The Best Laser Levels for Builder
The Best Laser Levels for Builder
Laser levels make it easier to be accurate, consistent, and convenient. They work similarly to spirit or bubble levels. Still, They have the bonus of projecting a laser beam of light across an entire room or job site. It makes it easier to reference points for projects and can even handle larger jobs.
We have tested the best laser levels on the market. We found that these levels work well and provide accurate results.
Product Name | Product Image | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
DEWALT Line Laser Self-Leveling, Red, 3-Beam | ||
Line Laser with Stud Finder by BLACK+DECKER | ||
Bosch GLL3-330CG 360-Degree Green Beam Laser | ||
SKIL 360° Red Cross Line Laser Level |
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing the Best Laser Level
There are many different types of laser levels. They vary in accuracy, features, and how ease they are to use. Before buying a laser level, consider what you will use it for and what type of beams you need.
Red vs. Green Laser
You can choose two colors for your laser levels: red and green. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages.
- Red lasers are less powerful than other types of lasers, but they use less battery life. They are also less expensive to buy. As a result, many of the best models on the market still use red laser beams.
- Green lasers are easier to see from a distance and are suitable for projects outside in the sunlight. However, they are more expensive and can harm users’ eyes.
That is why many professional people rely on red and green lasers. They use them for different projects that they are better at.
Accuracy
A good level should be accurate. That means it will be correct most of the time. You can tell if a level is accurate by looking at how perfect it is. The best levels have less than a ⅛-inch deviation at 30 feet.
However, remember that an excellent self-leveling laser will give you a more accurate laser line than you can achieve with a spirit level. Holding a spirit level perfectly and completely is extremely difficult, but the results are usually adequate. Laser levels work on a similar principle but with greater accuracy.
Beam Orientation
The beam orientation option is an essential feature of a high-quality laser level. Several models are available, each with two vertical dual-beam lasers and one horizontal laser. For some models, the number of planes maybe 360 degrees.
The usefulness of horizontal and vertical beams is obvious. But the best 360-degree laser level is efficient. It can help you hang many pictures quickly and accurately or help you dig perfectly level yard sections. It is also essential for projects like drop ceilings.
Self-Leveling
Leveling is simple, with the best laser levels on the market. They use the laser on a pendulum and magnets to keep it level. Once placed on a flat surface, the pendulum takes over and gets it to the right level. It makes it fast to set up, especially if there is a reference point to start from
When a laser level has a self-leveling cross-line feature, it can stay in the correct position without needing to be corrected. It is helpful when moving the laser level from one place to another. Additionally, it can help you get the most accurate results from your laser level.
Mounting
Laser levels are helpful because they allow you to work without holding them. You set them up, and then they stay in one place while you do your work.
Different laser levels use different mounts and features to help you set and forget it. Some less expensive models may poke small pins into the wall for support. Other models include tripods or mounts for metal studs or drop ceiling tracks. Consider the intended use of the laser level and any mounting accessories required to ensure compatibility.
Our Top Picks
1. DEWALT Line Laser Self-Leveling, Red, 3-Beam (DW089K)
DeWalt’s Line Laser level is perfect for professionals or do-it-yourselfers. This laser has three beams that will help you level and line up your project. It is accurate to within ⅛-inch at 30 feet and has a micro-adjust knob to ensure the beam is aligned perfectly.
The DeWalt was one of the easiest levels to set up and use. It has a strong magnetic back and a beam clamp that can attach to an angle iron. I mostly used it on flat surfaces. The red laser was very visible and bright.
What set the DeWalt apart from the other levels was its strong design. It is not the highest or lightest level, but it is one of the most robust and durable. The drop test showed it could survive a lot of wear and tear. The only downside is that it cannot project a 360-degree beam.
Product Specs
- Beam color: Red
- Planes: Horizontal and two vertical
- Accuracy: ⅛ inch at 30 feet
Pros
Cons
2. Line Laser with Stud Finder by BLACK+DECKER (BDL190S)
If you don’t need all the features of a top-of-the-line model, the Black & Decker BDL190S is an excellent affordable option. It isn’t a laser level used for major projects or renovations, but it can be used to hang pictures or shelves.
That is a good budget laser level because it has helpful features, like a stud finder and electrical wire detection. It must be tacked to the wall, which may be difficult on some surfaces. It also only projects a horizontal line.
The Black & Decker laser level worked well. It projected a perfectly level line to the left and right and steadied quickly. The bow in the wall made the beam harder to see. That is normal for wall-mounted laser levels. The beam finder was also a nice touch and appeared to work well.
Product Specs
- Beam color: Red
- Planes: Horizontal line only
- Accuracy: Unknown
Pros
Cons
3. Bosch GLL3-330CG 360-Degree Green Beam Laser
Customers looking for a level that can do it all should consider the Bosch GLL3-330CG. This self-leveling model includes a 360-degree horizontal plane laser and two 360-degree vertical plane lasers for a level line of reference on any job.
