A laser level is one of the most valuable tools you need in the construction industry and surveying. It helps you achieve the best accuracy and precision when laying out stair rails, hanging pictures, installing doors and drop ceilings, and any other construction applications that require accurate leveling. Read on to learn more about level graders, their benefits, and when and where to use them.

A grade laser is a tool used mainly in construction or surveying industries for accurate leveling of ground or objects using a laser beam. They work by emitting a laser beam that is either visible (usually red light or green) or invincible. You will need a detector at the other end of the surface you are leveling to detect the emitted beam for the invincible ones.

Benefits of laser level graders

In construction work, close or almost accurate is never good enough. You must achieve a high level of accuracy to avoid many onsite errors and constant corrections that will surely waste your time. One simple error at a vital point can cost you hours of extra work, waste of resources, and unnecessary delays. So, to prevent that from happening, you will need to find the best grade laser on the market today.

Other benefits include:

• They speed up the construction process. This is because they are fast and can measure distances instantaneously.
• They are very easy to use. The grade laser doesn't have many moving parts. The tool only uses a laser to determine the leveling, and the displays are straightforward to read.
• They are usually very light to carry. Level graders are lightweight and easy to carry around on the job site.
• They are compatible with most devices. You can connect level graders to your computer to take the data you need for a presentation or other purposes.

Where and when are laser levels used?

Constructors, plumbers, carpenters, electricians, and other workers are swiftly replacing the traditional leveling tools like hand levels and plumb bobs for level graders for both external and internal applications. You can use laser levels for horizontal, vertical, square, grading slopes, angular, and point transfers.

For internal work, laser levels can be used to install drop ceilings and windows, check drop heights, and level the floor. Carpenters use it in making cabinets, trims, chair rails, etc. Plumbers use it in laying out pipes in an accurate manner.

Contractors also use laser levels for outdoor construction activities like grading stakes, digging down, building up, establishing surface elevations and alignments, terracing and retaining walls. More importantly, level graders are used in site layout before the construction work begins. Site layout determines the success of your construction work because it directly impacts your productivity and safety.

Other applications include:

Contouring a proper drainage system. A laser level will help you determine the correct angulation for the drainage system, thus preventing stagnant waters. A proper slope will ensure that water will channel properly to where it is required.

Aligning your fence posts. Long fences are challenging to align and could take so much of your time. To ensure an accurate boundary that is also visually appealing, you will need to use a level grader.

Taking measurements in a building. Besides ensuring accurate leveling, laser levels also help in taking precise measurements between two points. Since it uses a laser, the readings given by a level grader are 100% accurate.

Factors to consider when looking for a level grader

There are different types of laser levels available, and thus getting the best one you need will require you to look at specific features that would help your work. Here are things you should look out for:

1. Accuracy

A perfectly level accuracy is the first thing every contractor considers at a job site. When purchasing a laser level, you will see the degree of accuracy listed on the manual. As much as lasers are very straight, the accuracy slightly deviates with increasing distance because other factors are in play. For example, the laser emitted can be refracted or absorbed by the surface resulting in inaccurate measurements. Therefore, always look for a level best grader with less than 0.25-inch deviation at 100 feet distance.

2. Beam Orientation

Laser levels emit beams differently depending on the type you are getting. For instance, if you want a horizontal beam laser, you can determine the leveling accuracy in one direction. Dual-beam lasers help you determine level accuracy vertically and horizontally by emitting two beams at a time. Then there are the ultimate level graders that emit beams in 360 degrees orientation. These level graders allow you to determine the leveling from any angle that you like. You can get all your measurements from one central point at your convenience.

3. Self-leveling

The level best grader should give you an incredible level of accuracy without having to do a lot. The self-leveling feature of level graders provides stability when working with it and will also pause and notify you when there is an error in calibration or measurements. A self-leveling laser grader automatically adjusts its Y and X-axis when in use, thus helping you get the most accurate leveling.

4. Green or Red Beam

One other important factor to consider before buying a laser grader is whether you want one with a green or red laser beam. Each one has its own usefulness and applications. If you do most of your work in bright light, then you may have to go with a green beam because they are more visible in such circumstances and can be seen over long distances. Laser graders with red beams are less expensive, uses less energy, and are preferred for indoor workings.

5. The Battery life

Of course, you should ensure that your laser beam can go for long hours without needing you to recharge it. So check for voltage, Amp-hour rating, is rechargeable, and if it shuts down or hibernates when used for long hours. Laser graders with higher voltage emit brighter beams. A Higher Amp-hour rating indicates the amount of time the recharged battery will last.

6. Durability and IP rating

The construction job site is a tough environment for fragile tools. There are times water can accidentally pour on it, the laser grader can fall, or you may have to use it in a harsh environment like in snow, extremely high summer temperatures, or places with a lot of dust. Therefore, you should ensure that what you are getting is tough enough to withstand such conditions while working perfectly as it should. The rule of thumb is to go with a level grader with a high IP rating if you are working outdoors.

The top picks for a laser grader you should consider

Rugby 640 Green Beam Rotating Laser Level

Leica Rugby 640 offers superior visibility when working in any environment. It is 4X more visible than red beam laser levels. Thus, it is perfect for exterior and interior leveling, squaring, and aligning. The clarity of this laser level ensures that you don't miss any mark when working on suspending ceilings to installing drywall in your home.

SPECS

• IP67 rating • Green beam • Dual-axis manual slope • Horizontal and vertical leveling • ±5 degrees self-leveling • ±3/32 inch accuracy at 100 feet • With a laser receiver, it can range up to 1,300 feet

Leica Rugby 620 Rotating Laser Level

This is a simple, reliable, and accurate laser level that will make your construction work easier when it comes to leveling requirements. It is perfect for setting footing and foundations, framework leveling and pad placement, and concrete forming.

SPECS

• IP67 rating • 60 hours battery life • ±1/16 inch at 100 feet accuracy • 600 RPM rotating speed • The laser receiver can range up to 2600 feet • It has a single-axis manual slope

TopCon RL SV1S

TopCon RL-SV1S is a single grade, self-leveling, long-range, highly accurate instrument that gives the best possible results at a construction job site. It is perfect for single-slope applications. This device is loaded with features that will make your work easy and convenient.

SPECS

• IP66 rating • Accuracy of ±10 arc seconds • 800m long-range operation • Up to 120 hours battery life

GL412N Single Grade Laser w/ vertical Alignment

If you want a device that will level, grade, and be used for vertical alignment applications, the GL412N is for you. It delivers accurate and reliable performance that will make your work easier, smarter, faster, and more efficient.

Specs

• Accuracy of ±1/16 inch at 100 feet • Battery life of 35 hours • Uses red laser beam

You can find all these level graders on our sites at the best prices.

Depending on the type of work, choose the right one that would suit you.

Call us today to learn about the level best graders.