Self-leveling laser level 360 degrees: tips and tricks for choosing
LAny repair work, even the simplest, requires the use of a special building level. In the past, when getting professional equipment was a real challenge, you had to be smart and creative, and use threads and even regular water bottles. Today everything has become much easier, because a self-leveling 360-degree laser level has appeared - a device that allows you to make the necessary markings with high accuracy. In this article, we will analyze its device and selection criteria.
The content of the article
Self-leveling laser level 360 degrees: device design
In order to make working with the device easy and intuitive, it is imperative to understand the design of the device and consider each element in detail:
- Emitters that generate laser beams and lenses that collect them;
- A mechanism that adjusts focus and alignment;
- The block that provides power to the device;
- Instrument control panel.
Radiation sources
Sources of laser beams are usually high-power LEDsusually green or red. A big plus of just such sources is their brightness - clear markings are possible at a distance of up to 40 meters, as well as the fact that they consume a minimum of electricity and do not become dim over time.
Useful advice! If you plan to work in a large room, it is better to choose a green color level - it is much better visible from a distance.
Lenses
Each level is equipped with a whole system of high quality lenses that ensure line clarity and accurate markings. Some devices are also equipped with a special prism that allows the beam to be scattered and two or more lines are received simultaneously.
Balance system
Such mechanisms work due to a pendulum and a magnetic field, which, when the part is deflected, generates an electric current, with the help of which the device is adjusted. The most advanced models catch the slightest fluctuations - in hundredths and tenths of degrees, which eliminates even the slightest inaccuracies in the process of marking surfaces.
Power and control panel
The device is powered by a high quality battery that can be easily recharged from a regular outlet. Under constant load, the device is capable of operating in an autonomous mode for 7-10 hours without interruption.
Management is carried out with just a few buttons.
Laser levels: types and their characteristics
There are many types of levels, and in order to make the right choice, you need to carefully study each of them. Thus, depending on the functionality, range and other criteria, the following types can be distinguished.
Laser rangefinder
Such a device with extremely high accuracy is able to calculate the distance to the required point. As a rule, this device belongs to the category of professional devices, since its functionality is rarely needed in amateur construction work.
Statistical levels
With the help of a special built-in prism, they are able to draw two perpendicular lines, which allow you to make a marking in any required direction.
Rotary builders
They represent the highest quality and professional devices that have a corresponding value. Their functionality is very wide: they allow you to create a plane from horizontal and vertical lines, with the help of which it is easy to check any surface imperfections.
The range of the emitted beams reaches, as a rule, 30-50 meters when using the standard equipment, and 300-400 when using special amplifiers.
Self-leveling laser level 360 degrees: price and selection criteria
There are a number of criteria by which you can determine the quality of the device, the uninterrupted operation and the clarity of the resulting line. Therefore, before choosing a self-leveling 360-degree laser level, decide on the tasks for which the device is purchased.
We list all the selection criteria:
- Range of the device;
- Measurement error indicators;
- Power class, type of laser beam;
- Battery autonomy time;
- Leveling and auto adjustment;
- Wide equipment;
- The level of protection of the case and device parts.
Let's take a closer look at some of them.
Error
This characteristic should be one of the fundamental when choosing a device, since it will depend on it how smooth and clear the markings will be.
Helpful information! Remember that the error rate should not exceed 3 mm by 10 m in an apartment, and 1 mm in larger construction projects.
Laser class
The laser class used in the amateur level laser self-leveling 360 degrees should be first or second. If you are planning to buy professional equipment, then the beam power should be at least third class.
Battery
If you need a professional device, then its battery life should not be less than 30 hours. Less powerful devices work without recharging for about 10-12 hours.
Helpful information! For home use, a device with a short operating time may be useful to you, but then the main priority of the choice will be its charging speed.
Security level
As a rule, many of these devices are often used in adverse conditions - damp, cold, rain or snow, so it is important that all parts of the case are reliably and hermetically protected from the harmful effects of environmental factors.
Equipment
Be sure to pay attention to the package bundle before buying a 360-degree self-leveling laser level: a good manufacturer will definitely put protective glasses, a special tripod and a case in the box with the device. A charger must be present without fail.
Comparative table of prices from different manufacturers
This table will help you decide on the choice of a device and buy a self-leveling 360 degree laser level from any company, for example Bosch or Kondtrol, depending on your needs and capabilities.
Drawing conclusions
So, in this article we have analyzed in detail how to choose the right level for a laser self-leveling 360 degrees. Approaching the choice responsibly, you can be sure that the markings made with the level will be performed efficiently.
Video: how to choose a laser level