For repair work, a large number of small devices are used, which greatly simplify this process. One of them is the laser level. With its help, you can see a straight line from a thin beam, both vertically and horizontally. It is no longer necessary to use a marker. How to choose the best laser level will be discussed below.
Content
What is a laser level?
A laser level is a measuring device that shows a straight line using a laser beam. During construction, it is an integral companion, which significantly reduces the work time. The laser level is referred to as modern mechanisms, and some people hear about such an instrument for the first time. But after the purchase, you can no longer imagine repair without it. The laser level helps to make even markings not only on the walls, but also on the ceiling. It can be used to accurately measure an even angle for tiling or other work.
You no longer need to use a standard tape measure, which is not always easy to take measurements. Moreover, this device is relevant not only for construction sites, but also for home use.
Why do you need a laser level?
Using this device, you can make any type of marking:
- Measure any distance. For example, in order to order a ceiling or calculate the area of a room.
- Simulate complex structures. Often used for ceiling or flooring when a client wants to create an unusual pattern.
- Make a right angle. It is not easy to measure 90 degrees with a regular centimeter. For example, in order to symmetrically hang the shelves on the wall.
- Lay communication correctly. Such a device greatly simplifies the task.
- Quick calculation of the area of the room and premises.
- Expose window frames and doorways evenly. You no longer need to worry about constant distortions.
- Glue the tiles exactly. In this case, you do not have to worry about holes in the corners.
- Screed. Floor laying takes much less time.
- Place piles and columns.
- Simplifies concrete work.
- Aligning walls and partitions.
There are no downsides to using the device.
Main characteristics
There are several parameters to help you choose the right meter.
Before buying, you should understand why the device will be used. If the client only wants to hang the shelves, then you should not choose a laser level with a lot of additional functions. They will not be used, but will only complicate the operation.
The number of rays and their direction
The standard option is a vertical line, a horizontal line and their intersection point. The multifunctional device has a large number of beams - from 5 to 7. Then the directions will be along an inclined line and parallel. There are options with just one beam.
Error
Consideration should be given to inaccuracy because this parameter affects the measurement accuracy.For home use, this parameter is not as important as for professional construction work. The device is highly accurate and expensive.
The error for household appliances is from 0.5 to 1.5 mm, and for professional ones - less than 0.5 mm.
Measurement range
The measuring range is the longest distance the laser beam can reach. For work in an apartment or house, up to 10-15 meters is enough. If the device is to be used outdoors, then this indicator should be higher (from 20 meters).
Power type
There are two options for powering the laser level - batteries or rechargeable batteries. If the device is used very often, then it is better to choose the second option, because it is designed for a long service life. For home use, the first is also suitable, since the device is not needed for every day. The batteries can be easily replaced when needed.
To be on the safe side, it's always best to have another battery or spare batteries.
Extra options
When choosing a device, you should pay attention not only to the main characteristics, but also to take into account additional ones. These include dust protection, moisture protection, self-leveling and self-shutdown.
Dust and moisture protection
If this characteristic is not very important for home use, then it is necessary for frequent construction work. It may rain, snow or other precipitation outside, which negatively affects the performance of the device.
When buying, you should pay attention to the protection class. It is best to choose a parameter from IP54. So the laser level will be reliably protected from permanent dust and dirt. Thanks to this, it will last much longer.
Self-shutdown
This parameter is optional, but it makes things easier. If a person does not use the device for more than 20 minutes, then he can turn off in the machine, having previously issued a signal. This setting allows you to keep the battery capacity much longer
Temperature range
Some devices work only at air temperatures above zero degrees Celsius. This is inconvenient if a person wants to use the device outdoors in winter. It is better to choose a temperature range from -10 to +40.
Self-leveling
At any displacement, even small, the device emits a signal. It can be a sound or flashing on the display. Then the person realizes that the meter needs to be slightly shifted to its original position. This parameter is found in many popular models.
Also, the device may have a flashing light when the battery ends.
If you need to build a markup at an angle, then this feature can be disabled.
Beam color
This parameter is not important for some users, while others try two options. Primary colors are red or green. Red is clearly visible from a distance, but green does not fade in sunlight.
Often they use the main device with a red beam, and the additional one with a green one. It is so easy to distinguish between major and minor lines.
You can see the color of the beam when buying in a store or on the manufacturer's website.
Kinds
Manual leveling
The main characteristic of a laser level is beam alignment. In the simplest models, this parameter is manually adjusted using a bubble level. It is directly inserted into the body of the instrument.
Before starting work, you need to tilt the device and set the position of the bubble. Then you can get to work.
Self-leveling
Self-leveling levels are much more common. Using them is much easier and takes less time. There are two types - electronic and pendulum. What are their differences?
- Electronic
This type is the most accurate, therefore specialists choose it. There is a mechanism inside that takes the slope sensor into account, and aligns using complex calculations. The main advantage is the absence of measurement errors.
- Pendulum
This device has a pendulum inside with laser diodes. They emit light. The pendulum takes the position when the diodes hit the vertical and horizontal.
Choosing a laser level
How to choose a laser level? Today, online stores have a large selection of laser levels, so choosing the right one is not so easy. Many customers are pricing oriented, but this is not true. Consider what work needs to be done with the measuring device.
Where is the best place to buy a laser level? It is better to study the characteristics and reviews on the site. You can go to the store and explore the selection. So you can understand the approximate weight and compactness of a particular model. It is not always possible to get caught by a consultant who understands this issue, so it is better to study this issue yourself. One of the options is to order from Ali Express.
