Complete Laser Level Review [For Builders & DIY’ers]

Best Cross-Line, Laser Level (3 Beam)

Introduction

A laser line level, is a tool relied on by builders to accurately level, plumb and square internal building set-out work. It’s pretty amazing really, that a tool like this can quickly give clear visible lines inside a room indicating the perfect level and plumb points.

With so many types of self-leveling tools out there it can be hard to decide on the best type of laser to buy, before even deciding on the best brand. In this laser level review, I have separated the best into the following categories.

1. 5 point
2. 3 line
3. 360 rotary laser level
4. 360 cross-line
5. Cross-line laser

Types of Self-leveling Lasers

• Level line – This is used to quickly transfer any height reference inside a room. Or outside with a sensor, or low sunlight conditions.
• 5 dots – Can be used to square rooms, plan view and square walls vertically, as well as plumb corners.
• 3 points – Can be used for plumbing walls and doors.
• The plumb line – Is used for straightening walls, ready for linings like plasterboard. Just set the laser up shooting along the full length of a wall with the same set distance at each end. You can quickly measure the same of-set distance at any area of a wall to find bulges or inverted areas that need planeing or packing. It is still recommended to use a straight edge afterward
• 360 deg rotary level line – Unlike just a level line, this type of laser can display a clean line in more than just 1 direction. Instead, the entire room will get a level-line from a 360-degree projection, from the tools mounting position, making this type perfect for ceiling and floor set out work.

 3 Point VS 5 Pointers

Photo of an old Ramset 3 pointer

3 pointers are fine for plumbing door, and wall corners but that is pretty much al they can do. They lack needed setting out functionality for builders that a 5 point tool can do.

With a 5 pointer, 3,4,5 a measuring technique, used to check buildings for square is not required anymore, instead, the 5 dot laser is faster and not prone to human calculation errors. 

Really trying to make this point clear that 5 point lasers are much more functional than the basic 3 point models. Sure they are a bit cheaper but in the long run, you would have wished you got the extra few dots, as the extra 2 dots of a 5 pointer allow you to use the tool as a giant square plan view.

Best Builders Laser Levels

If you want the most accurate piece of internal leveling equipment the Lecia Lino L2P5 is what you should aim for with a visible green line, and the best accuracy the Lecia Lino also has a rechargeable battery. This 5 point laser level is my top choice for builders.

A 3X 360 rotary laser level like the Dewalt DW089LG is even better for wall set-outs but is less portable for tricky jobs compared to a 5 pointer. A good trick if you have two of these 3X 360 line tools on site, is to put them both at opposite corners to each other and you can fully create the outline of a square room.

Laser Level Features

Brand

For an important tool like a self-leveling laser level, you should stick to the top few brands, as with any precise measuring equipment. You want a brand you can rely and trust on to build perfectly square and level within design tolerances. 

Most measuring tools on the construction site need constant professional re-calibration and checking before expensive construction set out. As a tool not working correctly can cost 1000’s in rework. But a good laser with a locking pendulum can be used for many years without the need to think about recalibration.

Brands such as Leica Lino, Dewalt, Makita, Klein Tools, Bosch, and Skil. Are all brands known in the construction industry for a good tool. Don’t get a cheap knock off for measuring equipment.

Red VS Green

Most people prefer a green laser level as it is brighter and more visible to the human eye compared to the red version.

However green models tend to cost a bit more, and is it worth it? that’s up to you, there is nothing wrong with a red laser, a red line is still easy to see in most cases.

Battery Types

Most lasers run on 4 AA batteries, they are easy to replace and recharge. However, Dewalt and Leica Lino offer a lithium rechargeable battery, with longer working time. This makes Dewalt and Lecia Lino stand out, as replacing AA laser batteries frequently can get annoying with regular use.

Outdoor Laser Level Use

Laser levels work best indoors, as the sun can make it hard to identify the beam. Although most do come with a reflector that can help with daytime laser use. It might be better to get an additional: Electric sensor, that will make daytime use possible regardless on how bright the sun is.

Like I said above, a reflector does make outdoor laser level use possible but not perfect, if you don’t want to get an electric sensor, you could make a point to measure your heights early morning, or late afternoon.

Mounting

It is important that you can easily mount your tool in a good position quickly. And to do this there are a few different mounting styles to chose from, to mount your laser at the right height. Here are some things to look out for when it comes to mounting options your tool should have.

• Strong magnets in the base for quick attachment to steel or metal surfaces
• Thread for a standard construction tripod
• Thread for a standard camera tripod
• Hole in the base to hang the tool on a nail or screw, this is useful on timber walls.

Convenient mounting options make using a laser a breeze, some can be hard to position in the right spot if the mounting options above are not compatible.

Additionally, a base that is too close to the ground makes it difficult to use. You instead want a decent amount of room under the tool. This space gives you room to fit your pencil underneath. This is to see and mark the ground after plumbing a point down from the ceiling.

Good base clearance also lets you align your tool, to a mark on the ground’s surface, without getting an overly chunky base in your way.