Dot laser levels are a type of laser level that projects points and dots onto surfaces. These points and dots are then used to transfer points from ceiling to floor or wall to wall. It is a convenient device professionals use to obtain a plump wall. They also use it to install wall-to-wall furniture.
However, all dot laser levels are not the same. Some are designed for primary and standard applications, while others are designed for professional applications. Thus, before getting one, you must ask yourself: Do I need it for a small home task? Do I need it for a more enormous and more extensive task? What are the jobs I usually do? The answers to these questions will determine the dot laser level best for you!
Dot Laser Level Buyers’ Guide
This buyer’s guide will let you purchase the best dot laser level for your projects.
1. Features To Look Out for in Dot Laser Levels
Here are some features to consider before buying your dot laser levels
Visibility Range and Numbers of Laser Points
The visibility range of a dot laser level reveals how far it can go. To be safe, opt for a dot laser level with at least 20ft. Also, the number of laser points on each dot level laser differs from one another. The most common ones are three and five. Dot laser levels with three points typically have their dots facing up, down, and forward.
On the other hand, dot laser levels with five points add right and left dots together with the points on three-dot laser levels. All these dots are used to transfer points between surfaces. The type of project you are working on will determine the type of dot laser level you need. There is no need to get a dot laser level with five points if you execute simple tasks such as moving a point from the ceiling to the floor. A dot laser level with three points would be better.
Beam Color
Dot laser levels usually come in two colors, red and green. Dot laser levels with green colors are four times brighter than their red counterparts. That is why professionals prefer to use them in outdoor or bright indoor applications. However, never forget that dot laser levels with green colors are more costly.
They also require more batteries to function compared to dot laser levels with red colors. How you use your dot laser level will determine the color to buy. A red dot laser level would be your best choice if you are looking for a budget-friendly option and are working indoors within a range of 60 to 66ft. Dot laser levels with a green light will be ideal if you work in an extended area within 98ft. They are also the best option if you are working outdoors.
Accuracy
±⅛ inch at 30ft is the least you should consider when it comes to dotting laser level accuracy. The more modern ones are accurate up to ±⅛ inch at 50ft. The type of project you want to execute must be the determining factor regarding the accuracy you need. You can work with a lower accuracy if the project you want to do is a small DIY or home project.
Power Source
Most professionals often ignore the power source of the dot laser level before buying. However, the battery that comes with a dot laser level can significantly affect its overall cost and your productivity. There are two types of power sources, rechargeable units and alkaline batteries. While alkaline batteries demand you charge them frequently, rechargeable batteries do not. So, it is better to go for a dot laser level with rechargeable batteries. This will reduce your carbon footprint and save you money long term.
Additional Features
Dot laser levels usually have extra features. These features are excellent additions. For instance, the latest dot laser levels typically come with a pulse mode, allowing for outdoor usage with a laser detector and receiver. The primary purpose of laser detectors and receivers is to extend the operating range of laser levels. They also allow users to use dot laser levels, especially when you can’t see the laser point.
Another essential feature of modern dot laser level models is the locking mechanism. This feature helps to lock pendulums inside dot laser levels to safeguard them when they are being transported. You can also use this feature to tilt your dot laser level in your desired direction. This will allow you to have your lines using any angle. The locking mechanism is helpful in applications such as diagonally installing patios, staircases, and picture frames.
Finally, the last additional vital feature you should check is the out-of-level indicator. This feature alerts that your dot laser level is past its self-leveling range. Having this feature will help you prevent some avoidable costly mistakes when doing your measurements.
Mounting Option
When you buy a dot laser level, you must mount it before using it for your project. Likely places you will mount your laser level upon include ceiling, wall, tripod, and other areas that suit the project you want to execute. Dot laser levels typically feature built-in magnetic multi-functional mounting brackets, a tripod thread, and a clamp.
While some models have built-in magnetic brackets, others have tripod thread. When choosing your dot laser level, remember you need numerous mounting options to make your project easier and more productive.
Durability
Durability should be one of your priorities when choosing a dot laser level. However, durability is not an issue with dot laser levels. They usually feature rugged housings that protect them and make them incredibly safe to use, even in harsh working conditions. Also, specific dot laser level models can survive drops up to one meter. Additionally, they are resistant to water submersion, splashes, and dust.
Warranty and Cost
Generally, the cost of dot laser levels usually depends on how advanced their features are. So, the more modern the laser level features are, the more costly they are. Several factors contribute to the price of dot laser levels. They include the number of laser points, range, accuracy, color, and extended range.
Also, the warranty of your dot laser level is another crucial factor to consider. The least warranty you should think of is two years. You also want friendly policies when it comes to calibration and repairs. Some laser level manufacturers even provide an immediate replacement when a dot laser level is damaged. So, don’t just choose. Read the information regarding warranty and repair, and ensure that they suit your interests.
