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#176231 03/26/08 05:45 PM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 114
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I'm a residential electrician looking for a recommendation on a laser level. I imagine the only times I'll need it is when I have marked out a fixture on the ground and want to place the laser over the top to get a beam on the ceiling. Also, I have used one awhile ago that spun to give you a line on the ceiling.

Thanks!

bwise121 #176237 03/26/08 10:11 PM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 193
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Hey bwise
I use the Stanley. It only shoots a laser up and down which is all I need for lights. It's durable, easy on batteries, and functionally easy to use, push the on button and set it down. I've had it for about 2 years and have been very happy with it. I think I got it at Lowe's or Home Depot for around $100. Well worth it for laying out lights.

schenimann #176239 03/26/08 10:43 PM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,158
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bwise121 #176244 03/27/08 08:30 AM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 764
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I have a few of the more affordable models.
There are a lot more reasonably priced laser level/plumb bobs available now than just a few years ago, so you really have some great choices. As long as you’re not using it for laying out slab work or grade elevations, you can get by with something less expensive.
Although, even Dewalt and others have some decent rotating lasers that won’t break the bank.

The one I seem to use the most is the Porter-Cable [Robotools] 5-beam laser level/square/plumb bob. It uses servos for leveling as opposed to just a gravity pendulum with magnetic damping, like my older RoboVector [Robotools] 5-beam laser/square/plumb bob does, so vibration caused by others on the jobsite is a lot less of an issue.
These both shoot a laser dot in five different directions at once. You can use them outdoors but on a sunny day their range is a lot less, even with the goofy red glasses they come with.
It is so much faster and easier to layout recessed lights and ceiling fans on the floor and shoot a dot upwards, especially with the 17-foot ceilings that everybody and their mother seem to have in their McMansions these days. If joist or duct locations are a problem, you can see it from the floor and make any necessary adjustments to your lighting layout before even getting up on a ladder or platform.

I also have a Johnson Acculine torpedo laser level that changes between either a horizontal or vertical line or a single dot. It seems very heavy and definitely only has enough range and brightness for indoor use in low light conditions.
I have a standard tri-pod if needed but I rarely seem to use it. They also make mini tripods now that you can set up on a counter top but I don’t own one. smile

KJay #176250 03/27/08 11:21 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,213
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Be careful, though. I picked up a laser level CHEAP on sale, only to discover that although it may be a laser, it's decidedly not level; the laser isn't even close to matching the bubble. I still use it on occassion, but I have to ignore the bubble and sight it along a 4' level.

Also beware that marketing has also caught on to conventional wisdom that "more expensive = better" and thus price is no indication of quality, either.

SteveFehr #176263 03/27/08 06:48 PM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 114
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Thanks for all your responses. I'm looking into your suggestions.

Byron

bwise121 #176269 03/27/08 10:43 PM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 830
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Doug, how much do the Dewalts go for?? Thanks. I've been looking for laser also. Steve....

sparkync #176271 03/27/08 11:04 PM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,158
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I think I paid about 89.00


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