I’m new to the world of laser levels…my primary uses would be interior for casework, millwork etc. Can anyone recommend a nicely-refined brand and model. Looking for one that both stores and deploys readily and has upper-end fit/finish and precision/accuracy. Please feel free to highlight the pros/cons of any you might recommend. thanks very much.
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PLS2. If you think you'll need plumb/level/square usage outside, get the PLS2e, which pulsates and includes a detector.
The PLS2 (Pacific Laser System - Plumb Level Square, which I hadn't realized until right now!) has several modes, either a self leveling horizontal line, a self-leveling plumb line, self-leveling cross, or locked in cross. I forget the accuracy, but most interior work is close enough so I don't worry about it.
PLS2 can be used for cabinet/shelf installs, pulling measurements for out of level floors (I reframed a bathroom subfloor using the PLS2 horizontal line as a reference) etc.
More guys will respond with other features of what they use it for.
Do an advanced search for PLS2 and read away.
Good luck
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
Thanks for the quick response...I'll take a close look at the PLS2 right away. Cheers...
I bought a PLS2 clone from Lowes, made by David White, costs about 1/2 but seems to be accurate enough.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
My favorite is my "Gizmo" I have the PLS2 also and several others but the Gizmo does at least ninety percent of my work and is far and away the most versatile and economically efficient laser tool that I have encountered.
Your upper end fit/finish comment has me wondering just what the budget is. I mostly trim too, but in remodeling, you can run into anything. I grabbed a Hilti a few years back and my opinion, it's slicker than snot on a doorknob. For just zapping straight level lines inside it's like shooting gophers with an elephant gun, but I've used it on grid ceilings, deck footings, and one of my friends borrows it on occasion to double check the formwork before his concrete guys start pouring. I also use it quite a bit in doing layout on the occasions that I frame, like basement finishes, since it will do 90s either on the floor or up to the ceiling.
But it's more $ than the PLS models. It's more accurate, but I don't know that for primarily interior work you need it that accurate. It's something silly like 3/16" in 500ft. If you do use one outside, the way it got built is a consideration. I can't give you the all knowing scientific low down, but some can become out of whack outside just from the heat and the sunlight. Tiny fluctuations inside, lemme use a Bushism here, uncalibratize . . . the workins.
"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain
Davey, I will join those advising the benefits of the pls2(260.00) and 2E (exterior 475.00). The tool is compact, self levels, can be mounted a variety of ways including the laser bracket from Fastcap (used on one of their third hands). What I like in addition to the tool is the company. PLS is a customer oriented company that backs up their product, a good thing to have in this day and age.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Just about this time last year I had a upcommming project that would benifit from a laser level's layout capabilities.
After closely checking all the offerings, I settled on the B&D Gizmo. As luck would have it, HD sweetened the deal with a "Tool Corral" rebate program.
After a week or so of evaluation, I found it's flaw. I also wanted it to help align o'head door tracks to the outside wall. The Gizmo was incapable of this chore.
A trip back to the Borg and I came away with the Strait Line Intersect Laser Level. It has all the features of the PLS2, but is good for something in the 40' range.
The Gizmo was $99.99 9 (Note:I mised the next HD rebate catagory by 0.01¢) and bought the Strait Line for $55.00.
http://www.strait-line.com and see the product
Practice...'till you can do it right the first time.