Laser Levels
#1
08-19-08, 02:26 AM
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Laser Levels
I'm looking to buy a laser level for around $25 - $30. I was looking at the B&D model 180 or the Strait-Line X3. They appear to be accurate at 20' to 3/16". Some are 1/2" at 20. That's just ridiculous. I looked at the Ryobi model for $20 and it was pretty cheesy for that price. $25 to $30 is my price range. It will be used outside in the shade. Can someone help me with this decision please. Any suggestions or opinions would be appreciated. Thank you.
Last edited by rmcl1214; 08-19-08 at 02:28 AM. Reason: spelling
#2
08-19-08, 05:28 AM
I have a couple of cheap laser levels that I seldom use. Both are really inaccurate. For me 1/2" at 20' is unacceptable. At those distances I use a water level ( a piece of clear tubing with water). If I was doing a lot of work requiring level lines I would probably invest in a quality laser level because they are great time savers.
If you just need one for a infrequent use and accurate level is important you can rent one or spend a couple of bucks on some clear 1/4" tubing.
If you just need one for a infrequent use and accurate level is important you can rent one or spend a couple of bucks on some clear 1/4" tubing.
#3
08-19-08, 08:55 AM
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Laser Level
Hey CW, thanks for the feedback! I appreciate what your saying but the jobs I have in mind require more than a level and I did a few jobs with a srtingline and a stringline level. They didn't come out good enough for me. The jobs I have in mind for the laser level are taking out the high spots in a drainage ditch, leveling out my gutters, and making some level spots in my driveway. I don't need it for "hanging pictures". I'm not that off center! How much do you think I'd have to spend to get a decent laser level or lock lever to get the above jobs done? Thank you for your assistance.
#4
08-19-08, 03:35 PM
Like CW says, a water level can't be beat for dead accuracy. I use a laser level almost weekly, but you have to keep in mind the 1/4" in 60' rate of error, so I try to keep it in jobs that have a smaller range, where the rater of error diminishes to a tolerable level.
#5
08-20-08, 12:29 PM
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Laser Lavel
Thank you chandler & cw. My old boss used to say, "I can build anything with a stringline and a lock level" or a bubble level. I figured with today's technology, these lasers would be pretty accurate. But I'm certainly not spending $30 or more on a level with that much error. I would like something that's good to 1/8" at 20'. I really appreciate youse guys input and recommendations. It's obvious youse know what youse are talking about and have a lot of experience with levels. Thank you for your time.
#6
08-21-08, 06:42 PM
Yeah, your levels, whether they be water levels, bar levels or lasers, are your most important tool. Ya gotta take care of them. I mounted a 4" piece of pvc on my side box on my flatbed to house my levels, and cap it with a test plug. Keeps them from banging around in the tool boxes and keeps them dry. Laser level is wrapped in bubble wrap and put in case after use, so we can get a straight line every time.
