane.

Cabinets, Shelves, and Trim

Cabinet doors and shelves also need to close cleanly and have parallel lines for aesthetics and functionality. If you're framing, use the construction laser to measure exactly the distance between beams before you install. If you are remodeling, check the plumb line against the top edge of the cabinet doors. Also, make sure that your trim follows the same parallel line as the shelves and cabinets' edges.

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Outdoor Residential Uses

Lasers are also essential for outdoor projects at home. Posts and beams, decks, fences, porches, railings, and masonry projects all need clean lines and stable structures. When installing a fence, shine the laser before you install your cement foundations or dig your post holes. Use flags afterward to indicate exactly where the anchor points for your fence will be.

Decks and porches also have to be level, or at a slight gradient to ensure water runoff. Even a 1% grade can be beneficial for drainage and virtually undetectable to the naked eye. Use the laser to establish this angle, then begin laying your planks.

Perhaps the most important outdoor application of a laser is when laying or remodeling masonry. Aesthetically and structurally, the bricks and stones simply have to align with the mortar. Check your plumb lines before you start, and again before the mortar is cured so you can make small adjustments as needed.

Large Industrial Uses of a Construction Laser

If you are planning to lay sewer pipes or drafting grading plans for a new building, use a laser than has slope capability to ensure proper irrigation, efficient drains, and adequate grades of your land. Advanced devices have the ability to perform more complex calculations. A finished piece of land may not need to be perfectly level, especially if it is a parking lot or needs to facilitate runoff in a certain direction and volume. Use the laser during the surveying process and throughout construction so you don't make a costly mistake.

SHOP LASER LEVELS

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I Use a Laser?

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Lasers allow you to work much more quickly and measure alone. With a traditional level, you need two or three people to do what a laser can do. A single person can accomplish leveling and grading tasks with ease by using a laser.

Are There Any Safety Issues?

You should never shine a laser directly into anyone's eyes. It is safe to look at the laser while measuring, but do not look directly into the machine while the laser is transmitting. The skin should also be protected from a pinpoint laser target, as it could cause burns.

What Are the Best Types of Lasers To Use?

Line lasers project a straight line, whether you need it to be horizontal or vertical. Spot lasers are especially good for projecting a single dot to ensure that joists, walls, and pipes are plumb. Rotary lasers help with masonry, grading, and surveying.

What Is the Accuracy of a Laser Level?

A good indication is when a laser claims accuracy of 1/16" for every 100 feet. Spirit levels, by contrast, are only rated to be accurate for 1/2" every 100 feet.

What's the Difference Between Red and Green Lasers?

Red lasers are better for shadowy indoor work, as sunlight will wash them out. Green lasers are anywhere from 10 to 50 times stronger than red lasers, and may be too strong for indoor applications, but are ideal for use during direct sunlight.

Trust Engineer Supply for High-quality Lasers


Visit our website today to browse our impressive selection of factory-authorized lasers. We offer dozens of products, many of which come with free or subsidized shipping. Call us at 800-591-8907.


Best Laser Levels

#1: Topcon RL-200 2S Dual Slope Rotary Laser Level Pro Package

best laser levels PI 314920782 This laser level is perfect for doing exterior work, and it comes with the following accessories:

  • Rechargeable battery kit.
  • LS-100D laser detector with the Holder 6 rod clamp.
  • RC-400 remote control.
  • Hard carrying case.
The unit itself has the following specifications:
  • Red laser beam.
  • 2 AA batteries as a power supply.
  • Low battery indicator.
  • IP66 Rating.
If you’re looking for the best laser level for your specific needs, be sure to pick yours up at Engineer Supply today!

#2: Topcon RL-H5A DB Alkaline Horizontal Laser Level with LS-80L Receiver

best laser levels PI 1021200 07 This laser level and receiver has the following features:

  • Operating range of up 800 meters.
  • Smart long-range receiver.
  • Rotation speed of 600 RPM.
  • Simple and intuitive manual slope capability.
  • Horizontal accuracy of up to 10 arc seconds.
  • Self-leveling range of up to 5 degrees.
  • Up to 100 hours of battery life.
  • IP66 Rating for protection against dust, sudden showers, and torrential rainfall.
If you’re looking for the best laser level for establishing a horizontal line reference with an incredible degree of accuracy, be sure to pick yours up at Engineer Supply today!

#3: Topcon RL-SV2S Multi-Purpose Rotary Laser Level Pro Package

best laser levels PI 313990772 This Topcon laser level package is great for horizontal, multi-slope, and vertical applications. It also includes the following accessories:

  • Rechargeable battery kit.
  • LS-100D laser detector with the Holder 6 rod clamp.
  • RC-60 remote control.
  • Hard carrying case.
The tool itself has the following specifications:
  • Red laser beam.
  • Operating range of 800 meters in diameter with a laser detector.
  • Accuracy of 1/16 of an inch for every 100 feet.
  • 300/600 RPM rotation speed.
  • IP66 Rating for protection against dust and heavy jet spray.
If you’re looking for one of the best laser levels for a number of construction applications, be sure pick yours up at Engineer Supply today!

