Laser Level

[zendriver]

Looking for an inexpensive laser level, for some upcoming inside and outside projects.

Did a google search and of course this comes up, I didn't even know they sold one.

https://www.harborfreight.com/motor...NkfU6-bvOIokAKa51Sh5wFdtehCbfDPRoCvL0QAvD_BwE

Anyone have one and can comment, or use something different? Want something under $100

 

[rharman]

There's a Bosch model that gets good reviews. Sorry I don't know which one but I think it's in your budget.

Many years ago, I bought a Craftsman. It works OK but is not self-leveling. Now that I know better, that feature would be at the top of my list.

 

[ericlar80]

I have a dewalt jobsite laser level. If I were to do it again, I would look for one with a green laser; they are much brighter and easier to see. I don't mind having to set the level, but auto-leveling would be nice. It does come in really handy...

 

[dogdog]

I wouldn't get one, had one from costco sets years years ago before auto level.. it ***** It's the same function as the one from HF... one laser beam a rotating head... you level the unit, spin the head get your marks... but never that easy... I think homedepot / Lowes have their brand on display... maybe go check those out a little.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I use a green DeWalt and a Red Klein line lasers at work and they both work great. The Klein I think was like 120 on Amazon and it does both horizontal/vertical/both line and plumb marks and the body swivels on the base

 

[FigureItOut]

I have the Bosch GL55 which goes for about $150 and I've been real happy with it. It is self leveling and does the cross lines for level and plumb. It comes with a clamp that'll attach it to various objects, and has a 1/4-20 threaded insert so it'll fit on any standard tripod or camera accessory.

The GLL30 goes for about $70 and I think it's the same thing but isn't self leveling. Mine is definitely indoor use only.

Edit: Actually I think this is the one I have, but mine has red lines instead of green. This one's right at your budget, has cross lines and is self leveling.

 

[bugnut]

Just thinking out loud could you not set a NON self leveling lazer on a zip bag of water setting on a solid surface, so it would seek its own level? don't have one to try.....hummm

 

[mike93lx]

I have a Johnson that I bought on Amazon. It's cross line and has worked well for me on a bunch of projects.

They have one in the Warehouse for $93 right now. Johnson Level 40-0921 Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser Level Kit, Horizontal and Vertical Lasers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0038227QM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Kaizen]

Timely discussion. With these non spinning ones how far does the horizontal line go around the room? What if you need a line shorter then the tripod ?


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[Itsjustdirt]

Just thinking out loud could you not set a NON self leveling lazer on a zip bag of water setting on a solid surface, so it would seek its own level? don't have one to try.....hummm

No. Far too many variables.

 

[mike93lx]

Timely discussion. With these non spinning ones how far does the horizontal line go around the room? What if you need a line shorter then the tripod ?


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That will vary from laser to laser. I find that mine is wide enough for anything I have needed it for. Worst case, I rotate it a bit on its mount.

Rotary Lasers are for outdoor work, AFAIK.

When my tripod is too tall, I take it off and set it on something else. You can also buy very small photography tripods that would work fine.

I consider my laser an indespensible tool. I used it all afternoon today installing tile in my shower. Made it so much easier to ensure everything was aligned.

 

[Kaizen]

That will vary from laser to laser. I find that mine is wide enough for anything I have needed it for. Worst case, I rotate it a bit on its mount.



Rotary Lasers are for outdoor.

I’ve seen them used indoors for suspended ceilings. That was a long time ago though. Think I will order me up one soon. Got some conduit and air lines I want to be **** about



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[mike93lx]

I’ve seen them used indoors for suspended ceilings. That was a long time ago though. Think I will order me up one soon. Got some conduit and air lines I want to be **** about



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They can certainly be used indoor, didn't mean to say otherwise. Their benefit is range. A good rotary laser can get you marks at well over 100ft,just something that isn't normally needed indoors. Plus they aren't a constant beam, which may not work well in some applications.

 

[mcbane]

The HF laser specs are 1/4” in 33 ft. Even back in the 1980s I never worked with a level so inaccurate. Also note it isn’t auto level so if your tripod had one leg getting a bit more sun than the other two you could have a huge error. Some work doesn’t need perfect accuracy - I just point this out in case accuracy is important to your projects.

