Whether you’re hanging a picture or a mirror in your home, framing out new walls or hanging wall tiles, it’s important to do it properly and make sure it’s even. But how do you know whether it’s even or not? Simple – you use a laser level. Laser levels make these jobs much easier, and help you demarcate a straight line with accuracy that wasn’t possible until they became popular.
Whether you’re a general contractor, a DIY homeowner or a handyman, the best laser level for you will depend on your specific needs, and the projects you’re working on. All laser levels have something in common – the fact that they’re very easy to use. While there’s nothing wrong with the carpenter’s level that has a bubble indicator, it’s a tool that’s incapable of leveling longer surfaces than it’s size, which is typically about a meter long.
There are various different types of lasers on the market, and their price can range from about $20 to over $500. If it’s a basic cross laser level you need, you should look for these basic features:
- a self-leveling mechanism
- automatic out-of-level indicator, and
- a minimum of 10 metre range.
If you’re a contractor that does larger scale leveling jobs, you might want a laser with better performance and features.
A typical cross laser level can create either one or two laser lines, both horizontal and(or) vertical along a working surface. This laser keeps your hands free and allows you to work on your projects stress free. Most basic models offer about 10 to 20 metres range, but a laser with more range can save you a money in the future if you plan on working on a larger scale job.
Rotary lasers are slightly more advanced models, and they can level an entire room all at once. You place the rotary laser at the centre of the room and it’ll “shoot” laser lines in 360°. There are rotary lasers of various different sizes, some are small and can fit right into your pocket, while others can be slightly larger and less portable.
Regardless which type of laser you choose to go for, you need to consider the batteries they use, and the materials they’re made from. Some jobs may have to be performed in outdoor or moist areas, so the housing of the laser should be rugged and moisture resistant. Newly designed lasers will typically run on lithium-ion batteries instead of the conventional lead-acid.
