If you’re looking to replace your bubble level with a laser one, one of the best options to consider is this model made by Pacific Laser Systems. It is, in fact, a level, plumb and square laser line tool that will help you finish your tasks faster and more precisely.
Due to the fact that it is compacts – measures 2 x 2.87 x 3.37 inches – and lightweight – weighs less than 2 pounds – the tool is easy to handle and portable. It is made of durable plastic that is resistant to impacts and water. However, it is water submersible.
- Carrying case&pouch: comes with a rigid case and a soft pouch to keep it protected.
- Batteries: it operates with 3AA batteries that are included.
- Magnetic wall bracket: features strong magnets to support the tool.
The tool allows you to perform perfect indoor layouts with ease. With an SLD detector – bought separately – you can also use it for outdoor applications. With an accuracy of ± 1/8-inch at 30-feet and 180-degree fan angle, this model delivers great performance and precision.
- 2 laser lines: one horizontal and one vertical. The lines are bright and can be visible at maximum 100 feet.
- Self-leveling: features a self-leveling range of 6 degrees.
- Long operation: it can operate for more than 30 hours.
Its practical design makes it very easy to handle. Also, the fact that it is fully self-leveling simplifies your work. A great advantage is that it features 2 mounting options – on the wall or on a tripod. The tripod is not included so you have to buy it separately.
PROS
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CONS
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- Long visibility range: up to 100′
- Works up to 35 hours continuously
- It can automatically level up to 6 degrees
- The magnetic dampening makes it ready to use in less than a second
- ]It features the PLS pendulum design
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- Using it outdoors may be difficult as the beam is not very strong
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VERDICT
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High accuracy and versatility. You can use it for many purposes. It comes with a long 3-year warranty and is very easy to use. The built-in features are pretty interesting and will help you finish your job faster and without any inconvenience. We consider it a long-term investment for anyone who’s looking for a well-made laser level.
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This tool is among our favorite ones. It is made by a reliable brand and it will surely impress you with its features. It has an over-mold housing that makes it very durable. In comparison to the other models, it is a little bit heavier. The class II laser offers great visibility not only indoors but also outdoors, so you can use it for all your projects. It is self-leveling at 4 degrees and it features a high rate of accuracy, 1/8 inch at 30 feet. Without a detector, it provides a range of 100 feet but if you install a detector, you can use it up to 165 feet. The 3 AA batteries can work up to 40 hours and they come with the tool.
The model projects both vertical and horizontal line, having a dedicated button for each of them. The lines cross with each other. It features a magnetic pivot base and a low battery indication. In what concerns the mounting possibilities, you can easily mount it on a wall. When purchasing the tool, you will also receive an acoustic ceiling mount and a kit box. What is interesting about this particular model is that besides the 3-year limited warranty, the manufacturer also offers a 1-year free service.
PROS
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CONS
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- You can use it on wet surfaces as it is protected against water spray
- Alerts you when it’s time to change the batteries
- Durable over-molded housing
- Class II laser
- Built-in magnetic pivoting base
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- A little bit heavy
- No lock on the pendulum
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VERDICT
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Ideal for both professionals and beginner. It features a solid housing and can be used for outdoor works. It comes with a flashing indicator to replace the batteries. Additionally, besides the long 3-year warranty, you will enjoy free service for 1 year. The only major drawback is the fact that it doesn’t have a lock on the pendulum for a more convenient transportation.
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Another laser level to consider is Tacklife SC-L04. It is both compact and lightweight. The TPR soft rubber on all sides provides protection against any possible shocks. This is a class II laser and is accurate to ±1/9′′ at 33′. It boasts a working range of 98′. Just like the previous models, it levels itself up to 4 degrees. The tool produces horizontal and vertical cross-line beams. It also features dual 360-degree horizontal and vertical plane. When all beams are on, it can work for up to 8 hours. You will need 4 AA batteries for this tool, which are included.
This model indicates an out-of-level condition in case it gets out of level and it automatically locks when you switch it off. It is both waterproof and dust-proof. You can easily mount this tool on wall or tripod and you can use it outdoors with the laser detector. It includes the batteries, a portable bag, and a magnetic pivoting base. It is backed by a 2-year warranty.
