Laser level and laser level: what is the difference

The building level is a measuring tool, without which repairs or construction cannot be done. With its help, the surface is assessed according to its compliance with the vertical or horizontal plane. In this rating you will find the best levels for home and construction sites. And also how to choose a quality level, which manufacturer and company, according to what parameters.

Expert's choice:

Mini rating

Why do you need a building level?

This device consists of a lightweight body with markings (marks) and a flask with an air bubble. An alcohol solution is poured into the flask. This is due to the fact that alcohol does not freeze at low temperatures, unlike water. Also, the alcohol solution has the required viscosity, so the air bubble moves in it faster.

With his help:

• install windows and doors;
• lay tiles, bricks;
• check the horizontality of the floors;
• check the verticality of the walls;
• establish communications;
• install household appliances.

In simple words, using this device, the deviation of the surface from the horizontal or vertical is checked.

Attachments cannot be installed without measuring with a level. Stretch ceilings, partitions, leveling walls and wallpapering - all this work is carried out with preliminary measurements of the curvature of the plane with a level.

How to choose the right building level?

Ivan Usin

Engineer with 11 years of experience

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Consider the task! For example, a plumbing level is not suitable for installing a doorway, and a hammer level is not useful for laying a gas pipe. A simple bubble bottle is suitable for home and garden use. If measurements are carried out on a regular basis, you should take a closer look at the electronic model (it remembers all measurement indicators). For pros, laser is best.

Question to the expert

Long or short level – which one is better to choose?

For home use (hanging cabinets or shelves), a length of half a meter or 60 cm is sufficient. If you need to make repairs in spacious rooms, choose devices 1500 mm or 2 meters in length.

What else should you pay attention to when choosing a building level?

Durability and quality are also important indicators when choosing. Pay attention to the marks located on the inside of the flask; the outer divisions are quickly erased. During operation, the level may fall from a height, so the material used to make the flasks must withstand mechanical loads.

Types of levels

To choose the best level, you need to have an idea of ​​its types.

Levels are divided into:

• mechanical bubble;
• magnetic;
• electronic;
• laser;
• hydraulic levels
• plumbing;
• drums.

Using a mechanical bubble (rack, profile) level is simple: the evenness of the surface is determined by the position of the air bubble located in the ampoule. The length of the device is from 0.30 m to several meters. The body is made of aluminum alloys, the ampoule with an air bubble is protected by glass. Professional bubble levels are inexpensive and have high measurement accuracy.

Magnetic levels are used when working with metal components. This is also a bubble device, but it can be fixed to the surface using built-in magnets.

The design of electronic levels includes several chambers with air and a protractor. In addition, the device is equipped with a sound indication and an LCD display - it displays measurement parameters. A digital display and recording of measured slopes are additional features that create convenience during construction and installation work.

The hydraulic level consists of a pair of containers connected by a transparent tube. Before starting measurements, they are filled two-thirds with water and checked that the liquid level in both containers is the same. Hydraulic levels are produced in lengths of 5 - 30 m. The disadvantage of the device is that it can only be used with an assistant; it takes measurements only horizontally.

The plumbing (pipe) level is used for communication pipes. The device is equipped with magnets and has a V-shaped notch. This is also a variant of the bubble level.

The most accurate building level is a laser level. It takes measurements with an error of 0.1 mm. With this device you can apply markings from a distance of several meters. Using a laser device, you can check not only horizontal/vertical, but also an inclined surface. Rotary installations cover the entire surrounding space with the help of rotation.

The impact level is used for laying ceramic tiles. Its special feature is a rubber hammer and striking pad.

Checking the 90 degree angle between vertical planes

Depending on the design of the laser level, monitoring this parameter can be divided into two techniques.

First technique

If your laser plane builder is made in the shape of a barrel and has a rotating base - a tribrach, for example, a Firecore FIR411G level, then checking the angle for compliance with the declared value between the verticals is very simple.

To do this, we install the device in the middle of the room, preferably at a distance of at least 2 meters from the walls, and make marks on the vertical lines running along the walls.

After that, without moving the device in any way, we turn the “head” of the level clockwise 90 degrees and align the verticals with the marks made earlier. If you have four vertical planes, then we drive all the verticals through the given points.

As a result, if during turns all verticals were aligned with points with an acceptable error, then the angle between them was 90 degrees. If, when rotating around its axis, one line passes through a point, and the second has a strong deviation, then the 90-degree angle is not accurately adjusted.

Second technique

Laser levels with cone prisms of the Fukuda MW-93T-3GJ type have a displaced central axis, so the first test method is not suitable here, since when turning the lines will definitely run away from the marks.

To check this indicator, we install the device on the floor and make two marks on the verticals running along the floor, the first point is closer to the body, the second at a distance of about 2 meters. Or we make one point on the floor, at the crosshairs of two verticals, and mark two points along the walls on vertical lines running at an angle of 90 degrees relative to each other.

Next, turn the body of the level 90 degrees and align the lines with the marks. We repeat the procedure until we check all four planes.

You can watch these methods in more detail in the videos below.

The best manufacturers of building levels

The building materials market offers a wide selection of high-quality building levels. The most reliable and reputable companies include:

• Bosch;
• Stabila;
• Bison;
• ADA Instruments;
• Kapro;
• Stanley.

