What are laser levels for

Posted by Katy | Toolstop on 11th Apr 2021

This Toolstop guide explains all the steps necessary in setting up your laser to ensure you get the most accurate and reliable readings.

This Toolstop guide explains all the steps necessary in setting up your laser to ensure you get the most accurate and reliable readings.

Introduction to laser levels

Laser levels are a mainstream tool typically used in the construction and surveying industry for levelling and aligning applications. They project a constant red or green line onto a surface on a horizontal or vertical plane and can be used for anything from hanging a picture to professional building work.

This Toolstop guide explains all the steps necessary in setting up your laser to ensure you get the most accurate and reliable readings. There are a few different types of laser which we will touch on – rotary, cross line, and self levelling. Make sure you have read our blog post on the difference between red and green lasers first.

How a laser level works

A laser level uses a laser – “a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation” – to project one or more fixed lines or dots along a horizontal and/or vertical axis. This allows you to align your work to these lines or dots for completely straight and accurate work. Some laser levels combine lines and dots.

What is a laser level used for?

Laser levels are typically used in applications where a straight and level reference point is needed over a larger surface. They are almost like a visual chalk line. Use them for fitting dado rails, hanging picture frames and all other professional levelling applications where your point transfer need to be exact.

Laser levels can be used for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications. Many come supplied with a tripod, or are compatible with one. A laser tripod will provide the laser with greater stability and support in professional applications so you can rest assured you will achieve the most accurate results every time.

We recommend you consider purchasing a ‘self levelling’ laser level. These models are the easiest to use and offer the greatest level of accuracy. They’re ideal for all kinds of levelling and plumbing tasks.

Self-levelling lasers automatically find and maintain a level within a specified range. Manual levelling lasers require the operator to manually level the unit by turning the units thumbs screws and getting the unit leveled by looking at the bubble vials.

You can also incorporate a laser detector (sometimes called a laser receiver). If you plan to use your laser level outdoors, you will need to use a laser detector. They help you find a laser beam in environments where it isn’t visible to the naked eye, such as broad daylight.

Types of laser:

A cross line laser uses a prism to deflect the laser in roughly 180 degrees vertically, horizontally, or both. A rotary laser spins the beam of light fast enough to give the effect of a complete 360 degree horizontal or vertical plane.

How do you use a laser level?

Now that we know a bit more about lasers themselves, lets get to work on setting one up. Lasers are typically fast and easy to operate which means you can get to work straight away. Please note that there are a variety of types of lasers on the market, which may operate in slightly different ways. But for the most part, to operate your laser:

1. Attach the laser level to the tripod (if using). Most tripods have adjustable legs and a built-in levelling bubble. Use these to make sure your laser is level on the tripod and that it’s not anywhere likely to be knocked over
2. Turn the laser on and calibrate it by making sure that the bubble is aligned inside its vial (unless it is self levelling, it will do this for you – give it time to do so)
3. It will produce a level beam onto the surface you’re working on
4. Identify a point on the ground at your desired height and project the laser onto the surface you need to level. The beam can be a dot, a line, or a combination of dots and lines depending on the laser you’re using
5. If you are using a laser detector, fix it to a levelling rod with a clamp. Slide it up and down the rod until it beeps. When you hear a beeping sound coming from the detector, it means that it has found the beam
6. Fasten the detector in place and make the necessary measurements

What is a laser detector?

A limitation of using a laser level is the difficulty of seeing the lines/dots in bright lighting conditions e.g. outdoors. A laser detector (sometimes known as a laser receiver) helps overcome this problem, allowing you to see and use your laser in outdoor applications.

Laser detectors simply detect the laser line that is invisible to the naked eye, although they are not as generic as you may think. The laser detector directs the user to position the laser higher or lower on an aluminum grade rod to ensure a level reading. It sounds an audible alert that increases in frequency near the level point.

Some lasers will come in packages with a detector included as standard, but for those that don’t, take note of the following before choosing one to go with your laser:

• Line lasers need to have ‘pulse mode’ in order for a laser detector to pick them up
• Rotary lasers will not work with line laser receivers
• Some detectors will only work with red lasers and some green lasers due to their different frequencies. Make sure you refer to the product specification of the model to find out if this is the case

Points to note:

If you are using your laser indoors, you won’t be required to use a laser detector. This is because there is no direct sunlight affecting the visibility of the beam. For outdoor working, many people tend to opt for a green laser level as they are slightly more visible in daylight conditions.

