Laser level what to choose

In the practice of private construction in the overwhelming number of cases, the installation of structures or the execution of finishing are carried out with a clear observance of the verticality and horizontality of the main lines and planes. This, firstly, is largely predetermined by the requirements for strength, stability, durability, and by and large - the safety of erected structures or structures, and secondly, a clear observance of the "geometry" gives buildings, rooms, finished furnish an accentuated accuracy.

Until recently, the basic control tools of the builder were a plumb, the simplest level, water level, square, etc. Great success was the acquisition of a quality building bubble level. But today the situation has radically changed - laser equipment is increasingly coming to the aid of builders, allowing to carry out marking with high precision and carry out constant monitoring during the execution of works. And such a tool already becomes not only the privilege of professionals - more and more home masters want to have it in their working "arsenal".Therefore, it is quite natural to search such a popular search engine in the Internet: "which laser level to choose".Let's try to understand this in more detail.

Principles of the device and operation of laser levels( levels)

So, the laser level is opticallyth electromechanical device that visually projects onto building structures or line surfaces, points or planes, located strictly vertically, horizontally or under a certain angle set by the user.

The use of such instruments gives a lot of advantages:

• Measurements and marking are performed with high accuracy, usually not exceeding fractions of a millimeter per meter, which is not achievable with traditional instruments.
• Laser instruments are quickly prepared for operation and are able to give the necessary points, lines or projections of planes directly to a large area of ​​construction or repair.
• It does not require special qualification of the employee - the operation of such devices can be mastered very quickly.
• The use of laser levels allows in many cases to do without assistants, on their own.
• Significantly, up to 40-60%, the time for performing marking operations is reduced.

The main elements of the laser level design

The models of laser levels are very diverse. Nevertheless, they all consist of several systems and mechanisms that are linked together in one body and interact with one another. These can be classified as:

- light source;

- optical system;

- installation mechanism and self-leveling device.

- power supply;

- organs for manual or remote control of the device;

- housing, which provides protection of the device from mechanical damage, moisture, dust.

• The source of light radiation in such devices is always powerful LEDs. These semiconductor elements are able to create a monochromatic high-density flux of a specific wavelength, while not giving too much heat dissipation without consuming a large amount of electricity and without fear of accidental mechanical damage.

As a rule, in modern devices of this class two types of LEDs are used. The first, with a light wavelength of 635 nm, emitting a red color( with a slight yellowish tinge) - so far they still stand on most laser levels. In new modifications of devices, a gradual transition to light emitting diodes with green radiation at a wavelength of 532 nm is traced. This frequency is closer to the peak of perception of light by the human eye, and the lines "drawn" by this level are seen better, which is especially important in sunny weather when working on the street.

However, the design of devices with a green beam is somewhat more complicated, they are more energy-intensive, and at a cost much more expensive.

• An optical system is needed to focus the beam and give it the right direction and configuration - from the point to the scattered flat flow in a certain sector, giving an even line on the barrier.

The optical circuit is a combination of prisms and lenses. It can be stationary, fixed, or have a rotating head - this will be discussed below.

The quality of the optics directly depends on the accuracy of the laser level itself, and the visibility of the points and lines created by them.

• The mounting mechanism for different models may differ

The simplest laser levels are, in fact, the usual bubble level in which an optical system with an emitter is built in. Such a device must be accurately installed on a tripod, and by turning the adjusting screws to achieve an exact horizontal. Only then you can start work.

Laser levels with a self-leveling system are more convenient in this respect. Before starting work, they are also installed on a tripod or on a surface( wall bracket, etc.).They usually also have adjusting screws( legs) and bubble levels. But high accuracy during installation - it is not required. If the deviation from the horizontal does not exceed the specified value( usually from 3 to 5 °), a special pendulum or gyroscopic mechanism will itself make the necessary corrections, and eventually the optical unit will occupy the necessary position.

Moreover, even during operation, the stabilization system will monitor the correctness of the position and compensate for possible small deviations. If the shift is too large, it exceeds the self-regulation capabilities of the device, an audible or visual signal will be given, which requires the intervention of the re-installation wizard, for example, on a more stable base.

Most modern laser levels are already being manufactured with a system of self-regulation of one degree or another of complexity and accuracy.

• The power supply to the laser level can be provided from conventional batteries( for simple household models) or from nickel-cadmium( nickel-metal hydride) batteries, which ensure the operation of the device for quite a long time - up to 10 hours or more. Naturally, in this case, a corresponding adapter must be included in the laser level kit for regular recharging of the batteries.
• Laser level controls are usually simple, and are a panel with several buttons that include certain functions, and indicators that indicate, for example, the status of the device or the level of charge of power supplies.

