If you want it level, you’ll need a laser. Although there’s not really any such thing as 100% precision in the human-made world, nothing really comes close to electromagnetic radiation-based optical amplification – known to the lay-person as a “laser”. Sure, you’d need an infinitely broad beam for a perfectly flat wave front, but the type of beam you can make with an off-the-shelf laser level is on average 10 times more accurate than a spirit level. Better still, a decent laser level can also completely replace other sophisticated gear like tripod-mounted surveying scopes. And for the construction, surveying, and many other industries, and for carpenters, builders, plumbers and many other professionals, that’s a big deal.
So your organisation has got its hands on a laser level – what’s next? Just point and shoot?
While you do now have the power of laser technology in your hands, levelling up will require a bit more information. The good news is that our super-simple step-by-step guide to using a laser level is right here, opening up the wonderful world of laser levels to the widest possible audience:
- Insert the batteries
If you’re lucky, the box your laser level came with will even bundle the batteries.
- Protect your eyes
The human eye and lasers do not mix, so ensure you don’t point those lines towards your face – and if you really want to be safe, wear laser safety goggles that protect against intrabeam exposure.
- It’s self-levelling
Just about every decent laser level is self-levelling, meaning that even if slightly tilted, or ‘somewhat’ level, those horizontal and vertical laser lines will remain perfectly level. The trick is to ensure the laser line is solid and not flashing or otherwise letting you something is wrong – then you know the reading is good.
TIP: Put a mark where you place your level. That way, even if it’s bumped or you do the job in a couple of sessions, you’ll know where it was to get that line back where it should be.
- Use the bracket
Your laser level is also likely to come with a handy and versatile swivelling bracket, making it easy to clip onto just about anything – or even suspend it from the ceiling for construction of a perfectly level ceiling. The device or bracket is also likely to be magnetised, meaning it will stick securely to anything metal. Your laser level will also have a screw port that will be compatible with tripods or even camera stands.
- Press the button!
To shoot out that laser, it really is as simple as hitting the button for the required horizontal or vertical lines – or both. Let’s say you simply want to mark out a perfectly-level shelf. Simply position the device at the required height, turn on the laser, and you’ll see the solid laser line that is precisely level. Highly experienced builders will tell you that, in the pre-laser days, the only way to get a perfectly level line was to measure wall to wall, floor to ceiling. But given that floors, for instance, can be slightly uneven from one door to another, the outcome of those time-consuming manual methods still would not hold a candle to a laser level-produced line.
Let’s get choosing a new laser level
Are you ready to choose a laser level? There’s a lot of competition and diversity in the market, so you’ll need to consider:
* The required accuracy above baseline standards
* Self-levelling or manual?
* Red beam (indoors) or green beam (better visibility for outdoors)
* Your need for a laser level detector (for longer distances).
Our industry guides are standing by to help match your organisations needs, preferences and budget to the perfect high quality laser level product, so feel free to get in touch.
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