Manual laser levels are typically less expensive, though require more effort from the user to set up. They work in a more traditional manner and don’t require as much battery power. Self-levelling lasers are more expensive, though much more accurate.

If you’re looking for a quality laser level, you can shop our range at Toolstop. Cross line, rotary and self-levelling are all available, plus we have a variety of accessories like laser detectors, tripods and more.

The Technology Behind Laser Levels

Laser levels use a laser, an amplified, focused beam of light emitted from a solid-state device called a diode. These light emitting diodes, also known as LEDs, are found in many common devices, including digital clocks, remote controls, or television screens.

To understand how a laser works, it’s helpful to know that the word is really an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Simply put, when certain electrons are stimulated, they give off a beam of light. When mirrors or prisms collect this light and point it in one direction, the result is a laser beam.

Laser levels project a beam of light that can be used as a visual chalk line when a straight and level reference point is needed. The size of the beam of light depends on the size of the diode. In this case, smaller is better — a smaller beam of light is more precise. With a wider beam of light, the actual point of “level” can be located anywhere within the width of the beam.

The first laser levels were limited to indoor use because the light of the laser was not bright enough to be seen outdoors. Today, more powerful laser levels can be used indoors or outdoors, and many are designed for use with a light detector that “reads” the laser’s light. These devices are positioned away from the laser’s diode, then moved up or down until the projection is detected and signaled in response with a beep or blink.

Most lasers emit a red beam of light. Some manufacturers are now offering green lasers that are 400 percent brighter than red laser beams, making them more visible for indoor applications. However, the technology that’s needed to project green requires more power than a red light, so battery life is not as long lasting, and the red lasers are generally more accurate and more reliable over a range of temperatures.

Laser levels are usually manufactured with small, low-intensity diodes and are powered using rechargeable or alkaline batteries. As with any laser, looking directly at the light can be harmful to a user’s eyes, so wearing safety goggles is always recommended. The light of a laser level should not be directed at another person.

Now that you know how these lasers work, let’s learn how to use them.

Laser levels work best whenever an application requires a straight guideline over a large distance — for example, installing wainscoting, chair rails or closet shelving. A traditional level works best for a smaller task, like leveling a piece of furniture or adjusting a framed portrait on the wall.

Choosing the right laser can be hard. With such a wide offering, how do you know which one to choose for your job? In this article, we’ll dive into each type of laser and for which applications each is most commonly used. We’ll also outline a few key products offered by DEWALT for each category.

Let’s begin with the most common laser found on a jobsite, the line laser. A line laser projects an accurate horizontal or vertical illuminated line onto the surface at which the laser is pointed. Use line lasers indoors when installing cabinetry, tile, a drop ceiling, or for basic leveling. They can also be used outdoors when framing or installing a deck.

There are two types of projections, a forward projection and a 360 projection. The forward projection does just what it sounds like, it projects a line directly onto the surface where the laser is pointed. Similarly, the 360 projection will project a line 360 degrees surrounding the laser. For example, when using a line laser in a room, the forward projection would provide you with a line on one wall whereas the 360 would project that line on all four walls of the room.

Line lasers are offered with a red beam or a green beam. A green beam is easier to see with the human eye because the green wavelength is larger than red. Green is also more visible in sunlight, so it is easier to see outside. When it comes to the visibility range, it depends on the lighting conditions. In dim, dusk-like conditions, it is possible to see a green beam for over 100 feet. One thing to keep in mind is that green beams do require more battery power than red beam lasers.

DEWALT offers these lasers on a 12V MAX* battery platform as well as with Alkaline batteries. Plus, our line lasers offer an integrated magnetic bracket to make them easy to mount during use. Suggested SKUs include our 12V MAX* 3 X 360 Green Line Laser (DW089LG) and our Green Cross Line Laser (DW088CG).

Spot lasers differ from line lasers in that they project a small circle of light onto the surface your laser is focused on. They are intended for

/media/dewalt/images/global/article-images/featured-articles/laser-buying-guide/spotlaser-3.jpg” />transferring points from one surface to another. This could be for making sure a joist or wall is plumb (vertical) or to ensure pipes traveling from floor to floor are plumb. Spot lasers are most commonly used for plumbing installation, electrical work, HVAC, and framing applications.

DEWALT offers spot lasers in both 3-spot and 5-spot. A 3-spot provides plumb and forward-facing dots whereas the 5-spot ad d s a right and left dot for transfer of points from wall to wall. A suggested SKU is our Green Beam 3 Spot Laser (DW083CG) with a high-visibility green beam. This laser includes a single lever power switch that locks the pendulum in the off position, as well as a built-in magnetic pivoting bracket to easily mount the laser onto metal surfaces.

