Which Laser Level 360 Is Better To Choose?

2023 Author: Philip Bishop | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 07:54

Classification of laser builders
What to look for when choosing a laser level
Errors: how dangerous they are
Optional accessories and functions
Indoor work: features of choosing a builder
Level selection for outdoor work and complex technical manipulations
Comparative video review of laser levels and builders

To choose the best laser level, it is important to decide for what purpose it will be used. At the moment, the most accurate measurements help to carry out laser units, with the help of which you can create vertical, horizontal or intersecting laser lines on planes.

Classification of laser builders

The simplest level of the laser type is considered to be a point builder, which projects one beam. Such instruments have a flat surface that allows them to be applied to the wall to obtain straight lines. Dot levels are most often used in everyday life, since they allow you to make markings verified to the millimeter for gluing wallpaper, strengthening shelves or paintings.

The best models in this category are Bosch GPL 5 c, DeWalt DW 083 K and Geo-FennelDuo-Pointer.

If complex installation work is planned, you will need a more technologically advanced device - a linear level. Such devices, which allow you to create straight lines from rays diverging in different directions, and work with intermediate points, are suitable for applying markings not only to walls, but also to floors or ceilings. Such levels, among which the choice of users most often falls on the CONDTROL XLiner Combo Set, Laser LevelPro3 and CONDTROL XLiner Duo, are widely used in the field of renovation, decoration and installation. the tool is guided. To mark the opposite wall, the level will have to be turned.

Even greater possibilities are opened up by rotary instruments, in which the laser is emitted not from the side of the device, but from the rotation head located at the top. Accordingly, it can cover a space within a 360 ° radius. Some modifications of such tools are capable of projecting not only horizontal but also vertical rays, which makes them especially effective when building large objects. Most often, a laser plane builder 360 with a radiation range of up to 80 m is used by professionals. Such devices cost much more than point or linear ones. The video review presents the best tier models from Bosch.

Video:

Additional Information: Experienced builders use high-precision laser levels, as the structures they build must comply with state sanitary and hygienic standards. In everyday life, there is no such need, which allows the use of cheaper tools.

What to look for when choosing a laser level

Having decided what a laser builder is needed for, before buying it, it is worth analyzing other important parameters, including:

Design features;
Technical specifications;
The presence of additional mechanisms;
Wide functionality.

Almost every survey of laser levels includes such an important parameter as measuring range. There are devices on the market that allow you to apply beams at a distance of 5 to 400 m. For domestic use, it is best to choose devices that allow you to measure at a maximum distance of 20 m, since such devices will cost much cheaper than professional ones and consume less battery charge.

Experts call the best solutions in this category: Bosch PLL 360, KAPRO 888 and ADA Cube 360. The popular Bosch PLL 360 builder is very effective, with which you can build contours up to 20 m long around the device. This is a great option that both individuals and professionals can use.

If large-scale construction or work in an open area is planned, it is worth giving preference to devices capable of delivering beams at a distance of 50 m or more.

Depending on the design features, laser levels can project a different number of beams with different directions. The cheapest units are capable of laying no more than 1-2 lines, which is quite enough when performing finishing work, completing furniture or marking the location of any objects on the wall.

If the design allows the creation of cross beams, it is necessary to clarify in advance if they can be used separately. If this is the case, you can not only save the battery, but also avoid getting the rays into the eyes of workers. When work is carried out in a large room and several builders are involved in their implementation, it is worth giving preference to a level that allows you to work with multiple beams simultaneously.

When determining which laser level is better, it is worth considering that the cost of rotary mechanisms rarely drops below $ 140 (when it comes to models that allow the construction of only one plane), and the price of high-quality professional equipment starts at $ 350. The use of such expensive units in everyday life is often not justified, because even simple models often have a good set of capabilities that fully satisfy the needs of not only homeowners, but also specialists who use laser measuring equipment every day in their work.

Errors: how dangerous they are

No matter how excellent the quality of the laser level is, this tool may allow some errors in measurements. Since this phenomenon cannot be avoided, manufacturers always indicate the existing errors in the technical documentation. Indicators are calculated in millimeters for each meter of laser beam passage. The smaller this parameter, the more accurate measurements this device allows.

