How to make and verify square on site with a laser level?

The level and the squad, when we talk about works, they are a very important aspect to take into account: it is not possible to be successful in construction if the measures taken are not perfectly in line squad nor level.

In this article we will see the operation of this measurement tool in different scenarios; We will also compare different models in order to get a complete guide for your choice based on this task.

How to make a square on site?

The advantage of the laser level over tools traditional (lead line and square) is that it allows to work with a much higher degree of precision without the need to transport heavy instruments. Light, by its nature, does not bend, and this is the principle that is used in the tool laser to bring perfection in measurements. Making and verifying the square on site is a fundamental task for construction, whether in vertical or horizontal levels, as well as for the installation of various structures, supports, etc.

Straightness and leveling with the laser level

The simplest use of these instruments is to check the straightness of surfaces such as shelves, tables, etc., which also applies to their correct leveling and placement.

If you need to measure only the straightness (regardless of the angle) of an element, just use one of the lines, blocking the self-leveling to avoid the flicker of the laser by detecting an incorrect working angle.

If, on the contrary, you want to determine the level of the surface, it is necessary to use more advanced models that some manufacturers already have on the market.

To achieve perfect leveling, it is necessary to ensure that the surface of the floor where we support the laser level is horizontal and flat; obviously this condition will never be perfect, so most quality levels offer a feature that allows them to self-level to compensate for those defects in the field.

If the lines start to flicker, it is a sign that the surface it is resting on is too uneven. In that case, it will be enough to try in some other location: further ahead or behind, it is even possible to place it a little to the sides, since by its nature, the laser will continue to project correctly on the wall or surface to be worked on.

Once self-leveling is achieved, use the lines projected by the surface laser level as a guide for the correct leveling of the element that we need to install or move. On the wall we will see a cross that we will use to compare the level of the element with that of the instrument.

If it is necessary to move the lines (to bring them closer to the element to be measured, for example) it will be enough to carefully rotate the measuring instrument until the lines coincide with the geometry of our element.

Squad

Another practical use is to squad. It is defined as such as the drawing of two lines perpendicular to each other and orthogonal with respect to a third plane.

Square with laser level

Vertical square

For this application we will need a level that allows drawing vertical lines and a level horizontal surface with a maximum error of 4 degrees.

We place the cross-line laser level on the ground, close to the wall on which we need to draw the squared vertical line. We select the vertical line function in the instrument and, once it displays them, we will try to make it coincide with the horizontal element with respect to which we are looking for the squad.

Once this is achieved, we simply draw on the wall, with a pencil, the points or the line we need.

Horizontal square

If we need to hang a bulky painting, we simply need to locate the laser level against a wall (making use of the magnetic support provided by some models, such as the Bosch GCL 2-15) and choose the function of orthogonal lines (cross). When we have the lines in the desired position (both in height and in length), we wait for the instrument to self-level and provide us with the necessary lines to install or correct the element with which we are working.

This modality is also useful to carry out a visual control when a wall made of bricks is being carried out or when one is being clad with ceramic or tiles. Also to create new openings, to install electrical outlets, apply some decorative element, and so on.

Point transfer from ceiling to floor

It may happen that we need to install an element that requires a perfect vertical: a pipe, a small column, a support for an enclosure. In that case we will need to take two reference points: one on the ceiling and one on the ground.

Many models, at least the most modern, allow this task to be achieved with an error of less than three tenths of a millimeter per linear meter.

Angled line projection

Suppose we have a ramp or a ladder to which it is necessary to install a handrail. With traditional methods, this was accomplished by complicated equations and strings, squads and other instruments.

Now, with most of the laser levels it is possible to obtain a parallel line in a matter of seconds. The horizontal line function is chosen, the level is attached to any surface and it is sought, by tilting the instrument, that the line coincides with the slope of the stair or ramp. It is important to lock the self-leveling, both to avoid line flickering (product of the angle) and to protect the instrument from movement.

When we have achieved that the laser line is parallel to the ladder or ramp, we simply transport it upwards, or to the desired location, and draw with a pencil the points where we will install the support hardware.