Anyone use a rotary laser level

Budweiser John · Feb 19, 2018

I couldn’t live with out my Spectra precision rotary lazer.
The only thing I might add to this post is, purchase your insttiment from a source that offers post sale service and every couple years have the unit checked for accuracy. Those critters do, from time to time creep out of accuracy.

B. John

747driver · Feb 19, 2018

I found this on ebay....SPECTRA PRECISION LL5 LONG RANGE LASER with plastic case ** | eBay

Does the receiver look like it clamps onto a story pole ? I have the tripod and story stick.

prichard · Feb 19, 2018

Redlands Okie said:
A dewalt tool that does not work correctly is NOT normal.

I just bought a Dewalt builders level. It arrived with the threads messed up so it wouldn't attach to the tripod. Then I started looking through it and it wouldn't focus. Returned it and I'll try another brand for a new one.

747driver · Feb 19, 2018

prichard said:
I just bought a Dewalt builders level. It arrived with the threads messed up so it wouldn't attach to the tripod. Then I started looking through it and it wouldn't focus. Returned it and I'll try another brand for a new one.

I went on ebay and looked at used ones....the savings is quite good.

downsizingnow48 · Feb 19, 2018

The small gray knob on the receiver tightens it onto a spectra pole. The spectra pole has ridges that fit into the case of the receiver. Then the receiver slides up and down on the pole with a pointer that lines up with marks on the pole. Not sure the spectra receiver would fit onto a non-spectra pole.

davedj1 · Feb 19, 2018

I have three Bosch lasers, one for measuring, one 4 axis and a nice rotary with the receiver. I couldn't build without them.
Not trying to push a sale but I have a Robo-Laser for sale, it's been great, I just don't use it any more. 60 plus shipping.

dadster4 · Feb 19, 2018

Bought this one two years ago from CPO, couldn't be happier with it's accuracy, +/- 1/8" at about 400' (the furthest I tried).
Factory Reconditioned Bosch GRL250HVCK-B-RT Dual-Axis Self-Leveling Rotary Laser Kit with Tripod

crazyal · Feb 19, 2018

My advice, if you are going to buy one of the Spectra laser levels spend the extra money and get one tht's a complete kit. I got my LL200 used on ebay. It'll come with the tripod, the receiver, and the story pole. If you find it useful and decide to keep it then you'll be happy you spent the extra money. If you decide that it's just too much money to have tied up into a level then you can sell it on ebay. Chances are good that if you get a lightly used one off of ebay you can sell it a couple a years later for the same price as you paid. Good tools are always a good investment.

FarmWrench · Feb 20, 2018

eBay Spectra with magnet mount receiver. With a little planning it makes leveling with a bucket, back blade or scraper faster.

Couldn't do tile without it.

If you have a few neighbors who work construction, chances are they have one on their truck.

Sparkynutz · Feb 20, 2018

Redlands Okie said:
A dewalt tool that does not work correctly is NOT normal. Question is why do you have one not working correctly ? Warranty work is free and rest of their repairs are quite responsible. $400 setting around broken is quite a waste. Lots of service centers or shipping options.
Get your investment back to work

I still use a water lever on occasions. Have a beeper to go with it and works fine. Have to be careful to make sure its reading correctly, take your time with em. Larger tubes are a bit easier.

Original bought a dewalt with two axis, sold it to a buddy to upgrade to a 3 axis made by Bosch.. Also a Bosch for tile work. Long range work done with a couple of spectra brand but they can get a bit expensive.
All of em work fine and accurate within their specs. Its amazing what technology has done with pricing on lasers.

I actually got it free through a good ideas program at work that you get points for saving the company money to be used towards items. The sad part is every single item they have is discontinued or refurbs. Sending stuff back is a bigger pain than its worth and requires the ok from my work as well as the distributor and the points company. Maybe Dewalt would fix it but still not worth the hassle. I just use it knowing it's not accurate but good enough to grade a lawn or driveway reasonably close. I used it with a tape measure at night and wrote down heights of every location in my yard in relation to the starting point. When its pitch black you can easily use it 250ft away and be within an inch or two. Good enough for me.