Many professional models are equipped with remote controls. This is a very convenient option if, for example, you have to do the work alone, especially on a large construction site.

is a useful option. Laser levels with an integrated function of the range finder - "electronic tape measure" are produced. Such products have a digital display panel, on which the measurement values ​​are output with an accuracy of several millimeters.

• Most modern laser levels are performed in an impact-resistant plastic housing, and are usually supplemented with damper rubber pads to reduce the likelihood of damage to the device when accidentally struck in construction or repair conditions.

Varieties of laser levels

All devices of this class can be divided into three groups:

• Point laser priors - static axis builders.
• Static line builders.
• Rotary plane builders.

Static axis builders

Such devices belong to the category of the most simple. The lens system provides at the output of a similar level of thin direct rays, which are projected on surfaces into points.

Absence of complex prismatic optics provides maximum intensity of light flux, and usually devices of this type are distinguished by a long range of action.

The number of beams created can be different. In simple instruments, often referred to as laser plummets, their three are forward, strictly horizontal, and two vertical ones, down and up, into the zenith and nadir. It is very convenient for marking, for example, frame structures for interior partitions, when it is necessary to achieve the perfect correspondence of lines on the ceiling and on the floor.

In more advanced models, there may also be rays directed to the left and to the right, naturally lying in the same horizontal plane as the front one. This gives additional advantages in work, for example, when performing marking works in a room.

Convenient axis builders for work on the ground or in very large rooms, it is necessary to deduce one horizon line at a considerable distance.

Static builders of lines( planes)

Such devices are often called cross-liners. The ray from the source, passing through special prisms, is dissipated and turns into a flat narrow stream, which is projected on the surfaces in the form of lines. Most instruments have the ability to simultaneously transmit a stream in a vertical and horizontal plane, so that two lines are projected on the surfaces at once, vertical and horizontal with a clear crosshair.

planes. Such devices are extremely convenient for performing marking or finishing works - the master can constantly visually check the correctness and smoothness of the operations performed.

Typically, these laser levels use several LEDs and prisms, so they are often called multi-prism. The number of created planes can be different - from one crosshair to several( marking is done on several walls at once), and in addition, the zenith and nadir points can be projected.

An important characteristic of devices of this class is the sector angle in which the plane is projected. Usually it is not less than 120 °, although there are modern models in which this figure reaches 160 ° or more. Well, the most advanced laser levels are able to completely close the projections of three planes created by them, that is, they work for all 360 °.

The drawbacks of static builders include the fact that the use of prismatic optics and the diffusion of the flow significantly reduce its intensity, and at considerable distances or on a bright sunny day the projections created can be poorly visible, which will require the use of special additional accessories, as will be discussed later.

Nevertheless, such devices are extremely convenient, and enjoy the widest popularity among professionals and amateurs, especially those who are engaged in interior decoration of premises.

Rotary

plane builders When working in open construction sites or in large areas for creating a common horizon, laser rotary plane builders are the optimal choice.

plane. The absence of prismatic scattering makes it possible to obtain a beam of maximum light intensity, and the plane is created by rotating the radiating head with respect to a strictly vertical axis.

Typically, these devices belong to the professional class. The transmission range of the beam can reach tens, and when using special receivers - even hundreds of meters. On a large construction site or in a large room, you can create a single horizon, thus ensuring the simultaneous independent diverse work of several brigades.

Some "advanced" models are capable of creating both a horizontal and a vertical plane - they are equipped with two rotary heads.

The speed of rotation of the radiator is usually adjustable, for example, from 10 to 600 rpm.

Such laser levels( levels) are among the most expensive, and in the practice of individual construction, they are not widely used - it is just that their possibilities in such conditions are mostly unclaimed.

Which criteria should be used when choosing a laser level

If a decision is made to acquire a laser level, then the potential owner should already have a clear idea of ​​the purpose for which this tool will be needed for him. Such devices are quite expensive, and with the growth of their functionality, of course, the price also sharply increases. Hence, it will not be too sensible to give extra money for the laser level, the functionality of which will simply remain unclaimed.

When choosing the model you need to follow certain criteria.

Range of the

It can range from several meters to several dozens for different models. Naturally, this also affects the speed of battery power consumption. If you purchase a device for construction and finishing works in a house or apartment, then for a special range, you should not chase. It's another matter if large-scale work is planned on the ground.

The range is indicated in meters. Here you need to be careful - sometimes the manufacturers mean the radius, sometimes - the diameter of the zone in which lines or points can be projected.

. If considerable distances are required, it should be noted whether the instrument is equipped with a special laser radiation receiver - this can significantly increase the range. It also happens that the receiver is not included in the kit, but the technical documentation reflects the possibility of its use, and the parameters of the range with and without it, for example, 50/100 m.

The laser type

About this has already been mentioned. Optimal is considered a green ray, as the closest to the maximum perception of the eye. Instruments with a red beam are less expensive, but they can create problems when working in bright natural light. Output - the use of receivers or special glasses that improve the visibility of the lines or points created.

