In construction and surveying, laser levels are control tools that consist of laser beam projectors affixed to tripods, which are leveled based on the tool’s accuracy and project a fixed green or red beam along the vertical or horizontal axis.
A laser level uses a focused and amplified beam of light called a laser. The light emits from solid-state devices known as diodes. Light-emitting diodes are more popularly known as LEDs.
You can find these on many devices, such as remote controls, digital clocks, and televisions. Lasers work through the stimulation of certain electrons which produce a beam of light. A laser beam results when prisms or mirrors collect the light, guiding it in a single direction.
A laser level projects a steady beam of light which you can use a visible chalk line whenever a level and straight reference point is required. It is important to note that the diode size determines the size or range of the beam of light. In most cases, a smaller diode is suitable. The reason for this is that a small beam of light offers great precision.
A majority of laser levels emit red beams of light. A few manufacturers are producing and marketing green laser levels that are up to 400% brighter compared to red lasers. This feature makes green laser levels more visible and useful for many indoor applications.
The downside is that the technology required to emit green light needs more energy compared to red light. Therefore, these laser levels do not have a great battery life. Moreover, red laser levels are usually more reliable and accurate over a wide temperature range.
A laser level often comprises of low-intensity and small diodes with alkaline or rechargeable batteries as a power source. As with most lasers, it is not advisable to look directly at the laser level’s light as it could hurt your eyes. We recommend that you put on your safety goggles when working with laser levels. Never point the laser’s light at another person.
In This Article You Will Learn…History And DevelopmentTypes Of Laser LevelsPoint GeneratorDot LaserLine LaserRotary LaserUses Of A Laser LevelSite LayoutGradingDrainage SystemFence PostOther UsesHow To Use A Laser Level?For Indoor UseFor Outdoors UseManufacturersBoschDeWaltPacific Laser Systems (PLS)Maintenance And CareConclusion
History And Development
Construction laser levels are more than fifty years old. Fortunately, the first big laser level preceded numerous smarter and smaller devices. Theodore Maiman captured the world’s attention with the introduction of the first laser level in 1960. A few other scientists who used different materials duplicated his technology soon after.
Physicists developing laser levels soon set up corporations to commercialize and market their unique inventions. Unfortunately, a majority of early startups did not succeed. Spectra-Physics was the first company that tasted success.
The company is based in Dayton, Ohio and is one of the largest and most established construction laser companies in the world today. It is now called Spectra Precision. The company launched a laser level for construction businesses in 1968 which was very successful.
According to industry sources, laser levels raised the productivity of interior construction contractors by up to 50%. After 1972, many laser level companies started manufacturing tools, closely matching the requirements of the construction industry. Spectra introduced the new self-leveling laser level in 1973, and many companies soon followed suit.
Self-leveling laser levels provide more leveling assurance. Once you roughly level the tool, it has a compensator that ensures it stays level. The assurance provided by the leveled beam helped save contractors considerable time and reduced the likelihood of errors, increasing the productivity of workers.
Another noticeable advancement was the launch of the ninety-degree split laser level for design and layout work. This feature allowed the workers to install straight walls and square partition corners quickly.
The biggest breakthrough in the 1990s was the introduction of the first visible laser diode. Before the 1990s, all interior laser levels relied on the helium-neon laser tube. Diode laser levels can last up to 30,000 hours, dramatically higher than their helium-neon counterparts.
Momentum Laser-based in Santa Clara, CA, introduced the new manual leveled laser level with visible light diodes.
According to the company’s vice president, this laser was the original rotary laser level specifically designed for mass production. The product was available for $388, which was significantly lower than the price of the cheapest rotary lasers available on the market.
A lot of companies boasted they had the most accurate and brightest laser levels on the market; however, they achieved this in different ways. Momentum uses technology that rotates the diodes directly, rather than reflecting the light beam through a mirror or prism.
Spectra Precision, on the other hand, uses a unique auto-focus technology to focus the light beam to almost a tenth of its actual diameter, consequently raising the brightness level 100 times.
