How to choose a self-levelling laser: optical, rotary or multi-plane

If you need to transfer levels on a site or over a large area, you need an optical level with a staff or a rotary laser with a receiver. If instead you need to set out alignments and vertical and horizontal planes inside a building (walls, suspended ceilings, floor laying, services), a multi-plane laser with 360° lines is enough. The collection includes all three families, with red and green lasers and models for indoor and outdoor use.

The types

• Automatic optical levels: telescope and compensator, used with a tripod and staff. They have no batteries to charge and remain the classic reference for levels on site. Examples are the Stabila optical levels and the Stanley AL 24GVP automatic optical level kit.
• Rotary lasers: a rotating beam that draws a horizontal plane (and, on some models, an inclined one) across the whole area. They are read with the receiver, so they also work outdoors, where sunlight overpowers the beam. For example the Bravo H4 Metrica self-levelling laser and the H4 Green version.
• Multi-plane lasers (3D and 4D): project 360° lines on several planes, horizontal and vertical, and are visible to the naked eye indoors. This group includes models such as the Metrica 4D laser and the 3D line, also in the Junior version.
• Kits: the instrument with its accessories in a single pack, handy if you are starting from scratch.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

• Laser colour: the collection includes red and green lasers. Green is generally more visible to the eye, especially in bright rooms; red is normally sufficient indoors.
• Indoor or outdoor use: many models are suitable for both, but outdoors in sunlight you need a model that can be used with the receiver.
• Laser planes: multi-plane models are given as 3 or 4 planes at 360°. More planes mean more simultaneous references, but also a more complex instrument. Some have two vertical planes at 90°, useful for squaring up a room.
• Scanner function: the data include models with a choice of four line lengths. It is useful when you want to concentrate the beam on a section of wall.
• Manual and slope function: switching off automatic levelling and manual tilt on X and Y are used for inclined planes, for example for drains or ramps. If you always work level, you do not need them.
• Mount: the ¼" thread goes on the tripod; the built-in magnets are used to fix the instrument to a metal structure; some models have a USB port.

Common mistakes

• Buying a line laser to work outdoors: the line disappears in sunlight. Outside you need a rotary laser with receiver.
• Placing the instrument on unstable ground: if the tripod moves, the transferred level is wrong even with a perfect instrument.
• Not checking the calibration: a knock or a fall can throw the measurement off. Check it from time to time, especially before an important job.
• Looking into the beam: never do it, not even from a distance.
• Taking more planes than necessary: if you only need the horizontal plane, choosing a 4-plane 360° model adds nothing.

Frequently asked questions

Optical level or laser: which is better?

The laser is quicker to use and one operator with the receiver is enough on their own; the optical level does not run out of battery and is not affected by light. It depends on the area and on who is working.

What is the compensator?

It is the system that, after rough levelling with the bubble, brings the instrument level by itself. This is why it is called an auto level.

Do I need the receiver?

For rotary lasers yes, especially outdoors; for multi-plane lasers used indoors usually not.

Red or green laser?

Green is easier to see in the same conditions, which helps if the room is very bright. Red is fine for simple jobs and indoors.

You will find all the models in the Self-Levelling Lasers collection; if you are unsure which type suits your job, ask for a quote or advice from the AMES technicians.