Rotary Laser levels

Code54 · Jul 30, 2016

I am looking to buy a decent rotary laser level and wanted some opinions and advice. Here is what I think I want to do with it.
Indoor use - windows, doors, hung ceiling installs, walls, pretty much anything
outdoor uses: install decks, small site grade work, drainage trench work
Like the idea of a kit that comes with everything needed.
Not sure of a price point - want good quality and something that will last. Waterproof is also a good idea as I hate stopping for rain if I am on a deadline.
Any suggestions?
THANKS

bdog · Jul 31, 2016

I have a Bosch one and love it. It was the complete kit for around $500 at lowes or Home Depot. I have nothing to compare it to as it is the only one I have ever used but I like it. I have used it for setting concrete forms, building a steel building frame, leveling a site, etc.

davrow · Jul 31, 2016

Be careful using it on existing construction. Turns out few of our walls are plumb or square, so when I used the level what I added is what looked crooked. Had to use the eyeball technique for aesthetic reasons.

New construction is another matter, laser is great. Make sure it has a beam strong enough for outdoor use that will show up for the length you need it. My (slightly cheaper than the Bosch mentioned above) laser is only good for 8 to 16 feet in sunlight. Pretty useless both indoors and outdoors! Live and learn. :laughing:

Code54 · Jul 31, 2016

I was looking at these two:
Bosch GRL3HVCK Self-Leveling Rotary Laser with Layout Beam Complete Kit with Receiver, Remote, Tri-pod and Wall Mount - - Amazon.com
CST/berger RL25HVCK Horizontal/Vertical, Interior/Exterior Rotary Laser Complete Kit - - Amazon.com
seems like good ones (NOT cheap) but not sure which is better or is there a better value?

Code54 · Jul 31, 2016

Any one have a different one that is good?

redfin00 · Jul 31, 2016

Spectra HV101,self leveling,tripod,stick,can use for ceiling grid(has a ceiling mount.Use it outside for grades,concrete forms,really happy with,I think it was around 750.00

Code54 · Jul 31, 2016

Thanks - I will check it out!

Billrog · Aug 1, 2016

I've had one of these along with a machine receiver for 12 years now and it's still accurate . Seen plenty of rain but I don't abuse it. It is fairly expensive with the machine receiver I paid $1,200.
Agatec LT300 Rotary Laser Level All-Purpose Package (NiMH) 789433

EddieWalker · Aug 1, 2016

I have a Spectra kit. It comes in a big plastic case and it holds the level, tripod, measuring rod and receiver. It's super accurate, fast to set up and easy to use. For laying tile and flooring, I have a Bosch laser that gives me straight lines, 90 and 45 degree angles.

bjr · Aug 2, 2016

Not trying to steal the thread but you guys seem to know about the Laser Levels. How do you do slope? can you set the unit at a degrees from level to set drain field slope? Just was thinking outloud here. Thanks bjr

prichard · Aug 2, 2016

Some lasers have slope on others you have to measure slope.

CreekyB · Aug 2, 2016

I sold my nice laser when I got out of the construction business and have been making do with a CST/Berger transit level. As it is getting harder and harder to get people to stand in the sun with me for free I am looking more and more towards a cheaper laser.

Not sure how good these are but the reviews are favorable and while not free they are pretty cheap for a laser/receiver kit.

Johnson Self-Leveling Rotary Laser Level System-99-2K - The Home Depot

There is a manual leveling kit that is $50 cheaper.

I just need it here and there for projects around the house.

jrdepew · Aug 3, 2016

I bought a PLS4 a couple years ago based on a bunch of reviews and reading. Not the greatest for outdoor use in the sun, and it isn't a rotary, but it does cover well over 180 degrees, closer to 270. Vertical and horizontal beams, as well as a plumb laser that shoots straight up and down from the unit. There is also a beam detector that can be used even when you cannot see the laser. The unit claims it is good for up to 100 feet. I have used to to probably 25 feet.

If you are outside and your laser is marginal, a set of those red glasses really does help. You will see them sold as an add on item to some laser kits.

I use the laser EVERYWHERE. Hanging pictures, hanging doors, grading for small concrete pads, deck layout, even adjusting doors on kitchen cabinets to be perfect. I just finished up hanging some shelving in the garage...shooting a laser line is so much faster than using a level, even though both will get you where you want to go. Once you have one, you will find uses for it.

If you focus is outdoors, they sell a version that uses a green beam that is supposed to be better, but I have never used one.

CurlyDave · Aug 3, 2016

CreekyB said:
There is a manual leveling kit that is $50 cheaper.

Self leveling is so much easier, and it is faster.

I have a Bosch that is about 5 years old, and the only real issue is calibrating it takes hours. Some of that is operator inexperience, but some is just because it is a pain.

One of the big advantages of self leveling is that when i first set up. I take a measurement and then turn the laser head 90-180-270 degrees. If the measurement stays the same, it is close enough on calibration.

EddieWalker · Aug 3, 2016

bjr said:
Not trying to steal the thread but you guys seem to know about the Laser Levels. How do you do slope? can you set the unit at a degrees from level to set drain field slope? Just was thinking outloud here. Thanks bjr

I go a certain distance and measure the drop or rise in inches. If I want a 5 percent slope, I go 100 inches and look for a 5 inch difference. When building ADA ramps, i measure in feet with a 1 inch change per foot. Ten feet means ten inches difference in height. Freaks people out when they realize how long the ramp has to be!!!

hawkeye08 · Aug 3, 2016

Its amazing now far this technology has come and how much you get for the $$. We bought (20 years ago) a autolevel for cabinets, used it for everything, not very good outside, but works. I will likely get a nice rotary one day to play with, just because.

topbuilder · Aug 3, 2016

I have used a Pro Shot L4 for years. I have never had a need for indoor use. What really "makes it" is the rod I use. It is called a "Cut and Fill" rod.

Amazon.com: CST/Berger 6-TLMB Cut/Fill Laser Rod 8-Feet/2.5m with Vial: Home Improvement

Takes all the thought out of it. Red - Low. Silver - High. Slide the receiver to tone and it tells exactly where you are in relationship to your "zero" mark. Great for checking forms or building pads. I used it yesterday to build a 30 x 50 pad for a metal building.

katoomed00 · Aug 15, 2016

I did a lot of research on this last year, the main thing I wanted was to shoot grade on my property. what I found out was not many rotating laser levels will do that.
I even went thru the trouble of calling several manufactures. Most of the higher end ones will work, but it was hard to justify the money for the little I needed it.

Bosch does not make a rotary laser level that will not shoot grade (which was a disappointment).

I took my time and found a used high end unit on Ebay that came from an estate sale for 250 bucks and couldn't be happier.

Good luck, do a lot of research, there are so many units out there.

prichard · Aug 15, 2016

katoomed00 said:
I did a lot of research on this last year, the main thing I wanted was to shoot grade on my property. what I found out was not many rotating laser levels will do that.
I even went thru the trouble of calling several manufactures. Most of the higher end ones will work, but it was hard to justify the money for the little I needed it.

Bosch does not make a rotary laser level that will not shoot grade (which was a disappointment).

I took my time and found a used high end unit on Ebay that came from an estate sale for 250 bucks and couldn't be happier.

Good luck, do a lot of research, there are so many units out there.

What model did you get?