By the way, glasses to some extent will also protect the retina of the eyes from accidental direct hit of the laser beam. Of course, modern devices do not pose an excessive threat to health, but still they usually belong to class 2, that is, they are absolutely safe - you can not.

Laser devices of the third class, with increased range, should be used with extreme caution - their radiation already poses a serious threat to the retina.

If you buy a device with red beams, you should look at the wavelength. Optimum can be considered 635 nm, but still there are obsolete models, in which this figure is 650 nm - even further to the periphery of the visible part of the spectrum.

If the technical documentation of the device does not contain information on the class of the laser used, it is almost 100% - a forgery that does not deserve any attention.

Accuracy of the

device The more accurate the device, the better, of course, but absolutely perfect, alas, does not exist.

The error is usually indicated in millimeters for each meter of distance from the instrument. Expensive models of professional level can give an error within 0.5 ÷ 1 mm at 10 m distance. For laser levels of the middle class, an acceptable deviation can be considered from 1 to 3 mm at 10 m( more often indicated 0.1 ÷ 0.3 mm / m).

Higher error rates are hardly acceptable - the use of such inaccurate devices simply becomes meaningless.

Attachments for installation and self-leveling system

Many laser levels require installation on a tripod - a tripod. It can be included in the kit or it can be purchased separately. In case you have to select it, attention is drawn to the size of the connecting thread - it can be ¼ or ⅝ of an inch.

It is very convenient if the laser level can be attached to different brackets - they are often included in the kit. This makes it possible to install the device, for example, on the wall surface or as close to the floor surface as possible.

Magnetic fastenings are often provided - the level can be fixed on metal building structures, pipes, etc.

Undoubtedly, the best choice will be a device with a self-leveling system. Its cost, of course, is higher, but it eliminates the possibility to admit a subjective error in the installation - the system will independently eliminate the existing inaccuracy. The range of self-adjustments can be in the range of 3 ° - in relatively inexpensive models, and up to 5 ° - in professional-grade instruments. If the deviation exceeds the specified values, the system will give an audible or visual signal( for example, a flashing beam).

The self-leveling system must be able to be turned off - this is necessary when marking at a certain angle from the horizontal, say, building a ladder or performing an original finish.

Number of generated beams( planes)

Here, a reasonable approach of the future owner of the device is important, and for this it is necessary to imagine the planned scope of application of the laser level. Ideally, of course, the more functional the device is, the better, but its value also grows proportionally.

If a multi-prism level is selected, it is desirable that the selective on-off of the generated lines be provided. Sometimes superfluous rays create a lot of inconvenience and even can cause a certain confusion.

Battery life

This indicator, of course, depends on the quality of the applied power supplies and the features of the electronic circuit of the device itself. As a rule, this indicator, if used full-time, fully charged batteries, is indicated in the product documentation.

Rarely, when there is a need for continuous continuous operation for many hours. In the case of interruptions in work, it is possible to recharge the power sources, but only if nickel-metal hydride batteries are used, which do not have a pronounced "memory syndrome."If nickel-cadmium batteries are used, then they must be used up to full discharge.

A convenient option is the possibility to switch the device off after a certain time. For example, if no manipulations were performed, the radiator will turn off after 15-20 minutes, and the device will go into standby mode. This allows you to effectively use the potential of power supplies.

Parameters of using the device in the "field" conditions of

If the future owner plans to use the device in outdoor conditions, it is necessary to pay attention to some operational parameters:

- the temperature range at which the laser level will be used. Some products are allowed to use only at a positive air temperature - from +5 to + 40 ° C.If the plans for winter construction, it is necessary to choose a level with a wider range, for example, from -10 to + 40 ° C.Exceeding these limits will lead to spoilage of equipment.

- the degree of protection of the body of the product. For outdoor conditions, where high humidity is excluded, precipitation falls and dustiness is increased, devices with protection class not lower than IP54 should be purchased.

Completeness of the

device When buying a laser level, it is necessary to evaluate how much its configuration corresponds to the specifics and complexity of the forthcoming works. There is no single approach to the formation of standard sets from manufacturers. Some try to offer the most complete products, with an almost complete list of all probably necessary accessories. However, in individual practice, often, some accessories remain unused. Other companies offer laser levels in the minimum configuration( for example, the device itself, a tripod and glasses), but give recommendations on the purchase of certain additional devices and devices. With this approach it is easier to choose an optimal set for a specific scope of work.

Depending on the specific model, on the type and scale of the forthcoming works, the laser level can be equipped with the following devices and devices:

• Hard case or bag for carrying, transporting and storing.
• Glasses with matching filters.
• Vizirnye target - for marking points at a great distance.
• Laser receiver.
• Convenient option is the remote control
• Geodetic rack with laser receiver attachment system - when performing work on the ground.
• Tripod, one-piece with telescopic legs, or collapsible. A tripod, if necessary, can be equipped with an angular limb.
• Brackets, magnetic suspensions and other devices for mounting the device in the most convenient position for work.
• If the battery is a power source, use the AC adapter or a separate charger.

