How to choose a laser level
Performing virtually all construction and installation work requires special accuracy. Especially it concerns monolithic works, laying of a tile and other, similar operations. Determine the level of the plane and set the slope "by eye" here does not work, and therefore will have to resort to using levels - special devices that allow you to quickly and accurately measure the parameters of the plane and assess the degree of slope. Modern laser levels, which are very popular, allow you to do this not only quickly, but also very accurately, and therefore you can certainly find such a tool in the arsenal of every self-respecting specialist.
content
- Top manufacturers
- The main types of laser levels
- The main criteria for choosing a laser level
- What laser level to choose
- How much is the laser level
Top manufacturers
When choosing a high-quality laser level for home or industrial use, the preference should be given to products of well-known brands, whose products are deservedly popular with well-known construction companies:
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Bosch;
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Makita;
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Condtrol;
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Ada;
Determining a particular model is currently quite simple. All that is needed for this is to examine the manufacturers' catalogs, as well as to get acquainted with user feedback, taking into account both positive and negative points.
The main types of laser levels - what they are
Line laser level
A beam emitted by a photodiode is projected using an optical amplifier and turns it into one continuous line. Depending on the type of construction, there are both vertical and horizontal. The most expensive models allow measurements in several planes at the same time. Such devices are the most accurate and, accordingly, the most expensive.
Virtues
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Exceptional accuracy of measurements;
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The ability to perform measurements in several planes at the same time;
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Circular coverage area of measurement;
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Various power sources - both batteries, and a network 220B .;
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Durable and reliable case;
disadvantages
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Requires special skills to work;
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High price;
Virtues
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Exceptional accuracy of measurements;
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The ability to perform measurements in several planes at the same time;
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Circular coverage area of measurement;
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Various power sources - both batteries, and a network 220B .;
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Durable and reliable case;
disadvantages
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Requires special skills to work;
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High price;
Rotary models
The principle of beam generation in these devices is similar to the above, the difference lies only in the installation location of the photodiode. In these models, it is fixed on a compact rotor, driven by an electric motor. As a result, the user gets a clear definition of the level in the range of 360 degrees relative to the installation location of the device.
Virtues
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High measurement accuracy;
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Ability to work both from the network and from the batteries;
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High measuring range;
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The possibility of blocking the sensor when exceeding the permissible error;
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360 degree coverage;
disadvantages
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High price;
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Inability to measure vertically;
Point Levels
Virtues
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High measurement accuracy;
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Ability to work both from the network and from the batteries;
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High measuring range;
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The possibility of blocking the sensor when exceeding the permissible error;
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360 degree coverage;
disadvantages
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High price;
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Inability to measure vertically;
The laser cell with a laser head is stationary; during such work, the device emits four beams at an angle of 90 degrees relative to each other. The device is successfully used both in construction and in everyday life; it is excellent for fixing symmetrical points on both walls of a dwelling.
Virtues
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High range of measurements;
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Democratic value;
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Compact size and low weight;
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High accuracy and minimum error;
disadvantages
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Low resistance to mechanical stress;
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Not suitable for determining the level of a circle;
Virtues
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High range of measurements;
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Democratic value;
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Compact size and low weight;
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High accuracy and minimum error;
disadvantages
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Low resistance to mechanical stress;
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Not suitable for determining the level of a circle;
In addition to the above models, you can also find combined levels on the market, which include the advantages and disadvantages of certain types of devices. Such models are usually more expensive than their counterparts.
The main criteria for choosing a laser level
Measuring range
Displays the end point at which the level is able to perform measurements. The range of measurements can vary quite strongly - from 3-5 meters for home appliances and up to 80-100 meters for professional-grade models. The more powerful and "long-range" device - so it is, accordingly, more expensive, and therefore there is no point in buying professional models, performing repairs in the apartment.
The presence or absence of the receiver
A parameter important exclusively for professional long-range models. It is a special device designed to fix the emitted level of the beam. The receiver is able to capture the signal level even when the beam itself is not visually visible. During setup and searching for a point, it shows where you need to move the level horizontally and vertically.
Alignment Type
In order to set the level as accurately as possible horizontally, it is necessary to equalize it before starting work. This can be done with the help of special systems, which are almost always divided into two types:
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Manual alignment consists of two water capsules with an enclosed air bubble. Changing the level setting, control the position of the bubble, thus setting the device;
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Automatic leveling is carried out using a special liquid mixture located in the reservoir of the device. No matter how the tripod is installed, the level readings will always be accurate and correct.
Thread mount
Special service connector designed to fix the device on a compatible tripod for the most convenient use. The importance of this factor disappears, if your own tripod comes with the level, otherwise it is necessary to select the thread diameter and the corresponding tripod. As a rule, the unwritten standard is a thread with a diameter of 1/4 and 5/8 inches.
Number of rays
A parameter directly affecting the functionality of a particular device. Shows the number of measurements in different planes, which is able to produce a level at the same time:
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The simplest are single-beam models. They allow accurate measurements in a specific plane;
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The two beam models are distinguished by their greater functionality and allow for many accurate measurements at the same time. Such devices are convenient for mounting a window opening, a door box and performing other similar operations;
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Four-beam devices are an excellent option for measuring the level around the perimeter of the room, which is important when performing concrete or finishing works, as well as laying tiles;
When choosing a multipath level, the general rule should be remembered: the more rays a device has, the more functional and, consequently, it is more expensive.
Accuracy
The parameter that determines the error of a device. As a rule, is reflected in the form of two adjacent figures, meaning the upper and lower limit.The smaller the error, the more accurate the particular device.
Power supply system
The absolute majority of modern devices are able to work both from the mains in 220V and from the built-in battery. Some compact household models can work from ordinary batteries, but in this situation, as a rule, we are talking about the most low-power devices.
Which laser level to choose?
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If it is necessary to perform plastering works and install beacons for this purpose, preference should be given to four-beam models equipped with standard 5/8 thread and also wall mounting;
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If it is necessary to install doors or windows, as well as when performing wallpapering, it is best to resort to using a two-beam device equipped with a standard 1/4-inch thread;
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If it is necessary to install floors or plasterboard partitions, you should purchase the most functional model having 8-9 rays and equipped with a receiver. The range of measurement in this situation does not play a special role - the model operating at a distance of up to 35-40 meters is quite enough;
How much does a laser level cost?
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The most simple single-beam models cost 3000-8000 rubles;
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The four-level level will cost a little more. Quality models can be purchased for 6-12 thousand rubles;
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The most functional 8-9 radiation levels, equipped with a receiver, cost about 25-35 thousand rubles;
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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.