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How do I Choose the Best Laser Level Tools?

Jennifer Voight
Jennifer Voight

When choosing laser level tools, it is important to consider what type of job the laser level will be used to help complete. A home improvement project might require a manual line level, while a professional framer might require an auto-leveling rotary laser level. Different jobs and sites may have vastly differing leveling requirements, like accuracy, range, and whether or not a manual or self-leveling laser is needed. No matter what the job, a long battery life and a highly visible beam are important when choosing the best laser levels for the job.

There are many different types of laser level tools available in a wide range of prices. Home improvement centers carry basic manual line laser levels that adhere to a wall and are useful for basic home maintenance projects, like hanging pictures. Construction professionals require more complex laser level tools in higher price ranges. Some laser levels are rotary laser levels that are made up of a head that rotates and projects the laser onto mirrors, making a 360-degree line around a room or job site. These more complex laser levels are mounted on tripods and may have auto-leveling features that allow the laser level to recalibrate itself when bumped. These can be useful in unstable job sites.

A simple laser with one beam may be the best tool for small, indoor jobs.
A simple laser with one beam may be the best tool for small, indoor jobs.

One factor to consider is where the laser level will be used. An indoor job will require a single- or multiple-line laser level. Laser levels that project multiple lines may project lasers in a grid pattern that can be useful when installing cabinetry or doing work where a high degree of precision is required. A highly accurate laser level can be an important tool that insures level surfaces in structures.

Outdoor jobs are more likely to require a self-leveling rotating laser level tool. Although this option will be more expensive, its use can save time and work hours in the long term. Jobs in large outdoor spaces will need a laser level that has a high accuracy rate over a long range.

Stability of the job site will be a consideration when choosing the best laser level tools. A manual laser level will be a cost-effective option for most indoor jobs. Outdoor jobs where the laser level is likely to be bumped multiple times are likely to need a self-leveling laser level. A rotary laser level is perhaps the most useful when jobs will be taking place both inside and outdoors.

Discussion Comments

anon353284

I think the Dewalt levels look like the best ones.

indemnifyme

@Azuza - I never thought about it, but I bet a nice laser level is probably a good investment for artists who install their own work in gallery spaces. Can you imagine how it would look if the artwork wasn't hung up properly? I doubt the artist would make very many sales.

Azuza

I once used a Bosch laser level. I have a degree in art, and when I was doing my senior thesis show, I was trying to make a grid of a bunch of different pictures I had done on a wall.

I was completely clueless about how to make the pictures line up and how to make sure they were evenly space and hanging straight. Luckily, someone else in the class had brought a laser level, so that at least solved one of my problems. I did end up having to do a bunch of measuring so the pictures were evenly spaced though.

ceilingcat

@eidetic - That makes sense. I wouldn't want to spend a ton of money on something I don't use regularly either. However, I sometimes find that buying the absolute cheapest thing isn't the best idea because then it breaks. I usually got for something that is moderately priced.

eidetic

I have a laser level tool for hanging pictures. When I bought it, the factor I looked at the most was price. Since I knew I didn't need something that was the same quality as construction laser levels, I just bought the cheapest thing I could find online.

So far it's worked fine, although I only need to use it every once in awhile. If I needed to use a laser level on a more regular basis, I might have invested more money. But the cheap one works fine for what I need.

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    • A simple laser with one beam may be the best tool for small, indoor jobs.
      By: hacohob
      A simple laser with one beam may be the best tool for small, indoor jobs.