If you are building anything at home or on the job site, you need to be precise. If you expect your construction projects to be successful, they need to be plumb and level. Therefore, laser levels, such as those from VEVOR have become extremely popular over the years. Laser levels are special tools designed for alignment and leveling purposes.
Without a good laser level, it would be nearly impossible to keep things straight, and that’s not good in the world of construction.
However, for those of you who don’t know what a laser level is, this is exactly what we’re here to explain today. So, what is a laser level, and what is it used for? This question and many more are what we are here to answer today. By the end of today’s guide, you should know exactly what a laser level is, how to choose one, and more.
Table of contents
What Is a Laser Level?
A laser level is a tool often used in construction, interior design, and for many other related industries. This is a tool that shoots out a laser beam over a great distance, designed to establish a level and straight line.
Laser levels have laser diodes that produce a beam of light, as well as lenses and optics to help shape and focus the beam. There’s usually some kind of leveling mechanism involved to help ensure accuracy.
Many are handheld, but there are also tripod-mounted models. Laser levels come in many different forms and types, such as dot laser levels, rotary laser levels, and line laser levels.
They are suitable for both outdoor and indoor use, with green being best for outdoor use and red being best for indoor use. For those who don’t know, the VEVOR brand name offers a wide variety of laser levels that are affordable, durable, and accurate.
What is a Laser Level Used For?
If you are wondering what a laser level is used for, that’s a very good question to ask. There are many applications that laser levels can be used for. For instance, one of the most common areas in which laser levels are used is construction.
They are used to making sure that structures and their components are aligned and level. If you are installing tiles, countertops, or cabinets, you can maintain a straight line using a laser level. When it comes to installing drop ceilings, walls, and fences, they are important as well.
Laser levels are often used in interior design as well, even for home improvement purposes. They can help you hang shelves, mirrors, and pictures.
They always give you a line of reference that is level and straight, so you can align a variety of objects on your walls and floors. It doesn’t end there, because there are many outdoor tasks that can benefit from using a laser level too. If you’re setting up features for landscaping or building decks and patios, laser levels provide you with the precision you need to ensure the best results.
They can also be useful for drainage and grading jobs, especially when you need to create a specific slope. The fact of the matter is that laser levels can serve many different purposes and be used in many fields.
Different Types of Laser Levels
So you can choose the right laser level for you, you need to be aware that there are a few different types to choose from. This is based on both the type and the color, so let’s take a look.
Rotary, Line, and Dot
The first at the station to make is between rotary, line, and dot razer levels. First, we have the rotary laser level. These are designed to project a 360-degree vertical, horizontal, or combined laser plane around an entire room. These work really well for big construction projects when you need to align walls, set up ceilings, and level floors. VEVOR actually has a great 360 degree self-leveling laser level.
Next, we have the line at the laser level. The line laser level projects one or many fixed lines along a specific surface. They work well for installing cabinets, putting up wallpaper, and installing tiles. What’s interesting to note is that they are ideal because they can project vertical and horizontal lines or a combination of both. This makes them ideal for many indoor projects.
Finally, we have the dot laser level. As you might be able to tell by the name, these shoot just a single laser dot onto a surface. If you need to transfer a point from various surfaces to other surfaces, such as from a ceiling to a floor, then this is ideal. If you are doing plumbing, electrical work, or framing, then the dot laser level should be your tool of choice.
Red and Green
What you also need to realize is that there are differences between red and green laser levels. The less expensive and more commonly used one is the red laser level. They aren’t all that bright, but they work well for indoor conditions that aren’t too bright. Many people use them to install shelves and hang pictures.
We then have green laser levels, which are much brighter, and up to four times more visible to the human eye. This makes them suitable for outdoor purposes where bright light needs to be worked around. Many people use green laser levels for working over great distances.
How to Use a Laser Level
If you’ve never used a laser level before, it’s really not all that difficult. All you need to do is first set up the laser level by putting it on a tripod or stable surface. Make sure that you positioned it in such a way that the laser line can actually get to where it needs to go.
You can now turn the laser level on and choose the mode you want to use. If you have a model that is self-leveling, give it a minute or two to adjust itself. You now need to choose a reference point to which you will align the laser beam.
You can use the fine-tuning knobs on the laser level to make adjustments as needed. You need to be perfectly aligned with your reference point. Once you have the reference point nailed down, create a small mark on the surface. This will guide your work.
You don’t want to just keep working endlessly without checking accuracy though. Therefore, every now and again, check for accuracy and alignment. Make sure the laser level hasn’t moved out of place, and make adjustments as necessary.
Although it might be your first time, keep in mind that many brands such as VEVOR, which sell great laser levels, provide you with in-depth instructions so there’s no guesswork involved.
How to Choose a Laser Level
Now that you know the basics about laser levels, let’s help you choose the right one for your needs.
Type
The first thing that you need to consider is the type of laser level that you want to purchase. Please refer to the above section, especially in terms of the differences between line, dot, and rotary laser levels.
Also, refer to the differences between red and green laser levels. Personally, we recommend going for something like the VEVOR 360-degree laser level, a fantastic rotary laser level. Just remember to compare the type of laser level that you aim to purchase with the task at hand. Different laser levels are suited for different jobs.
Power Source
You then want to consider what kind of power source your laser level in question has. For instance, some you can plug right into the wall. These are ideal for long-term projects where you don’t want to have to deal with dying batteries. However, of course, battery-powered laser levels are much more convenient and portable.
Beam Specs
You then also want to pay attention to the specifications of the beams. For instance, you want to pay attention to how accurate and visible the beam is over a certain distance. The accuracy and range of the laser beam in question are very important, with green lasers usually being the best.
Size
Something else to keep in mind when making a choice is both the weight and size of the laser level. This is especially important if you are going from one job site to the next. However, there is a bit of a tradeoff to consider. Larger laser levels usually have many more features and better efficiency. On the other hand, smaller laser levels are much more portable and convenient, especially if you’re moving around a lot.
Cost
Yes, of course, the cost is something else you need to consider. However, we recommend investing in a substantial unit, or else you won’t have an accurate laser level. For instance, the self-leveling model from VEVOR is very affordable, yet also high in quality.
FAQs
Here are a few of your most frequently asked questions about laser levels.
What makes rotary and line lasers different?
Rotary lasers shoot a 360 degree beam of light around the room, whereas a line laser shoots only a single line.
How to maintain a laser level?
To maintain a laser level, make sure that it stays clean and free of dust. When you’re not using it, keeping it in that included protective case is recommended. You also want to check for the calibration on a regular basis to make sure that it’s always accurate. You might also want to keep track of the battery life to make sure that you have enough of it when you need the laser level.
Is a green laser better than a red laser?
You should always use proper safety equipment when using laser levels, especially green ones. Laser levels can cause damage to your eyes, especially if you look directly into them. Always follow the guidelines as provided by the manufacturer.
Should I get a tripod with my laser level?
If you are planning on working in a large room, or you just don’t have a level surface to put the laser level on, then it is recommended to try using a tripod.
How much should a good laser level cost?
When it comes down to it, a good laser level should not cost you more than $150.00. This should provide you with more than enough features and accuracy for any job.
Everything You Need to Know About Laser Levels: Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, laser levels are very useful tools used in many different industries and for many purposes. Laser levels are your best friend as far as leveling and alignment are concerned. Keep in mind however that choosing the right one is essential for success. Therefore, we recommend looking at a brand name like VEVOR and all of the great laser levels they have to offer. This brand has a fantastic selection of durable and functional products, so check them out today!
