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.