#4: Leica 810945 - Rugby 610 Series Rotary Laser Level

best laser levels PI Leica 810945 Like many other laser levels in this series, this tool is a professional solution with an excellent balance of quality and price. It will allow you to perform quick leveling and alignments for general construction and interior applications. Its housing is extremely durable, so it can perform according to the highest standard in even the harshest of job conditions. It will also work with all Leica Rod Eye Receivers, which will extend its working range up to 2,000 feet (600 meters).

#5: Leica 790363 - Rugby 640 Series Rotary Laser Level

best laser levels PI 790363 Like many other models within this series, this is the best laser level for someone who needs a professional solution with an excellent price-to-quality ratio. With this tool, you’ll be able to do any kind of construction job that requires quick leveling and aligning while eliminating costly errors, rework, and downtime. Because of its rugged housing that’s both dust and water proof, this laser level is built for the construction site. It will perform according to the highest standards in all kinds of job conditions, which is why this series of laser levels is perfect for any construction professional.

#6: Johnson Level Self-Leveling Rotary Laser Level with GreenBrite Technology

best laser levels PI 40 6543 This dual-slope rotary laser level with Greenbrite Technology is the perfect tool for indoor construction projects. It’s a great tool for contractors, finish carpenters, and builders because of the visibility and accuracy it provides. The electronic self-leveling will work on both the horizontal and vertical planes. And because of its green laser beam, it will be 400% more visible than a red-beam laser level (which will make leveling tasks faster and more accurate).

It’s the best laser level for a number of indoor applications, which can include but may not be limited to:

  • The layout of interior walls.
  • Checking door and window height.
  • Installing acoustical and drop ceilings.
  • Developing a layout for warehouse racking.
  • Room additions.
  • Drywall installations.
Be sure to pick yours up at Engineer Supply today!

#7: Johnson Level Self-Leveling Rotary Laser Level

best laser levels PI 40 6515 This self-leveling rotary laser level has a locking mechanism that protects the inner pendulum while it’s being transported from one place to another. It also has visual and audible alarms when it goes beyond its leveling range. The unit is powered by four AA batteries, and it comes with tinted glasses as well as a soft-sided carrying case. The laser level also has the following specifications:

  • Pendulum self-leveling method.
  • Red Class IIIa laser beam.
  • Accuracy of 1/8 of an inch for every 50 feet.
  • Interior range of up to 200 feet in diameter (depending on lighting conditions).
  • Exterior range of up to 800 feet in diameter with a detector.
  • Self-leveling range of up to 3 degrees.
  • Approximately 20 hours of battery life with a rechargeable battery pack.
  • Approximately 24 hours of battery life with alkaline batteries.
If you’re looking for one of the best laser levels on the market, be sure to pick yours up at Engineer Supply.

#8: Futtura LT-850 - Self-Leveling Single Slope Rotary Laser

best laser levels PI Futtura LT 850 This self-leveling single-slope laser is as rugged, reliable, and accurate as it is affordable. And it’s the best laser level for any kind of level or sloped applications. This tool comes with a number of features, which include:

  • Fully automatic self-leveling.
  • Height of Instrument (HI) alert.
  • Operating radius of 2,000 feet.
  • Machine Control Compatible.
  • Accuracy of 10 arc seconds.
It also comes with a standard CR3 Laser Detector, so be sure to pick yours up at Engineer Supply.

#9: Leica 790381 - Rugby 680 Series Rotary Laser Level

best laser levels PI 790381 Like all other laser levels in the Rugby Series, this tool is the perfect professional solution for someone who is looking for a good balance of quality and price. Not only will it allow you to perform quick level operations in general construction and interior applications, but it will also help you to eliminate costly errors. Because of its rugged housing, this tool is built for the construction site. It can perform at the highest level in even the worst job conditions. So if you’re looking for the best laser level for your next construction project, be sure to pick yours up at Engineer Supply.

#10: Johnson Level Electronic Self Leveling Horizontal & Vertical Rotary Laser Level Kit

best laser levels PI 40 6543 This laser level has a vertical mount and is great for both indoor and outdoor construction applications. Carpenters, plumbers, and electricians will love using this tool, because it’s as versatile as it is accurate. The self-leveling mechanism will work on both the horizontal and vertical planes. It can also be useful in the following applications:

  • Leveling.
  • Checking cut and fill.
  • Setting foundations and footings.
  • Septic tank and basement excavations.
  • Acoustical ceiling and drywall installations.
  • Aligning and plumbing walls.
  • Contour framing.
If you’re looking for the best laser level for your specific needs, be sure to pick yours up at Engineer Supply.
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