I’ve decided to make the big move out of the Bronze Age and replace my water level with a laser type. I’ve been trying to find a good review/test of laser levels, but haven’t been able to so far. I probably just need one that projects a point, though a line might be nice. There seems to be such a wide range in price; I’d like to know what the costlier models (over $500) have to offer over the less expensive ones for general construction/framing use. I also want one that is easily recalibrated so I can check it for accuracy against my trusty water level and adjust it accordingly. Any recommendations?
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
The Paslode cordless siding and fencing nailer drives fasteners reliably without the hassle of hoses or compressors.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
what are ya gonna use it for?
I only have a cheapie straight line lazer right now, but have been looking at buying a real one...and the app's play a good part in which works best for ya.
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
Just picked up a RoboLaser and it works fairly well. I think they're available now for about $230. They now come with a free line generator attachment which makes it even nicer. I'd rather have a rotary laser but not for more than twice the cost. This one is self leveling and has a remote so one person can operate. http://www.robotoolz.com/robolaser.html -Ed
I had a RoboLaser as well and it worked very well, Easy to level and use with the remote. I didn't find the line projection useful outdoors as it wasn't bright enough, but the spot was enough for what I was doing. I don't have it anymore as it was stolen along with my other tools back in October. I'd like to replace it but at the moment I have done all the stuff I really needed it for.
Robert
I'm thinking the ultimate combo would be the Robolaser for most interior apps...
and the PSL5 for all the other layout stuff.
Have worked with the PLS 5 for a coupla days...top of the line.
and have good things about the robo....got to use the DeWalt rotary...but the Robo looks to do all the same for less money.
Think Tool Crib has the Robo recond.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
I have been using the Robotoolz unit for about a month now, and I think that dollar for dollar, it's a great addition to the bag of tricks. My unit cost $199 from Amazon, it shoots five points...two horizontal, one 90 degrees to that, and two vertical points. I has a ton of uses, and while the spinning circle might be nice, getting all the other features AND the spin feature would have made it too pricey...about double.
I wish it self leveled faster....it takes about 5 seconds ...and it seems very sensitive to vibration....if you are walking near it, it will sense the vibration and re-self-align. My purchase include the multi piece post kit, which is a must. The only problem I have had is a design issue, and it's with the pole kit. The pins used to secure the threaded inserts in the tubes back themselves out and need to be tapped back into place often. So often that I decided to figure a permanent fix for the problem. Just haven't done it yet!
Jake Gulick
[email protected]
CarriageHouse Design
Black Rock, CT
Thanks for the replies. It sounds like the robolaser would do enough for me given that I just want it for general framing use. I'm still wondering if it can be adjusted/recalibrated in the event that I check it against something that is truly level (my water level) and realize that it has somehow gotten out of alignment. I know this can be done with the optic type ("builder's level"). Is the self leveling mechanism something that can be messed with in the field? Are the more expensive models more durable, do they stay truer longer? Can anyone speak to this? Thanks.
I've got the smallest robolaser(gravity self levling not self calibrating)and have recalibrated once in three years.It was an easy process.I've used lasers 15 years and find this robo tool dependable enough for simple projects.Later,Mike
We just replaced a David White manual leveling with a CST/berger Lasermark 600 self leveling, the new one cost about a grand but is a joy to set up.
I recently purchased the Robotoolz RT7610-5. I use it regularly with good results. It seems to be accurate and is easy to recalibrate. It costs just under $200. It projects 5 simultaneous beams that mark the wall or whatever with a cross mark. I tried several of the others but liked this one for the money.