Rack level
Rack level is the simplest device. It is suitable for household use, because its capabilities are limited due to the lack of additional functions. The scope of application is small housework. For household use, it makes no sense to buy an expensive device.
The main advantage is low cost. The average price is 3000-4000 rubles.
There is a more sophisticated device that can show positions not only horizontally, but also vertically. It is made in the form of a cross and directs the rays in different directions. Minus - cannot be used on the floor, only on the wall. The approximate cost is 5000 rubles.
Laser levels
Professional levels include laser levels. They can be used both in domestic conditions and for frequent construction work. Often a tripod is included, which provides a projection of the beam in a circle. There may also be special glasses that help to recognize the beam at long distances. So, for example, the green beam is much better visible. The main advantage is the construction of not only a straight line at different angles, but also an oblique one. For some construction work, this function is required.
Rotary levels
The differences of this type are the highest class and the highest cost of devices. For domestic use, this option is rarely chosen. The main difference from others is the projection of several parallel rays to any height. So there is no need to make preliminary marking with a marker, but the installation is done along the beam. Used for professional construction work. The price starts from 65,000 rubles.
Pros of the laser level
There are several advantages to using a laser level:
- The speed of work. You no longer need to run around the house with a measuring tape and mark the distance with a marker. Anyone who has tried once will never return to another measurement option.
- Almost any operation can be done by one person. You no longer need to hire workers who will have to pay big money or ask a friend for help with measurements.
- High measurement accuracy.
- Very small error for most devices.
- A straight line helps you get the job done in real time. No need to measure the distances and draw the entire wall with a pencil.
- Doesn't require any skills. Can be used even without instructions.
Rating of quality laser levels
There is a large assortment of measuring instruments on the market, so choosing the right one can be very difficult. In order to remain exactly satisfied with the purchase, you should study the main characteristics, pros and cons. Consider the rating of high quality laser levels with good reviews.
Laser level Bort BLN-15-K
The Bort BLN-15-K laser level is a popular device preferred by a large number of users. It has a precise laser beam that can be used for a wide variety of targets. For example, in order to glue the wallpaper exactly, nail a shelf, hang a picture and many other repair work. It can be used in the dark because there is an additional flashlight illumination.
The ray color is red. Measurement range - up to 15 meters.
The box contains not only the device itself, but also glasses for work, a carrying strap and a battery. Bort BLN-15-K is ideal for home use.
The approximate price is 2300-2500 rubles.
Advantages:
- Affordable price;
- High-quality assembly;
- Simple to use;
- There is a backlight and automatic alignment;
- Accuracy 0.2 mm per meter.
Disadvantages:
- Not.
Laser level ADA instruments CUBE MINI Basic Edition
The ADA instruments CUBE MINI Basic Edition laser level is small and easy to use. It projects rays along one horizontal and one vertical line. With this device, you can make home repairs yourself. There will be no more problems with wallpapering, installing the ceiling and cornices.
The case is made of durable material, so there is no need to worry about breakage. Moisture protection - IP54. Weight - 190 grams. Due to its compactness, the device can always be taken with you.
Time of continuous work on AA batteries - up to 20 hours.
The approximate cost is 2000-2200 rubles.
Advantages:
- Affordable price;
- Compact and lightweight;
- Easy to use
- Long service life.
Disadvantages:
- The beam is hard to see without glasses.
INSTRUMAX ELEMENT 2D laser level
The INSTRUMAX ELEMENT 2D laser level produces green beams that are clearly visible even at a distance. Length - up to 30 meters. It can be used for foundation, facade and fence installation. Can also be used indoors. There are 3 projection options - vertical, horizontal and cross. Moreover, the beam can be directed both to the floor, to the wall or ceiling.
The level is made of high quality materials, so you shouldn't worry about bumps and scratches.
The cost is 2500 rubles.
Advantages:
- Affordable price;
- Compactness;
- A set of functions;
- Copes with its task perfectly;
- Easy to use.
Disadvantages:
- Not.
Laser level BOSCH UniversalLevel 2 Set
BOSCH laser level performs automatic vertical and horizontal marking. It is very easy to use for construction works of varying complexity.
Advantages:
- There is a self-leveling function;
- There are several modes;
- Bright lines;
- Good build quality
- Range up to 10 meters;
- There is a cover included;
- Battery charge lasts for a long time;
- Long service life.
Disadvantages:
- Not.
Laser level ELITECH LN 5
The Elitech LN 5 laser level is a measuring device that operates on three AA batteries. Projects a horizontal and vertical line and an intersection point. The measurement range is from 40 to 70 meters. The main advantage is the included tripod.
It is ideal for home use.
Advantages:
- Wide range of uses;
- There is a receiver that provides a far beam;
- There is a self-leveling function that can be turned off;
- 2 control buttons.
Disadvantages:
- No hard case.
Condtrol QB laser level
The Condtrol QB laser level is a measuring device with simple operation and a robust housing. It projects vertical and horizontal. For most jobs at home, this is sufficient.
The laser beam is bright red, so it is clearly visible even in poor lighting conditions. Measurement range - 10 meters.
The cost is 2300 rubles.
Advantages:
- Price;
- Compactness;
- Quality of materials;
- A tripod is included.
Disadvantages:
- Thick beam.
A beginner in construction and renovation work may find it difficult to independently choose a laser level. To find the right device, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the rating of the best laser levels.
If you have experience using laser levels, tell us about your device in the comments.
