If you are just entering the world of construction and renovations, then you might not know what a good laser level is. Sure, you might know that laser levels are important tools on the job site to keep things straight and level, but what about choosing the right one?
Choosing the right kind of laser level for your needs can indeed be a challenge, but that’s exactly what we are here to help with today.
Our main goal of the day is to help you choose the best laser level for your needs, which is essentially why we’ve put together an in-depth buying guide on the matter. So, what is a good laser level to buy, and how do you know that you’ve purchased a good one?
Table of contents
What Is a Laser Level?
For those of you who don’t know, a laser level is a modern type of tool designed for leveling. A laser level shoots a laser beam that creates a reference point or line on a surface. There are traditional levels, which use bubble vials that show the plumb or level.
However, laser levels have a visible laser line, or in some cases a dot, that is used to align various objects. There are many different types of laser levels. These include dot lasers, rotary lasers, and line lasers. Each of these types of lasers is best suited for a different purpose.
What makes laser levels so popular is that they are very easy to use as well as precise. When compared to regular spirit levels, they are much more efficient and reliable.
What Are Laser Levels Used For?
As mentioned above, laser levels are used for a variety of alignment tasks. They can be used in many different applications. For instance, construction is one of the main industries in which laser levels are used.
They are important for installing ceilings, aligning walls, and laying foundations. Another industry in which laser levels are often used is in the electrical industry. For instance, electricians often use laser levels to place electrical boxes and run conduits. Plumbers often use laser levels to align pipes.
Laser levels are often used in interior design as well. This is for the purpose of aligning wallpaper, tiles, cabinets, and more. There are even outdoor applications for laser levels, such as for laying foundations, installing fences, and more. What it comes down to is that if you need precision alignment, then a laser level is what you need.
How to Choose the Right Laser Level
Although the VEVOR laser level we will look at further below is simply one of the best in the business, there are some criteria you need to be aware of. Before you go out and buy any old laser level, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.
Type
The first consideration is the type of laser level that you want to purchase. There are three main types. First, we have line lasers, which project both vertical and horizontal lines, often at the same time. These are great for hanging pictures, installing shelves, and for other interior projects.
We then have rotary lasers, which shoot out a 360 degree beam of light, which makes them ideal for bigger construction projects. They are ideal for grading, laying foundations, and other such tasks. We then have dot lasers, which just project a single dot. These are ideal for transferring reference points.
Application
You then also want to consider the application that you will be using the laser level for. For indoor use, line laser levels are usually more than enough, although, for outdoor use, a rotary laser is more suitable.
Rotary lasers are very versatile, especially because their beams reach long distances. This means that they work well in bright conditions, such as when you are working outdoors. However, for specialized tasks like electrical work or plumbing, dot lasers may be your best option.
Beam Power
What you then need to realize is that not all laser levels have the same kind of beam power. If you are going to be using your laser level outdoors, having a very bright one is recommended. What it really comes down to is the difference between red lasers and green lasers.
First, we have red lasers, which don’t consume much power and are inexpensive. They’re ideal for indoor use but are not overly bright. On the other hand, we have green lasers, which are about four times brighter and more visible to our eyes. These are therefore ideal for outdoor use and for long-range conditions.
Beam Accuracy
You then also need to think about beam accuracy. In most cases, you want a laser level that is accurate to within ±1/9 of an inch at 33 feet. This will make sure that all of your projects are aligned and level. What you also need to make sure however is that your laser lever comes with a stable base. You need to have an automatic leveling feature because this will automatically correct itself even if the laser level is slightly off level.
Durability
Next, you need to look for a laser level that is durable. This means that you want a strong metal or plastic housing to protect the internal components. You also want to look for dust and water resistance.
A rating of IP54 or higher is recommended. The more you will be using the laser level outdoors, the better that waterproof rating should be. You should also look for a model that offers some kind of impact protection, as these devices may get dropped while you are working.
Power Source & Battery Life
You then also want to consider what kind of power source the laser level in question has. Now, there may be some laser levels that you can actually plug into an electrical outlet, although these are rare, as they’re not overly portable.
