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Discussion Forum

PLS180 vs. Line level

jjapogee | Posted in Tools for Home Building on September 21, 2008 05:43am

Some of you may remember my saga with the CST Berger laser level- after trying to check it’s calibration (as directed in the manual), the unit was consistently in error by as much as 1/2″. Several discussions with CST Berger resulted in customer service reps who had no idea how to perform the test in the manual, and even after a discussion with one of their chief engineers,  and two replacements that were shipped to me, similar errors persisted. I finally gave up and returned the unit.

After reading many posts about the PLS units, and talking with one of their representatives, I definitely had more confidence in them, and purchased a PLS 180. Just for the heck of it, I tested it against my trusty line-level, and a simple plumb-bob.

The unit was properly aligned with plumb-bob, but there is a significant difference in level. I established two points about 22′ apart, hung a taught string and placed the line level at midpoint, and established level. When shooting a laser level, there was about an inch difference between the two ends.

Is this operator error, or is my trusty line level not-so-trusty? Of those of you who have a laser unit, have you ever calibrated it as instructed in their manuals? Did you find a difference? Am I a total schmuck?

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Replies

  1. McSameVsOblabla | Sep 21, 2008 05:49am | #1

    Just a thought-
    Maybe a water level would be a better "control" then a line level.

  2. User avater
    bluejae | Sep 21, 2008 05:59am | #2

    I have a 180 also, I followed the calibration instructions and found it accurate. Comparing a laser, especially a quality one like a pls to a line level is akin to comparing a tricycle to a ferrari. Trust the laser.

  3. BilWil | Sep 21, 2008 06:58pm | #3

    I don't think a line level is the most accurate tool to use in this situation.  As suggested a water level is much more accurate.  I checked mine with a water level, and used the manual to check it as well.  I found that mine was right on, and every time I've checked it, twice after dropping it, the directions in the manual have agreed with the results I got using the water level.  So, I just follow the manual to check it now.

    1. KenHill3 | Sep 22, 2008 12:19am | #4

      A line level to check against a laser? You gotta be kidding. LOL.

      1. McSameVsOblabla | Sep 22, 2008 02:08am | #5

        Maybe he pulled it REALLY tight.

        1. KenHill3 | Sep 22, 2008 03:55am | #6

          And my guess is that the level itself is made by Leica or some such. :o)

          1. jjapogee | Sep 22, 2008 08:19pm | #7

            Yeah, yeah, I know it is ridiculous- line level vs. laser. But after multiple rounds with the CST-Berger, I don't know what to believe. A line level is pretty crude in comparison to the laser, but you would think it would be a little closer than 1" off...!

            The water level is a much better idea- I'll give it a shot.

             

  4. tek | Sep 22, 2008 09:13pm | #8

    The common denominator over 4 laser levels is the line level.  Put your string in line with the laser and see what the line level says.

    1. jjapogee | Oct 05, 2008 04:02am | #9

      Well, this probably won't come as any surprise to most of you, but the PLS-180 agreed exactly with the water level, and the line level is in error. Probably could have guessed that to start with, but after all the runaround with the CST/Berger, nothing seemed reliable.

      Thanks for all the suggestions, and being patient with a pretty silly question!

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