Two of the most common questions we get asked are: what type of laser level do I need, and which model should I buy?
To ensure the best performance and value before spending your hard-earned cash, understanding what jobs you plan to use your laser level for, and where, is of key importance.
Get it right and your laser level will become an essential item in your tool kit providing you with consistency, convenience, and accuracy time and time again.
To help you choose, we have put together a summary of the two most popular types of laser levels, cross line lasers and rotary lasers, along with some key factors to consider when choosing the right tool for the job.
Cross-line laser levels
A cross line laser level works by projecting horizontal and vertical beams onto a surface. For DIY projects this type of laser is ideal for tasks such as hanging pictures, mirrors, or fixing shelves to walls; you can use the beams to ensure they are level and in line with a nearby ceiling or walls.
Our entry-level IMEX L2G Mini Green Beam Crossliner comes with a self-levelling feature as standard and a tripod making it a great choice for these small jobs.
Cross line lasers are also a must-have for professionals from a variety of trades. They can be used for kitchen installations, tiling projects, and internal partitions such as drywall, for example. For these jobs, we would recommend investing in a model that beams horizontal and vertical lines 360 degrees around a room. This ensures accuracy is uninterrupted when working across different walls at the same time.
For the ultimate in interior laser levelling, our best-selling and award-winning Imex LX3DG Cross Line Laser is the perfect tool to choose.
Rotary laser levels
Rotary laser levels are an important tool within the construction industry when setting out external levels, brickwork, landscape, and groundwork projects.
These types of lasers not only improve efficiencies but also help reduce the risk of miscalculations that can lose valuable time and money further down the line of a building project.
A rotary laser spins a beam of light to create a 360-degree horizontal or vertical plane and is suited to outdoor projects when accompanied by a laser detector.
For those looking for an entry-level rotary laser with solid features then our Imex E60 Rotating Laser Level Kit comes complete with a tripod, staff and detector to get you up and running with the majority of laser levelling requirements. For the more discerning tradesperson the Imex i88G is at the top of the range; with dual-slope function, a higher degree of accuracy and the ability for vertical levelling.
Having identified the type of laser level you need the next step is to look at the features to ensure your choice does not let you down on the job.
Range and Accuracy
When choosing a laser level consider the size of the areas you will be levelling. Internally, it is likely to be a rarity that you will have a project that needs to measure greater than 30 metres, so a laser level with an accuracy of +/-2mm is a good level of accuracy within the market.
Self-Levelling Lasers
Self-levelling lasers will save you a considerable amount of time if you are going to be using your tool regularly in comparison to having to do it manually. This feature comes standard across the Imex range and configures automatically upon powering up the device.
Laser Detectors
An integral part of using rotary laser level outside is pairing this with a laser detector as the 360-degree beams emitted are difficult to see during daytime hours over longer distances.
Laser detectors work by producing a short beep when you are close to being level, transitioning to a solid beep when you’re at level. Some Imex detectors can also display a reading in millimetres as to how far from level you are.
So, when choosing a rotary laser level ensure a detector is included in the deal or remember this may be an additional cost to consider.
Mounting Options
The majority of lasers will fit to magnetic wall or ceiling brackets and tripods, so be sure to check the mounting ability of the laser level you purchase. The last thing you want to do is get on site and not be able to use your laser level accurately. Mounting thread sizes are industry-standard, either 5/8” or 1/4”.
Red or Green Lasers
Regardless of colour, red and green lasers are equally accurate. The growing popularity of green lasers is largely down to their ability to travel further and be more visible in different conditions. We have a separate article dedicated to the red laser vs. green laser debate should you wish to find out the full range of differences.
Battery Life
In today’s market, almost all laser levels are cordless using standard, rechargeable or lithium batteries. Check the product description for battery life across the different modes the laser level may have to ensure you will have enough power to complete the job.
Toughness
No matter how hard you try to look after your laser level it’s only natural that it will pick up some knocks along the way. Look out for IP ratings and tough test awards which show the durability of the product, along with a lockable pendulum feature, which reduces the risk of damage to the delicate levelling mechanism or calibration issues while not in use or on the move between jobs.
So, which laser level is right for you?
In summary, laser levels provide consistency, convenience and accuracy for construction workers and tradesmen across a range of internal and external projects saving valuable man-hours and money.
If you are thinking of purchasing a laser level the key question you need to ask yourself is what projects you need to use your laser line for. We hope this blog post may have helped.
For internal and small outside work then an Imex cross line laser will take care of virtually any levelling job you encounter.
For external site work, surveying, or landscaping projects then an Imex Rotary Laser is your perfect match!
