Laser Level Tripod

A laser level tripod can really make the difference between doing a pro job and an amateur one. A tripod is a great purchase for anyone who uses their laser level on a regular basis and wants consistent and accurate results.

Why a Tripod?

A tripod for your laser level will ensure that the device itself is level and on solid footing. If you’ve ever tried putting a laser level on an unstable surface such as a ladder, you probably know what a hassle it is. Ladders, tables and chairs all end up getting knocked or bumped. There’s nothing worse than having your laser level all setup and then someone bumps whatever it is sitting on. You then have to re-set the level. On a job site this can turn into a huge waste of valuable time and money. A tripod will ensure that your level is always sitting on a solid support and that you’ll get accurate results.

Tripod Construction

Laser level tripods are typically made out of heavy duty aluminum or fiberglass. You can also find some models that are made from wood. They are very similar to camera tripods and have three telescoping legs. These legs usually have cleats on the bottom for outdoor use or rubber feet for indoor use. Some models have quick release leg levers for fast setup and adjustment.

Mounting Head

The head on the tripod can be either domed or flat. This is where your laser level will connect to the tripod itself. You’ll want to make sure that the tripod you’re buying has the correct type of head for your laser level. Some companies such as CST make tripod adapters. Check your user’s manual or the manufacturers website to find out what type of tripod head will work with your level.

If you are serious about getting accurate results, check out a laser level tripod. They are not very expensive and will make your job a lot easier in the long run.

Johnson Laser Level

If you need a heavy duty level for the job site, look no further than a Johnson laser level. Particularly their Acculine Pro series. These levels are made for the job site and will help you make short work of any type of leveling task.

Key features of Johnson laser levels are automatic leveling, scan modes and slope modes. One unique and eye catching feature is their GreenBrite technology. These laser levels feature a super visible green laser beam. It’s a whopping 400 percent brighter than a traditional red laser. This makes for extremely speedy an accurate measurements when used indoors.

The entire lineup consists of a wide range of models including:

• Electronic Levels
• Optical Levels
• Rotary Laser Levels
• Line Generators
• Multi-Point Lasers
• Torpedo Lasers

Here’s three of the most popular models in the Johnson Laser Level line with a description from the manufacturer:

AccuLine Pro 40-6500 Manual-Leveling Rotary Laser Level

“Built to last, this manual-leveling rotary laser level is a multi-functional laser instrument that combines a rotating laser with a vertical line (can be used as a cross-line) and plumb beam. Projected from a rotating head, the beam (1/4″ at 100 feet accuracy) can be switched between a point, a vertical line, or a horizontal line. Designed for an entry-level user who demands quality and accuracy, this tool also features manual slope, built-in mounting bracket with 5/8″¿11 thread, variable electronic speeds and a range scan that provides two chalkline widths or a single point. Package includes: Manual-leveling rotary laser level, 4 AA alkaline batteries, 6V battery adapter, tinted glasses, instruction manual with warranty card, and hardshell carrying case with protective inner padding.”

AccuLine Pro 40-6680 Self-Leveling, Five-Beam Laser Pointer

“Five bright red self-leveling beams (forward, left, right, plumb-up and plumb-down) provide highly-focused laser points or “dots” with 1/4″ accuracy at 100 feet. Internal locking mechanism (magnetic dampening system) protects inner pendulum during transport. Unrestricted 360-degree rotation. Audible alarm when beyond the 4-1/2 degree self-leveling range. A multi-functional, magnetic mount quickly attaches to secure the unit to steel studs, pipe, conduit or other metal surfaces. A mounting strap is included for extra security and attachment to non-metal surfaces. Mount accepts both 5/8″-11 and 1/4″-20 (fits most camera tripods) thread attachments. Package includes: Multi-functional mount, 3 AA alkaline batteries, mounting strap, magnetic target, tinted glasses, instruction manual with warranty card, hardshell carrying case with protective inner padding.”

AccuLine Pro 40-6530 Self-Leveling Rotary Laser Level with Detector

“We’ve added a detector to this AccuLine Pro self-leveling rotary laser level kit, increasing the unit’s measuring range to 820 feet. Fully enclosed for protection and durability, this unit projects a continuous 360-degree self-leveling rotating beam in the horizontal plane. Used in the vertical plane with the included mounting adaptor, the unit can be leveled manually. Accurate to 3/8″ at 100 feet for horizontal rotation and 5/8″ at 100 feet for vertical rotation. An audible warning sounds when the unit is beyond its 3.5-degree self-leveling range. Three rotation speeds can be selected. A range scan mode provides two chalk line widths or a single point. Package includes: Self-leveling rotary laser level, Ni-MH rechargeable battery pack, detector with 9V battery and quick clamp, C alkaline battery holder (batteries not included), 6V battery adapter, vertical mounting adaptor, tinted glasses, instruction manual with warranty card, hardshell carrying case with protective inner padding.”