The green laser is visible from a long distance. You can see it up to 330 feet away. The GLL3-330CG has features that make it better than other lasers. It checks its battery life and changes the beam depending on how long you need to use it. Sensors indicate if the laser is bumped, dropped, or needs to be calibrated.
Product Specs
- The green color of the beam
- Horizontal and two vertical planes in a 360-degree circle
- At 30 feet, the accuracy is 3/32 of an inch.
Pros
Cons
4. LL932201 SKIL 360° Red Cross Line Laser Level
A high-end, pricey laser level is not necessary for everyone’s work. Some people might favor something that is less heavy and costs less money. People in this situation may want to consider purchasing the SKIL Self-Leveling 360-degree Cross-Line Laser Level.
The SKIL has all the features you need, like horizontal and vertical lasers and 360-degree coverage. But it doesn’t have the same fit-and-finish look as other laser levels. The result is a capable laser level that’s a little less expensive. Plus, it even comes with a tripod to set at any height.
The SKIL was the best light-duty model in the hands-on testing. It is competent and well-built for its price. It’s easy to set up and use. The tripod is not the highest quality, but it is one of the only models that allows positioning the laser at an angle.
Product Specs
- Beam color: Red (though green is available)
- Plane: 360-degree cross-line laser level (horizontal and vertical)
- Accuracy: 3/16 inch at 30 feet
Pros
Cons
5. Klein Tools 93LCLS Laser Level
The Klein Tools 93LCLS Laser Level is a professional-grade laser. It has vertical and horizontal beams and a plumb-spot finder that projects above and below the level. It can be helpful when installing things like conduit, piping, or drop ceilings.
This device has several ways to be attached to surfaces, including a magnetic mount that swivels 360 degrees and a specialized mount for ceilings. However, it does not have a laser that goes in all directions. The ability to swivel it on the mount while staying level makes up for this shortcoming. The variety of mounting options makes it very versatile.
Testing the 93LCLS Laser Level showed an excellent, sturdy laser level. It is easy to see the laser, and the plumb spot is very useful. The setup was also simple. The only downside is that it should have a 360-degree beam for the price.
Product Specs
- Beam color: Red
- Planes: Horizontal and vertical, with plumb spots
- Accuracy: Unknown
Pros
Cons
6. Huepar Self-Leveling Green Laser Level 621CG
The Huepar Self-Leveling Green Laser Level is a good choice for people who want to use it outside. It is very visible because the laser goes in every direction. But it is still cheap, so people don’t have to worry as much as they would a more expensive model.
The Huepar has two laser planes: a vertical and a 360-degree horizontal. The green 360-degree laser is easy to see, especially outdoors. It also has a 180-foot range, although users can only utilize it in the battery-saving pulse mode. It is water and dust-resistant, making it ideal for building decks, grading small sections of land, and installing siding.
The Huepar is a good quality laser level. Its bright green beam makes it easy to use the pulse mode. The 360-degree horizontal plane is also nice, mainly when leveling a sizeable outdoor area. However, it does not stay still well.
The laser shook more than the other models during testing. It might be less accurate, but it became steadier when no more movement occurred. It is also unique because it has plumb-spot indicators above and below.
Product Specs
- Beam color: Green
- Planes: 360-horizontal and vertical
- Accuracy: 1/9 of an inch at 33 feet
Pros
Cons
7. Bosch GLL30 30ft Cross-Line Laser Level
The Bosch GLL30 is a small, affordable, compact cross-line laser level with vertical and horizontal red laser beams. This laser level is accurate to 5/16 of an inch at 30 feet. It is easy to carry around in a tool bag or toolbox.
The Bosch cross-line laser level is not very large, so it is not as accurate as some levels. But I found that it was still precise during testing, and it was straightforward to set up. It also came with a multipositional mount that can attach to many different objects, plus the ability to position the laser at any angle or a flat surface.
Product Specs
- Beam color: Red
- Planes: Vertical and horizontal
- Accuracy: 5/16 of an inch at 30 feet
Pros
Cons
Best Laser Levels
Can you imagine a construction business without a good-quality laser level? Or a remodeling do-it-yourselfer who still relies on a dumpy level to survey his projects? It would be unimaginable in the 21st century.
Investing in the best laser level is a good idea. However, with so many different laser levels available, Choosing the best one for you can be difficult. One important thing to consider is whether a cross-line laser level is the best option. It is also essential to consider accuracy and longevity when deciding.
This article is about helping you find the best laser level for your needs and how much money you want to spend.
What Is a Laser Level?
