For more time than many know, laser levels have been a purchasable item for several years. Lately, they have become an essential tool for experts in the masonry construction industry. Acquiring this tool is a necessity for this nature of work because of its abilities, making masonry construction jobs easier.
However, this article is for you if you are new to laser levels and need to know more about them. Some areas you will learn are what it is all about, its uses, advantages, and more, then you need to relax and read further. It offers you the best and most detailed explanation of this essential tool and how to use Dewalt laser level.
What is a Laser Level?
The idea of laser levels was first had in the 70s. In the 80s, the original spinning mirror model laser plane and line-level became licensed. In the 90s, the compact lens-based laser line level became licensed, and today, several tool manufacturers produce it.
It is a control tool that relies on its laser beam projector, capable of projecting multiple fixed lines or dots at the vertical and straight axis. That allows the user to align their work to these dots or lines. However, some laser levels can combine both the dots and lines.
These levels can level and align point-transferring, grading slope, angle, square, horizontal, and vertical applications. Since contractors are usually laser level users, they use the line laser levels to carry out several projects. They include flooring, tiling, sprinkler installation, doors and windows, rafter alignment, ceiling joist, HVAC, and drywall installation.
For Masons, laser levels efficiently align metal studs and plumbing walls. They also use it for the maintenance of plumb walls that have applications that are vertical for the construction of higher walls.
They also use this device to observe the bricks and blocks level to ensure the project/building is square. Furthermore, this device is efficient in carrying out outdoor applications. For landscapers, it helps execute different leveling projects such as retaining walls and terracing.
Why Do You Need a Laser Level?
Laser levels are highly functional in the construction and surveying field. These tools are majorly for controlling, and one of their features is rotating laser beams which can be mounted atop a tripod. The accuracy determines how laser levels will be leveled, and it can project a red or green beam in a plane on the horizontal or vertical axis.
Types of Laser Levels
There are different types of laser levels, and they each serve specific functions and purposes. Knowing these types will guide you in making a better choice on the best laser level to buy for your project as you are sure of its maximum efficiency. Here is a list of the types of laser levels:
- Point Generator
This laser level is the most precise type, with spirit levels capable of projecting a laser dot. Sometimes, they consist of a line generator placed at the front of the beam. Due to this, the visibility of the line from the level is possible.
- Line Laser
It consists of a point-to-point level that can project several horizontal and vertical lines with different LEDs along a 70 – 100 feet distance. They are majorly for indoor use with plumb up and plumb down abilities.
The light-pulsing technology is a feature that is common with its newer models. The technology works in line with a light detector. It makes the laser level efficient for use outdoors or in bright areas.
- Dot Laser
Here, we have a simple laser level type. Dot Lasers can project a single point that is either square, plumb, or level. The expensive models are suitable for use indoors and outdoors, while the inexpensive models are efficient for indoor use alone.
- Rotary Laser Levels
Rotary Laser Levels are the most accurate and most expensive laser levels today. They can project a rotating dot to create a 360° line. They possess detectors that, even from a far distance, can read this line. Most of this laser level type consists of plumb up/plumb down and single line generators abilities.
With Rotary Laser Levels, outdoor work is possible as it is suitable. Some outdoor work they are ideal for includes laying foundations, pipes, grading roads, etc. In addition, they have the independence to be operated remotely, and they are present in manual and self-leveling models.
Grading and foundation work is possible with some Rotary Laser Levels. Due to the size of those kinds, they need to be mounted on a platform or tractor.
Reasons to Use a Laser Level
The first point to note about laser levels is that they offer more accuracy than hydraulic ones. They are less subject to permit human error since it does not need to be held in one place since it is freestanding.
Carrying out a project is faster with a laser level making you spend less time on manual activities like measuring and drawing different lines to reach your interest. An alternative is to set up the projection and commence marking.
Another fact about laser levels is that they are highly flexible and are helpful for different kinds of applications.
However, laser levels come with the disadvantage of a high cost and the duration of learning about its usage. Regardless, they are still a device that is highly beneficial for construction work once you acquire them.
Using a Laser Level for Framing
Before you can use a laser level for farming, you need some essential tips you must note to ensure you use the device to its maximum. The following is the list of the information:
- Ensure your laser level is always set on a firm or solid surface. If you do otherwise, there is a high chance that your straight beam of light projection will have a wrong angle or be crooked. You must avoid placing your laser level on an uneven surface.
Also, doing otherwise will give you inaccurate measurements, which can yield severe problems capable of altering your project’s progress. To your advantage, the self-leveling ability is privy to most industrial duty laser levels, making the detection and correction of this problem automatic.
In case you have a smaller laser leveling device, it is pertinent for you to ensure the leveling is appropriate before utilizing it for your project. It is another way of ensuring accuracy as you use the laser level.
- As you prepare to build or frame your wall, you must check if the floor you intend to build upon is level. To do this, you can set your laser level in the room you intend to put the wall to project a horizontal line.
Afterward, measure the distance between the beam and the food with tape. It would help if you were mindful of the remarkably lower or higher as you take your measurement. Then, proceed to level the lower and higher spots you marked before starting with the wall framing.
- Your laser level must be set to ensure it projects a vertical laser when you are framing a wall. The laser level should be placed precisely where you plan to erect the new wall.
You must use your laser level to project a laser line high up to the ceiling and across the floor. Afterward, this line can help build up the bottom and top wall plates. Another option is to create a benchmark at the point where the line is projected.
However, it is crucial to note that using a laser level that can self-level when you begin framing your walls is the best choice.
Things To Consider When Choosing a Laser Level
Recall it was stated earlier that there are several types of laser levels? Well, there are also many factors to consider whenever you intend to buy one. Take a look at some of these factors:
- Manual or Auto?
Another name for self-leveling lasers is ‘automatic lasers.’ They work most time independently, and whenever you put them to work, they can create a level line without much effort. To avoid delivering inaccurate work, once they are disturbed, they will deactivate projecting.
On the other hand, you must note that manual lasers do not provide less accurate projection than automatic lasers as long as they are correctly set up. But, unlike automatic lasers, if you disturb it while it is in operation, it will not deactivate. That is why manual lasers are ideal for smaller projects.
- Indoor or Outdoor?
The different laser intensities come with the difference in the laser levels. Its specific functions differ for outdoor and indoor use. For the outdoor laser levels, they create brighter beams, while for the indoor laser levels, they provide dimmer beams.
- Green or Red Beam?
The most visible type of laser levels is the ones that provide green beams because they are usually way brighter. Their use is primarily for large-scale indoor projects where visible lines are vital instead of a laser-level detector. It makes using this laser type way easier and even faster.
Wrapping Up
Laser levels are highly functional devices capable of building a new wall or framing a door. They help to give you accurate measurements to their best ability. With this article, we are highly optimistic that you will be able to purchase the perfect laser level for the kind of construction you intend to carry out. As earlier stated, it contains a detailed explanation of how to use Dewalt laser level. We are optimistic it will meet your needs as you venture into the world of laser levels.