Combination lasers project both lines and spots simultaneously or independently. These lasers are great for professionals who complete a wide range of projects as they allow the user to switch between lines, spots, or both depending on the job at hand. Electricians and plumbers will find these lasers to be extremely helpful for countless applications such as installing lighting, outlets, running wires, and pipes.

DEWALT offers combination lasers in both red and green variations. Our newest combination lasers are offered in the 12V MAX* system and include 2-spot cross and 5-spot cross models. A suggested SKU is our 12V MAX* 5 Spot + Cross Line Green Laser. This laser includes an integrated bracket to easily mount onto metal surfaces. It also offers a 165-foot range with a detector for the line, and a 150-foot range for the spot.

ROTARY LASERS:

Rotary lasers are used to kick off nearly every professional construction job. Their applications range from grade work (digging foundations), to layout and masonry. Both dual-slope and single-slope rotary lasers are used to continue a desired pitch across a large area. The desired pitch might be level for finding grade or when using a reference line. Dual-slope means that the line will move along both the X axis and Y axis. X mode is used often to “walk” the line in vertical mode for aligning metal track. Y is used to angle the line in horizontal mode for setting slope or setting pitch on a driveway.

From an acc ura cy standpoint, DEWALT offers a rotary laser that works up to 2,200 feet with an accuracy of 1/16 inch at 100 feet. This laser is the 20V MAX* Tool Connect™ Green Tough Rotary Laser (DW080LGS) . This rotary laser is extremely durable with the ability to withstand up to a 6-foot drop, and an IP67 rating for water and dust protection. Connect it to the Tool Connect™ app via Bluetooth® technology for features including tool tracking, bump notifications, fall and drop indications, and changes in slope and line detection.

LINE AND ROTARY DETECTORS:

There are 2 types of detectors used in the construction industry: Line and Rotary. Since line lasers and rotary lasers work on different wavelengths, they require specific detectors. The detectors are also color-specific. This means a red line laser requires a red line detector. For both rotary lasers and line lasers, detectors are not a requirement, but they do come in handy when the beam is no longer visible. For DEWALT, the standard visibility range on our line laser levels is 50 to 100 feet. While using the detector that range is extended out to 165 feet. Rotary laser detectors allow for detection up to 2,200 feet with the DW079 and DW080 series.

Grade rods are used in conjunction with rotary lasers for digging or leveling earth. You must move the detector up or down on the grade rod while the rotary is spinning until you identify the laser line. When that laser line is found you have then established “grade” or level. If you are looking to dig a hole that is 3 inches deep, for example, you would move the detector 3 inches up the grade rod. After you dig 3 inches down and place the grade rod in the hole, you should hear a beep and read that the laser is hitting the detector. This is verification that you have dug the 3 inches deep.

As you can see, DEWALT offers a robust line of lasers including spot, line, combination, and rotary, as well as laser accessories to go with them. With the professional in mind, we will continue to evolve and innovate these products to accommodate needs on the jobsite. Keep checking back to see what new products DEWALT has to offer.

DISCLAIMERS:

*With respect to 12V MAX* – Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 12 volts. Nominal voltage is 10.8.

**With respect to 20V MAX* – Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. Nominal voltage is 18.

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by DEWALT is under license.

Laser Level How To’s

• How to Choose a Laser Level
• How to Use a Laser Level
• How to Use a Laser Level Outdoors
• How to Use a Laser Level to Hang Pictures
• How to Use a Laser Level to Level Ground
• How to Set Grade with a Laser Level

Laser Levels from Johnson Level come in all sorts of different varieties. We offer several different options for all sorts of different construction and home improvement projects.

Working outside? Seeing a laser outside can be difficult, if not outright impossible, only using the naked eye. Thankfully, most modern laser levels from Johnson Level come with red or green tinted glasses or goggles that make seeing a laser beam outside simple. Rotary laser levels are the best choice for an outdoor laser level.

Working indoors? You may require dot laser levels for drywall work, or cross-line laser levels for to display horizontal and vertical lines across every wall in an enclosed room.

Wondering how to tackle your project and use Johnson Level’s many different kinds of laser levels? Read on below for a handful of helpful guides.

