Are you looking for a laser level that can project both a dot and line at the same time? Then, the combination laser level is just what you need! The combination laser level functions similarly to the cross-line laser level. The difference between the combination laser level and the line laser level is that the combination laser projects both a dot and a line. If you are a professional that requires the reference beam of a line and dot, you will find this laser level very helpful. This piece is an ultimate guide to the combination laser level!
Combination Laser Level Buying Guide
1. Who Uses a Laser Level?
Laser levels are beneficial for different applications. Combination laser levels can be used at home, outdoor, indoor and on-site jobs. The combination laser level is for you whether you are a carpenter, DIYer, or professional. If the project you are embarking on requires you to lay tiles or install cabinets, you will execute your job better if you use a laser beam.
2. What Is the Difference Between a Green Laser Level and Red Laser Level?
When choosing a laser level, you should consider the color of the beam. While you may not see the rays, especially when working outside, they are still essential to your purchase. Red laser levels consume less power and aren’t expensive. As a result, many people continue to choose the red laser level.
A green laser level is quite expensive. However, you can’t go wrong with green lasers regarding power. They are visible from a distance and are great for outdoor jobs. You must be mindful when using green lasers because they can harm your eyes.
3. Combination Laser Level Safety
Even though the beam that comes out of a laser level has little power, it can harm the eyes. So, if you are using a combination laser level, below are some tips you should adhere to:
- Avoid staring into a laser beam.
- Tinted glasses will not protect your eyes from beam exposure. So, even if you are wearing tinted glasses while working with your beam, you can still damage your eyes.
- Don’t disassemble your laser beam. Also, don’t attempt to repair the laser beam without the help of a professional. You will be subjecting yourself to severe injuries if you try to service your beam or repair it yourself.
- Do not use the combination laser level until you are familiar with the usage. Your combination laser level should come with a manual. Make sure you read it.
- Avoid pointing the laser beam at a car that has occupants.
- Your kids should not have any access to your laser level.
- When the combination laser level isn’t used, ensure you turn it off.
- When the combination isn’t being used, take off the batteries so that they’ll not damage your laser level.
- Purchase the parts of your combination laser level only from an authorized dealer. You will void the warranty of your laser level if you patronize a non-authorized dealer.
4. What Are the Types of Laser Levels?
Whether it is a dot laser level or a manual laser level, each comes with its functions. Let’s take an in-depth look into the different laser levels.
Green Laser Level
Green Laser Level is the perfect choice for both indoor and outdoor projects. The Green Laser Level puts up a better performance outdoors when compared to the red laser level. Green lasers have a more extended range. They can work in a range of 50 to 60 feet. The red lasers only work within a 20 to 30 feet range. While the green laser level is expensive, it is the best option if you have the budget.
Green laser levels are costly because of the components they come with. They come with features such as diodes and laser levels. Another advantage of the green laser level is that they work with many machine control receivers. If you are doing a lot of excavation projects, then the green laser level is your best bet. A green laser also requires a lot of battery power. While the green laser level is costly, it is worth every penny you spend.
Manual Laser Level
Manual laser levels are operated manually. This means the laser level is manually leveled. The operator must also manually line up the bubble in the fitted vial. The operator must constantly reposition the knobs for the laser to line up. The advantage of the manual laser level is its inexpensiveness.
They come with a straightforward design that is easy to understand. Many people who want DIY jobs choose the manual level because of its simplicity. The manual laser level also allows the operator to make straight lines if they know how to use it. The downside to the manual laser level is that their performance can be impeded if they are moved.
Red Laser Level
The red laser level is probably one of the most popular among the rest. This is because they are popular amongst DIYers and are excellent for indoor tasks. Red laser level are excellent for mounting, cabinet installation, shelving, and drop ceiling.
Red laser levels are exact, and they are also affordable. Also, the red laser level doesn’t use as much battery as the green laser. One advantage of the red laser level is that they are compatible with numerous laser detectors. However, they don’t do very well for outdoor projects. You will need a laser detector to use the red laser level for outdoor projects. The laser detector increases the range and visibility of the laser.
Self-leveling laser level
Professional levelers prefer the self-leveling laser level because it makes the project much more accessible. The self-leveling laser has a self-leveling sensor. The mechanism often comes as a pendulum that sustains the setup of the laser level. If you are going to execute a project where you need to move your laser level around, then the self-leveling laser is your best bet.
