Types of laser levels
Level is a tool for determining the difference in height between different points of the surface. Originally the level was used in geodesy, they measured the heights of the terrain. Today it is the most demanded tool in construction, which allows you to project a laser beam onto an object in the form of a dot or line.
All devices use the principle of laser beam rotation. Using the device, you can perform alignment in two planes, marking, measure distance, perform work at different angles or use it as a plumb line. The choice of a laser level is possible between two types: prismatic and rotational. We'll figure out which laser level is the best.
Comparison of laser levels indicates that a prismatic device is considered more reliable. There are no moving parts in it, light is converted by a prism into two perpendicular intersecting planes, the angle of development is about 120 degrees. This device is sufficient for most construction tasks.
The rotational level has a large compared to the prismatic capabilities. It has a long range, in some models up to one kilometer, and a 360-degree sweep makes it possible to cover the entire space. This device aligns the door and window openings, narrow walls and other hard-to-reach places.
Functions of the laser level - we pay attention when buying
Which laser level is chosen depends on the expected volume and place of work. The first thing you need to pay attention to is what planes the device can build. The best option - 3 planes, two vertical and one horizontal. In most cases, two perpendicular lines are sufficient.
The second point is the leveling level of the level. There are 2 types: manual and self-leveling. Which laser level is better? When using the built-in bubble level, self-alignment is more convenient. The self-leveling range is about 4 degrees, the device itself reaches a maximum level position.
The greater the angle of self-leveling, the easier it is to operate the level. The self-leveling function can be turned off if the device is intentionally placed at a certain angle.
The test of laser levels shows that signals about violation of self-leveling are different: some devices are switched off, others are blinking with flashing lines, others emit a special sound, there are variants of combined warning.
It is important to have a warning about a failure. In the process of work, there is always a possibility that the level can be shifted. As soon as this happens, the device starts to signal - flashing lines or sound. Pay attention to the shutdown function. Basically, the levels are powered by batteries, and this function is needed to preserve the charge in them. After a period of rest, the level is automatically turned off.
The maximum range of planes is an indicator of how far the level can be from the surface with which they work. The presence of a receiver greatly increases the range. Very good, when there is a function to turn off lines - if you need one line, the rest can be turned off. This saves the charge and works much more conveniently when the second line does not interfere.
What do you need to remember when you are already in the store?
Before buying, look not at the thread that the device is attached to a tripod. The most common are 1/4 and 1/8 inches, but there are other sizes - 5/8, for example. There are devices with two types of thread, they can be attached to any tripod. A typical question to the seller is: "Advise the laser level".But at the same time you need to know what he will talk about, at least terminology. Therefore, we gave the most complete description of the most important properties of the level above.
Construction accuracy is an important characteristic of the level, which indicates to what maximum value the beam from the horizon can deviate. The higher the accuracy, the better the quality of the work. It is necessary to see if the device is working from batteries or from a battery. On the battery the device works longer, but if it fails, it will have to be spent.
The label indicates the class of laser radiation. Safe class is not higher than the second, otherwise you need to buy glasses to protect your eyes from burns. The beam color does not matter in principle. The beam is red or green, green is more pleasant, but it costs more.