Professional rotary lasers for outdoor construction are auto level and good for 1/8” at 100 ft.


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[ItsNemo]

I have one of the cheaper Bosch 360 degree self leveling lasers...it works great, indoors or out and is accurate at something like 3/16" at 100 feet out which is plenty.

Most of the time I don't try to get the laser line at the perfect height of what I need, I'll just get a common height marked off and then measure from that.

 

[Handyandy23]

This is one of those tools I'd have to agree it's worth it to buy a quality one. Since it's a precision measurement t tool, having a cheap one that is not precise at all isn't worth anything to me. Precision is its main function.

I'd agree that self leveling is the main feature I'd go after. It just makes set up so much nicer and faster. And as someone else pointed out, accounts for any changes in the environment. If you take all the time to set it up level to start and then it gets bumped, you're back to square one. Plus your manual leveling is only as good as your own measurements and alignment, in which case why even use the laser if you're having to get points to manually level?

I have a DeWalt self leveling green laser that I got on sale for $200 CAD that works great. +/-1/4" over 165 feet, and green shows up outside in the sun (where red doesn't do very well). You can get the same one in red for a few bucks cheaper if only using it indoors. I would personally rather save and add a bit to the $100 budget and get something a lot more useful than flush $100 down the drain on one that very inaccurate and non self leveling model.

 

[mc4life27]

So I have the dewalt green laser with plumb and level lines that's like 199 and hd and we also have the red Bosch 360 I think gll3-80 with red line at work I just got the dewalt so still new to me but so far for the money I save for bob 360 the lines go far enough around the room with my dewalt to where not having the 360 will hardly be an issue. Plus the green lines are so much nicer and brighter. I can use
My in the middle of the day out side where as the red one it's not even worth trying to if there is a lot of sun shunning in the room. Plus if you use the mount the dewalt swings side to side so that if you need the other
Say 60 degrees or the room just turn the unit. We mainly use them for electrical boxes, can light installs, and cabinets. My boss is even impressed with the dewalt to where he is even thinking about buying one even though he wants the Bosch mainly just to say he bought the higher end one. I say unless you have the money to waste buy a nice quality two line green laser and unless you see your self needing the 360 all the time save the money. But don't cheap out on a crappy one. Not worth the head aches. My vote is for the dewalt. I'm happy with mine so far.


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[Dakota46]

I bought this one from Harbor Freight earlier this year to replace an older Harbor Freight laser level.

https://www.harborfreight.com/self-leveling-laser-level-kit-69243.html

It doesn't have the rotating laser, but the self leveling is a real time saver.

In a 14x14' room my 8' box level agreed with the laser line across the room just fine. I used it to fur out my ceiling before installing ceiling planks.

 

[Den69rs96]

I have the Bosch GLL2-80 with the WM1 position mount. I just looked at the receipt and didn't realize how much it was, however it is worth every dime. I mainly bought it for installing a drop ceiling in my basement. I was so burnt out by the time I had to install the ceiling that I just bought the Bosch. If self levels and projects a level line all across the room. Made installing a drop ceiling a piece of cake.

 

[zendriver]

Has anyone ever seen these levels in action?

https://www.huepar.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI14mRkKOU5QIVRRx9Ch3zmAYDEAAYASAAEgKY-fD_BwE

Sure, they're probably Chinese, but the Bosch I looked at are relatively expensive and they're made in China as well


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[rlitman]

Has anyone ever seen these levels in action?

https://www.huepar.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI14mRkKOU5QIVRRx9Ch3zmAYDEAAYASAAEgKY-fD_BwE

Sure, they're probably Chinese, but the Bosch I looked at are relatively expensive and they're made in China as well


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I own a similar 3-axis green self-leveling laser of Chinese origin. I picked it up for $100 on eBay.

Mine works great. However, it ONLY fits 18650 unprotected cells, and it WILL dangerously destroy (leak down to 0V) those cells if you leave them in. I'm sure the Bosch doesn't do that.

 

[mike93lx]

Whatever you pick, just bite the bullet and get one. You'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

I just finished a new shower and saved a massive amount of work and stress on the subway tile just by having a laser with a plumb line.

If I was buying one today, I would go for a green laser and would like to have one with a dot a 12 o'clock for aligning things on a top plate or ceiling.