PROS
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CONS
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- 360-degree vertical and horizontal line
- One-button operation design
- Lightweight and compact
- Solid construction with TPR soft rubber
- It locks automatically when you switch it of
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- Not so great in the daylight
- The user manual should be more detailed
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VERDICT
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This laser level does a great job. It is lightweight and compact and it comes with a nice zipper bag to carry it around. The 360-degree feature is a great addition although you won’t need it too often. However, according to some customers, the tool is not so great in the daylight.
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You will like this laser level as is accurate and well-made. It is the lightest model on our list and is made of plastic composite. You can use it for multiple indoor jobs but it won’t work in the daylight. It has an accuracy rating of ± 1/8′′ at 33′ and a working range of 50′. You can set it to project both vertical and horizontal lines that cross with each other. Since this tool is self-leveling, it automatically levels itself up to 4 degrees. It requires 3 AA batteries that are included. The laser is class II.
The VisiMax technology provides superior beam brightness and prevents diodes overheating. At the same time, the tool indicates out-of-level conditions for increased accuracy. For a secure transportation, the pendulum is locked automatically every time you switch the tool off. You can mount this tool on wall or tripod and it comes with a magnetic mounting bracket. Besides this, you will also receive a laser target plate and a carry case. As about the warranty, the manufacturer covers it for a period of 2 years.
PROS
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CONS
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- Features VisiMax technology
- It can indicate out-of-level condition
- Automatic lock of pendulum
- You can use it at any angle with the manual mode
- Lightweight and budget-friendly
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- It can’t be used outdoors
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VERDICT
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Made by Bosch, this laser level works well and won’t cost you a fortune. Due to the VisiMax technology, this tool delivers superior beam brightness while the diodes are protected against overheating. This model is very lightweight, affordable, and user-friendly. However, it can’t be used outdoors.
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Makita SK104Z is another great option to go with. It features a solid housing that provides superior protection and is battery-powered. The 3 AA batteries are included and they deliver a continuous operation of up to 35 hours. Just like the other models, it is self-leveling up to 4 degrees. It features an accuracy rating of ± 1/8′′ at 30′ and a working range of up to 50′. The two vertical and horizontal lines can be used individually or simultaneously. You can use it both for indoor or outdoor works and you can mount it on a wall or on a tripod.
With the pulse mode, you will be able to extend the battery life while the integrated pendulum lock allows slope incline applications. Besides the laser, you will also receive a magnetic mounting adapter, a target card, and a carrying pouch. However, even though this model comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, it is backed by only 1-year warranty.
PROS
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CONS
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- Features a pulse mode
- Long operating time, up to 35 hours
- Works for indoor and outdoor jobs
- Comes with a multi-purpose magnetic bracket
- Features an integrated pendulum lock
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- Short warranty, 1-year
- Rather tricky to change from vertical to horizontal mode
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VERDICT
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This laser level made by Makita is available at an affordable price. It comes with some pretty interesting features and it can be used not only indoors but also outdoors. For more peace of mind, the manufacturer offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Nevertheless, it is backed by a 1-year warranty.
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When we talk about laser levels, the
accuracy and working range play a significant aspect. Besides this, we made our research taking into consideration aspects like housing, operating time, leveling type, and so on. More about our findings and how we rated the products will be detailed below.
