How to choose a laser level

Practically all construction and installation works require special precision. This is especially true for monolithic work, tile laying and other, similar operations. Determining the level of the plane and setting the slope “by eye” will not work here, and therefore you will have to resort to using levels – special devices that allow you to quickly and accurately measure the parameters of the plane and estimate the degree of slope. Modern laser levels, which are very popular, allow you to do this not only quickly, but also very accurately, and therefore you can probably find such a tool in the arsenal of every self-respecting specialist.

Top manufacturers

When choosing a high-quality laser level for use in everyday life or in production, preference should be given to products of well-known brands, whose products are deservedly popular among well-known construction companies:

1. Bosch;

2. Makita;

3. Condtrol;

4. Ada;

Determining a specific model is currently quite simple. All that is needed for this is to study the catalogs of manufacturers, as well as read user reviews, taking into account both positive and negative aspects.

The main types of laser levels – what they are

Line laser level

Projects the beam emitted by the photodiode with an optical amplifier and turns it into one solid line. Depending on the type of construction, they are both vertical and horizontal. The most expensive models allow measurements in several planes at the same time. Such devices are the most accurate and therefore the most expensive.

Advantages

• Exceptional measurement accuracy;

• The ability to perform measurements in several planes at the same time;

• Circular coverage of the measurement area;

• Various power sources – both batteries and a 220V network;

• Robust and reliable case;

disadvantages

• Requires special skills to work;

• High price;

Rotary models

The principle of beam generation in these devices is similar to that described above, the difference lies only in the location of the photodiode. In these models, it is fixed on a compact rotor driven by an electric motor. As a result, the user receives a clear definition of the level in the range of 360 degrees relative to the installation location.

Advantages

• High measurement accuracy;

• The ability to work both from the network and from batteries;

• High measurement range;

• Possibility of blocking the sensor when exceeding the permissible error;

• 360 degree coverage;

disadvantages

• High price;

• Lack of vertical measurement capability;

Point levels

Their photocell with a laser head is stationary; during such operation, the device emits four beams at an angle of 90 degrees relative to each other. The device is successfully used both in construction work and in everyday life, it is excellent for fixing symmetrical points on both walls of the home.

Advantages

• High range of measurements performed;

• Democratic cost;

• Compact size and light weight;

• High accuracy and minimum error;

disadvantages

• Low resistance to mechanical stress;

• Not suitable for level detection in a circle;

In addition to the above models, you can also find combined levels on sale, which include the advantages and disadvantages of certain types of devices. Such models are usually more expensive than their counterparts.

The main criteria for choosing a laser level

Measurement range

Displays the extreme point at which the level is capable of measuring. The measurement range can vary quite a lot – from 3-5 meters for household devices and up to 80-100 meters for professional-level models. The more powerful and 'long-range' the device is, the more expensive it is, and therefore it makes no sense to buy professional models when repairing an apartment.

The presence or absence of a receiver

A parameter that is important exclusively for professional long-range models. It is a special device designed to fix the beam emitted by the level. The receiver is able to fix the level signal even when the beam itself is not visually visible. During adjustment and search for a point, it displays where you want to shift the level horizontally and vertically.

Alignment type

In order to set the level as accurately as possible horizontally, it must be leveled before starting work. This can be done using special systems, which are almost always divided into two types:

1. The manual alignment is two water capsules with an air bubble trapped inside. By changing the level setting, control the position of the bubble, thus setting the device;

2. Automatic leveling is carried out using a special liquid mixture in the reservoir of the device. However the tripod is set up, the level reading will always be accurate and correct.

Fastening thread

Dedicated service connector designed to secure the unit to a compatible tripod for maximum ease of use. The importance of this factor disappears if the level comes with its own tripod, otherwise it is necessary to select the thread diameter and the corresponding tripod. As a rule, the unspoken standard is considered to be 1/4 and 5/8 inch threads.

Number of beams

A parameter that directly affects the functionality of a particular device. Shows the number of measurements in different planes that the level is capable of producing simultaneously:

1. The simplest are single-beam models. They allow precise measurements in a specific plane;

2. The two-beam models are more functional and allow many accurate measurements to be taken simultaneously. Such devices are convenient for mounting a window opening, door frame and performing other similar operations;

3. Four-beam devices are an excellent option for measuring the level around the perimeter of the room, which is important when performing concrete or finishing work, as well as laying tiles;

When choosing a multi-beam level, one should remember the general rule: the more beams a device has, the more functional and, accordingly, more expensive it is.

Accuracy

A parameter that determines the error of a particular device. Typically reflected as two adjacent digits representing an upper and lower limit. The smaller the error, the more accurate the specific device.

Power supply system

The vast majority of modern devices are capable of operating both from a 220V network and from a built-in battery. Some compact household models can operate on ordinary batteries, but in this situation, as a rule, we are talking about the most low-power devices.

Which laser level should you choose?

1. If it is necessary to perform plastering work and install beacons for this purpose, preference should be given to four-beam models equipped with a standard 5/8 thread, as well as wall mount;

2. If you need to install doors or windows, as well as when gluing wallpaper, it is best to resort to using a two-beam device equipped with a standard 1/4 inch thread;

3. If it is necessary to install ceilings or drywall partitions, you should purchase the most functional model, which has 8-9 beams and is equipped with a receiver. The measurement range in this situation does not play a special role – a model operating at a distance of up to 35-40 meters is quite enough;

How much does a laser level cost?

1. The simplest single-beam models cost 3000-8000 rubles;

2. A four-level level will cost a little more. High-quality models can be purchased for 6-12 thousand rubles;

3. The most functional 8-9 beam levels, equipped with a receiver, cost about 25-35 thousand rubles;

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.