Optional accessories and functions

Many modern laser levels have a self-leveling function provided by a built-in compensator that can react when the device deviates from its initial position. They are called self-leveling. If such a level is not installed correctly, the device will give a light or sound signal. Also, the operator will have information about the deviation of the device due to gusts of wind or accidental touching of the device. As soon as it is returned to its normal position, the audible alerts will stop.

The self-leveling function is much more effective than the bubble fixture used in older laser levels as it allows the unit to be positioned with an accuracy of 1-2 °. But it will interfere with work if the markings need to be applied at a specific angle.

Many modern devices have a self-shutdown function that saves battery power and is triggered when the device is not used for a certain period of time.

Other popular and greatly facilitating the work of additional devices are:

Tripods;
Glasses;
Mounts;
Receivers;
Covers;
Replaceable batteries.

Indoor work: features of choosing a builder

Most often, for indoor work, users choose inexpensive laser levels, including the popular ADA Quadrant A00357 and Kapro 891. Although the cost of such units does not exceed $ 30, they are quite functional, since they allow you to build two lines at a right angle at the same time, which is very convenient when decorating walls and laying tiles.

Expensive models, the price of which does not exceed $ 80, can project vertical and horizontal lines, allowing you to create a 2D projection. A large number of attachments fall into this category, including the ADA CubeProfessionalEdition, Hitachi HLL 20 HTC-H00103, Condtrol MX2 1-2-085 and BoschQuigo II. In this case, it is better to choose a laser level, a level produced by a well-known brand: most often this is a guarantee of a good complete set and proven technological solutions. If you only need a device for doing household work, do not hesitate to opt for devices of this category, preferably - buy units with a proprietary tripod or stand that guarantees maximum measurement accuracy.

Level selection for outdoor work and complex technical manipulations

The hardest part is making the right choice for those who do not know how to choose a laser level for professional use. In this case, the device will be used constantly, with its help it will be necessary to solve complex technological problems in difficult operating conditions.

When choosing mechanisms for carrying out work in open areas, first of all, one should take into account such a factor as the temperature range at which the unit will be operated. Most often, laser levels and builders are used at temperatures between 5 and 40 ° C, which are also suitable for use in heated rooms. If the work is planned to be performed during the cold season, then the operating range of the device should be from -10 to 40 ° C. KaiTian 5 Lines 6 Points, ADA 2D BasicLevel and KAPRO 888 should be mentioned among the devices that meet these parameters.

Particularly noteworthy is the ADA 2D BasicLevel builder, equipped with 3 rotating heads, which allows you to create a three-line scan. Additional advantages of the model include good line visibility even at long distances and high construction accuracy. As a result, this unit in any rating is higher not only budget, but also expensive professional models. Its equipment is also good, which includes a mount and a magnetic target.

Video:

In open areas, it is recommended to use equipment with a high class of electrical protection (at least IP54), for example, the choice may fall on the KACKAD 2K-IP or ADA 6D Maxliner model. In this case, the equipment will be reliably protected from moisture and dust particles.

Lasers that will be used in open spaces must have a tripod for mounting. If for work in closed buildings you can get by with a device that allows you to fix the unit on the wall or a small tripod, then for more serious work it is recommended to purchase more serious auxiliary equipment of the same model so that it fits the thread diameter.

One of the features of high-tech laser levels is the ability to create laser planes in 2D and 4D formats, as well as project plumb points.

The cost of devices in this category starts at $ 110. Its good budget representative, included in almost every top laser level, is the Condtrol INFINITER CL5, which allows you to quickly and efficiently carry out design work on areas with difficult terrain and in buildings with an abundance of structural solutions.

The laser level Bosch PLL 360 is no less effective. The cost of the unit starts at $ 130, but the level has an excellent set of functions, including the ability to draw not only straight and cross lines, but also circular lines.

So, a high-quality laser level is an irreplaceable assistant for everyone involved in construction and repair work. A high-quality device allows you to save the employee's time and perform the most accurate markings, regardless of the complexity and localization of the object. Most of the ratings suggest giving preference to mid-range devices, which are distinguished by excellent functionality and ease of use.

Although the models presented in this review belong to different segments, you can choose the most successful solutions from them based on the ratio of quality and price, as well as the scope of use. The top includes the inexpensive Chinese-made KaiTian 5 Lines 6 Points laser inexpensive combined builder, worth $ 50. And in the ratio of the professional level, the ADA TopLiner 3 × 360 at a price of $ 350. These models were in great demand. Development in this direction is ongoing and new models appear.