These tools make leveling and creating straight lines easier, and they’re simple to use.
When a standard level is too cumbersome for one person or not precise enough for your leveling needs, leveling laser tools are the answer. They have countless applications on the jobsite and around the house and eliminate most of the human error associated with traditional levels.
What are leveling laser tools?
Leveling laser tools emit a beam of light that provides a straight-line reference along any surface. They are 10 times more accurate than traditional levels and can align elements over a long distance.
There are two main types: pipe lasers and laser levels. Pipe lasers, with their highly visible beams and small size, simplify the process of laying pipes and provide accurate grade readings. Laser levels are beneficial for surveying applications and can also be used for indoor projects such as floor leveling and countertop installation.
Pipe laser uses and benefits
Pipe lasers are commonly used for underground projects involving storm drains, sewer pipe systems and other gravity-flow pipe systems. A single worker can use a pipe laser to check piping or pipe trenches to ensure the gradient is on target — a task it once took an entire survey team to complete.
Pipe lasers can help workers create the perfect slope for indoor or outdoor drains, French drains, leach fields and other systems with a grade range from minus 15% to 40%.
Because they are so accurate, pipe lasers can also help eliminate common plumbing problems, such as smelly drains and inefficient well systems. Whether you're doing a DIY project or heading a construction team, pipe lasers can help you avoid costly, time-consuming mistakes.
How to use a pipe laser
Simply set the laser in a pipe or manhole (it has built-in feet, or you can use it on a tripod), enter the desired grade and follow the laser's beam. Many pipe lasers are self-leveling.
Laser level uses and benefits
Laser levels are invaluable tools for any kind of surveying. They project a fixed line or dots of light onto a horizontal or vertical surface to provide a flat reference plane between two points.
Laser levels can span long distances, helping workers check the elevation or slope of a large area. They can ensure that foundation and foundation footings, flooring and other flat surfaces are level. They can also be used for drywall installation, door and window alignment and landscaping projects such as terracing and retaining walls.
How to use a laser level
Many laser levels are handheld, but some can also be mounted on a single point rod or other piece of equipment. Using a laser level requires only one person. Some models are self-leveling. For other models, the operator adjusts the legs of the laser level tripod until the leveling bubble is centered. Once turned on, the laser level will project a line onto the surface, which can be marked as needed.
The best laser levels are certified with a leveling accuracy within 1/16th of an inch at 100 feet.