2. Pros and Cons of the Dot Laser Level
Here are the pros and cons of the dot laser level:
Pros
- It makes exact level beams
- It lets users level and plumb more than one surface simultaneously. With a dot laser level, you can plumb and level up to five surfaces at once.
- It has a simple and compact design that saves space and allows for easy usage.
Cons
- Comes with a delicate pendulum. Be extra careful when handling and storing the laser level.
Best Nine Dot Laser levels
We handpicked the best nine-dot laser levels you can find on the market. These tools are potent, efficient, and make you more productive. You can’t go wrong with these products if you choose them.
1. DeWALT DW085K 5-Beam Laser Pointer
This powerful laser level comes with a power switch that is single levered which locks the pendulum in the OFF position. This feature helps to add extra durability. It also comes with a small adjust knob which ensures accurate alignment of right-angle intersecting lines, particularly over extended distances. It also features an intuitive magnetic pivoting bracket.
This bracket allows you to mount this dot laser easily on any surface, including metal surfaces. You can use this laser for a variety of applications. They include setting joists, installing curtains and walls, running electrical, vertically inclined lighting, layout, installing steel tracks, running plumbing pipes, and more. The DeWALT DW085K laser level is a self-leveling device that is accurate up to ¼ in. at 100ft. This powerful dot laser level comes with a three-year guarantee. You will also get a full year of free services and repairs.
2. PLS 3-Point Red Laser Level Kit
This dot laser level is an incredibly effective self-leveling tool. It is accurate to ¼ inches at 100ft. It has an operating range of 100m, a significantly viable option for indoor and outdoor applications. This powerful dot laser level allows for a precise and fast layout of the reference points you need for your project. You can use this efficient dot laser level for different applications, including HVAC installation, steel stud framing, residential and electrical construction, and more. The PLS red laser level comes with an L-bracket and floor stand that allows for easy, swift centerline and overhang measurements. One distinctive advantage of this powerful tool is that it lays out reference points better and faster than labor-intensive and regular construction laser levels. The PLS red laser level also has a self-leveling range of up to six degrees. It also comes with long-lasting battery life. You can use this laser level for more than 30 hours after a full charge.
3. Leica Lino P5 5 Point Laser for Plumb and 90 Degree Layout
This portable five-point dot level laser is designed to help professionals make their plumbing and alignment tasks more accessible and better. The Leica Lino laser level precisely and swiftly projects five points to walls, floors, and ceilings exactly 90 degrees from each other. It has magnetic adapters that allow for swift attachment bars, profiles, tracks, edges, or iron pipes.
You can easily rotate the point laser 360 degrees around the plumb point. Doing this offers greater and better versatility when creating right angles layouts. This powerful tool is straightforward to handle and use. With just one button, it will precisely locate and project five reference points at 90 degrees to each other. This dot laser level is a self-leveling tool. It will adjust its position automatically if it’s out of level.
This function ensures the adequate transfer and projection of reference points and angles up to ± 4 degrees. Once you see the laser point flashing, know the tilts are already beyond their limits. Finally, this tool has an IP54 rating, making it water and dustproof. It has a rugged design, making it suitable for all projects.
4. Johnson Level & Tool Cross-Line and 5 Beam Laser Dot Kit
Johnson Level 5-beam dot laser level provides one of the best results you can find at any laser level. It is incredibly flexible, affordable, and easy to use. This practical tool concurrently projects one horizontal and one vertical clean, concise laser line. It comes with a graduated base you can rotate 360 degrees. This feature helps to make laying out angles easier and swift. It also features a locking mechanism that safeguards the inner pendulum when transporting it. One of the distinctive features of the Johnson Level dot laser level is its out-of-level indicator. This feature helps to ensure measurements are always accurate. The beam will start flashing once it’s out of its self-leveling range. This is the only laser line you need to start and finish your task. The elevating tripod that comes with this dot laser level can be easily and quickly attached to the laser. This makes it easier to use this laser for hands-free measurements. The visibility is also significantly enhanced, thanks to its tinted laser glasses.
5. Bosch GCL25 Self Leveling 5-Point Alignment Laser with Cross-Line
The BOSCH GCL25 dot laser line is perfect for versatile functions. It has five incredibly high bright, visible laser points that make your measurements precise. It also comes with a cross-line for a two-on-one laser. This powerful tool combines vertical and horizontal level plumb transfer squares. These features are all useful for layout applications. The BOSCH GLC25 is significantly easy to handle and use. You only need one button to operate it efficiently.
