When choosing a laser level With the idea of making modifications or small and medium-sized spare parts at home, it is convenient to know in advance which model or which are the most appropriate models to carry out the task without investing a lot of money in a tool to which we can give various uses according to the tasks that we are going to perform.
Choosing a versatile and inexpensive laser level
There is a wide variety of laser levels on the market, with increasing degrees of complexity; To be sure, for occasional home repair or modification tasks you don’t need to look for professional equipment — whose features we won’t take advantage of — but rather for versatile entry-level models.
Comparison with traditional levels
Measurement error
There is an erroneous prejudice about these models (the most basic, or initials): which are not as precise as the other models, and which only serve to hang some pictures or place some shelves. Nothing further from reality.
Everything laser level provides higher level and measurement accuracy than the best of traditional levels; If you add comfort and ease of use to that, we will have complete confidence that your purchase will not be a bad idea at all, in addition to both tools they can be, in some cases, complementary. For reference, the maximum measurement error is approximately a quarter of a millimeter per linear meter; in a projection of ten meters we will thus have only 2.5 mm of error: something impossible even with the best spirit level on the market, and totally negligible (not important) for home applications. Also, there are already new technologies that bring to the laser levels, the color green for its best indoor work, among other differences.
Operation
Level – Bull’s Eye
With traditional levels it is necessary to draw lines with a pencil and use accessories or auxiliary elements such as metal rulers, plumb lines and goniometers to project and extend lines, which makes the operation more difficult; more if it is necessary to work in a remote site. The laser levelOn the contrary, it allows you to draw precise lines in a matter of seconds, and it is only necessary to carry the instrument and a pencil.
Another notable advantage of laser level Compared to traditional measuring instruments, it requires little preparation, and a reasonably flat and horizontal surface is sufficient to support it and begin projecting horizontal lines. When the surface is not flat and horizontal enough, the laser level He denounces it by means of an acoustic or light signal.
Also, as a secondary advantage, it has a higher operating thermal range; most of the laser levels operates between -10 ° C and 50 ° C.
Choice according to the work to be done
Whether your intention is to choose a laser level for the purpose of installing paintings, shelves, and other items, and doing a truly professional-looking paint or wallcovering job, or your requirements are for larger parts – creating new openings in a wall, install a false ceiling or subdivide a large room with drywall boards), we recommend that you purchase a laser level of crossed lines; Almost all brands offer it in their most economical models, and there are only differences in terms of scope and accessories.
For the simplest jobs you can choose a direct support laser level (that is, it does not have a tripod); Simply place it on the floor and turn it on to get laser lines crossed in perfect squareness. For more complex jobs, on the other hand, the tripod and the reclining base are important to achieve a more stable support, and to be able to fasten the instrument to the sheet metal profiles.
Some jobs and the most advisable models for them
Installation of pipes
- Pipe installation with laser level
It does not matter if it is a question of pipes for water, gas or for electrical cables, or if you need to install them embedded in the wall or externally (with clamps); the important thing is that the installation is correctly leveled.
For any of these cases you need to choose a laser level of crossed lines, which allows a center to be taken as a reference and from there to draw parallel and horizontal or vertical lines.
Installation of electrical and decorative appliances
Installations of air conditioning equipment, simple shelves, modular furniture or pictures on the wall, in any case, require looking for the center of the wall to draw the necessary lines vertically or horizontally.
For this work, it is convenient, as in the previous case, to have a laser level that offers crossed lines, and, as an optional requirement, a good tripod that allows the instrument to be rotated comfortably and reliably; Some models allow, of course, that the laser head – which produces the lines – pivots on a hemisphere, thus giving it two degrees of freedom that make the tripod unnecessary (except if the ground is under construction and is not level or offers a smooth surface).
Electrical outlet installation
Electrical outlet installation
If you are building a new room, it is best to determine the position and location of each outlet before deciding where the wiring will run. It is good practice that they are all aligned and centered with respect to the wall and with each other.
For this task it is particularly advisable to choose a laser level with support designed for placement on profiles or on a tripod; remember that the floor may not be finished yet, and offers an uneven surface. Of course, choose a cross-line model with a range of about 15 meters; this will allow you to work seamlessly on any new annex.
Drawing lines for painting or wallpaper
Want to refresh your wall paint with a multi-cut and color scheme? No problem! The laser levels they offer, in the models of crossed lines, an enveloping projection in 360 °. In this way, you can mark the points at the desired height on a corner of the wall and, with the laser level, to project those lines around all the walls of the room, with an accuracy that could not even be achieved with the best traditional level.
Placing drywall plates
Another common job that requires leveling is the installation of drywall-type walls (plasterboard). Here, choose a laser level Cross lines is essential, since we will require leveling and squaring. Additionally, look for models with a magnetized mount and with a tripod thread, so that it is easy to attach to the profiles or support it in places with unfinished surfaces.
False ceiling placement
Of all the possible jobs with laser levels basic, perhaps the most demanding in terms of precision and effort. For this, it will be necessary to have an instrument equipped with a magnetized support, which allows it to be firmly placed against a profile, column or frame, and that can be easily moved.
