How to use the laser level
Do It Yourself Educational Program / / December 30, 2020
What is a laser level
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 even beams, which greatly simplify the marking of lines and planes when performing a huge amount of work.
These devices are of three types: 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 on function, and when the lock is removed, the device automatically starts.
When installed on a relatively flat surface, the pendulum will self-calibrate. If the slope exceeds the automatic 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 inclined 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.
How to use the laser level
Various repair work can be carried out with this tool.
Installation of beacons on the walls
When leveling walls plaster cannot do without installing beacons. Using a laser level, this procedure is very simple.
- Turn on the device in vertical 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 tighten 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 match.
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 easy 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 from the beam the top of the screed will be.
- 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 the interior partitions not such an easy task: it requires a whole heap of tools and experience with 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 where the partition should be. Use a pencil or chop cord to mark the floor, walls, and ceiling. Snap 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 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
From the correct laying of the first row tiles the result of all the work depends, so 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 beam line. The same method can be used to control subsequent rows.
Laying wall tiles
With tiling the walls, the situation is exactly the same. Wherein lay down the first row of tiles is even simpler, since one horizontal line is enough.
Switch 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 wallpapering 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 required places.
Sewer pipe laying
For the sewage system to work properly, the pipes must be located at a strictly defined angle - no deviation up or 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 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.
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