compact self leveling laser

[charliealphabravo]

Hi all,
I am in the market for a self leveling laser, maybe rotary or maybe H/V line, but hopefully something compact...like rubix cube sized or less. I can read the reviews on amazon but I wondered if anyone has one that they really like.
I need something that I can use as a baseline for relative floor/roof/wall/beam deflection/level measurements, etc.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Ron]

I have both DeWalt and Berger rotating lasers. The Berger has a longer range and is better for exterior.
For all exterior, get a sensor as seeing the laser is not always possible, particularly if more than about 50 feet.

 

[charliealphabravo]

Like this one (Berger CL10)?

http://www.amazon.com/CST-berger-CL...346796936&sr=8-13&keywords=berger+level+laser

Length4.94 inches
Width3.38 inches
Height2.75 inches

 

[TXStructural]

I keep a PLS5 handy and it has been around the country for about 15 years. It is a self-leveling 3-axis (5 beams) and tells you when it is not level (mine shuts off the beams if they cannot level.) I started using it for construction and ended up using it for forensic engineering work. It is a bit bigger than a rubix, but the PLS3 might be smaller. The quality is excellent.

 

[Ron]

CAB...no. I have the 57-LMH with sensor.

 

[charliealphabravo]

yeah, i guess the rotary levels will be a bit much in terms of size for what I need day to day...unless I am doing an elevation map for an entire floor and then I would prolly rent one of the big ones.

now i'm thinking that just an XZ or XYZ self leveling laser might be best.

anyone use something like one of these?

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-GPL3-3-...UTF8&colid=1N267TL0O6APQ&coliid=I89SXD046O41R

 

[charliealphabravo]

HA! a rubix cube Amazon has the size wrong.

http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools/Pages/BoschProductDetail.aspx?pid=GLL2-10#specs

 

[charliealphabravo]

Thanks TXS. That PLS series is looking really good. The PLS3 is only 4.5"x3.125"x1.5". I would miss the extra axis of the PLS5 but the size is right for me.

Maybe I could ask you two more questions...

How does the PLS5 beam do at range? I was looking at the Bosch 5 beam version but some of the reviews said that the beam was as much as 1/2" wide in the working range due to refraction in the the prism that is used to create the multiple beams. In other words, there is only one laser I guess.

Also, I can't tell if the PLS beam locks off after it levels or if it is just a pendulum that will continue to sway under vibration.

Thanks all.

 

[TXStructural]

The PLS5 levels will blink and then go off if it can't maintain level due to the position of the unit (a limited amount of self adjustment.) I have never had a problem with it once I set it down and it leveled. It doesn't sway, that I've noticed. It damps very quickly. The beam is maybe 1/8" at 10 feet, and maybe 1/4" at 100 feet. It is visible on all axes at 20-50 ft in daylight. Obviously, it is easier to see out of direct sunlight, but not impossible. I have used it to survey 20-30 ft beams in direct sun without difficulty.

 

[hvacpiper]

IMHO.. the best hand held portable laser is the Hilti PMC 36,it's the only compact laser I could find that projects horizontal,and vertical lines..along with the standard 5 point beam.