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All our models are battery-powered. This means that eventually, you will need to replace them. The tool with the longest operating time is Dewalt DW088K that can work for up to 40 hours. Makita SK104Z can provide up to 35 hours of continuous use, same as PLS-60521 if you use one beam only. Tacklife SC-L04 works for 8 hours with all the beams on. Unfortunately, we have no information about Bosch GLL 55./li>
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In terms of leveling, the laser can be manual or automatic. The manual ones require you to check if the unit is leveled or not. Leveling the tool may be more difficult, especially for beginners, as some thumb screws have to be adjusted. Self-leveling lasers are more convenient from this point of view. They feature an internal pendulum that does all the job for you. So, even if the surface is not smooth, the tool can level itself up to a particular degree. All our models are self-leveling, with small differences in what regards the range. Therefore, PLS-60521 levels for maximum 6 degrees while Tacklife SC-L04 features a compensation range of 4±1 degrees. All the other models have a range of 4 degrees./li>
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In general, self-leveling lasers are more accurate than the manual ones. However, the error increases with distance but some models have an impressive accuracy of up to 1/64″ at 30′. If we take a closer look at our products, the most accurate one is Tacklife SC-L04, with an accuracy of up to ±1/9″ at 33′. PLS-60521, Dewalt DW088K, and Makita SK104Z feature an accuracy of ± 1/8″ at 30′. As about Bosch GLL 55, it has an accuracy rating of ± 1/8″ at 30′./li>
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Level lasers automatically level if they remain in a specific range. Some models can expand the working range up to 100 feet indoors and up to 200 feet outdoors. From this point of view, the most versatile models are PLS-60521 and Dewalt DW088K with a range of 100 feet indoors. They are followed by Tacklife SC-L04 with an indoor working range of up to 98 feet. Bosch GLL 55 and Bosch GLL 55 feature a visibility range of up to 50 feet./li>
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There are lasers that emit only a horizontal beam or a horizontal and vertical beam. A model with 2 beams helps you level objects across a horizontal or vertical plane, according to your needs. You can use the beams separately or concomitantly for increased flexibility./li>
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Each and every model comes with certain features. Some of them feature a flashing indicator to notify you when the battery runs low or an out-of-level indicator for knowing when the tool gets out of level. PLS-60521 features an internal shock frame that protects the tool against collisions and Tacklife SC-L04 comes with dual 360-degree horizontal and vertical lines for more convenience./li>
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The more accessories, the better. All models come with the batteries and a carry case or box for storing or transporting the laser under safe conditions. Some of them include a bracket for mounting the tool on the wall. PLS-60521 has some extra accessories like a tripod extender and a carrying pouch. Makita SK104Z comes with a carrying pouch.
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Usually, this type of lever is backed by the standard 1–year warranty. The models with the longest warranty are PLS-60521 and Dewalt DW088K as they are covered for a period of 3 years. The latter also comes with a 1-year free service. Tacklife SC-L04 and Bosch GLL 55 are backed by a 2-year warranty. The shortest warranty is given by Makita, only 1 year. However, the manufacturer allows you to return the product within 30 days of purchase./li>
Available Types and Their Particularities
- Dot Lasers: These lasers are also called plumb lasers. They work by projecting one or multiple reference dots on a surface. They are further classified in 3-point and 5-point models. The first type features ahorizontal dot, as well as a plump up and down. The second type features 2 horizontal dots at 90°. They are ideal for indoor jobs and are the less expensive in comparison to the other types available.
- Line Lasers: Line lasers or line generators project a single line (horizontal) or double lines (horizontal and vertical) from one point to the other. The horizontal and vertical lines can also cross. They have a range of up to 100 feet and are mainly used for indoor applications. However, there are some models that can be used outdoors.
- Rotary Lasers: Just like the line lasers, these lasers projects a line but the difference is that the line rotates around the entire room in 360°. The tools can produce both horizontal and vertical lines. They work best for outdoor applications. Nevertheless, they are the most expensive ones, being at the same time less compact than the other types.
There’s absolutely no doubt that a laser level is a
tool that comes in handy when you need to level floors or to align masonry. After a thorough research, we came to the conclusion that
PLS-60521 is the best model to go with. Even though is not so great for outdoor tasks, it does a great job for indoor works. You will have to pay more money for this tool but it’s worth paying the price if you want to improve accuracy with your DIY projects. Dewalt
DW088K is another tool we recommend if you want to pay less money and enjoy a great performance. Besides the 3-year warranty, this laser comes with 1-year free service for peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
?Is the Laser Light Dangerous?
As any other laser products, laser levels should be used with caution. When eyes are exposed to a high-intensity light flash, it may appear what is called flash blindness. In general, these tools only irritate the eyes without causing permananet damage. However, you can avoid this by not staring directly at the beam.
?What Happens If the Laser Is Exposed to Rain?
That depend on the laser IP rating. Some models are water-resistant while other shouldn’t be exposed to wet weather. We recommend you to check this information prior to using it as if you don’t follow the manufacturer’s specifications you may damage it.
?What Does Class II Refers To?
Lasers are categorized into safety classes according to the potential risk of adverse health effects. The classes are as following: Class 1, Class 1C, Class 1M, Class 2, Class 2M, Class 3R, Class 3B, Class 4. The higher the class number, the greater the radiation hazard. In general, most laser levels are Class 2 or 3, being safe for users as long as they don’t stare into beam.
