recommendations on a laser level???

[GSRinmyCRX]

i have a few project coming up that are going to be a lot easier with a laser level so i figure it time to pick one up. i am looking to get one that is self leveling and other than that i really dont have many requirements. i was planning on going to home depot and just get what they have on the shelf but with it looking like i will need to spend $500-600 to get a kit that i want so i figured i should do some more research.

any suggestion or recommendations would be a bid help.

Thanks.

Levi

 

[cheechi]

Well basically you have a fewchoices, Johnson Bosch or Stanley. HD has CST/Berger models which are Stanley, and at Lowes you have Skil & Bosch which are both Bosch. And you have the HF one.

What are the projects? How many are outside? How many would involve bad weather?

Functionality, the Skil will get you a straight line in a decent sized room without a lot of fuss. So will the low end Johnson. So will the HF one. The Bosch & CST Berger models and the higher end Johnsons give you some extra features like floor slope functions and so on.

Are you needing just a line, a level/plumb, reference dots anywhere or what?

I've been looking at these for a while too. Been considering the HF for the price, and it's not terribly murdered in the reviews.

watch this and this and this you can see there's a huge difference in functionality and a huge difference in price. Maybe what you need is just a basic single line? You mention self leveling which I would suggest unless you already have a tripod, buy the kit that has a tripod. Much better than sitting it on the floor, even though they self level you have your line moving around every time someone walks along the same joist as its sitting, you're going to be pissed.

I used those 3 videos since they all mention the price. Also got to love the tool clowns.

 

[Dr.JohnnyFever]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004XQQM90/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1Spectra.

I have nothing but good things to say about this laser: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004XQQM90/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Level lines, plumb lines, plumb dots, 90 degree dots.

I have used it mostly for foundations, but also for some framing and electrical.

 

[GSRinmyCRX]

it will be used to level a dirt basement floor to prepare it for concrete then it will mainly be used outside of concrete pads and foundations.

i would really like it to have the beep function on the rod as well.

thanks for the links i will watch them when i get home from work.

Thanks.

Levi

 

[Naugusty]

Does anyone have any experience with the Leica brand? I was going to order an L2P5 for tiling a kitchen / hardwoods in the family room / leveling my race car scales / garage layout for my lift.

My main concern is accuracy and this unit along with the Johnson brand seem to have the best accuracy over a span of 35-50 ft.

Leica on Amazon

 

[usa#1]

I bought a bosch gcl25. I don't use it every day, but it's really a handy tool. I also bought the micro adjusting mount and the pole. This model is a five point with cross line and is self leveling. It works great indoors. Even leveled my four post lift with it. No sure how it would work out side; haven't tried it outdoors. It definitely makes leveling around a room much easier. No regrets on my purchase.

 

[mobiledynamics]

I'm partial to PLS but Bosch would be a good 2nd runner up for interiors.

Exteriors. I have a Stabila but PLS makes exterior these days too

 

[VETTE FAN]

I purchased the bosch for an expansion of our warehouse. Although they claim a 400+ foot range, I could not use it over a 100'. The receiver is far too sensitive for grading work. If your budget allows, the Leica would be my choice.

 

[Dr.JohnnyFever]

I bought a PLS but had to return it because it had weird issues.

 

[Super Sport]

I purchased a Dewalt self-leveling one on a good deal before Christmas two years ago. I haven't used it much, but it had great reviews and has worked well for me so far. I want to say I paid around $100, and normal price was around $200. It didn't come with much, so I had to purchase a tripod separately.

 

[BioNerd]

I have a Johnson's that came with a tripod. Has a cross, that is all. Laser light is dim compared to the pls we have but it's workable. It doesn't do 360 but I can spin it 360 which is practically the same with a lil inconvenience.

As we have an expensive pls, I constantly compare them to check if it is off. It's never off.

So, worth the $80 on amazon I paid because I use it in the jobsite without paranoia.

 

[FMC1959]

I see the OP started this in July, he might have got one already.

I have this one
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CC8TLW/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Got it as a kit with the Tripod and Rod. Used it for landscaping my backyard and to do the suspended ceiling in my basement, works great. Never used another brand so I can't speak to how this compares to the Leica, Berger and other models, but I would recommend it.