The general principle of Construction Laser levels

The Construction Laser device projects a continuous laser beam to form a solid line at a level point on horizontal and vertical areas, eliminating the need for drawing an imaginary line or bringing in a yardstick to connect the lines. Typically, the laser level will be fixed to particular spot on the wall or a central point in a room. Fixed laser levels throw a level beam against a wall or floor, while rotary lasers cast a beam around 360 degrees. Laser levels also offer options for manual or self-leveling.

When you select a Construction Laser to purchase, it is important to think about how you intend to use it: Indoors or outdoors? For small distances or large ones? Will you require a laser level on a whole room or plot? Would you need to measure or set a grade or even compound one? When you are clear on the functions you need, you can look for the features you would like for greater convenience and function. You might need laser detectors, a wall/ceiling mount platform, or a trivet for a side mount. You may like the convenience of options like self-leveling, displays, remote controls, rechargeable battery packs, or AC chargers. Or you may the most basic model you can buy that will get the job done. Whichever situation you find yourself in, here are some key terms to know when shopping for a construction laser level.

Manual laser levels

Fixed manual laser levels are useful on small jobs. Their low cost puts them in reach of Do-It-Yourselfers who want to assure a straight line when building shelves, or a who need to get beams align for an outdoor deck. Those jobs do not require the greater range and accuracy of electronic self-leveling lasers or rotary lasers.

Just like traditional levels, manual laser levels depend on a vial of liquid that the user looks to make a determination. But while the low-tech level can guide you to a straight line for that extends as far as the level itself, once you get beyond that 3 or 4 foot range, you can lose your line and, consequently, your accuracy. In contrast, the laser level projects a beam that draws the line for you, so you can get an accurate line for the entire length of the wall or floor or ceiling.

Self-leveling laser levels

The general rule about self-leveling laser levels is that they do cost more than manual ones, but that the time and uncertainty they save you offsets the expense.When working on larger projects, like the installation of multiple walls, doors, or window, self-leveling devices offer the assurance of greater accuracy and faster results. Most depend on an internal pendulum to establish the level, while others use a n electronic servo motor to establish the level. Self-leveling devices are design to alert the user or even shut off if they get out of level by 3% or more (depending on the model) to prevent stop you from using the beam as a reference and getting a false read. A straight line laser level suffices for most jobs with areas up to 150 feet. If the area is greater, or the job requires a level that cover 360 degrees, then you may want to upgrade to a rotary laser level.

Rotary Laser Levels

For jobs that call for covering the complete periphery of an area, laying foundation for a building, or even lighter jobs like the installation of a fence, chair rails, or a dropped ceiling, getting an all around level read can make all of the difference in the results. That’s when a rotary laser level is particularly useful.

Rotary Laser Levels are usually positioned in the center of a room , often on a tripod. From that central point, the levels casts its laser beam all around the room to get a complete 360 degree read. Models that come with an optional trivet, which allows them to operate when laid on the side, can also project a vertical plane that cuts through the floor, walls, and ceiling. Rotary Lasers are available in both manual-leveling or self-leveling models.

Laser detector

Rotary laser models designed for indoor use may not include a laser detector, which is essential for outdoor use because the laser line will not be apparent outside in daylight without it. Many detectors comprise an LCD screen for a visual guide, as well as an audible component to guide you through sound. It would emit a short beep when you're close to the point of being on level, and a steady tone when you've arrived at level. In addition to being absolutely indispensable for outdoor use, the laser detector can almost double the range of a rotary laser.

Grade Lasers Dual Slop/Single Slop Grede lasers

For outdoor jobs that require a setting for slope, you need a rotary laser designed to take a read on grade. Such devices cost more than standard rotary lasers, but they are crucial to professional whose work involves establishing a grade. Those include any form of landscaping or construction that needs to take proper drainage into account, including site preparation, parking garages, parking ramps, driveways, sports fields, tennis courts, or roads.

These types of lasers fall into two primary categories, the single slope and dual slope. The lowest cost option is the single grade one, which gives you a slope one axis at a time. Some single grade models have to be adjusted manually. That means you would have to figure out what the grade is to be and set your detector and rod to that grade, then manually moving the beam up or down until your detector comes on to center. In such models, there is no display on the laser to read the grade. The dual grade or dual slope laser costs more than the single one, but it also offers greater functionality and a built in display for the self-leveling grade. In addition to the ability of giving you a read on two slopes on separate axes at the same time, it also offers you the option of producing a compound grade.

The second is a dual slope this type will have a display to see the different grades on the laser and will usually be more expensive than the single slope laser. Dual slope lasers give you the option to induce a grade in both axes giving you a compound grade. In addition to giving you a read on level and grade, many models give you the vertical alignment and plumb. For extra convenience, some offer the feature of full function remote control. The ability to make grade changes without having to return to the unit greatly reduces setup time for better efficiency, especially on jobs that require multiple grade reads.