If the unit gets moved as you work, you won’t have to reset the level laser again. The self-leveling laser is very reliable and accurate. It also saves you a lot of time on a time-based project. The downside to the self-leveling laser level is its cost. They are more expensive than the manual laser level.
Line Laser Level
Line laser levels are prevalent on job sites. The line laser generates vertical or horizontal beams. They generate them at 180 degrees. Some line laser levels are called cross line laser levels. Those cross-line lasers can make both vertical and horizontal lines. They produce them concurrently with a beam that looks like a cross. This aspect of the line laser means that they function similarly to the rotary laser level. The line laser level is commonly used for indoor jobs. Some of the jobs include mounting cabinets, installation of chair rails, and other projects that demand to plumb.
Dot Laser Level
You need a dot laser level if you want to transfer reference points from one point to another. It works great for installing wirings, decks, and light fixtures. The dot laser level is the easiest to use. The workings of the dot laser level are simple. It marks the two or five beam points in a plumb or square mode. The three and five-point laser levels are the most popular dot laser levels.
When it comes to generating plumb points, then the three-point laser is the best bet. Five-point lasers can deliver similar to the three-point laser. However, they can make ninety-degree points. The ninety-degree points are excellent for accurate square alignment. Furthermore, the 3-4-5 is also another perfect choice when it comes to the dot laser level. This means that 3-4-5 can generate three to five laser points simultaneously.
Grade Laser Level
The grade laser level is the best choice if you want precise symmetrical grades and slopes. The grade laser level doesn’t need you to do any complex calculations. There are two types of grade laser level. The first is the single slope, and the second is the dual-slope type. The grade laser level can take height and angle measurements. They can also set up grades very quickly. You will benefit from using the grade laser level if you are in the construction sector. It can help you prepare sites for excavation, measure declining slopes, and more.
Pipe Laser Level
The pipe laser level is your best bet if you are working on manholes, mines, trenches, and pipelines. They also work great for laying pipes, excavation projects, and alignments. Pipe laser levels are very efficient for pipe jack jobs and micro tunneling. They work in a similar way to other laser levels. However, they go the extra mile for grading functions, especially pipe installations.
5. Factors to Consider When Buying a Combination Laser Level
If you want to buy a combination laser level, below are some factors you need to consider:
a. Beam Orientation
The beam orientation is one factor you should not overlook when buying a combination laser level. There are three options you can choose from based on your budget. You can select models that come with different orientation planes. The three other orientation planes are the 360 degrees, vertical dual beams, and one horizontal plane.
The vertical dual beam and the horizontal are essential. However, the 360 degree is efficient. It can help you be very efficient in your work.
b. Self Leveling
Self-leveling is another factor you want to look out for when purchasing a laser level. The best models of laser levels are the push-and-play versions. They are straightforward to use and automatically detect the levels of surfaces. If you want to make your work a lot easier, purchase a self-leveling unit. Models that come with self-leveling use a pendulum. The pendulums work together with a magnet which provides stability for the unit. Self-leveling units lock the pendulum when it is not in use. When the pendulum is locked, the unit will most likely stay calibrated even when moving from one point to another.
c. Accuracy
A laser level that isn’t accurate isn’t worth buying. Check the box to see the accuracy level when you purchase a laser level. One of the best models to buy is the one with ⅛ deviation at thirty feet or more. When a model has the accuracy of ⅛ at thirty feet, you’ll get very dialed-in results. The most accurate laser line can only be gotten when you get the best self-leveling models. The self-leveling models provide better results when compared to the spirit versions of DIY.
d. Mounting
One of the traits of a good laser level is one that allows you to work hands-free. This allows you to be more efficient in your projects. This means that you can begin your task immediately after you set up your unit. Usually, the point of reference is the laser line. In addition, a good laser level should allow you to mount it and “forget” about it. The less expensive versions can be mounted on dry walls. This is done when you poke holes into the wall which supports the unit. There are some models with a tripod that are attached to metallic studs. Others can be attached to drop ceiling tracks.
6. Why You Need to Calibrate Your Combination Laser Level
You must calibrate your combination level every time to achieve a straight line. Self-level units come with a pendulum that locks when the laser level isn’t in use. This mechanism keeps the pendulum in place. If the pendulum isn’t locked and you move the unit around, you stand a chance of ending up with an uncalibrated laser level. You should note that a cheap laser level will often need more calibration. So, if you go for a more affordable unit, be ready to calibrate even more often.