Topcon is another manufacturer that specializes in green laser levels. This effect is mainly because a green laser light with a specific intensity has more visibility compared to a red laser light of similar intensity.
Only a handful of industries have witnessed price drops as dramatic as the laser industry. It is alarming to notice that rotating laser levels with nearly the same features and specs as you can purchase the old ones at just one-tenth of the cost. Moreover, they tend to last about a hundred times longer and come with benefits such as cordless scanning and operation.
The earliest versions of laser levels were often restricted to indoor use as their light lacked the brightness to be visible outdoors. These days, you can use more powerful, accurate and brighter laser levels both outdoors and indoors. Also, many advanced models are for use with light detectors that read the laser level’s light.
Types Of Laser Levels
A laser level is an important tool in any construction project. Whether it is a home renovation or addition, you will find this tool extremely useful. For construction contractors and homeowners who have little experience with laser levels, it is important to choose the right level.
You may get overwhelmed determining which type of laser level is right for you as there are so many models available on the market. The discussion below will help you compare the different types of laser levels so you can choose the right one for your specific needs.
Point Generator
The simplest kind of laser level is the point generator. It is usually a basic spirit laser level that can shoot or project a laser dot. At times, point generators also incorporate line generators that you can flip down in front of a beam of light.
Dot Laser
A dot laser level projects a simple point. The point could be square, level, or plumb. A huge variety of dot laser models are available in the market in the price range of $20 and more than $500.
A majority of less expensive models are suitable for indoor applications, while more expensive models are ideal for using outdoors. These lasers work similar to laser plumb bobs or reference points.
Line Laser
Line lasers are point-to-point laser levels that can project multiple vertical and horizontal laser lines with several LEDs. These laser lines can reach a distance of about 60 feet to 100 feet. Line lasers are mainly for home and indoor use. Usually, they have both plumb-down and plumb-up capabilities.
A majority of line lasers are small and hand-held. You can position them on your sawhorse, ladder, or desk or mount them to a light laser platform or jamb-pole that can extend from the ceiling to the floor.
Some of the latest models incorporate pulsing light technology that often operates with light detectors. This feature allows the laser levels to be used in brighter indoor spaces as well as outdoors. Line laser has a wide price range varying from just $40 to more than $600.
Rotary Laser
A rotary laser level projects a rotating dot that creates a 360-degree line. Detectors are often used to read laser lines that cover long distances. A majority of rotary laser levels also include single line generators and have plumb down and plumb up capabilities.
They are ideal for most outdoor work, like laying foundations, grading roads, or laying pipes. Rotary lasers are more expensive and accurate than other types of laser levels. Their prices vary from about $250 to more than $2,000.
A great benefit of a rotary laser level is that you have both manual-leveling and self-leveling options at your disposal. Plus, you can operate them with remote controls which is very convenient.
A rotary laser level is typically a bit larger and mounted on strong surveying tripods. A few rotary laser models can be laid sideways with an optional trivet, allowing them to project on vertical planes when positioned this way easily.
A single laser rotation makes your eye think you see a line around an entire room. This reason is why they are called rotary lasers.
A lot of rotary laser levels tend to work quite well indoors; however, for outdoor work, you will require a laser detector or laser receiver to get the best results because in bright daylight your eyes are not able to see the laser light for more than a few feet.
Uses Of A Laser Level
A laser level is one of the most commonly used tools, especially in construction. From shooting grades to hanging cabinets, it is great for achieving an accurate level.
Although you can do a few leveling and aligning tasks manually, when it comes to large-scale construction there is nothing better than a laser level. Laser levels reduce workload and save time. These are some uses of laser levels.
Site Layout
For most new construction jobs, it is crucial to have a site layout plan because the layout plan has a huge impact on the safety, cost, and productivity of construction work.
It is easier for construction workers to do their jobs easily and effectively when the foundation is leveled and flawless. Although you can use water levels for this task, laser levels often give the most leveled and aligned foundations.
