Laser level accessories: how to choose a mount and receiver

To work properly with a laser level you need two things: a stable mount with the right thread and, if distance or bright light make the beam hard to see, a receiver. The threads you will find in the collection are 1/4 inch and 5/8 inch: check which one your laser has and, if it differs from the mount's, use an adapter. For receivers, the colour of the beam (red or green) and compatibility with the model matter.

The types

• Tripods: hold the laser at working height, with adjustable height. They are needed when the laser has to be positioned on the ground or in the middle of a room.
• Telescopic poles (floor to ceiling): they lock between the two surfaces and hold the laser steady at an adjustable height. They are handy for lines on walls and suspended ceilings, for example with a Stanley telescopic pole.
• Mounts and brackets (also magnetic or multi-purpose): let you fix the laser to a wall, a profile or a metal structure.
• Thread adapters: convert from 5/8 to 1/4 inch and vice versa, when laser and mount have different fittings.
• Receivers and electronic detectors: read the beam at a distance or in intense light. There are receivers for rotary lasers, such as the Fatmax Stanley with red or green beam, and detectors for line lasers, such as the DeWalt DE0892-XJ.
• Targets and glasses: the target makes the beam visible on a surface, and the glasses help you see it in bright environments.
• Clamps and power supplies: the clamp fixes the receiver to the staff, the power supply is for prolonged work.

How to choose according to the job

The features to look at

• Threaded fitting: 1/4 inch, 5/8 inch, or double (5/8 female and 1/4 male). This is the first thing to check: if it does not match, you cannot mount anything.
• Length: poles and tripods range from about 400-1150 mm up to over 2.8 m of maximum extension (for example 790-2870 mm). Choose the one that covers the height of the room with a little margin.
• Compatible models: Makita receivers and mounts state the codes of the lasers they work with (SK series). If yours is not on the list, it may not communicate.
• Beam colour: receivers and targets come for a red or green beam. They must match the laser.
• Material: aluminium and light alloys for poles and tripods, ABS for mounts. Aluminium is light but dents: treat it with care.
• Dimensions and overall size: small mounts need only a few centimetres, but check that the platform can carry the weight of your laser.

Common mistakes

• Buying without looking at the thread and finding out that the laser has a different fitting from the tripod.
• Getting a receiver of the wrong colour. A receiver for a red beam may not read green well, and vice versa.
• Taking compatibility between brands for granted. Some receivers communicate only with specific lasers.
• Setting the mount on an unstable base (loose soil, dirty floor) and then complaining about height error.
• Neglecting to lock the legs or the pole before switching on the laser.

Frequently asked questions

What thread does a laser level tripod have?

Usually 1/4 or 5/8 inch. If your laser has the other one, use an adapter: the collection also includes models with a double fitting.

When do I need the receiver?

When you work outdoors, in bright light or over long distances: the receiver shows the position of the beam even if you cannot see it.

Can I use a tripod from another brand?

Yes, if the thread matches. For dedicated receivers and mounts, however, check the list of compatible models.

Is a tripod or a telescopic pole better?

The pole is ideal indoors, between floor and ceiling; the tripod is more versatile and is needed where you have no ceiling to brace against.

In the laser level accessories collection you will find mounts and receivers from Stanley, Makita and DeWalt: if you are not sure about compatibility with your laser, ask the AMES technicians for advice.