A laser level is an electric tool that projects a red or green beam around itself as a horizontal or vertical line (or both). This line is equally leveled on all sides. If you place the laser level in the center of a room and project a horizontal line on the walls, the line will be of equal length on all sides of the floor. It helps with square, level, and other tasks. And other carpentry and construction tasks that require leveling from a single point.
Top Picks for Best Laser Levels:
1. Leica Lino ML180 Laser Level For Professionals
The Leica brand is known for making high-quality digital cameras. However, they are also experts in making engineering tools. It can be seen in the Leica Lino ML180 laser level. This device is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a premium, 90-degree cross-line laser level. With this tool, the XCR Catch laser receiver is one of its best features.
It is an excellent tool for solo engineers because you can work on the laser while staying in control of the receiver. If you get too close to the laser line, the receiver will beep, letting you know so that you can make your markings more accurate.
This laser level is our top pick because it has a remote adjustment, electronic self-leveling, and vertical dot. It can use both rechargeable and alkaline batteries.
This package includes red glasses and a laser plate, so you don’t have to spend extra on accessories.
Pros
Cons
2. Leica Lino L4P1 Multi-Line Laser Level
This Leica Geosystems laser level is an excellent option for anyone looking for a quality product. It is perfect for many applications, including steel stud construction and interior finish work. Thanks to its simplified instruction manual, it is easy to use, even for beginners.
It is the perfect tool if you need a laser level for projects requiring both a line and dot laser. It has an extensive range and is easy to set up. It also has a Lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 24 hours.
Pros
Cons
3. Dewalt DW089LG 3 x 360° Green Line Laser Level
Suppose you want more brightness and a more reliable power system in your home. In that case, we recommend the DeWALT DW089LG whole-room laser level. It is an upgrade of the model above.
The DW089LG is a trusted tool by many construction workers in the United States and worldwide. It generates three 360-degree green beam lasers, which allow you to complete any level, plumb, or square job. The 4x powerful green laser beams provide visibility up to 100 feet even in bright sunlight, eliminating the need for enhancement glasses or a target card (which come free with this model).
This professional laser level has a 12V Li-ion battery. It means you can quickly charge a spare battery when needed. It is helpful if you are working on lasers continuously and don’t have time to go to the hardware store.
The DeWALT powerhouse doesn’t have an automatic shutdown feature, which is great because you don’t want it to turn off while working on a project. It’s also IP65 rated, which means it’s resistant to water and dust. Plus, it comes with a large storage kit.
Pros
Cons
DEWALT DW088K Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser Level
The DW088K is a cousin of the best DeWALT laser level. It has almost the same features, but it has an extra beam.
Suppose you are looking for a laser level for cabinet installation or other similar indoor activities. In that case, the DW088K is a great choice. You can carry it wherever you go because it is so portable.
Plus, the laser level is easy and convenient, whether working with tiles or the electrical plumbing system. It’s also very reliable and accurate, which is why small businesses love it.
One downside of not having a locking system is that it may discourage indoor carpenters. However, this is a good option if this is not your primary focus. The DW088K is the best cross-line laser level in the market. It is both inexpensive and portable. It was made for construction workers who install wall fixtures, drop ceilings, and partition walls.
Pros
Cons
Makita SK104Z Horizontal/Vertical Cross-Line Laser Level with Self-Leveling
This Makita laser level is excellent for beginners and people who move frequently. It is one of the less expensive laser levels on this list. In daylight, it has a range of up to 50 feet. This red laser level can also be used as a cross-line level for tiling and other building projects.
The Makita SK104Z has a quick 3-second lock for the self-leveling mechanism. It also has an auto-shutoff feature, which is required because alkaline AA batteries power this model. When you’re in the middle of a project, it can be challenging to be precise.
It’s a great small-class II laser level for beginners and small-scale workers. It is portable and can be attached to any tripod (1/4″ threaded) for increased agility.
Pros
Cons
New PLS180 Red Cross Line Laser Level
It is the upgraded version of the popular PLS 180 model. It was released in September 2017 and is quickly becoming a favorite because it is so easy to use. The Pacific Laser Systems (PLS) experience is excellent because there aren’t too many switches or features to worry about. You use the red laser level, and that’s it. Another plus is that Fluke now owns PLS. This model has been drop-tested for one meter, making it perfect for construction jobs.
But this tool is different from other brands like Bosch and DeWALT because of its easy-to-use design. Even beginner construction workers and hobbyists can use this tool without problems – you have to set it up, turn it on, and start working on squaring or tile-laying.
This new model is more accurate and designed to last longer than the original PLS180. It also comes with a 3-year warranty, which is excellent because it means you’ll be able to use it for many years without any problems.
It is the most effective laser level for electricians. It is straightforward to use. You will be happy with it.