You can’t do wrong by picking up a Johnson laser level. Their AccuLine Pro series is extremely popular and has a lot of happy customers. Johnson Level & Tool has been in business since 1947 and knows how to build a quality product and take care of their customers.

Rotary Laser Levels

Rotary laser levels are the kind that you would typically find on any large constructions site. They are typically much too expensive, large and heavy for home use. Home users would do better to pick up a small, portable and lightweight laser level instead.

Rotary laser levels shoot out one or more beams through rotating apertures to give you a nice level plain to work from. They can be used indoors or outdoors. When using them outdoors, being able to see the laser beam(s) can be a problem. Especially in bright, glaring sunshine. Fortunately most manufacturers have come up with a solution for this common problem. Most rotary levels come with laser enhancement glasses. These are usually red in color and look like they are straight out of a science fiction movie. They do exactly as the name implies. They enhance the laser beam from your level and make it easier to see when outside.

A few jobs where rotary laser levels come in handy are installing drop ceilings, building a patio or deck, adding on rooms to a home, installing floor or wall tiles, leveling a driveway, installing cabinets and putting up fencing.

High quality are auto leveling. Meaning that you simply turn them on and they just work. No setup is required. This can be a huge difference from using a manual laser level where you need to constantly adjust leveling screws and use bubbles to make sure that the laser is level. What a pain! These manual models are less accurate then auto leveling units and take longer to set up. Plus if you accidentally bump it, you need to start all over again to make sure that it is level.

Rotary laser levels are usually placed in the center of the room or area where you are working. Many models come with tripods and ones that don’t usually have a tripod screw so that you can buy one later on if necessary. Another feature to look for when purchasing one is multiple rotation speeds. This will let you adjust the rotation speed to match the lighting conditions.  Some models also come with remote controls. Both are nice features to have.

Because they are typically made for use on construction sites, most of these levels are very rugged and can take some abuse. A well cared for rotary laser level should last for years and years of daily use. The only thing that you’ll need to replace every now and then is the battery.

If you are doing some heavy duty work or need to use a level on a daily basis, you should take a look at the various rotary laser levels that are on the market. A quality investment that can save you a ton of time and money in the long run.

Laser Measuring Device

Do you have a job where you need to take accurate measurements? If so forget tape measures, you need a laser measuring device! If you’ve never used one before you have no idea what you are missing. You’ll wonder how you’ve ever worked without one.

Why?

Laser measuring devices are simple to use, extremely accurate and lightning fast. Some are as simple to use as pointing in the direction you want to measure and pushing a button. Ever tried to measure long distances with a tape measure? You know the drill. Extend the tape measure fully, put a mark, measure from the mark on, put down another mark, etc. Boring! How about pushing a simple button and having an accurate reading in seconds? That sounds better. You can use them indoors or out. They will save you a ton of time and you can rely on having correct measurements to get the job done right the first time. They are invaluable for painting, carpet laying and tile installing jobs just to name a few.

Who?

Anyone who needs to measure distances is the perfect candidate for a laser measuring device. Here’s just a short list:

• Real Estate Agents
• Contractors
• Do-it-yourself’ers
• Builders
• Landscapers
• Painters
• Carpet Installers
• Tile Installers
• Insurance Adjusters
• Home Appraisers
• Carpenters

Cost

Laser measurers come in a wide price range from affordable for home use to expensive for heavy duty pro use. Name brands to look for are CST, Zircon, Bosch, Strait-Line, Calculated Industries, RoboToolz, Stabila, Leica and Black & Decker.

Features

Many laser measuring devices can measure from just a couple of inches to over one hundred feet. The further the distance, the more expensive the unit will be. Many devices will also have a swing out pin for measuring corners. Other useful features to look for are tripod mounts, area and volume calculations, the ability to add and subtract measurements, water resistant casing, a belt pouch, hand strap and an easy to read display.

Hopefully you can see the benefits of owning a laser measuring device. They can be quite inexpensive and are highly recommended for anyone who wants to simplify distance measuring or needs to do it on a daily basis. Even for the home handyman they are a worthwhile purchase. Once you use one, you won’t be able to live without it!