Which laser level to chose?

AndyR · Nov 20, 2002

I have been leaning towards getting a laser level system as it gets harder and harder to find an assistant for using the transit these days. I want something that I can use indoors and out, preferrably self-levelling and as reliable as possible. I know I am looking at anywhere from a few hundred to over a grand. Primary uses will be foundation and grade work with structural alignment (i.e. working on old barn) a solid second.

What have you folks run into and do you have any good or bad experiences to relate?

PitbullMidwest · Nov 20, 2002

<font color=blue>...it gets harder and harder to find an assistant for using the transit these days. </font color=blue>

A friend's brother "holds the stick" for the local surveyer. Not sure what the surveyer pays him, but he charges his customers $28/hour for an assistant surveyer.

He tells me that it's good work if you can get it /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

looch · Nov 20, 2002

Dewalt has some nice units on . They purchased Momentum Laser back in 2000, who also still have a web site at <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mo-laser.com>http://www.mo-laser.com.

dummy · Nov 21, 2002

Hilti makes some good stuff too. Picked up the PR 60 used, easy to setup and operate. So far, so good.<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.hilti.com/holcom/modules/prcat/prca_main.jsp>Hilti</A>

centex · Nov 21, 2002

I have had good luck so far with a Robo Laser. It is self leveling and has a remote control and was fairly inexpensive. It is a lot easier to use than trying to work transit with my wife. I would probably by a more expensive unit for commercial use though. I also have and like the Momentum Laser Chalk Line. It is not self leveling but they sell an alarm to tell you if it needs to be releveled. It can be used for both horizontal and vertical leveling. I think both of these cost around $400 but the price may be lower now and there are a lot more units on the market now. If I were buying one for commercial use I would be most concerned with the availablity of a local repair and calibration facility and would ask them what they recommend. The accuracy, working range, and reliability of these things varies so how much you will have to spend depends on your requirements for this. They are also rated for indoor or outdoor use. "Fine Homebuilding" ran an article on laser levels within the last year and it might help you if you can get your hands on the copy. You might try searching their website (taunton.com).

AndyR · Nov 21, 2002

We seem to be thinking alike (and dealing with much the same situation). I am leaning towards the RT-7690-2 which looks like it will be around $550. but has all the features I am looking for. One thing that has suprised me is the great diversity in warranty lengths that the manufacturer's are offering - some are as short as 90 days (Robo is a year I believe).

Thanks for the reply.

centex · Nov 22, 2002

Electronic devices in general tend to either fail quickly or last forever although there are still random fails that can occur at any time. If you use the device a lot when it is new and it survives 90 days then you are not likely to have a problem with it unless you leave batteries in it to leak. Of course there are always exceptions and that is why I would ask the local repair facility about whatever unit I was going to buy. Given that the highest failure rate for electronics is in early life it has to make you wonder why anyone would only offer a 90 day warranty though so personally I would avoid anything with less than a year warranty as the manfacturer apparantly does not think too highly of his product's reliability.