Laser Levels

[Dan Clermont]

Got a Black and Decker Bull's Eye Laser Level for my birthday and was a little disappointed youhave to poke holes in the drywall in order to use it hands free.

I am thinking about taking it back and getting a Laser Level on a tripod or some other kind which can suction to the wall.

Anybody found an "economical" Laser Level which they are happy with?

Thanks
Dan Clermont

 

[ccmviking]

Not sure what economical is, but I use the Hilti PML 32 and PMP 34, and their laser measurement tool PD 38 too.  They work well for what they cost (~$350-$390 each) which isn't really cheap but they sure save me a lot of time and increase accuracy.  I generally use the line level on a tri-pod and the plumb laser on the ground, etc.  The PMP is great because you can do 90 degree's  (square) etc. with it.  The measurement tool has never failed me... easier to measure wall to wall than a tape and I would highly recommend to be in everyone's toolbox.

Chris...

 

[mastercabman]

i also use the hilti pml 32.great laser!not cheap.but you need to watch for those cheap laser.not reliable.
also try pls (pacific laser system)i heard good thing about them.

 

[Eli]

I've used the PLS 5-way and 3-way levels. They are great and their stuff would qualify as economical compared to the Hilti or Stabila line. Still several orders of magnitude more than the B+D, but the good stuff is still up there. You won't be disappointed for accuracy with PLS, they do work well. I've tried out the Stabila LE series to measure with and I'm probably going to get the LE40 and maybe a spinner tripod level from them.

Same as everything, right? You get what you pay for.

 

[woodpicker]

Maybe a 3rd hand laser mount from FastCap can help.
http://fastcap.com/prod2.asp?page=lasermount

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Got a Black and Decker Bull's Eye Laser Level for my birthday and was a little disappointed youhave to poke holes in the drywall in order to use it hands free.

I am thinking about taking it back and getting a Laser Level on a tripod or some other kind which can suction to the wall.

Anybody found an "economical" Laser Level which they are happy with?

Thanks
Dan Clermont

I, too, have one of the B&D units you commented on.  As a hobbyist/amateur I found mine to be a big help in hanging French cleats on the walls of my shop, especially since I am working alone.  I don't mind poking holes into the drywall to hang the Bullseye unit because I would do that anyway to ensure that I know exactly where the studs are.  The stud finder function of the Bullseye unit does not work well, especially when the wall surface has been stippled or textured.  It doesn't seem to be much better at locating studs behind drywall than the mediocre units of 30 years ago.  Would I trust the Bullseye to guide me for serious construction?  Probably not, at least not without cross-checking its laser line placement with a quality bubble level or a water level.  There seems to be some friction or hysteresis in the gimbal mechanism in my Bullseye unit.

Dave R.

 

[Hotwheels]

Hello Dan,

I bought a PLS 2E for doing some flooring and cabinet work and found it to be very useful. There is a magnetic bracket that allows attachment to corners where metal is used as reinforcement or a tripod works well. Pacific Laser has replaced the 2E with their model Pls 180,l so you might find some deals on the 2e, although the 180 looks very attractive. If you do interior work and some occasional exterior work on decks, foundations, etc...., then something like the PLS 180 and detector is a good buy. I have some decking and out building projects upcoming and I plan to get either a PLS360 or PLS90e for those projects --- it is like Festool, one tool leads to another!

 

[Programmergeek]

I also have a pacific laser system it is great.  It broke once but after some complaining to the company they replaced it, they wouldn't at first gave me some excuse the battries leeked in it and it was totaled.  BAtteries did not leak thing was new looking when returned.  Anyhow I love the fact that there are no moving parts and I can put in inthe cornor of a room and get a line around almost the whole room.

 

[Overtime]

PLS 180 mini Review

After unsatisfactory attempts using a 6' Johnson level and then a water level on layout for this glass mosaic tile (3/4" tiles on mesh backed sheets - Hakatai)  project, I caved in and got the PLS 180.

The +, - variables with the johnson were just too much for this one. The water level process while good as far as accuracy goes was cumbersome, and did not give the vertical needed. 

The tiles in this master bath will cover all exposed wall space from floor to ceiling requiring the tile grout lines to run a nice continuous line all the way around the room.

The grout gaps are about 1/16 to 1/8 " and this laser is just the ticket to insure a plumb and level grid.

The 180 is self leveling and is mounted on a camera tripod here. It projects lines as the model # says - 180 degrees. Half the room is projected in very bright easy to see lines. It can be left on for the duration of the task. Then moved at will any time. I got the basic unit which is about 3"x3" x 1 1/2" thick.

It's an awesome little tool and will see allot of action for many future projects. After checking out the many laser options - rotators etc, the cost and quality of this unit looked good for the price. And I am more than pleased with the quality of this one.

If your in the market for a mid priced ($255.00 to $275.00 for the basic unit) laser level, this is one to check out.

   

 

[Eli]

Thanks for that Pat. It's on the list.

 

[Mike_Chrest]

I have the PLS 2e. It won't project the horizontal line 180 degrees, but it is pretty much the same as the one in Patrick's review (nice job). I really like it and use it all the time. You can stick the magnet L -bracket directly to a Third Hand (don't need the mount) or a Quick Clamp bar clamped on anything handy. Might find it at a good price since it has been replaced with the new model.

