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We recently took a sample of three industry leading tool companies, and compared their entry-level lasers. The body is light enough to easily be handled when manually measuring or leveling. The tape measure comes with both metric and imperial markings. The triple positioned bubble level is a great addition if you want to double check your leveling work after you have finished. There are several types of laser levels, so we did the research for you, and then narrowed the choices down to the ones best suited to average and more advanced DIYer. There are two types of projections, a forward projection and a 360 projection.
Shop laser levels and a variety of tools products online at Lowes.com. This long-reaching laser can has a range of up to 165 ft. when used with a detector . Achieve precise positioning with a fine-adjust knob and supreme accuracy with 1/8 in. Projects dewalt tools bright horizontal and vertical lines that can be used independently or as a cross. The included BM3 Positioning Device offers quick setup in ceiling grid applications, and can also be screwed to a stud or wall and has a micro fine height adjustment.
I have other 12-volt Dewalt tools which allow me the option of using my other 12-volt batteries, if needed. The cleanest, thinnest line was the Stabila LAX300 G. This is the line that will give you the MOST ACCURATE indication. Second to the Stabila, was the Bosch GLL 100 G laser which was also very clean. The Dewalt lines were super bright, thick and a bit fuzzy.
The base of the laser has a vertical sliding adjustment allowing micro height adjustments. The laser swivels 360 in its base, and allows laser coverage for approximately 300 degrees on its base – a really nice feature! A metal plate is provided to screw to a wall and allow the laser to slide vertically via its magnets. Lasers are classified for safety purposes based on their potential for causing injury to humans’ eyes and skin.
To survive the abuse of a professional worksite, this level is built to take punishment. The level also uses DEWALT’s interchangeable 12-volt battery platform, meaning you can reuse the same battery for most types of power tools of the same brand. Beyond the highly accurate laser level, this one also comes with a three-axis bubble level and eight-foot-long measuring tape.
After you dig 3 inches down and place the grade rod in the hole, you should hear a beep and read that the laser is hitting the detector. This is verification that you have dug the 3 inches deep. Let’s begin with the most common laser found on a jobsite, the line laser. A line laser projects an accurate horizontal or vertical illuminated line onto the surface at which the laser is pointed. Use line lasers indoors when installing cabinetry, tile, a drop ceiling, or for basic leveling.
They can also be used outdoors when framing or installing a deck. It is resistant to water and debris, thanks to the over-molded housing and IP65. Kit includes Blow Mold Case, Extended Ceiling Bracket, 12-Volt Battery, Charger and Green 3 x 360° Line Laser. Indoors, the lines of both laser levels are visible to at least 100′ forward. The left/right 180° fan of the forward lines however, are barely visible past ten feet on either laser. This is good enough for hallways but for large rooms you need to spin the laser toward the wall you’re working on.
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Set atop a 5′ tripod the DeWalt, right, needs to be about 10′ away from a wall for the vertical line to run floor to ceiling. Here it’s about 8′ away and the line still doesn’t hit the floor. The Makita, left, on a 5′ tripod not only hits the floor but comes to within 3′ of the tripod base. But working in small rooms on a tripod is easier with the Makita. The Dewalt DW088LG 12-volt laser uses a T-Stak box, thus giving it the “best case award.” Second was the Bosch case, which resembles their older jig saw cases.