Laser Level for forming a slab

[3Dsigns]

I'm planning to form up a slab to go under my new 72'x32' pole barn and need a good laser level, better than the cheap one I have now. Can someone point me in the right direction as to the the type and brand which would be sufficient for this? I'm not looking for a "top of the line" brand, just something accurate enough for this. Thanks

 

[LXCam]

I’ve got this one, it’s pretty darn good.

https://www.homedepot.com/pep/Bosch-800-ft-Rotary-Laser-Level-Complete-Kit-Self-Leveling-with-Hard-Carrying-Case-GRL-800-20-HVK/308736848?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&pla&utm_source=google&utm_medium=vantage&utm_campaign=44985&utm_content=47232&mtc=SHOPPING-RM-RMP-GGL-D25P-Multi-NA-BOSCH_TOOLS-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-MK891089001-44985-NBR-23-NA-VNT-FY25_Q1_Q4_Bosch_Tools_Robert_Bosch_Tool_Co_D25P_OAM_SILVER_AON&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-RM-RMP-GGL-D25P-Multi-NA-BOSCH_TOOLS-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-MK891089001-44985-NBR-23-NA-VNT-FY25_Q1_Q4_Bosch_Tools_Robert_Bosch_Tool_Co_D25P_OAM_SILVER_AON-22151790219--&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22151792826&gbraid=0AAAAAolLu99e08M-fqU8GxfvzWKCpipBg&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImLunxqrJjwMVBIbuAR2EBjnaEAQYBSABEgIdv_D_BwE

Here’s a deal I’d certainly consider.

https://www.acmetools.com/bosch-revolve900-rotary-laser-kit-reconditioned-grl900-20hvk-rt/000346639674.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20432421527&gbraid=0AAAAADub60tnPNFRFyEvF4T3DlYc4Zi5t&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImLunxqrJjwMVBIbuAR2EBjnaEAQYAyABEgIXz_D_BwE

 

[tiredoldironworker]

The Bosch is a solid machine but there are many off-brands on Amazon with a dedicated receiver for your grade rod around a C-note. We like the Huepars.

 

[Citation]

If you are just trying to make sure the forms are level and if you have extra hands, you can get a really good level with a clear PVC tube + water. Basically you fill the tube with water and hold the ends up. The water level will be the same at both ends. It is more work than a laser but the quality of the output is totally solid.

 

[zimman]

Really all you need is a construction level and a 6' pole. $83. These show up at pawn shops all the time also for less money.
Zim

VEVOR Automatic Optical Level 24X Optical Auto Level Kit High Precision Height/Distance/Angle Level Measure Builders Level with Magnetic Dampened Compensator and Transport Lock, IP54 Waterproof | VEVOR US

VEVOR Automatic Optical Level offers 24X magnification, IP54 waterproofing, and a magnetic dampened compensator for precision and durability in construction surveys.

www.vevor.com

 

[DAWrench]

If you are just trying to make sure the forms are level and if you have extra hands, you can get a really good level with a clear PVC tube + water. Basically you fill the tube with water and hold the ends up. The water level will be the same at both ends. It is more work than a laser but the quality of the output is totally solid.

Don't even need extra hands or need to bend over. Just ziptie or tape one end of hose to one of the posts. Drag other end around and mark other posts with a sharpie. Once you have a level line on all the posts you can measure down when forming. You really only need short clear hose on each end of regular water hose.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Add food coloring to the water for easier visibility. I have an electronic water level that emits a tone when level is reached, but it was a gift. A water hose works fine.

 

[danski0224]

I can tell you from recent experience that line lasers and detectors don't really work worth a damn in the sunlight, no matter what the manufacturer claims.

DeWalt DW089LG and matching detector... no bueno in the sun.

Stabila 03185 paired with a universal detector, not any better.

Tried a Johnson Tools detector (40-6763) that was rated for any laser, and it was a piece of junk. Did not work at 20 feet away.

I would not recommend mid level laser stuff and expect it to work on the jobsite, in outside conditions (except for dawn and dusk).

I don't know what will work.

Really the first time I have tried to use laser and detector outside, in the sun, around 20-40 feet apart, and it really doesn't work outside of dawn and dusk.

Would not expect the low budget Chinese stuff to work, either.

 

[Rusted Nut]

A good quality (Bosch) static 2 plane laser would work; as would a decent quality rotating laser (Spectra, Bosch). What ever you do, stay away from cheap off brand stuff. I’m a Const Supt., and I’ve seen a bunch of screwed up stuff done with cheap inaccurate lasers over the last few years.

