Lasers for layout tools, what are you guys using?

[Strouty]

Lasers (hand held) for layout tools, what are you guys using?

I have noticed a few cool projects that people have used small laser tools to help with the layout, I am interested and was wondering what you guys use or would recommend?

I have a large level that you mount on a tripod, I am looking for small handheld units. It also needs to have a laser line that I can see with the naked eye.

I have seen straight line, cross line and ones that go everywhere. I am not opposed to spending money on a good tool, so this is not a request for the cheapest thing that will last for a job or two, I am in this for the long haul.

Most of my work is more metal fabrication and custom projects, but I do plenty around the house too.

Here is the latest thread that made me want to get one immediately.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=337273

 

[gdocktor3]

I've always used Dewalt laser levels and that's what it looks like the op in the other thread has as well. We've literally used them day in day out for months at a time, put it away and then pulled it back out months later and used it day in day out again when I did carpentry. I don't ever remember it dying on us or having to change batteries. I think it was dw087, but they have a lot of other models out there.

 

[dewalt378g]

I think it depends mostly on the kind of work you are going to do. The small lasers like the one in the thread you posted are great for smaller jobs and most interior work and even some larger jobs not needing a long range. The kind you get (horiz, horiz + vert, horiz + vert + plumb, grid, rotating, etc.) is up to you and what/how you think you would use it.

 

[Strouty]

To clarify, the small one is what I am looking for. I want to be able to see the line with the naked eye. I currently have a laser level that mounts to a tripod and has a receiver that you attach to a stadia. I love that, but it is not conducive to the type of projects I do in the shop or house.

 

[RivennHewn]

PLS is the one to have, but I just bought the Bosch with the cross beams and plumb dots.

I didn't have time to order one, and was at HD so I grabbed it.

It gets the job done. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bosch-16...lumb-Points-Laser-Level-GCL-2-160-S/207135953

If you are working on larger projects, I'd go for the green lasers. They have a longer sight distance.

you just need to find one with the features and price point you need.

 

[Strouty]

With the crossbeam ones, can you turn on vertical or horizontal individually?

 

[RivennHewn]

There is a selector button to choose horizontal/ vertical/ or both.

 

[Strouty]

Thanks, I may check them out at home depot. The one that interests me the most is a Dewalt, but I am not thrilled about adding a charger to my tool lineup, I am a milwaukee owner.

 

[AnthonyJ124]

I bought a Bosch GLL 2-15 Self-Leveling Laser (vertical, horizontal and both) and it works great. I'd recommend it. It came with a blow mold case, an attachment to nail on the wall or hang from drop ceiling, and I also bought a tripod. Very happy with all of it, batteries last 3 days with 6-8 hours of run time.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HR7O49W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I think the biggest thing is to check the laser against a level when you get it to verify accuracy. When I was shopping I saw quite a few reviews about guys who got ones that were 1/4"+ out over 6'.

Action shots since everyone loves pics, right?




(I also recommend those little jacks, super helpful, they're fastcap load supports)

 

[Strouty]

Those third hands are pretty nice, I have some that I used as a dust barrier when doing drywall. Looks like I may need to get some of the smaller ones too.

The dealt is winning so far in all my requirements, now just have to figure out if I want to spend $350 or $550. I guess I will be doing some more research, but the expensive price tag is all Rivenn's fault, thanks to the green laser.

I am looking at this one:

http://www.dewalt.com/products/hand...lasers/12v-max-green-cross-line-laser/dw088lg

and this one:

http://www.dewalt.com/products/hand...ers/12v-max--3-x-360-green-line-laser/dw089lg

 

[RivennHewn]

I highly recommend getting one with the plumb bob feature.

Much easier to do your layout on the floor, and transfer it up, than trying to do layout off a ladder.

 

[dewalt378g]

I second the plumb. For basic all around utility horiz, vert and plumb. You can do a lot with that.

 

[Sloper0204]

If you are going to be using it for anything that you need accuracy on, buy one that can be calibrated. Our TopCon's go in every six months for calibration, and can be out quite a bit if they have been dropped/thrown/kicked/etc.

 

[Strouty]

Good point about calibration, I will check with the local place and see what they say. Then I can call dewalt and see how much it costs to have them do a calibration.

 

[Sloper0204]

Most survey supply companies can calibrate in-house, just depends on if they are willing to work on homeowner grade lasers or not.

 

[Strouty]

That is my thought process as well. I get my transits survived by them, so maybe as an existing customer?