Mike

 

[Dan Clark]

Patrick,

Thanks for posting this.  I'm installing tile shortly, so I have the same problem.      I think I'll get one of those. 

I also have a several other laser devices including a B&D Bullseye.  It's OK but has limited use, IMO. 

I also have a Stabila LE50 laser measurer.  I thought long and hard about spending almost $300 on that.  Now that I have it, I can't imagine being without it.  Excellent tool.

Regards,

Dan.

 

[Brice Burrell]

 .........I also have a Stabila LE50 laser measurer.  I thought long and hard about spending almost $300 on that.   Now that I have it, I can't imagine being without it.   Excellent tool.

Regards,

Dan.

Well, I now expect a mini review like the Patrick did here.

 

[Dan Clark]

As the old saying goes, "Let no good deed go unpunished!"  I open my mouth and "BOOM!", here's Brice with the "review" word. 

OK, OK, I'll create a review.  But it won't be as good as yours, so don't get your hopes up.

Here's a teaser...  You're measuring the joists in a two-car garage to cut sistered joists.  So which would you rather do:

A. Stand on a stupid ladder in the middle of the garage with your tape measure trying to reach both sides?  With the tape flopping down?  And the inevitable, "OK, now let's see...  9' 11-7/16" + 8' 5-3/32" is... Uh, carry the naught...  Damn!"  Crawl down the ladder, record your measurements, and repeat the process with the next joist.

or

B. Step up on a foot stool, stick your laser measurer over your head, point to the opposite wall and click the button.  Step off, kick the foot stool to the next joist and repeat the process.  At the end, just play back the automatically-recorded measurements!

Hmmmm...  Now let's see... This is a toughie!  OK, don't rush me!  I'll make the right choice in a millisecond or so!

And the answer?  Option A, of course!!!  Why?  Because I was ignorant and feeling masochistic!  (Now I'm a little more knowledgeable and try to avoid pain if possible.  8) )

Regards,

Dan.

p.s., the joists were not all the same length, had pipes and ducting in the way, and lots of other fun issues.

 

[Brice Burrell]

As the old saying goes, "Let no good deed go unpunished!"  I open my mouth and "BOOM!", here's Brice with the "review" word.   

OK, OK, I'll create a review.   But it won't be as good as yours, so don't get your hopes up............

Thats why I offered the mini review option in my first post. Although punishing you would be an added benefit.  ;D ;D

 

[Dan Clark]

... Although punishing you would be an added benefit.  ;D ;D

I knew it!!!!  ;D

 

[Overtime]

OK that barely passed for a mini review, it was just for me to justify the tool acquisition, err cost.  And now I feel better.  ;D

Could have got by with a plumb bob. And have an old Shop Tool laser something that makes a nice fat line (oh boy !) and takes forever to level and confirm. And if you need to relocate it, well 

Like Mike says the PLS 2e, now the PLS3 I think is the same without the 180.  For a self leveler - $169.00 US is not that bad.

I put off getting this because I thought it would be an extravagant gadget that would only be used rarely. Same way I felt before I bought my first nail gun a Senco finish pro 41xp. Banging nails with a hammer is only so much fun.  It might still be an extravagant gadget but it sure is nice to have.

The basic unit comes in a hard plastic case and has the magnetic "L" bracket with mounting screw bolt - 1/4" 20
Also comes with a nice little padded case. And a manual that I have yet to read.

The set up buttons have a red - green light to verify the self leveling feature. The 180 feature is real nice and makes easy and fast work of marking or verifying complete around the room layout. Floor - ceiling also. It has an internal compass like level I think but I won't be taking it appart to confirm that. I can see that dropping it would not be a good thing but it feels solid.

This helps you by making your work seamless, without interruption to measure ,verify recheck. So your work is checked in "real time" as you go. (OK now that sounds more like a review) Must have read that somewhere else.  :
You can leave it on as long as you need to.

Dan, hope your project is moving along well. I have been reading up on the John Bridge Tile forum and would not have attempted this without that info. The forum makes it possible for me to attempt this tile job and the laser is helping to insure a quality job.  I'm using DensShield tilebacker with Latacrete 254 Platinum thinset.
Finished the floor with 12" porcelain tiles over 1/4" hardiboard. Yep there is thinset between the hardi and sub floor.  ;D  I used Spectralock grout - very very good stuff. Easy to use. Looks great. Going to use it on the walls also with a color match. 

 

[Dan Clark]

Patrick,

You could say I have a passing acquaintance with the John Bridge forum:http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=37797. 

Regards,

Dan.

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Yes, Dan, you do appear to have a minor interest in that subject.  I only wish I had learned of it (from you) earlier.  It would have saved me a lot of more difficult, time consuming and costly work had I known about some of the ways of stiffening a floor before the new carpeting was installed.  Nice computer-generated illustrations of your ideas!

Dave R.

 

[Dan Clark]

Dave,

Unfortunately, I have more than a passing knowledge about stiffening floors.  One thing I learned...  As much as I love my Festool C12, if you ever have drive in a bunch of lag screws, GET A MAKITA IMPACT DRIVER!!!

Dan.