Laser Level Accuracy/Specs?

[bmwpowere36m3]

What does it mean? For example,

• Accuracy: Up to ±1/4-in @ 100-ft
• Range: Up to 65-ft

How does it relate to a spirit level and +/- per length of level or plumb. Let's say I want to shoot a 30 ft line across the side of the house. How accurate would the level line be?

For example, if I took my Stabila 6' level, assuming a 0.029* tolerance, across that same length I should get +/- 0.1822" [stacked].....

 

[danski0224]

I suspect that the "professional grade" lasers are more accurate, and the rotary lasers seem to have a tighter tolerance. I see stuff laid out all the time with rotary lasers and detectors all the time without problems. Specs vary quite a bit on low cost consumer grade units (self leveling line or rotary).

The optics and splitters make a big difference.

You probably won't be able to see your line outdoors (daytime) without a detector. Maybe a green beam would be visible.

PLS Laser has some really nice equipment. More than the big box store stuff, but not quite HILTI or Leica either.

 

[larry_g]

Can you link to the level your quoting specs on as there are lots of levels that fall under the heading of laser.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/line-lasers-gll-2-80-123125-p/

Not a pro, just a DIY'er... just trying to understand if the benefit is ease or speed or accuracy or combination. Planning to hang new kitchen cabinets and figured it was an excuse to get a laser level.

I know there are lasers rated at 1/8" @ 100'... but what does that really mean?

 

[Rookie2]

I think it means that even though the unit is self leveling ,it can be off by that much at 100' and you have to allow for it, the beam is over 1/8 wide at 100' If you place the lazer in the center of the work area then that error is cut in half. Your kitchen wasn't built to those tolerances ,walls are never 100% plumb or square . A good level is all you need if you know what your doing.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

I think it means that even though the unit is self leveling ,it can be off by that much at 100' and you have to allow for it, the beam is over 1/8 wide at 100' If you place the lazer in the center of the work area then that error is cut in half. Your kitchen wasn't built to those tolerances ,walls are never 100% plumb or square . A good level is all you need if you know what your doing.

Within a 1/4" with stick construction right

Just trying to understand the spec… Bosch C/S wasn't helpful either.

 

[Rookie2]

LoL Plus or minus a red brick !

The 1/8" is extrapolated from the tolerances that the mirrors are ground IMO . remember the Hubble Telescope, a million dollar 12' mirror was ground wrong and sent into space .

 

[bczygan]

And that is assuming the instrument is properly leveled.

 

[pcmeiners]

+/- 1/8- possible 1/4" deviation if the device is manufactured correctly. Unless you level quite a bit, as a contractor, stick with a water level. Cost a few dollars and more accurate then a typical laser level, if you follow the instructions in link below.

http://www.deckmagazine.com/tools-and-equipment/making-and-using-a-water-level.aspx

 

[Vintage Veloce]

I had marked my building area elevations using a home made water level. It wasn't easy to use, but it did work. In fact, when my contractor showed up he made some measurements with his transit, and they were way off. The next day he came with his zillion dollar laser level, and found my marks were right on.

I have purchased two laser levels, both Bosch.
The first, a cheaper one, was either defective or really sucked. It drew a perfectly level line on the wall if the wall was perpendicular to the beam, but the beam actually rose as it moved away from the laser. You can see my review here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-...=cm_cr_getr_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00NQUJ2AK

The second laser I purchased was a Bosch GLL 2-15. This one seems to be pretty accurate.

The better lasers come with directions on how to test it, definitely do those tests before trusting it!

But in short, put your laser near one side of a big room and shoot your line one way across the room, and then set up on the other side and shoot back the other way. If your lines don't match, your laser is inaccurate.

C

 

[larry_g]

follow your link and go to the support button, click and then download the manual. On pages 9&10 it explains the accuracy of the unit and how to check it.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[manwithtools]

What does it mean? For example,

• Accuracy: Up to ±1/4-in @ 100-ft
• Range: Up to 65-ft

How does it relate to a spirit level and +/- per length of level or plumb. Let's say I want to shoot a 30 ft line across the side of the house. How accurate would the level line be?

It relates the same way as the spirit level. If the accuracy is +/- 1/4" over 100 feet then it would theoretically be (+/- 1/4" * .30) over 30 feet of operation. or +/- .075" @ 30'. The ability of the user to read and mark the target line (laser or water) is likely far less accurate than that.

.075" is a little bit more than 1/16" (.0625") so in reality your line should be no more than approximately 1/8" from level over 30'.

If you were using your 6 foot level to make a 30' long level line it would accumulate the accuracy of the level 5 times plus the inaccuracy of the marking process each movement of the level. Willing to bet the laser is more accurate. Once setup, laser is much faster too.

 

[KnurledNut]

^^^
This. Well stated.

 

[dutchgray]

If you really want accuracy over a long distance then a reasonable quality optical level is still the best option, though you do need two people to use it. You can't get close with a laser until you reach the seriously expensive range.