subject: Choosing A Self Leveling Laser Level - What Are The Options? [print this page] Surveyors rely on many different kinds of laser levels when undertaking fieldwork. Most of the time, they will use laser instruments to take care that, while building, an object remains at the same level throughout the construction process. We will consider the different kinds of lasers available below.
The shops carry a range of different types of laser levels for the use of professional surveyors and DIY enthusiasts. The many different types and options may make choosing one difficult. The list of available options below should help when deciding on the instrument you need for your surveying needs.
The Different Types of Laser Levels
1) Plumb and Dot laser Levels. These lasers generate one or many dots of light on the target surface. The dots act as reference points for comparison purposes to make sure the area you are working on remains level.
2) Laser Line Generators or Line Level Lasers. These laser types emit a laser line that is level relative to the area it is being aimed across. In general, these types of levels will emit a single laser line. They are generally only used indoors and are small enough to be hand-held. For hands free use they can be placed on level surfaces such as desks or step ladders to leave the the user's hands free to complete other work.
3) Rotary Lasers. These types of laser send out a single laser line but in a rotating manner to give a line around the complete circumference of the room that is being surveyed instead of being directed only at one surface. These laser levels, however, are large and very cumbersome. They need a tripod which usually comes with them. They are set up in the middle of the area being checked.
Automatic or Self Leveling Lasers
The different types described above emit their laser beams in different ways but they are also available as self leveling laser types. The majority of surveyors prefer self leveling or automatic laser levels to make their work more efficient and to save time. With a self leveling laser, if it is jarred accidentally, it will reset automatically to the proper level saving the time it would take to manually so this. The operator can work at some distance from the instrument so it is ideal for working alone.
Prices
For use around the home a simple laser can be bought for around $20. Manual, rotary laser levels suitable for DIY use start from around $85. For the use of professional surveyors heavy duty self leveling rotary laser levels are available from around $550 and kits with everything needed from $800 and above.