Handheld Distance lasers

We’ve all heard the adage, “Measure twice, cut once,” which points to how important it is to get accurate measurements before beginning a project. Accurate measurements are needed by anyone who is doing a survey, doing a site layout, checking slopes or and land elevations. It also is necessary in a host of construction projects, from leveling posts and beams, to aligning walls, setting windows at uniform height. Even installing cabinets, shelves, doors, molding, and trim requires precise measurements if one hopes to only cut once and not have to shave, patch, or fill in gaps that result from measuring incorrectly.
Getting the numbers surveyors, architects, engineers, or even home owners doing their own renovation projects used to involve the help of an assistant, notes, some guesswork and several calculations. You had to take out a tape measure, find someone to hold the other end steady for you, write down the numbers, and then work out the calculations for the area. The drawback to that method was that it takes time and can be quite a bit off in accuracy. Even if the tape measure is completely accurate and has not stretched or warped with use, if is not held perfectly straight and taut, your results could be off by several inches, and the discrepancy would only grow as you came up with the figure for the area.
Now there is a far better way to get measurements within seconds and with an accuracy within just 1/16 and even 1/32 of an inch. Leica Disto Laser Distance meters are designed to take the hassle and guesswork out of measuring. Instead of rolling out a tape, you simply aim at a target, like a wall, corner of a house, or a mark you set up and press a button to get the measurement in as little as 4 seconds. It will only take seconds more to get the square footage and volume of what you measure because the device does the calculations for you.
Aside from the assurance of a true measurement and the benefit of saved time, measuring with a Leica Disto Laser Distance meter eliminates a great deal of inconvenience. You don’t have to drop everything else to take your measurement because the device can be operated with just one hand. You don’t have to write down the results because the device records it for you. You also don’t have to climb over anything or take along a flashlight to dark places you need to measure because you stay put while the laser goes the distance for you and provides its own built in light for the screen display.
There are a number of different Leica Disto Laser meters to choose from. Which one you select would depend on your needs.
For someone with a need to measure simple, indoor distances, like when taking measurements for windows, doors, and ceiling of a residence, a simple device can suffice. The Disto D2 is very affordably priced and very easy to carry with dimensions of 4.37x1.6x .9” and a weight of just over 3 ½ ounces. It has a membrane keyboard, LCD display, 10 recall values, and an accuracy within .06 inches. It can take measurements up to 195’ with a target and up to 125’ without one in daylight. It offers 2 measuring methods.
For someone with a need to measure somewhat greater distances like the exterior of house, an office layout, or a moderately sized lot, the Disto D330 offers some more options. It is somewhat bulkier, but still easy to carry at 5.0x1.9x1.1” and a weight of 5.26 ounces. It has an illuminated soft touch keyboard, LCD display, 20 recall values, and an accuracy within .04 inches. It can take measurements up to 328’ with a target and up to 225’ without one in daylight. It offers 4 measuring methods. It also has a built in level for up to 45 degrees and a tripod mount of ¼” - 20.
It also has an auto sensing positioning bracket and +/- 0.3degree accuracy to the beam and the housing. The Disto 330i offers all of the features of the 330 plus a Bluetooth computer interface, which allows for your measurements to seamlessly transfer into your computer applications.
For greater range, particularly when working on outdoor measurements, you would probably require something a bit bigger with greater range. The Disto 5’s dimensions are 5.64x2.17x1, and its weight is 6.87 ounces. It has an illuminated soft touch keyboard, color display, built in telescopic viewer, 20 recall values, and an accuracy within .06 inches. It can take measurements up to 650’ with a target and up to 400’ without one in daylight.
The Disto 5 also has a built in level for up to 45 degrees and a tripod mount of ¼” - 20. It also has an auto sensing positioning bracket and +/- 0.3degree accuracy to the beam and the housing. It offers 6+ measuring methods.
If you want to be up to any measuring challenge with the most advanced hand-held device on the market , you want the Disto 8. It is the only one of the line that can boast a 360 degree tilt sensor and 9+ measuring methods. The combination of angle and distance measurements allows you to determine distances where conventional methods fail. The horizontal distance, for example, can also be determined quickly and efficiently past obstacles or the elevation of a tree, even though there is no reflective point.
The Disto 8’s dimensions are 5.64x2.17x1, and its weight is 7.23 ounces. It has an illuminated soft touch keyboard, color display, built in telescopic viewer, 20 recall values, and an accuracy within .04 inches. It can take measurements up to 650’ with a target and up to 400’ without one in daylight. The Disto 8 also has a tripod mount of ¼” – 20 and an auto sensing positioning bracket and +/- 0.2-1 degree accuracy to the beam and .+/- .1 degrees the housing. It also syncs right into your computer with a Bluetooth interface.
The Disto 8 includes a CD with Leica DISTO™ Transfer for PC and PPC, AutoCAD® PlugIn.
Consider the types of measurements you anticipate, and select your device accordingly. Whatever your measuring needs, you can rely on Leica Disto Laser Distance meters to get the job done quickly and accurately.