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Is a laser level worth the investment? If you use a level for anything beyond the most basic jobs (like hanging a single picture), laser levels come in very handy. It's an extremely useful tool for jobs ranging from floor tile positioning to framing alignment.
The simplest type of laser level uses the same mechanical principle as a traditional spirit level. It can show the same height at many points along an entire wall, while cross-line models can simultaneously indicate plumb (vertical) and level (horizontal) planes. A laser level can instantly show dead-straight lines several metres long, as well as impeccable 90-degree angles, even over uneven surfaces, without the need for marking or holding a level against the wall.
Laser levels fall into several broad categories. Cheaper units rely on built-in spirit level vials for laser level calibration and must be positioned manually (by eye). These are generally less accurate than self-levelling units, which automatically balance themselves to show perfectly horizontal and/or vertical planes.
As its name suggests, a cross-line laser level shows intersecting horizontal and vertical lines, making it incredibly useful for jobs such as tiling a bathroom wall or aligning cabinetry.
Lasers with a dot alignment function show points opposite one another in a perfect alignment. This can make it a breeze to mark cutouts on the floor and ceiling for pipework or ducting, or to show where to hang a pendant light to ensure it is centred over an island bench.
If you need to show consistent heights on several walls at once – for example, while hanging wallpaper or attaching a picture rail – a 360-degree laser level emits a horizontal line in all directions simultaneously. In addition to showing a continuous level line along all four walls, a multi-line level will also show vertical lines on two or four walls as well (depending on whether it is a 2D or 3D multi-line unit).
A rotary laser tool spins a dot laser in a flat plane at a high speed not normally visible to the naked eye. The rotary laser is normally fixed to a construction tripod and is used together with a detector that locates the spinning laser beam. It is often clamped to a measurement staff, and is generally used by tradies as a construction laser level.
Generally, green lasers are more powerful than red diodes, so the green wavelength may be marginally more visible during outdoor use. If you are having trouble seeing the beam of a red or green laser when working outside, try using a laser level detector or a visibility enhancing kit comprising laser enhancement glasses and reflective targets.
Tip: Enhancement glasses are not safety glasses.
In some cases – for instance, when attaching a gutter with the recommended fall to ensure adequate drainage – you need to show a sloped line instead of one that’s exactly level. This is why some self-levelling laser levels include a locking system that keeps them fixed in position on a tripod or magnetic bracket. Use a ruler or combination square to mark the desired gradient, then lock out the self-levelling function and tilt the unit on its tripod or mounting bracket to align the beam with the gradient marks.
Tip: When undertaking this task in daylight, a detector may be required to help locate the desired laser slope.
A laser level is often sold with its own tripod; if yours doesn’t come with one, we have levelling tripods that can be adjusted to a high degree of precision. Similarly, your level will usually come with a mounting bracket or built-in magnets that you can use for attaching it to a shed or handrail, for example.
How you set a laser level depends on what the tool is mounted on. If you have a tripod, you can extend the legs to get the level to roughly the correct height, then crank the handle for finer vertical tweaking. Some levels with a magnetic bracket include fine-adjustment knobs that let you set line position to a high degree of precision.
Other levels include motorised levelling or adjustment functions usually controlled by an infra-red remote or Bluetooth with a smartphone app. To help you pinpoint the line emitted by a laser level in bright outdoor conditions, enhancement glasses, reflective targets and laser target and visor kits or laser detectors are also available.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