Pros
Cons
Buying Guide
Finding the best rotary laser level can be strict with all the different varieties on the market. Some might have more accuracy or range. Others may have distinguishing characteristics that set them apart from competing brands. Our buying guide covers these variations and what you should look for to help narrow down your options and pick the right one.
Leveling
Leveling a rotary laser is the process of ensuring the device is level with the ground surface. It is an important step when using a level because it ensures that all readings are accurate. There are three different ways to level a device. Some devices can level themselves if they are more or less 5° within being level, and others require user adjustments.
- Manual leveling: A manual level laser is one that you control by buttons or knobs. The system will have a small spirit level that will help you know if the device is flat. Many devices have this setting for when you want to be sure something is straight up and down. Some devices can also be set so that they are completely horizontal. Even though these levels take a few more minutes to set up, they are less likely to have mechanical errors, and you have more control over what is happening. They are also significantly less expensive than other leveling techniques.
- Self-leveling: Many rotary levels have self-leveling features. They have an intelligent pendulum system and magnets to help them stay level. It makes them more accurate and faster to set up than manual levels.
- Electronic self-leveling: The more precise type of self-leveling system is electronic (or automatic) leveling, which uses motors instead of pendulums. These levels often have additional features that make them more efficient, such as the ability to relevel automatically or self-level on both horizontal and vertical planes.
Range
Rotary lasers have a more extended operating range than any other laser level on the market. That makes them a popular tool for large construction projects. However, the laser beam cannot be seen in daylight because of this extended range. That is why most rotary lasers come with a receiver that can detect the laser.
The maximum distance the sensor can detect the laser is the operating range. It should be noted that this range is a representation of the diameter of the laser-projected circle. The figure is usually measured in feet or meters.
The typical range for a laser receiver is between 1,000 and 2,600 feet. If you are looking for a rotary laser for a large project covering a lot of ground, you need one with a range of 2,000-2,600 feet. If you use the level for smaller indoor projects, you do not require such a long range.
Accuracy
The accuracy of a leveling laser is measured by how much it deviates from perfect leveling. It is shown by a plus or minus sign (±), followed by a fraction of an inch. The smaller the fraction, the more accurate the laser is. Usually, numbers range from ± ¼-inch to ± 1/16-inch per 100 feet.
Color
The color of a laser level doesn’t have much to do with how it looks but more with how it works. It would help if you thought about what you will be using the laser level for before you decide on a color. Remember that the laser beam can’t be seen in daylight and that you will need a sensor for most applications. There are two types of laser beams available on the market.
The most common laser is red. It is less visible, but it is less expensive. The green laser is more visible and can be seen indoors or at night. It is more costly, though.
Battery Life
The amount of energy a tool needs to function can cause the battery life to vary. The type of battery can also affect how long the device lasts. Rotary lasers usually use alkaline batteries, but some models require rechargeable batteries. A rechargeable battery is more cost-effective because users don’t have to worry about buying replacement batteries all the time.
Different batteries last for different amounts of time. Longer battery life means you can work more efficiently without stopping to change or charge a battery. Having a battery level gauge is helpful so that you can see how much power is left and plan accordingly.
Other Considerations
Since rotary lasers have such high accuracy and range, they are the most expensive type of laser. Prices may range anywhere from US$200 to US$2,000. When purchasing a rotary laser, pay attention to a few essential features to get the most outstanding value for your money.
- Durability: Rotary levels are very sensitive tools that can be affected by impact, dirt, dust, and water leaks. People who work in construction or other harsh environments should look for rotary laser levels that are resistant to impact, waterproof, and dust-proof. They should also ensure that the level they want to buy is durable enough for the environment they will use.
- Accessories: Rotary laser-level kits can help you work more efficiently. They come with everything you need to get started right away. Many of these kits include a tripod, essential when using levels without assistance. They may also come with a grade rod, tinted glasses, a magnetic target, and a case.
Final Thoughts
The DEWALT Line Laser is an excellent option if you are looking for a good laser level. It is very reliable and can be used in multiple planes. If you are looking for something with more features, the Bosch Line Laser is also a good choice. It includes all of the features you could want while remaining extremely reliable. However, it might be a little more expensive than some other options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Laser Level for Builders
Both professionals and amateur DIYers should have access to a laser level. They are used on every construction site. But they can also be used when putting up a picture or a shelf on the wall. They can even be used when taking pictures.
Because they have more parts than red laser levels, green laser levels are more expensive. It makes them harder and takes longer to complete. Green laser levels are between 20% and 25% more expensive than red laser levels.
The green laser pointer is brighter than other colors because it is the most visible to the human eye. Our eyes are most sensitive to the wavelength of green.
Rotary laser levels are used in construction projects to help with measurements. They help make sure things are level both horizontally and vertically. There are different rotary laser levels to choose the best one for your project.