The two main options you have are ones with replaceable batteries and those with rechargeable batteries. Of course, here you need to consider the difference between rechargeable and replaceable batteries, and all of the pros and cons that both bring to the table.
Settings and Ease of Use
Overall, you want the laser level to be very easy to use. This means that it should come with simple controls that are intuitive. You should also be able to choose from various modes. One of the most important features for any laser level to have is a self-leveling mode.
Cost
Of course, the cost is something else that you do need to consider. While budget models are fine for DIY use and small-time purposes, they often don’t have the visibility or performance required for larger tasks.
On the other hand, if you’re willing to spend a good deal of money, going for a high-end model with advanced features, a high level of accuracy, and great durability is recommended.
Accessories
Some of the accessories to look out for when purchasing a laser level include brackets, mounts, carrying cases, laser detectors, and tripods. Each of these accessories can be beneficial in one way or another.
Introducing the VEVOR Self-Levelling 360 Degree Laser Level
If you are looking for a state-of-the-art laser level, look no further than the VEVOR Self-Levelling 360 Degree Laser Level. It’s loaded to the brim with awesome features, so let’s take a quick look at what they are.
Features
The VEVOR 360 Degree Laser Level is of course a Rotary laser, which means that it provides full vertical and horizontal line coverage around a room. This 360 degree coverage makes this particular laser level ideal for a wide variety of purposes.
The fact that it is self-leveling is just an added bonus. It is able to automatically adjust itself to within 4° to make sure that your measurements are as precise as humanly possible.
What’s also beneficial about this particular laser level is the fact that it has a green laser beam. This green laser beam can be seen from hundreds of feet away, as it is extremely visible. It is therefore more than ideal to use in a wide variety of outdoor conditions, especially where bright light is concerned.
The next beneficial feature that you get with the VEVOR Laser Level is the fact that it has many different modes, including cross-line, vertical, and horizontal modes, therefore making it suitable for many different jobs.
Speaking of many different jobs, this laser level is also designed with durability in mind. It has great dust and water resistance, so it can be used outdoors without problem. The fact that it comes equipped with rechargeable batteries that are extremely long-lasting is yet another added bonus. They can last for up to eight hours on a single charge!
Overall, this 360-degree laser level is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. It comes with all of the modes and features you need to accurately and precisely level or plumb any object or surface in your home or on the job site.
Its design also makes it extremely portable and suitable for taking from one job site to another. The fact that it also comes with a magnetic mount makes it very convenient because it provides you with hands-free operation.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Very accurate
- Super visible in bright conditions
- Can be used for many purposes
- Long-lasting batteries
- Great price for what it is
Cons
- Higher cost than lower-end models (but well worth the investment)
- Slightly heavier than comparable models
FAQs
Let’s quickly answer some of your most frequently asked questions about buying the right laser level.
Is the VEVOR 360 Laser Level Accurate?
The VEVOR Laser Level is very accurate, to within ±1/9 of an inch at 33 feet, which is about as accurate as it gets, especially for this price point. In fact, at this price point, it is by far one of the most accurate 360-degree laser levels on the market.
How Long Does the VEVOR Laser Level Battery Last?
What stands out about this particular laser level is the fact that the battery life is fantastic. A single 3.7 Volt battery provides you with about 8 hours of continuous operation. It also has a type-C charging port so you can continuously recharge the battery while in use. It’s a very convenient feature that means that you can use this laser level all day long without it dying.
What Color Laser Do I Need for Outdoor Use?
If you are using a laser level outdoors, you will need a green beam. The reason for this is that green beams can be seen up to four times easier than red beams. Green laser levels are much easier to spot in the daylight, and they can travel much greater distances too.
How Much Should a Decent Laser Level Cost?
For a good rotary laser level, you should not have to spend more than $150 at the very most.
Final Thoughts on the Good Laser Levels to Buy
If you need a good laser level to buy, there are several main considerations to keep in mind, all of which we have discussed above. As long as you consider the application, the type of laser, accuracy, color, durability, and the main features, choosing the right laser level for your needs should not be a challenge.
With all of that said, if you need a really good laser level, we certainly recommend checking out the VEVOR 360 Degree Self-Leveling Laser. Its great battery life, visibility, accuracy, and overall useful features make it one of the best in the business.
