Even the simplest repairs will not be complete without using a building level. Previously, in the old fashioned way, all kinds of hand-made plumb lines, stretched threads, bottles of water were used. Now the need for such applied creativity has disappeared completely, because laser levels have appeared on the construction market. These are unique devices that allow you to carry out any construction work with high precision. How to choose a laser self-leveling level? What characteristics should you pay attention to first? You need to figure it out.

How to choose a laser self-leveling level

Using a laser self-leveling level

Laser level. Features of design and work

In order to understand how to choose a laser self-leveling level, you need to understand its structure and principle of operation. A typical laser device consists of several systems working together. This includes:

  • emitters;
  • focus adjustment system;
  • Power Supply;
  • leveling and leveling mechanism;
  • Control block.
Laser level device

Laser level device

Emitters

The laser-level light sources are fairly powerful LEDs. They generate monochromatic light. Typically, in professional and amateur devices, the rays are red or green, which are visible quite clearly at a distance of more than 40 meters. Installed LEDs do not heat up, use a minimum of electrical energy, and do not shine worse over time.

Useful advice! The green beam is brighter and is better seen when working during the day, especially at long distances without using a special receiver.

Red LED beams

Red LED beams

Optics

Each laser level is equipped with a special lens system capable of focusing the received beam at one point. High-quality optics guarantee high accuracy of the instrument and clear visibility. Some devices are equipped with special prisms that can scatter the beam and turn it into lines. Such equipment is more convenient to use.

Using a laser level when laying tiles

Using a laser level when laying tiles

Keeping balance

These mechanisms use the pendulum rule. If the equipment is aligned strictly horizontally, the built-in plumb line is fixed. With a slight deviation, the pendulum head deflects and, in interaction with a magnetic field, generates a current, under the influence of which the system corrects the level position. The most accurate systems are capable of responding to a deviation of tenths or hundredths of a degree per 1 meter.At 10 m, the deviation cannot exceed 1 mm. Professional instruments with gyroscopes and servo drives react much faster to deflections and provide maximum accuracy.

Possible directions of laser beams

Possible directions of laser beams

Control and power supply

The laser level is battery operated. For these purposes, manufacturers mainly use nickel-cadmium versions, which can be recharged from the network without problems. A high-quality battery ensures uninterrupted operation of the device for 7-10 hours with constant operation. The control on all models is very simple and is carried out with a few buttons.

The use of a laser level in construction

The use of a laser level in construction

Varieties of laser levels

To decide how to choose a laser self-leveling level, you need to know about all the existing varieties. Such measuring devices are of several types. Depending on the measurement accuracy, additional functions can be distinguished:

  • laser rangefinders;
  • static builders of simple lines;
  • rotary plane builders.
Using a laser level for flooring

Using a laser level for flooring

The laser rangefinder allows you to measure the distance to the object with high accuracy, calculating the time it takes for the beam to travel to the desired point. Such a device is often supplied with professional equipment.

Static builders are higher level devices. They allow you to get intersecting horizontal and vertical at an angle of 90º. Can project 2-8 lines at one time. Such models already use a prismatic optical system.

Installation of door trims using a level

Installation of door trims using a level

Rotary levels. Laser level self-leveling 360 degrees

Rotary builders are the most powerful, high quality and multifunctional devices. They are equipped with a head that can rotate and create an image of a luminous plane horizontally and vertically. Such models are often equipped with remote controls.

By rotating the light beam, the device forms a plane. With such a laser level, it is easy to check any surfaces and identify defects. An additional function in it is the ability to create a beam directed strictly to the zenith. Manufacturers declare the beam range of about 50-70 m, but when using a special receiver, this figure can be increased to 300-400 m. The level head can rotate at a speed of 10-600 rpm. The higher the speed, the better and clearer the image.

The 360-degree self-leveling laser level is quite powerful and easy-to-use device. Its head can rotate in almost any direction, creating both horizontal and vertical planes. The self-leveling indicator in it is small up to 4 degrees. There are samples with a self-leveling index of up to 60º, but they are very expensive and can simply be unprofitable to purchase.

Rotary laser level device Spit LR 150

Rotary laser level device Spit LR 150

How to choose a laser self-leveling level. Main characteristics of devices

There are many indicators on which the accurate and smooth operation of the laser level depends. Let's list the main ones:

  • error;
  • range of work;
  • type of laser;
  • power class;
  • battery capacity;
  • self-leveling function;
  • protection;
  • equipment.
Using a self-leveling level for arranging the ceiling

Using a self-leveling level for arranging the ceiling

Accuracy is one of the important characteristics of any level. The result of the work directly depends on this indicator. Its values ​​should not exceed 1-3 mm per 10 m. Professional devices have an error of 0.5-1 mm. When working indoors, an error of 3 mm is almost invisible, such equipment is perfect for use at home.

LEICA Lino L2 laser self-leveling level set

LEICA Lino L2 laser self-leveling level set

The middle building levels are equipped with class 1 or class 2 lasers.These are low and medium-power light sources, but even they can adversely affect vision. Class 3 laser is used in professional devices.

Battery capacity is also important. Professional devices work without interruption for about 30 hours. For less powerful equipment, this figure is 10-12 hours. For home use, batteries with a medium capacity, but with a high charging speed are suitable.

Diagonal tiling with a laser level

Diagonal tiling with a laser level

Useful advice! The self-leveling function in the device must be disabled. This is convenient if the device needs to be positioned at a certain angle.

Since 360-degree laser self-leveling levels are often used in rather harsh conditions, their internal parts must be reliably protected. For high-quality models, special sealed and shockproof cases are used. For greater convenience, many samples are equipped with goggles, a case for equipment, a tripod. The kit should also include a charger if the device is powered by a battery.

Laser rangefinder is able to calculate the distance to the object

Laser rangefinder is able to calculate the distance to the object

Knowing all the subtleties of the device and the operation of laser building levels, you can choose a good option for using at home. Powerful and highly accurate models can be left to professionals.

How to choose a laser self-leveling level (video in two parts)