What Exactly Is Laser Level Calibration?

Making a laser level accurate means adjusting the device to ensure its output is entirely level. It is accomplished by opening the device and altering the pendulum within, from whence the laser line shines. Some laser levels include self-calibration buttons that allow you to change the laser line by simply pushing up and down on the buttons.

Most laser levels have an accuracy rating of around 1/16th of an inch. In the steps below, we will show you how to test this accuracy.

Why You Need To Calibrate

It will help if you calibrate your laser level every so often to ensure the line it gives you is level. All laser levels have a locking mechanism to keep the pendulum in place when the tool isn’t in use. Suppose you don’t lock up the pendulum. If you’re not careful with the laser level (for example, if it bounces around in the back of your truck while driving), The pendulum will bounce about inside the apparatus and become disoriented. As a result, always lock your laser level before shifting it.

Remember that a less expensive laser level may need to be calibrated more often than a more expensive one. If you choose to buy a less expensive one, you may have to spend some time calibrating it more often.

Can You Calibrate Your Laser Level?

Although it is a bit more complicated, calibrating your laser level is something you can do yourself. If your laser level is self-calibrating, you will only need tape and a pen or paper. If it is not self-calibrating, you will need to use a small screwdriver to loosen the screws within the laser level.

How To Calibrate A Laser Level

1. Check For Accuracy First

It would help if you determined whether your laser is accurate. You can do this in three different ways. Choose the way most convenient for you and that suits your accuracy needs.

First Method

To start, place the laser level on a tripod. The first way is to shine the laser lines onto some wall tiles. It is probably the fastest way to check because you can check both the Y and X-axis. But it also has extra variables that could make your findings inaccurate.

Second Method

Another way to use a laser level is to shine it onto a wall and put two pieces of tape on the wall. Make sure the line on the tape is directly under the laser line. Transfer the laser level to a different place in the room and raise it on the tripod. Shine the laser line back onto the second piece of tape. Compare how straight the line is between both parts of the tape.

Third Method

It might be a good way to check if your laser level is accurate. Assume you’re in a tight spot with no room to move the laser level; begin as previously, with the laser level facing a wall at least 20 feet away. Then mark where the line shines on a piece of paper taped to the wall. To make it straight, use a straightedge or ruler.

After that, turn the laser level 180 degrees and shine the light in the exact location. If your laser includes a Y-axis, you can add another line at 90 degrees. Take note of how the lines differ.

You need to calibrate the laser level if the lines are not close enough. If your laser level claims to be 1/16th inch accurate, the lines must be greater than 1/16th inch apart.

Push the up and down buttons for self-calibrating models according to your laser level’s instructions.

2. When Manually Calibrating, Open the Level and Inspect the Wires.

Remove the batteries and unscrew the body of the level. Pulling on the wires too tightly may cause the pendulum to swing back and forth. The cables will affect your level line if the wires are in the way.

3. Calibration Screws Located Inside The Body

You’ll need a little screwdriver for this step. Suppose your laser level includes both an X and Y axis. In that case, the pendulum’s position can be adjusted using the two screws.

Replace the laser level on the tripod and the batteries, as you’ll want the laser to turn on now. Ensure the pendulum is locked and unscrew one of the screws holding it.

Allow the pendulum to swing several times before leaving it alone. Watch if the line is entire with your level measurements on the wall. If it isn’t, lock it back in, reinstall the screw, and then unlock it to test if it’s level again. Continue to follow similar instructions when dealing with the other axis.

4. Check And Recheck

As you repair your home, you should check the level several times. Check it while the body of the level is open and after you have put it all back together. Make sure to use lines you made to help you check for accuracy. For even more precision, restart this process from step 1, creating new lines that mark where your laser level line is shining.

1. Success! Or, Leave It To Professionals

You have hopefully calibrated your level correctly by now. If not, don’t worry. Some professionals can do it more accurately for you. They are easy to find online.

How Many Should I Calibrate My Laser Level?

It is dependent on how you maintain your laser level. If you don’t lock the pendulum, store it where it might get bumped around, or drop it a lot, you will need to check the accuracy level at least every six months.

On the other hand, if you take care of it well, you can keep it accurate for up to a year. Always lock the pendulum and move it around gently (no sudden movements or jostles).

Conclusion

Don’t let an inaccurate laser level stop you from working on your project. You can fix the level yourself by calibrating it. Any that, or have it done by a trained professional: in either case, congratulations on learning more about maintaining your laser level for future projects.

Frequently Asked Questions About Calibrate Laser Level