This makes it perfect for beginners that want to use it for DIY projects. It also comes with a manual mode which keeps laser lines in place so you can use it at any angle. This efficient tool comes with an SPS(Smart Pendulum System). This system allows for self-leveling and out-of-level indicators. It also features four modes where you can select and quickly toggle through the horizontal, 5-Point, cross-line, and vertical lines. The kit features a BM1 positioning device that offers height adjustments. This will help you lock the laser to the height you want safely. The mini tripod of this tool is its retractable feet.
6. PLS 3G 3-Point Green Laser Level
PLS provides the accuracy and durability you would need from a laser level. This modern and powerful laser level also comes with a pendulum lock system which provides a tilt mode functionality. It also serves as a protection front laser level during transport. This efficient tool is a self-leveling and fast-setting laser level ideal for indoor and outdoor applications. With this green laser level, you can accurately lay out reference points swiftly. It is ideal for HVAC installation, residential construction, steel stud framing, and electrical construction. The PLS green laser level is three times brighter than its red model. This makes it the best option for environments with lower lighting. It is also perfect for tasks over long distances, particularly outdoor projects. The PLS green laser kit has an L-bracket and a floor stand for easy, swift centerline and overhang measurements. It is accurate to less than ⅛ inches at 30 feet. This green laser level has an IP54 rating, making it dust and waterproof. So, you can conveniently use them in harsh working conditions.
7. DeWALT DW083K 3-Beam Laser Pointer
This three-team dot laser level features switch that is single lever powered. This feature helps to lock the pendulum in the OFF position. Doing this will add extra durability to the laser level. It also has an intuitive magnetic bracket that pivots. This feature allows you to mount the laser level easily onto all surfaces, particularly metal surfaces. It has a precision of ¼ inches at 100 feet. This powerful tool also comes with an integrated track clearance. This feature allows easy, swift, and clear top and bottom track installations.
Additionally, it has housing which helps to sustain calibration when executing your project. The laser beam of this dot laser level is significantly focused. And it helps to keep the size of the projected dots small, even at longer distances. It has an IP54 rating that makes it resistant to debris and waste. It is ideal for several projects. These include but are not limited to curtain-wall installation, setting joists, steel track insulation, running electrical, porch/deck can lights, locating overhead anchor locations, and more.
8. PLS 5-Point Green Laser Laser Tool
This is another modern green laser level from PLS. This incredible laser level makes leveling and marking layouts easier. It also provides the accuracy and precision you can find in all PLS products. The PLS five-point green laser level is a self-leveling tool. The five points it can project are level, plumb, square, vertical, and horizontal. It has been equipped to be helpful in numerous outdoor and indoor applications. This efficient laser level also comes with a pendulum lock system which protects the laser level during transport. It also allows for tilt mode functionality. You will get your precise reference lines and points immediately with this self-leveling and fast-setting pendulum. It has an accuracy of fewer than ⅛ inches at 30 feet. This dot laser level also features a PLS Pendulum Target. This feature helps to transfer points to the floor quickly when using it for square alignment. Professionals designed this dot laser level for professionals. It is professional-grade, and it gives the same results. You will also be getting a three-year warranty. So, if you have any issues with your laser level within this period, you will get a new one. However, this doesn’t apply to apparent damage or misuse.
9. Bosch GPL3 3-Point Self-Leveling Point Laser
This BOSCH GPL3 laser level is a potent and precise tool. It can accurately project and transfer level and plumb points. It can also align plumb, grade, level, and 90 degrees points. It is accurate to minus ¼ inches at 100 feet. You don’t need a standard plumb bob. This powerful tool also features a beam splitter that can cut diamonds and is patented by Bosch.
With this feature, a single diode can project all the laser points you need to execute for your project. It gives outstanding precision and provides easy alignment. This tool is highly durable because of its over-molded housing. The BOSCH GPL3 is a self-leveling tool with an out-of-level indicator. This feature alerts you when your points are off their alignments. Additionally, it is resistant to water and debris, making it a perfect choice for job sites.
Accuracy Level
The dot laser level is incredibly accurate. You can find them in green and red laser-level models. So, go for the accuracy you want. With a dot laser level, you will get any accuracy.
Ease of Use
The dot laser level is incredibly easy to use. Most of them come in a one-button operating system. So, you don’t need professional experience before using the dot laser level.
Mounting Capability
The dot laser level usually comes with intuitive magnetic pivoting brackets. This helps users mount the dot laser level on any surface, including metal surfaces. So this laser level truly stands out when it comes to mounting capability. It has one of the best mount options among other laser-level types.
Verdict
A dot laser level is an incredible tool that can be used for several outdoor and indoor projects. This tool is excellent for professionals and DIYers. You would get value for every penny spent. Just ensure you check the features listed in this article to handpick the best dot laser level for your project!