Stabila is a German brand of construction equipment. The models are distinguished by high measuring accuracy, ergonomic, and easy to use. The Bosch company enjoys stable authority; the brand name speaks for itself.

Stanley is a well-known American manufacturer of levels; the models are made using the latest technological developments and are of high quality.

Zubr models are distinguished by increased body strength.

The list continues with products from Kapro and ADA Instruments, known for their high quality and accuracy.

The low price of measuring instruments does not mean a bad product. Each device is distinguished by the quality and accuracy of measurements; the high price is due to the brand name and the quality of the manufacturing material. Which company's levels are more accurate? Russian and foreign instruments are equally accurate in measurements.

The best magnetic levels

Fit "3 eyes"

Fit "3 eyes" magnetic level Characteristics
:

• length 50 m;
• 3 eyes;
• material aluminum
• milled edge;
• 786 rub.

There are no disadvantages, the working level is compact in size - you can take it with you.

Advantages and disadvantages

error 0.1 mm

magnetic stripe

ruler

pens

No

Kapro Torpedo Plumbsite 241-23

Construction level Kapro Torpedo Plumbsite 241-23
Characteristics:

• length 23 cm;
• 3 eyes;
• 1 handle;
• magnet;
• RUB 1,469

Suitable for home repairs and furniture assembly - installation of guides. The product sells out quickly, you need to buy it right away.

Advantages and disadvantages

error 0.1 mm

removable level

No

Matrix 34706 60 cm “3 eyes”

Matrix 34706 60 cm
Characteristics:

• length 60 cm;
• 3 eyes (one mirror);
• aluminium case;
• 559 rub.

Suitable for profile work, home renovation work and tiling. There may be minor errors in horizon level.

Advantages and disadvantages

reinforced body

magnet.

no handles.

The best laser levels

BOSCH GPL 5 Professional (0601066200)

Laser BOSCH GPL 5 Professional (0601066200)
Characteristics:

• range 30 m;
• battery powered;
• lines up 5 rays in different directions;
• 9,769 rubles.

A bright beam that hits long distances. The inconvenience is that the batteries run out quickly, and the battery does not work.

Advantages and disadvantages

tripod for installation

auto leveler

day of continuous work

high price

does not work at -10C and below

ELITECH LN 360/1

Laser level ELITECH LN 360/1
Characteristics:

• rotary;
• 2 emitters;
• range 30 m;
• range with receiver 80 m;
• Beam brightness is adjustable;
• 6,830 rub.

There is no sound signal and LCD display, no protection from moisture and dust. The batteries run out very quickly and have to be constantly replaced. The measurement accuracy is high.

Advantages and disadvantages

operating time up to 12 hours

high-quality assembly

auto leveler

clothespin holder

self-leveling angle 4 degrees

Bort BLN-15-K (98296808)

Bort BLN-15-K
Characteristics:

• rotary;
• range 15 m;
• range with receiver 30 m;
• Beam brightness is adjustable;
• auto leveler;
• 3 batteries;
• 2 LEDs;
• RUB 2,531

Powered by mains, saves money on batteries. Adjustable legs - can be installed on any uneven surface. The measurement accuracy is superior to Bosch levels.

Advantages and disadvantages

tripod for installation

there is a bubble level

eye protection glasses

hard to see in daylight

weight up to two kg

What is the most accurate building level

The most accurate is a laser level, which is also called a level. It will help to build horizontal and vertical guidelines, as well as an inclined surface. Every year, laser models are improved, functionality and equipment are expanded, and auxiliary modes are added.

Laser tools are widely used in professional construction and home renovation. The levels operate in three planes at once, which simplifies the work of the technician and makes the measurement results as accurate as possible.

Construction level better video

Main types

To choose the right laser level, you need to know about the existing types of these devices. Manufacturers offer:

• linear levels (so-called crossliners). A larger or smaller plane is formed, the size of which depends on the scanning angle of the device. They form a line only in the direction in which they are turned. Crossliners are well suited for simple construction and finishing work;
• rotary levels. Thanks to the special system that is implemented in them, they produce laser planes turned º. The same system leads to a significant increase in the cost of rotary levels in comparison with linear models. They have a long range, much greater than that provided by crossliners. Such devices are most often used on construction sites.

How to check a tool

How to check the construction bubble level? Ask if the building materials store has a special stand for checking levels? If not, you will have to check on a horizontal plane. You need to place the device on the surface and press firmly. It is important that there is no gap between the level and the support. Carefully remember where the air bubble is located.

On a note! The buyer has the right to request a level check for measurement accuracy.

Now you need to turn the device 180 degrees, wait a little and check the location of the bubble. The previous and new positions of the air bubble must match. If this does not happen, then the device is defective.

There are no fundamental differences

Both the level and the level build laser planes designed for precise work. The first term, as a rule, refers to entry-level devices that have a simple design and are the most affordable. Simple intuitive operation and small dimensions allow the devices to be used in everyday life.

Laser levels, as a rule, are called professional-class equipment - complex, relatively expensive and maximally functional. In most cases, it is used on construction sites.