Home laser levels

Laser levels have been around for a long time, but in the past they have been prohibitively expensive and used solely in the construction industry.

They were originally designed for, and used in, the surveying and project setting out sector, but cheap technology now makes them an affordable “Do It Yourself” product for the home.

What the laser level does
The laser level projects a small and precise laser light on to a surface. This may be a static (non moving) light, or it may spin through 360 degrees (rotary) creating a seemingly continuous line. Some laser levels may project a small cross (like cross hairs).

The advantage to this piece of equipment is that is removes the need to constantly re-measure a level from a datum point, or to transpose a level along a vertical surface using a conventional spirit level.

Because of this it has two big advantages. The first is accuracy and the second is a saving in time and activity which in turn reduces the potential for error.

These devices do require setting up. The simpler and cheaper models have levelling bubbles whilst the more expensive versions have self (auto) levelling mechanisms.

Laser levels are ideal for a home DIY project like dado or skirting levelling, or the installing of a new floor – in fact anything that requires an accurate, consistent and reliable vertical measurement to create a horizontal level.

Finally, some of these levels also combine other features like tape measures.

The good news is that the prices and availability of laser levels now make them perfect for most DIY’ers. They start at under $50 (£35) and these cheap models are more than capable of doing everything required of them during home projects.

Here are some web pages with examples of these products: http://www.abbeypowertools.co.uk/building-tools/spirit-level-laser-levels/showitem-12251-88987.aspx and http://www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/cheapest/Makita-Laser-Level/22391377/477 .