But in case you are new to laser levels, then you may have issues in working on laser levels. Therefore, make sure to check out this extensive tutorial on how to use a laser level. You can also learn about choosing a laser level and types of laser level down below apart from the various applications for laser levels and using laser levels in those cases.
Choosing a Laser Level
In case you still haven’t bought a laser level for all your construction projects, then you might also be confused when it comes to choosing a laser level. Thus, before taking a look at the practical applications of laser levels, let’s take a look at the following points to consider before getting a laser level:
Indoor Projects: If you are going to align furniture and decorative items for indoor projects, then you should go with a laser level which offers multiple line lasers. These are also great for tiling if you have a laser square to align everything properly. Outdoor Projects: When it comes to working on outdoors projects where you may need to use lasers on a long distance and uneven surfaces, then you can consider rotary and line lasers. Room Size or Distance: You can find both low RPM and high RPM laser levels out there where a low RPM one offers higher brightness but smaller distances making them ideal for indoor usage. As for high RPM laser levels, they may offer lower brightness, but they easily travel long distances making them great for outdoors usage. Mounting: While you can find both suction cup and mounting pin options while buying laser levels, suction cup ones are much more ideal for walls where you would not want to ruin the wallpaper or the paint. Laser Stability: Even though a manual laser is good enough for indoors usage and smaller projects, you will need an auto-leveling laser level if you are working on uneven surfaces or outdoors.
Types of Laser Level
Other than the features to consider before buying a laser level, you also need to consider the type of laser levels available out there. This is due to the reason that for all the various possible uses and applications of laser levels, you can find a different type of laser level. While there are various options available out there, here are some of the most common ones:
1. Dot/Point Laser Level
Starting with a dot/point laser level, it only throws small laser dots or points within the plan in which you have placed your laser level. As a result, it is one of the cheapest laser levels out there because it can only be used for 1 dimensional calculations. Such a laser level is only ideal for basic decorative or leveling requirements.
2. Cross Line Laser Level
Unlike a dot laser level, a cross line laser level is much more advanced and perfect for a wide range of applications. It projects a vertical and a horizontal laser line on a given surface at the same time. Once mounted on a tripod, such a laser level can be great for long distance leveling measurements and outdoors usage. You can also use it for complex decorative purposes for perfectly aligning objects on your walls.
3. Rotary Laser Level
If you want the absolute best performing laser level, then you can go with a rotary laser level. Thanks to its mirrors, it is able to offer laser projection in 360 degree angles. Some of these rotary laser levels also offer auto-leveling features which makes them great for outdoors usage.
4. Tile Laser Level
Just per the name, this type of laser level is primarily made for installing tiles on the floor or on the walls of your home or office. You can use this laser and its multiple angle laser lines to perfectly align tiles in any shape and area that you want.
Using a Laser Level
Now that you know so much about the various laser level types available out there, you must have gotten one for yourself as well. If that is the case, then you would also be interested in learning how you can use the same properly and well. Therefore, we are here with the following methods on how to use a laser level in all kinds of different scenarios and applications:
Using a Laser Level
While different applications require you to use your laser level in a certain way, let’s us consider the go to way for using a laser level which is as follows:
You have to first place your laser level on a tripod or any flat surface of your choice. Then, make sure the bubble level of your laser level shows that the laser level itself is properly leveled. Now, turn on your laser level and enable its laser where the laser can be projected as a dot, line, or multiple lines depending on your laser level. If you are using your laser level outdoors, you may also need to use a laser detector while working in an open area. Similar to the laser level, the laser detector will also need to be placed on a level at the right height which matches your laser level.
Using a Laser Level Outdoors
If you are going to use your laser level outdoors, then there are a few extra things to consider while using a laser level as explained here:
To ensure that you can see the laser beam of your laser level even outdoors, then it is highly important to use the included tinted glass. Now, place your laser level on a tripod and point it in the direction where you want to take a reading. You will then need to place a laser detector where you wish to take readings where the detector has to be on the same height as your laser level. After that, move your laser detector towards the laser level until the laser is detected where you need to lock your laser detector in its position. You can then use the laser to align and level things with ease.
Using a Laser Level for Hanging Pictures
Since laser level can also be used for decorative purposes for things like hanging pictures in your home, you may want to consider these instructions for it:
First, decide the height at which you want to hang a picture and set your laser level at the same height. Then, move your laser level horizontally along the wall at the point where you want to hang a picture. You can use suction cups or pins to mount your laser level on the wall where you need to ensure that the laser level is placed properly by checking its bubble level. Then use the laser level to measure and mark the distance on the wall which should be the same as the size of the picture. Now, you can put a nail at the mark you made and hang your picture which will be perfectly aligned and leveled.
Using a Laser Level for Ground Leveling
While a laser level is great for leveling ground, there are extra things to consider while using a laser level on uneven surfaces as given here:
In case you want to use your laser level outdoors for ground leveling, you will have to first place it on stable ground. Then, turn on the laser level and let it use its auto-leveling features. You can then attach a laser detector to a measuring rod and move it up and down till you hear a beep which means that you have found the level. Now you can consider the bottom of the rod as the desired ground height. You have to repeat this same process until you have multiple ground points which are important for ground leveling.
Using a Laser Level for Setting Grade
You can also use a laser level to set grade since they are highly versatile and can be used to easily set grade as per these steps:
After securely mounting your laser level and letting it level itself after turning it on, you need to check the starting height of the grade. Now, while keeping the bottom of your rod at a preferred height, move your laser detector up and down until you hear a beep. Then, secure the laser detector, mark it, and move the laser detector up with a distance same as the fall distance. Once done, move to the bottom of the grade, find level using the laser level, and dig down or move up depending on the surface. Finally, insert a stick in the ground using the bottom of the leveling rod as the bottom of the grade.
Conclusion:
A laser level can be a great upgrade to your existing bubble level since it offers much better accuracy and ease of use. Although, to get the most out of your laser level, it is quite important to know how to properly use it. Thus, we have already given a complete guide on how to use a laser level. To help you get the most out of your laser level, we have also given information on choosing a laser level, types of laser level, various applications of a laser level, and much more. If you have gone through all the information regarding the guide on how to use a laser level given above, make sure to share your thoughts in the comments section. You can also post any questions down there if you have any! Comment * Name * Email * Website
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