On the level, inside and out

Lasers shoot an accurate reference point . . . with fewer people

By Kay Falk

Because they save money on labor, time, rework and materials, laser levels are tools that make good sense for today’s contractors. “They enable you to work faster and more accurately with fewer people,” says David Goldman, DeWalt laser level product manager.

Pat Bohle, vice president of sales and marketing at Trimble’s Construction Instruments Division, agrees. “Laser levels provide a highly accurate reference for a range of interior and exterior construction applications.”

Laser levels replace the use of spirit levels and string lines and offer these key benefits:
• saved time with fast and easy setup
• consistent accuracy that eliminates costly rework
• one-person operation
• greater flexibility than traditional leveling methods
• faster leveling so contractors get the job done faster.

“This translates into reduced costs and improved profitability for the contractor,” Bohle points out.

A wide variety of uses
The most common applications for laser levels cover a broad range of inside and outside jobs. Dropped ceiling installation, steel framing, site leveling, concrete form installation and leveling concrete during the pour are some of the more common uses.

Others use them to estimate cut/fill requirements and check elevations. The units are also a great aid in installing floors, setting window supports and checking counter and cupboard elevations.

The range of leveling and alignment applications for interior and exterior construction work is increasing. “We’re seeing more contractors on small and large jobsites selecting lasers,” Bohle says.

Although today’s laser levels are precision instruments, they’re designed to be user-friendly.

“For instance, the DeWalt DW077 automatically levels itself when the user presses its power button,” Goldman says. “It also won’t run if it can’t level itself, which helps to eliminate the potential for mistakes.”

Lasers range from extremely easy to set up and use systems that transmit a self-leveling beam at the push of a button to more sophisticated solutions that can be used for horizontal and vertical applications.

Prices vary from $250 to approaching $2,000, depending on the accuracy, range and additional functions desired. On the top end, users can make accurate readings from as far as 1,000' from the laser.

Typically, professional lasers come with an operator’s manual, but the distributor/dealer selling the laser may offer training to help the crew get up and running.

“The contractor may spend some start-up time learning how to set up and use the laser,” Bohle says, “but, ultimately, a laser saves time and money. We are seeing more contractors renting lasers. They are simple enough for rental houses to make them available to contractors.”

Easy-care units
Lasers generally do not require much preventive maintenance; an annual cleaning, checkup and adjustment performed according to the operating manual’s instructions will do the trick. Some products are so carefree they even have the ability to do a self-check.

“Lasers should last many years without service,” Goldman says. “Just keep it stored in its kit box when it’s not in use. If a laser level is dropped severely or used roughly, the laser may need recalibration.”

Accessories are also designed to be durable on jobsites. There are special glasses designed to help users see the laser beam indoors. Receivers/detectors are accessories placed on grade rods that detect the laser beam to determine a specific elevation across a distance. They come in a variety of ranges to suit users’ needs. These durable units are usually built to withstand being dropped in wet concrete and mud, and some are waterproof, so they can be hosed off.

Tripods are handy for contractors who want to mount a laser at a specific height to determine a certain reference point; a remote control unit can be used to control the laser from another point on the jobsite.

Laser levels are powered by batteries. Some use alkaline batteries, but other models use Ni-Cd rechargeable or NiMH batteries that are more environmentally friendly and last longer between charges, Bohle says.

Tips for efficient laser use
The key to making the best use of the laser is time invested in initial setup.

“With older lasers, a common setup mistake was to set the laser up out-of-level,” Bohle says. “Today, professional lasers systems are self-leveling and eliminate this error. Make sure there is an accurate, original reference for setup. An inaccurate, original reference would mean that even though the laser is set up correctly and is level, the reference is at the wrong elevation. That would make all work based off that elevation reference inaccurate.”

Another common mistake is how workers use a rotary laser. “People work off the top or bottom of the beam,” Goldman says, “It’s always best to work off the center of the beam.”

Lasers are eye-safe
Safety concerns are few. Most jobsite lasers fall in the same class and power range as DVD and CD players and are very safe.

Workers have been concerned that they could injure their eyes by looking at a laser beam. “Some longer-range lasers use higher powered lasers that are safe when viewed with the naked eye, but should not be looked at through magnifying lenses such as optical instruments,” Bohle says, “Most lasers require no safety training or special jobsite considerations.”

He adds that longer-range, higher-powered lasers may require posting a caution sign where the laser is set up.

With these units, crews should receive training and carry a laser operator’s card. The sign and operator’s cards are included with the laser when purchased.

Published in the March/April, 2003 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

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