Are laser levels worth it?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 904
Likes: 0
From: PHOENIX
Are laser levels worth it?
Does anyone have a laser level and if so, what do you use it for most?
Also, what kind is it?
I am wondering if I really need/could use one and if the cheaper ones are good too.
I am not a contractor, just have a new house that needs to be painted and a few things need to be hung up.
I think my house is fine, but my girlfriend thinks it needs color and stuff on the walls.
Also, what kind is it?
I am wondering if I really need/could use one and if the cheaper ones are good too.
I am not a contractor, just have a new house that needs to be painted and a few things need to be hung up.
I think my house is fine, but my girlfriend thinks it needs color and stuff on the walls.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,548
Likes: 5,589
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
i had one given to me about 10 years ago. it is a good one, built into a 24 inch aluminum level. i have used the laser 1 time, when i mounted it on my camera tripod to use as a straight line for shooting grades on a driveway when my transit was in another vehicle out of town.
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
Steve, don't you like that you got the same two guys answering your posts?
I have used may types of lasers and like them all. I use the regular levels and transits too. All of them work. The visible lasers work well inside and the spinning type lasers are for outdoors(mainly for better distance).
There are too many types to choose from for general use. Use one in your budget and you will be fine.
Have fun with the home projects!
I have used may types of lasers and like them all. I use the regular levels and transits too. All of them work. The visible lasers work well inside and the spinning type lasers are for outdoors(mainly for better distance).
There are too many types to choose from for general use. Use one in your budget and you will be fine.
Have fun with the home projects!
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,904
Likes: 76
From: Wayland, MI
I have a Craftsman laser level, it can mount on a wall or on a tri pod. I used it quite a bit when I remodeled the old basement a couple years ago. Very handy tool after you get one you will find many uses for it.
Toyman
Toyman
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 531
Likes: 1
From: New Mexico
I know that the multiple direction ones can be deceiving in their accuracy. One direction is just a mirror of the one across from it and it can be off by a bunch. I have two separate ones---one on a 24 inch straightedge level and the other on a six inch level. They are both very accurate. And I use them both.
Now, where was that laser when they were building the pyramids of Egypt, the Empire State building or the Golden Gate Bridge? OK, so they are not absolutely necessary but thats the beauty of tools. We have more than we need but not as many as we want. Cool, huh?
Now, where was that laser when they were building the pyramids of Egypt, the Empire State building or the Golden Gate Bridge? OK, so they are not absolutely necessary but thats the beauty of tools. We have more than we need but not as many as we want. Cool, huh?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,498
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From: Windsor, Colorado
I have a couple different ones, but the only one I actually use is the non visible one with the reciever. It the only way to go for grading and setting forms. The one I have is close to 10 years old now, but works great. The only time i have used the visible ones is setting cabinets. Worked ok, but could have done it just fine without it.
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Tuned
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 454
Likes: 1
From: College Station TX
If you are looking at getting one of the cheap homeowners models, check out the specs for accuracy. Some of them can be way off and still be within their specs. I never used one on small jobs because a bubble level works just fine. If you want a level that you can have forever and won't have to worry about it being off, get a Sand's level. They take a beating and stay true. The cheap ones at Home Depot may be off when you take it off the shelf.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 42,085
Likes: 6
From: Lakewood, Ca.
You need another Steve to answer your post!
Like mudmaker,I use a rotating-beam laser for setting forms and grading. I don't think you would really need one of that type for work around the house. It might be nice to have the level-type laser for projects inside, but you probably don't really need it. But, that's never stopped me from buying a tool!
Like mudmaker,I use a rotating-beam laser for setting forms and grading. I don't think you would really need one of that type for work around the house. It might be nice to have the level-type laser for projects inside, but you probably don't really need it. But, that's never stopped me from buying a tool!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,288
Likes: 0
From: Leamington, Ontario
Here's another Steve to answer this post. I've got one of those that are mounted into a 24" level and I've never used the laser part. The way is see it is if you can measure and have a level you can do the same thing as with a laser level. They're pretty much just a crutch for people who can't measure IMO.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 489
Likes: 2
From: Between Shelby / Avoca Ia
I like them for installing the wire mesh closet shelves by my self. You just measure once and then you have the line on all 3 walls. It saves alot of time when you are outfitting a whole house.