How to Choose a Laser Level

1. Indoor project? Multiple line lasers work well for aligning kitchen cabinets or framing pictures in a smaller, enclosed room. Use a laser square for tiles and masonry.
2. Outdoor project? Rotary and line lasers with a pulse/detector feature work well for uneven surfaces and long distances.
3. Consider room size or distance for the laser to travel. Laser levels with a low rotations per minute (RPM) are bright and visible, but don’t travel far. High RPM levels travel further, but the laser is fainter.
4. Think about the type of wall. Laser levels attach with pins or suction cups. Avoid push pin laser levels on paneling or wallpaper.
5. Determine stability of the job. You can use a manual laser level for indoor projects. You’ll want a self-leveling laser level for outdoor projects with uneven surfaces.

How to Use a Laser Level

1. Set up the laser level on a tripod or flat surface.
2. If it is a manual level, you must ensure the bubble vials show level. Find the small screws near the vial. Adjust them until the bubbles vials show level.
3. Turn on the laser level.
4. If it is a self-leveling model, allow it a moment to self-level itself.
5. The unit emits a laser showing level either on a wall or across an outdoor workspace (depending on the type of laser level, it could be a dot, multiple line or rotary laser showing level at 360 degrees horizontally or vertically).
6. You may use a laser detector to intercept the laser if there’s no wall to “catch” it (typically outdoors).
7. Connect the detector to a measuring rod.
8. Adjust the detector up and down the rod until you hear beeping. This means the detector has found the laser.
9. You have found level. Secure the detector to the rod and make measurements as necessary.

How to Use a Laser Level Outdoors

1. Put on the tinted glasses/goggles that came with your laser level kit. You’ll need these in order to see the laser beam in an outdoor setting.
2. Place the laser level on a tripod and turn it on.
3. Aim the laser level where you want to take a reading. When you find it, lock the laser level into position.
4. Take the laser receiver to where you want to take a reading. Either use the magnet that comes with the laser receiver or place it on a flat surface at the same height as the laser level. A second tripod is a great option here.
5. Slowly move the laser receiver until it catches the laser beam from the level. Upon finding the beam, lock the receiver into position (if on a tripod or grade rod) or steady it (if on a flat surface or attached by magnet).
6. Use the level and receiver to find the alignment or state of level that you want.

How to Use a Laser Level to Hang Pictures

1. Determine the desired height for the top of the picture frame.
2. Make a mark anywhere at this height.
3. Turn on the laser level and line up the laser with mark horizontally along the wall.
4. Adjust the level so the bubble sits between the black lines on the vial by pivoting around the point where the mark and the laser meet.
5. When the laser is level and it runs through the mark, attach it to the wall snugly. The level may use putty or suction cups.
6. Measure the distance between the top of the picture frame to its unique hanging mechanism(s).
7. Measure this distance on the wall, from the laser down to where the mechanism meets the wall.
8. Make a mark.
9. Punch a nail into the wall at the mark.
10. Place the picture frame on the nail and line up the top of the picture frame with the laser.

How to Use a Laser Level to Level Ground

1. Set up the laser level on a tripod on stable ground.
2. Turn on the laser level.
3. Give it time to self-level.
4. Identify a point on the ground at your desired height.
5. Attach the laser detector to a measuring rod and place the rod at this point.
6. Adjust the laser detector up and down. When you hear beeping, you have found level.
7. Tighten the detector to the pole.
8. The bottom of the rod is your desired ground height.
9. Find another spot on the ground and find the height where the detector intercepts the laser.
10. Mark the height by making a mark on a stick or building up a pile of dirt up to the desired height.
11. Repeat this process until you have enough reference points to fill the area completely.

How to Set Grade with a Laser Level

1. Set up the laser level on a tripod on firm dry ground. Ensure the tripod is stable.
2. Turn on the laser level and give it a moment to self-level.
3. Identify the initial height of your grade. The pitch of the grade slopes down from here.
4. Place the bottom of the leveling rod at the desired height.
5. Adjust the laser detector up or down until you hear a beep.
6. Secure the detector.
7. Identify the desired amount of fall from the top of the grade to the bottom. Let’s assume a 10 inch fall for this example.
8. Move the laser detector up the rod 10 inches and secure it.
9. Walk to where the bottom of the grade will be.
10. Find level with the laser detector. You will either have to lift the rod (most likely) or dig in to the ground depending on the workspace.
11. The bottom of the leveling rod represents the bottom of the grade.
12. Mark the spot by inserting a stick in the ground displaying the desired height.

Check out Johnson Level’s other guides how-to and tool-uses.