How to use a laser level

What is a laser level

How to use a laser level: one of the options for a compact builder

The laser level is a useful device for repair and decoration. It is a pendulum-mounted laser emitter enclosed in a housing. The system automatically aligns with gravity and projects perfectly straight beams, which greatly simplify the marking of lines and planes when performing a huge amount of work.

There are three types of such devices: point, linear and rotary. The first ones are the most simple and not very convenient to use, since they project only a point on the surface. The latter give out horizontal and vertical lines. They are popular and affordable. Rotary builders are professional and more expensive devices, but they are able to project several planes at once over the entire 360º.

Why do you need a laser level

As the name implies, the main function of the plane builder is to create these very planes and lines on various surfaces. They serve for accurate marking of the horizon and vertical on the floor, walls and ceiling, as well as transferring heights.

Previously, bubble levels, plumb lines, hydro levels were used for these purposes. The markup required certain skills from the performer and took a lot of time. Now, thanks to laser levels, even a non-professional can easily cope with such work.

How does a laser level work

Depending on the model and type of device, the control may differ, but in general it boils down to the following principle. First you need to remove the mechanical suspension block, which is used to protect against damage during transportation. Often this switch is combined with the power-on function, and when the lock is removed, the device automatically starts up.

When installed on a relatively flat surface, the pendulum will self-calibrate. If the slope exceeds the auto leveling range, a beep will sound. In this case, you will have to adjust the position of the device using the rotating legs, focusing on the indications of the bubble level built into the body.

One of the buttons turns on the projection of the horizontal line, the second - the vertical one. Repeated presses change the number of lines, and also completely disconnect them to save battery or built-in battery power.

There is a special mode for projecting oblique lines, which is activated by a separate button. In it, the pendulum calibration is blocked, and the level stops beeping when tilted.

For vertical positioning, the laser level is attached to a tripod, rod or simply mounted on any support at the desired height. To move in the horizontal plane, the device is rotated around its axis manually or using fine adjustment screws.

Various repair work can be carried out with this tool.

Installation of beacons on the walls

When leveling walls with plaster, you cannot do without installing beacons. With the help of a laser level, this procedure is very simple.

Turn on the device in vertical line projection mode. Using the rule with a pencil, mark the places for the beacons on the wall with the desired step - usually 20 cm shorter than the length of the rule with which you will pull the mixture.
Switch to vertical plane mode (closed loop on floor, walls and ceiling) and move the laser towards the surface to be leveled.
Place the rule against the wall and mark on it the thickness of the plaster layer, taking into account the height of the lighthouse.
Fix the beacons one by one by pressing them into the mixture with a rule until the marks completely coincide.

Installing beacons on the floor

A really even screed can be poured only along the beacons, and the easiest and fastest way is to find the highest point and set them exactly at the laser level.

Place the level at an arbitrary height (for example, 1 m) for ease of reference. Turn on horizontal line projection.
Use a tape measure to measure the distance from the subfloor to the beam in different parts of the room to determine the highest point.
Take into account the thickness of the bedding, insulation, finishing coating and calculate how far the top of the screed will be from the beam.
Install and secure the beacons, aligning them so that they are exactly the same height from the laser line.

Partition markings

Without a laser level, marking the frame of interior partitions is not such an easy task: it requires a whole heap of tools and experience in handling it. With the plane builder, this work becomes much easier and more enjoyable.

Turn on the vertical projection mode and position the level so that the line is in the place where the partition should be. Use a pencil or chop cord to mark the floor, walls, and ceiling. Secure the guides along them.

To form corners, switch the device to the projection mode of two perpendicular vertical planes and align one of the rays with the previously marked line. Repeat the procedure to mark other adjoining walls.

False ceiling guide markings

It is even easier to mark the guides for suspended or stretch ceilings than for a partition. The only thing you have to tinker with is the level bracket.

Everything is clear with the markup: it is enough to turn on the projection of the horizontal plane. The difficulty lies in fixing the device at the desired height. Having a spacer bar close at hand is not a problem. If it is not there, build a small platform from a profile or a piece of plywood, attach a level to it and install the structure at the required height on the wall or ceiling.

Laying floor tiles

The result of all the work depends on the correct laying of the first row of tiles, therefore it is important to approach this very responsibly. Fortunately, it's easy with a laser level.

Switch the device to the projection mode of two perpendicular planes and lay the first tile, aligning it with the crosshairs. Continue laying the rest of the tiles in the row, aligning them with the line of the beam. The same method can be used to control subsequent rows.

Laying wall tiles

With tiled walls, things are exactly the same. At the same time, laying the first row of tiles is even easier, since one horizontal line is enough.

Turn on the horizontal beam projection and set the device at the required height. Fix the profile at the mark as a guide or immediately lay the tiles, focusing on the line projected by the laser.

Wallpaper gluing

For even gluing wallpaper, you need a clear vertical line on the wall. It is easy to mark it along a plumb line, and even easier to do it using a laser level.

Switch the device to vertical line mode and draw a mark on the wall with a pencil along the rule. You can skip this and glue the first strip of wallpaper, immediately aligning one of its edges along the laser beam.

Installation of wiring

Cutting the grooves for laying cables into the wall is much more convenient not by eye, but along the lines clearly marked with a laser: this is faster, and there is less risk in the future to damage the wire that has gone to the side.

For marking, turn on the plane builder in the projection mode of horizontal and vertical lines, and then move the crosshairs to the desired places.

Sewer pipe laying

For the sewage system to work properly, the pipes must be located at a strictly defined angle - a deviation neither up nor down is allowed. Setting the differential manually is tedious and inconvenient, but the laser is a completely different matter.

Switch the device to the horizontal line projection mode and disable the automatic calibration of the pendulum. Tilt the laser level at a predetermined angle and draw a line or immediately align the pipe along the beam.

Hanging pictures, shelves

Hanging exactly one frame is not so difficult, but a composition of several is not an easy task. It's the same story with the shelves. However, with a plane builder, this is not a problem.

Switch the fixture to the horizontal line display mode and mount the paintings or shelves on the wall, aligning them with the beam. If necessary, turn on the vertical line projection to align the second and subsequent rows.

How to use a laser level

Table of contents:

What is a laser level

Why do you need a laser level

How does a laser level work