Automatic laser level recommendations

Hi,

I'm looking to start building a wall and want to buy a laser level so that I can set everything out and get the correct levels for footings and layers etc by transferring levels etc. I'm only a DIY'er so don't want to spend a fortune, I'm looking at max £200

There looks to be lots of different types of level and I think I need one with a detector that can be attached to a grading stick/pole so that I can move around the site and measure vertical distances relative to the datum.

Can anyone recommend something for the job?

Many thanks,

Ed

 

Any rotating laser will do. Manual or auto, red or green.

You will need a firm level tripod, not a flimsy camera tripod, and a staff with measurement markings for the detector, so you can determine the rise and fall of levels - otherwise just a piece of timber if you are just transferring levels.

Compare the ranges of the beam and the accuracy per metre, as those are the essential things.

 

Green is better for outside work.

Andy

 

It don't matter when leveling with a detector.

 

It helps if you can see it.

Andy

 

But can you get a rotary laser and a detector for the £200 the OP is talking about? I thought that they were a lot more expensive than that

 

Thanks everyone.
I was looking at this item but can’t find anywhere that has it in stock.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-GLL-150-ECK-Self-Leveling/dp/B00SWIH9OW

Trying to search for an alternative.

cheers,

Ed

 

Also, I see there are 360 degree lasers and also ones which say rotary lasers. What’s the difference? Presumably I can use a 360 degree laser with detector and measuring staff?

 

I've worked with a few guys who bought Huepar 360 degree lasers for interior work (search amazon). They seem bright enough and have reasonable accuracy, although I have no idea about durability or support. I do know that they are one of the few low cost laser outfits who offer both remote sensors and tripods

Rotary lasers have a rotating head. They generally have a remote control (like a TV). They can do neat tricks like oscillating over a given small range to highlight a spot in brighter lighting conditions. They are big and expensive, but more accurate than small lasers. They have greater range, too

360° lasers use a cone to generate a 360° line. They are smaller, cheaper, have shorter range and less accurate than rotary lasers. They cost much less

BTW these 360° lasers aren't true 360° lasers - the four corner legs of the prism covers do obstruct about 1° of coverage each. I can normally live with this on my deWalt 3 x 360° laser, and its' predecessor Bosch (you just rotate the laser a few degrees on the tripod), but it's as well to know about this. Green is easier to see in daylight than red, but does cost a lot more

 

That's because it's an old model.

Andy

 

Yes that’s rather annoying as that kit seems to be exactly what I need. Doh!

 

Not intending to hijack this post but have a question.
When a laser description says it has 'pulse mode', does this mean you get a pulsed flashing beam instead of a steady straight beam?
Just been watching a few videos on YT and the ones that have a flashing beam would do my head in!

 

The flash is for a detector to pick it up ,its hardly noticable unless you really look for it.
Edit:my dewalt is in permanent pulse mode

 

I can't see how it does.

You just set the level up, you can see if its rotating, and then you use the detector on the staff. You don't need to see the beam at all that's what the detector is for.

So when you are levelling on a bright summer's day you can just carry on levelling regardless ... and you don't need to wear those stupid red glasses they give you either.

 

And in any case they aren't much use with a green laser, are they?