 

[DAWrench]

Would not expect the low budget Chinese stuff to work, either.

That's why a water level is a good thing. Cheap and is gonna be accurate. It is all you need for a one time job . I used water levels a lot putting in lay in ceiling grid even though I had a laser. It worked better than a laser if you had a bunch of small rooms like in an office building. It would reach a 100 feet and no batteries to deal with.

 

[gtae07]

+1 for a water level. Far cheaper and sunlight-readable.

 

[danski0224]

A good quality (Bosch) static 2 plane laser would work;

Example model numbers?

as would a decent quality rotating laser (Spectra, Bosch).

This type is normally what I see on jobs for outdoor site work. I don't own one.

 

[nadogail]

If you are just trying to make sure the forms are level and if you have extra hands, you can get a really good level with a clear PVC tube + water. Basically you fill the tube with water and hold the ends up. The water level will be the same at both ends. It is more work than a laser but the quality of the output is totally solid.

Water Levels are budget freindly.

 

[tarbellb]

I've had decent luck using laser detectors outside and in the sun
You definitely want a story pole / grade pole, even at 20ft away that laser starts getting very hard to locate

Water level is a very repeatable and relatively easy way to find level (sans any leaks and cold weather)

 

[dnschmidt]

Water level is the cheap, and also a very accurate way to go. With respect to laser levels my view is Stabila or forget about it. Very expensive and needed for a construction crew but in your case a water level should do the job and nothing is more accurate than gravity. https://www.amazon.com/Zircon-Contr...low-72558/dp/B09TG1WPTV/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[mike93lx]

I splurged on a spectra rotary (LL300N) with a receiver, grade stick and tripod a few years ago when our pool was being built and I had a lot of drainage work to do on a very flat yard. It was an open box/warehouse deal on amazon.

Its ridiculous overkill for me, but every time I've used it, I've been very glad to have it. It's built like a tank, IP66 rated and the range is significant (500m diameter)

Besides that, I have a cheap Chinese green 3-way laser level that has pretty good visibility outdoors. If you aren't directly in the sun, it's plenty good for setting forms

 

[OccupantRJ]

I've had decent luck using laser detectors outside and in the sun
You definitely want a story pole / grade pole, even at 20ft away that laser starts getting very hard to locate

Water level is a very repeatable and relatively easy way to find level (sans any leaks and cold weather)

You can provide storage caps for the clear tubing ends for storage and transport and use RV winterizing propylene glycol antifreeze in it for colder weather.

 

[dscheidt]

I'm planning to form up a slab to go under my new 72'x32' pole barn and need a good laser level, better than the cheap one I have now. Can someone point me in the right direction as to the the type and brand which would be sufficient for this? I'm not looking for a "top of the line" brand, just something accurate enough for this. Thanks

Ignore the luddites telling you to use a plumb bob and a squarae, and rent a rotary laser and grade stick.

 

[3Dsigns]

I've use a water level before, with blue food coloring in the water. Works pretty good if it's not windy out. But I wanted a laser for this project and ended up buying this one. Reconditioned but with a 2 yr warranty. https://www.ebay.com/itm/315431803182
Thanks all!

 

[signcrafter]

I have a water level, think it's zircon or something that beeps like a laser receiver when you get close. I bought it when I needed to level a mobile home since there are a bunch of CMU block stacks to support it that would be in the way of a laser. That is where a water level shines, when you don't have line of sight between the laser and receiver. But that is the only time I've used the water level. It has its purpose and works good but a laser is nicer to use when you can.

I have a few lasers, a Bosch 3 plane with receiver that works amazing for indoor work and pretty good up to about 50' outdoors with the receiver. Forget about it if you don't have a receiver and are working outside. I've also used a Milwaukee m12 3 plane for laying out tricky concrete layouts for stamped patios and grain bin sites. They work great for squaring up things and shooting lines for layout. They work decent for getting heights but a rotary is better for that.

I have a topcon that I bought many years ago and was crazy expensive. I used to do suspended ceilings as a union carpenter and did big rooms in hospitals, schools, and even an NFL stadium renovation. Bought a grade stuck and receiver for it to use for site work when I started doing that kind of stuff. I don't use it often anymore and last year when I went to use it for a small job the laser was really dim. I will have to look into that but it's probably time for a new one next time I need one.

A rotary is what you want and I don't have experience with them but Bosch seems to make decent units at a decent price. Spectra and topcon is used on job sites all over but are more money.

 

[tiredoldironworker]

I have that Bosch. It will serve you well.