Laser Levels: Bet You Can't Buy Just One

First things first: There's not one laser level that does it all. That said, this overview by contributing editor and veteran carpenter Gary M. Katz will direct you to the best type of laser level for you. Katz describes the three basic styles of laser level (dot, line, and rotary) and outlines the tasks each one is best at handling. He also discusses indoor versus outdoor use. Included are examples of each type of laser level, along with information on how they can be used to maximize their potential.

Product Finder: Tools in this Article

(1 user review) Stanley - 77-189 FatMax PB2 Dot Laser Level
Stanley's self-leveling dot laser level has a built-in magnetic base and is designed for interior use

(1 user review) RoboToolz - RT-7510-3 Vector 3 Dot Laser Level
RoboToolz's self-leveling dot laser level is designed for interior use

Pacific Laser Systems - PLS5X Dot Laser Level
Pacific Laser Systems' self-leveling dot laser level is designed for interior and exterior use

(1 user review) Black & Decker - BDL310S Crossfire Line Laser Level
Black & Decker's self-leveling line laser level is designed for interior use

(1 user review) CST/Berger - LaserMark 58-ILMXTE Line Laser Level
CST/Berger's LaserMark ILMXTE is a self-leveling line laser level designed for interior and exterior use

Stabila - LAX-100 Line Laser Level
The Stabila LAX-100 is a self-leveling line laser level designed for interior and exterior (using a dot) use

DeWalt - DW071-KI Rotary Laser Level
DeWalt's manual-leveling rotary laser level is designed for interior and exterior use

(1 user review) CST/Berger - LaserMark 57-LM800DI Rotary Laser Level
CST/Berger's automatic self-leveling rotary laser is designed for interior and exterior use

Stabila - LAR-100 Rotary Laser Level
Stabila's automatic self-leveling rotary laser is designed for interior and exterior use