Picture this: you're trying to hang a curtain rod above the window. You have the curtain rod in one hand and a hammer and a nail in the other. Of course, you'd probably want that curtain rod hung in a straight line.
So you then decide to take out your spirit level and realize that you can't. Your hands are already full—literally.
Maybe you resort to the traditional method of using a pencil, ruler, and spirit level to mark a straight line on the wall. And once you’ve mounted your curtain rod, you can then erase the marking on the wall.
Laser Levels
While that makes sense, there's a tool that can make the leveling job a lot easier: a laser level. It's a tool that projects a level beam toward the wall, floor, or other surfaces. Simply put, a laser level allows you to level or plumb hands-free.
Whether you're a construction professional, framer, or DIY home renovation enthusiast, a laser level is definitely a godsend for tasks that involve leveling. It's a must-have in your tool chest. But if you've ever gone online and searched for the “best laser level,” you may have faced tons of results and various types of laser levels on the market, making choosing one extremely overwhelming.
So we've made it easy for you.
Before you go ahead and buy a laser level online, read on and find out the different types of laser levels, this is a breif introduction about one type:
1. Manual Laser Level
A manual laser level is exactly what it sounds like. You have to manually level this construction laser and line up the bubble inside its built-in vial. To do this, you need to turn its knob or reposition the laser level itself.
Because of their relatively simple construction, manual laser levels offer a cheaper alternative to self-leveling laser levels, making the former a perfect choice for DIY projects. They also require less battery power than a self-leveling unit. And if you know how to set them up properly, they can help you create perfectly straight reference lines.
The problem with this construction laser is that once it gets disturbed or moved, its accuracy and performance may be instantly affected.
Uses of a Manual Laser Level
Economical yet functional enough, manual laser levels are great for DIY framing, cabinetry, and other simple building projects.
Pros of a Manual Laser Level
Less expensive than an auto laser level or a self-leveling laser level
More energy-saving than a self-leveling laser level
Comes with a straightforward technology
Cons of a Manual Laser Level
Less accurate than a self-leveling laser level
Requires a proper setup to yield accurate results
Requires a greater amount of time to set up and level
Once it gets accidentally moved, you need to level it again
What Is The Advantage Of Laser Leveling?
You might be trying to hang a set of pictures along a single wall, but you don't want them to look lopsided. With a standard leveling system, you could have a problem. It's impossible to hold your level against the wall while you're hammering a set of nails. You would need an extra arm, and you don't have one. So, you would need to have a second person to help you with the job. Laser levels make it easier to do these tasks. And in many cases, they don't require a second person.