7. Can a Combination Laser Level Be Self Calibrated?
Calibrating a laser level is a bit technical. However, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be self-calibrated. You won’t have problems with calibration if you get a self-leveling laser level. You will need tape and a pen and paper to do the calibration. However, if your unit isn’t self-leveling, you will need a screwdriver to help you unscrew tiny screws inside the laser level.
8. What Does Calibrating a Combination Laser Level Mean?
Calibrating a combination laser level means that you adjust the device till it is accurate. When it becomes accurate, the unit will give an utterly level line. Calibration can be done by opening the machine and adjusting the inside pendulum. If you purchase a self-leveling unit, you can simply calibrate it at a push of a button.
The 6 Best Combination Laser Level
1. Bosch Green Combination Laser Level
The Bosch green combination laser level is very versatile. It helps to facilitate a single person job with vertical and horizontal leveling. It is also perfect for the transfer of plumb points. It comes with an inbuilt visimax technology which helps deliver maximum brightness and optimizes energy efficiency.
The Bosch green combination laser has bright green laser beams that are four times more luminous than traditional red beams. The green beam ranges are extended up to 165ft when the Bosch LR8 receiver is utilized. It also comes with a 12v lithium-ion battery for long-lasting use.
2. Bosch GLL1P 65ft Combination Point and Line Laser Level
The Bosch combination point and laser level is proven to be very versatile. It can project a single laser line which makes it easy to use. The single laser line projection also makes it very versatile in its usage. The Bosch combination point and laser level are accurate and provide a range point of up to 65 feet. Its accuracy is top-notch, up to 3/16 inches at 33 feet. It is also very compact. The design is made to be a pocket-size for both horizontal, vertical, and angular applications. There is an easy-grip handle that allows for convenient access to the battery compartment.
3. BOSCH 65 Feet Self-Leveling Cross-Line Combination Laser with Plumb Points GCL 2-160
Like other Bosch products mentioned above, the Bosch self-leveling cross-line combination laser is versatile. It comes with clear lines and points for horizontal leveling. The clear lines also serve a purpose for vertical and plumb point transfer applications. There is a receiver mode for use with an optional line laser. It can receive for up to a range of 165 feet. It also has an intelligent pendulum system that indicates out-of-level conditions for up to four inches. It has a manual mode with lock lines for use at any angle. This can be done by simply switching the tool on in a locked way.
4. DEWALT Laser Level, Red Line & Spot Laser Combination Kit
The Dewalt laser level has a cross line and three spot laser. The laser line comes with a full-time pulse mode. The full-time pulse mode is used with a detector and maintains full brightness for visibility even in extended ranges. Furthermore, it features a locking pendulum that helps prevent damage to the internal components. There is an integrated bracket with ¼ inches 20 thread mount. The mount works exceptionally well with a tripod stand. Many people also opt for the Dewalt laser level combination kit because the control panel is a touchpad.
5. Self-Leveling Combination Green Cross-Line and 5 Dot Laser
The self-leveling combination cross line has lots of combined benefit. It adds a pulse mode for the cross lines, which can be used with a detector. The detector should be used in conditions where the lines aren’t visible. Such conditions include outdoor and bright light conditions. The self-leveling cross-line has a multi-functional magnetic base, a Li-ion battery, and a charger. It also has an alkaline battery compartment, tinted glasses, and a hard shell carrying case.
6. Red Line Laser Level & Spot Laser Combination Kit, 165-Foot Range (DW0838K)
The Dewalt red line laser level has a cross-line and three spot layers. The lines also offer full-time pulse mode, used with a detector. It also maintains full brightness for longer ranges. There is the presence of a locking pendulum which is excellent for damage prevention to the internal components. The laser levels are over-molded, which helps to prevent them from bumps while on the job. Finally, there is a TSTAK case for carrying the laser level.
Accuracy
The accuracy of the combination laser level is dependent on the leveling of the purchased unit. It is generally agreed that the self-level lasers give the most accurate results.
Ease Of Use
Using the combination laser level isn’t rocket science. They are used almost the same way other laser levels are used. It is advised that to get the most straightforward use out of your unit; you should buy the ones that level at the push of a button.
Mounting Capability
A combination laser level can be mounted on a tripod or a flat slope. The Tripod stand provides more stability and support for your level laser. If you purchase a good model of the combination laser level, it will stop leveling if it senses a disturbance.
Final Verdict
The combination laser level is the perfect buy if you are looking for a laser level that projects a dot and line at the same time. This means that instead of buying a dot or line laser level, you can save a lot of money by simply purchasing the combination laser level. With this guide, we don’t see you pick the wrong laser level when next you are in the market!
