How to Recalibrate a Laser Level Manually?

Need to recalibrate your laser level?

Aaron Barnett of BangingToolbox suggests: A laser level is a crucial tool for carpenters and serious DIY’ers. As a tool used for precision, it must be working properly.

However, the measuring device can be sensitive and the knocks may affect its performance when moved constantly from one place to another or exposed to the elements.

Although most laser levels are purchased precalibrated or self-leveling, transporting it could affect the level’s accuracy, especially if the pendulum has been forgotten to be locked, or was dropped in the open self-leveling mode. 

Constant movement can bounce the pendulum back and forth to the sides and may not return its position correctly over time.

For this reason, always check if it is locked before moving the tool.

Since a laser level will always be a part of your work, make it a habit to calibrate your measuring tool and check it every 3 months, or at the start of a new job.

Why Should you recalibrate your laser level?

Calibration is a testing method for your laser level’s performance to ensure it displays a properly aligned beam and level precision.

You calibrate the laser level for the following reasons:

1. To make sure the device is ready
2. To avoid unreliable readings
3. To maintain precision and accuracy
4. To ensure perfect alignment

How to recalibrate laser level manually?

Many times, you may have to recalibrate your laser level manually. Although recalibration may be different with each model.

I would strongly advise you to bring it in for professional calibration. 

Here are the instances when you might need to calibrate your laser level:

• When not used for a long time
• After getting dropped on the floor
• If it has been showing inaccurate readings
• When transported to another location
• It has rolled down a bank into a stream

If you are confident about opening electrical devices, you should hot have a problem with small components.

However, remember that prying up your laser level would surely void your warranty if it’s new.

Again, my recommendation is to bring your device for professional calibration by a specialist in your area.

Your laser level comes with adjustable screws located above the metal plates below the body of your device.

These calibration screws are used for adjusting the beam levels, and each axis would have these screws.

Before prying off the screw covers, make sure you have checked your laser level for accuracy. If these screws have a cover, remove them with a flat-head screwdriver.

And get back to the marks you have made on the wall that is perfectly level that you have used to check for calibration in the testing process of checking your laser level for accuracy.

If you find the line higher than your mark on the wall, turn the screw clockwise.

If it is lower than the marks you drew, turn the screw counterclockwise.

Do this until the beam finally levels on the markings. Don’t try using your home walls, tiles, or door frames for reference as they might not be perfect. 

To get perfectly level data points, use a hose or tube full of water, water will level itself, and you can mark level marks on your walls for testing and calibrating a laser level professionally.

How to recalibrate self-leveling laser levels?

If your laser level utilizes a pendulum mechanism, you need to unlock it. From there, the pendulum will float until it thinks it is level.

Until it does, do not forget to lock the pendulum to prevent it from misaligning when you have finished calibrating it. 

How often should I calibrate my laser level?

If your laser level has been handled with care, when stored or transported at favorable conditions with less exposure to dust or temperature, calibrating it once a year will do.

But if you know the device has been used heavily in different circumstances test the device.

You should calibrate as soon as you notice any problem. You should test for calibration every three to six months.

Final thoughts

You don’t have to actually open your laser level. Most laser levels today need less calibration and can go years and years without any maintenance.

However, missing laser-level accuracy tests can result in inaccurate readings and the smallest inaccuracy could mean disaster for your finished product. 

To leave off most of your worries, make it a habit to calibrate your laser level and only use a trusted brand for leveling. However, a laser level a little bit out is still a lot more accurate than a hand level. 

Regardless a laser level should never be used for new construction foundation setouts, or floor levels, use a dedicated commercial datum tool.