Grading
Perhaps the most critical and trickiest part of many construction jobs is shooting a grade. It is more difficult than forming footers or laying pipes. Grading is a process that tests the elevation of a construction site to figure out its most suitable and accurate leveling ground.
With inadequate grading, the entire construction work could be hampered or adversely impacted. You will require a suitable laser level to properly shoot the grade along with other tools such as a laser detector, grading rod and tripod.
Drainage System
Contouring an area’s drainage system is another tricky task and a major concern for any construction contractor. An adequate drainage system helps ensure the smooth flow of water through the right channel and proper drainage area to avoid problems like overflow. Any mistake can lead to problems for the entire building.
So, to get the most accurate and proper slope that allows water to channel adequately, the best option is to use a rotary laser. Using this laser level can help ensure the drainage system works smoothly and also minimize the workers’ workload. With a laser level, there is no need to measure every inch for accuracy which makes the work less tedious.
Fence Post
Aligning a fence can be challenging at times, especially when it is long. Aligned fences are not just visually appealing, but they also ensure that the boundary remains accurate. To make this job simpler, mount a laser level on a trivet and identify the laser with a laser detector.
Then use wooden stakes to carefully mark the spots where the beam makes contact with the detector and position the posts on all these spots.
Other Uses
You can use laser levels in various other tasks as well; for instance, pipe installation requires precise measurement to avoid any mistake. Although you can take the measurements manually, a laser level will quickly provide a flawless reading. It is an ideal tool for the installation of drop ceilings or framing of window and door panels too.
How To Use A Laser Level?
Follow the steps to use your laser level correctly to ensure accurate results:
For Indoor Use
For Outdoors Use
Manufacturers
Laser levels are allowing workers in different trades to work faster and more accurately. There are numerous manufacturers of laser levels as this tool has grown immensely in popularity in the last two decades. We will discuss some of the top-rated brands of laser levels.
Bosch
Bosch is a multinational electronics and engineering company founded in Germany. With the company’s unique laser technology, users throughout the world can be productive, while saving time and increasing profitability through greater precision and accuracy on their job sites.
Bosch offers a wide range of laser measures, line lasers, rotary lasers, digital levels, point lasers, optical levels and various other measuring tools and accessories. The company provides engineering solutions for many different applications. With Bosch laser levels and measuring tools, you will work smarter.
DeWalt
Another leading brand in the industry, DeWalt is a manufacturer of hand tools and power tools based in the US. The company makes power tools for the manufacturing, construction, and woodworking industries.
You can get pinpoint laser precision in your work with DeWalt’s extensive array of laser tools. The company makes line lasers, laser levels, spot laser levels, rotary laser levels, laser distance measurers, and optical levels.
The laser products are precision designed to achieve accuracy in all aspects of work from job site grading to leveling and similar complex measurements. All DeWalt laser tools feature a trademark guaranteed strong design to ensure users get their jobs done right, each time.
Pacific Laser Systems (PLS)
PLS laser tools are designed to ease construction tasks such as site layout and leveling. All laser tools produced by the company are compact, self-leveling, and durable which accomplish tasks by determining level, plumb, and square reference.
PLS laser levels offer crisp and bright reference lines and points, for accurate and quick layout. Professional contractors with more than fifty years of experience in both residential and commercial exterior and interior layout develop the tools.
Maintenance And Care
Like most other construction tools care and maintenance are essential for laser levels. Follow these tips to keep the laser level in good shape and increase its longevity:
Conclusion
We have discussed what a laser level is and how it can help contractors in various tasks. We have discussed the history and development of laser levels. We have looked at the different types of laser levels such as point generator, line laser and rotary laser and how these different types differ from each other.
We have highlighted some important uses of laser levels in areas such as site layout, drainage systems, and alignment of fence posts.
We have provided instructions on how you can use a laser level both indoors and outdoors. We also covered some of the leading manufacturers of laser levels. We also listed a few maintenance and care tips to keep your laser level in good condition and increase its useful life.
Our buying guide will discuss the different features that you should consider when buying a laser level along with some recommendations.
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