Manufacturer company and its warranty obligations

As the laser level can be attributed to fairly expensive acquisitions, one should take special care to the product brand and the manufacturer's warranty obligations. It will be irrelevant to clarify the data, whether there is a regional network and how well the maintenance network is developed, as in practice the guarantee obligations will be fulfilled.

"BOSCH" and "Makita" are the most authoritative manufacturers of such devices. In the category of laser levels of the middle price range, the products of the companies Kapro, STABILA, Leica, Matrix, ADA and others show themselves well. Many positive reviews deserve the devices "Geo-Fennel" and "Condtrol".

Static axis builders
"BOSCH PLL 5"		The simplest inexpensive laser level that generates one clearly visible beam. Accuracy - no more than 1 mm / m. Range - up to 5 m. No self-leveling functions. Laser class 2, red, 625 nm. Power supply - elements of AAA. Weight - 0.12 kg	2000 rub.
«STABILA LA-4P»		An easy-to-use device that gives 4 directional beams. Accuracy - no more than 0.2 mm / m. The self-leveling range is 4 °. Range with the receiver - 30 m. Laser 2 classes, red, 625 nm. Protection class - IP51. Power supply - 4 elements of AA. Temperature range -10 to + 40 ° C	12500 rub.
«BOSCH GPL 5 C»		5 created beams, with an error of not more than 0.2 mm / m. The self-leveling range is 4 ° for 4 seconds. Range - up to 30 m. Laser class 2, red, 625 nm. Batteries - AA. Housing protection class - IP 54. Weight - 0,6 kg. Professional tripod - included.	13700 rub.
Static cross-planes( plane builders)
"Condtrol XLiner Combo"		A unique model that allows you to project two planes( "cross") and in addition - 5 more orthogonal rays. Self-leveling - up to 5 °. Accuracy - within 0,2mm / m. The increased range is up to 50 m, and with the receiver - up to 100 m. Laser 3 classes, red, 625 nm. Operating temperature range - from -20 to +50 ° С. Power supply - AA elements.	13000 rub.
«Makita SK102Z».		Projection of two crossed planes( "cross"). Range - up to 15 m, with receiver - up to 30. Self-leveling ± 4 °. Accuracy - 0.3 mm / m. Laser class 2, red, 625 nm. Power supply - elements of AA. Weight - 0,5 kg. Included - universal magnetic fastening.	12500 rub.
«Spectra Precision LG20»		The designer of two planes with a beam sweep angle of 110 °. Range - up to 30 m, with receiver - up to 75 m. Self-leveling system ± 5 °. Accuracy - within 0,3 mm / m. Laser class 2, red, 625 nm. Power supply - elements of AA. Weight - 0,6 kg. Included - case, cover, glasses, universal mount.	In the basic configuration LG20-1 - 15700 rub.
rotary plane builders "Bosch GRL 300 HV"		A professional grade model combining three possible operating modes - point, linear and rotary. Range - up to 30 mm, with receiver - up to 300 m. Accuracy - up to 0,1 mm / m. Self-leveling within ± 5 °. Stepwise adjustment of the rotation speed of the head. The receiver and remote control are included. Power - lithium metal hydride battery. There is an adapter and a charger.	From 68000 rub.
«Geo-Fennel FL 260VA»		Professional model. Nadir, zenith and the plane created by the rotating head. Range 40 m, with receiver( included) - 400 m. Accuracies: horizontal - 0,05 mm / m, vertically - 0,1 mm / m. Increased enclosure protection - IP 66. Remote control. Laser class 3, red, 625 nm. Weight - 2,6 kg.	42500 rub.
«Leica Roteo 35G»		Fully automated model with green laser, featuring the most advanced modern options. Complete with a receiver, remote control, universal mount. Accuracy - no more than 0,1 mm / m. Stabilization device with servo drives, with a self-leveling range of ± 4.5 °. Leveling in two perpendicular planes.	about 100000 rubles.
Model name	Illustration	Short description of model	Estimated price

If you find a product company, which in general, nothing was heard before, do not rush to buy, no matter how attractive the price might seem. Probably, it makes sense to look for the official website of the manufacturer, get acquainted with the product line, read the reviews on the forums. If there is no intelligible information in the network, and in the instrument documentation - very vague characteristics and not fully understood obligations of the manufacturer, then we immediately refuse to give such a purchase and categorically.

At the end of the article - a short review of modern models of various types, deserved positive reviews and professionals and home masters.

And finally - a video with practical advice on choosing a laser level( level)

Video: What is assessed when choosing a laser level