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Which Laser is Best for Me?

There are several issues you should consider when buying a new laser:

What type of accuracy do you need?

Lasers are capable of achieving accuracies between ¼" to 1/32" at 100 feet.

Do you need a visible beam laser or an invisible beam with a detector?

Normally visible beam lasers are good for interior applications. However, when using a laser detector, they can be used outdoors as well.

Do you need to check level only or do you need to be able to check plumb also or establish a vertical line?

Do you need the laser to be able to do a 90-degree angle for layout?

 

In trying to decide which laser is best for you, keep in mind the following facts:
Laser companies are manufacturing three types of laser level technologies.

1. Manual Leveling Lasers: These lasers rely on tubular bubbles for leveling. You have to manually level the laser in both the X-axis and Y-axis and rely on the bubbles for accuracy. These lasers can achieve a maximum accuracy of 1/8" at 100’. Most of them, however, are in the ¼" at 100 feet.
2. Semi Self-Leveling Lasers. These lasers are self-leveling within a range. They are equipped with a compensator that self levels the instrument within its self-leveling range. To get to that range, the laser is equipped either with a circular bubble with a bulls eye, or electronic lights that turn green when you reach the self leveling range. These lasers are very accurate and have a shut off feature if the laser is bumped or goes out of the self-leveling range. They can achieve accuracies of at least 1/8" at 100 feet.
3. Fully Self-Leveling Lasers. These lasers are equipped with an electronic level vial and servo motors. The servo motors level the instrument electronically and when it is level, the laser starts spinning. They are the easiest to use and can achieve accuracies of up to 1/32" at 100 feet. Most of them are equipped with a shutoff feature if the laser is bumped or disturbed.

When buying a laser, consider your current and future needs. You want to buy one laser to use on the different applications that may come up.

When assessing laser alignment products thesse basic questions must also be addressed:

• How much utility does the tool provides the contractor?
• What is the primary need of the contractor?
• What is the payback time of the tool?
• What characteristics separate one laser tool from other products?
• Where and how fast will the laser be repaired?

Especially working indoors, consider beam brightness. Indoor or out, watch the beams dampen, or the stability of the beam when moved or vibrated. Consider the quality of the housing and the accessories. 

If you have any questions, call us toll free 1-800-821-1954.

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