Laser Alignment / Line / Level?

[ToddW]

I see these things on amazon from $15 to $800+

Just looking to see if anything in the $100 range is worthwhile? I don't mind measuring and doing it 'old school' but wouldn't mind shaving time off the projects ahead.

Most all of the levels I use are Stabila brand but I can't see dropping their asking price or anywhere near it for something I won't use too often.

Other brands or specific models to look at?

Basically just want a laser line on the wall that's level and set at height I 'set' it to make drilling holes good w/out measuring each hole

 

[gmwelder86]

Spend the money on pls and be done. Best there is.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have had a CM laser level for about 15 years, it has served me well. With the current money problems being experienced by Sears, that would be a consideration before I bought anything there today

 

[ToddW]

I have had a CM laser level for about 15 years, it has served me well. With the current money problems being experienced by Sears, that would be a consideration before I bought anything there today

I'm rather at Sears and Craftsmen.

I got some of their pro polished ratchets 2 years ago and was just now able to use them, excitedly grabbed the 1/2" went to use it and it ratcheted once and then locked up can't switch lever, can't twist, NOTHING.

I'm debating if it's worth swapping out or just rebuilding it myself

 

[guy48065]

For <$100 you should get one with a floating mechanism that gives you a level line without fussing with leg adjustments & bubble levels like on the cheapest ones. There's no convenience to a laser level if you must first level the level.

 

[ToddW]

For <$100 you should get one with a floating mechanism that gives you a level line without fussing with leg adjustments & bubble levels like on the cheapest ones. There's no convenience to a laser level if you must first level the level.

Thanks, any suggestions on the 'one' ?

 

[Milton Shaw]

Look and see if you can find one of the rotary Dewalt of Bosch lasers used on Ebay. I got a Dewalt for some where around $100, as I remember,it's been 8 years or so ago. Batteries were bad but it takes every Dewalt battery from 9.6 to 18 so I had some others that I could use.

 

[ToddW]

Will do!

May also pickup the HF unit with 20% just cause it's cheap to tr

 

[texasfiremedic]

Spend the money on pls and be done. Best there is.

+1

I have a PLS Pacific laser Systems. Expensive but worth the price. For no more than you are wanting to do you can get a smaller hand held unit that is self leveling.

It really boils down to how much you want to spend and what features you want. The features will dictate price.

 

[danski0224]

Spend the money on pls and be done. Best there is.

In some ways, yes. I have yet to find anything, with the possible exception of HILTI, that has lasers that are as bright AND as well focused as PLS products.

But, PLS still continues to omit a pendulum lock on their self-leveling dot and line lasers. I have a PLS 180 that needs to be "serviced" (exchanged at a discount off of retail price) due to no pendulum lock.

 

[danski0224]

Just looking to see if anything in the $100 range is worthwhile? I don't mind measuring and doing it 'old school' but wouldn't mind shaving time off the projects ahead.

You can get Bosch refurbished units at CPO outlet and other locations. This is your $100 playing field.

No one has a brighter and better focused red line or dot than PLS unless you are willing to go to HILTI or other pro-grade tools. The red PLS 180 is a very nice tool.

Bosch is not as bright as PLS, but it is less money.

Newer variations have individual lasers that stick out in a square housing from the top, side and front and project a 360* beam, and these will also give you a square corner. The DeWalt version with the green beam is great... but the lines are not as crisp as a PLS 180 green beam.

 

[ToddW]

For how little this will be used I can't justify going with pro-grade, or really much over $100. I have no problem if it's justified, and the tool will be in use for 10+ years... like my Hilti 14.4V impact driver love that thing!!

I'll check CPO out thanks danski!

 

[bcradio]

For how little this will be used I can't justify going with pro-grade, or really much over $100. I have no problem if it's justified, and the tool will be in use for 10+ years... like my Hilti 14.4V impact driver love that thing!!

I'll check CPO out thanks danski!

If you get a good one, it will be used much more than your stabilas. They are so uselful.

 

[tarbellb]

Another thread asking similar quesiton: Same answer.

Get a <$100 Bosch or Dewalt 2 LINE laser level. Accurate to 1/8" over 25' I think.

Grab the extension pole for more versatility.

 

[ToddW]

http://www.cpooutlets.com/factory-r...rgpl5-rt,default,pd.html#xsell=bshrgpl5-rt--0

http://www.cpooutlets.com/factory-r...s-rt,default,pd.html#xsell=bshrgll2-20s-rt--2

http://www.cpooutlets.com/factory-r...20-rt,default,pd.html#xsell=bshrgll2-20-rt--3

I think the 1st is just 'dots' the 2nd too look identical minus some bracket?

 

[ToddW]

Anyhting I miss from above before I order?

 

[tarbellb]

DO NOT get the dots. Basically worthless imo.

I have the lesser version of the one posted, simple cross lines. But that 360 model looks nice.