Laser levels are a versatile tool that allows you to align your work and keep it level at all times. They are accurate, simple to use, and take hardly any time to set up.
A laser level has a whole host of indoor and outdoor applications. They are often used instead of a spirit level because they offer accuracy across long distances while a spirit level is only useful for very short distances.
This multipurpose tool is convenient and very useful to have on hand during DIY and home improvement projects. The reviews and buyers guide below will help you find the best laser levels with the features you require.
Here are the best laser levels in Australia:
1. Dewalt DW088k Self Levelling Cross Line Laser Level (Top Pick)
The Dewalt DW088k is a cross line laser that offers 100ft (30.5m) indoor range and automatic levelling up to 4 degrees. There are many features that come with this affordable, high-value unit.
The integrated magnetic pivoting base and magnetic bracket make setting up this laser leveler quick and easy. This tool operates using 3 AA batteries and the battery life lasts very well. There is a low battery indicator to ensure you don’t get caught short without spare batteries on hand.
This self-leveling laser level is a durable, easy to use option. It has a simple 2 button operation so you can control the horizontal and vertical lines allowing you to select just one or both lasers depending on the situation.
What We Like:
- Value for money
- Highly visible
- Good battery life
What We Don’t Like:
- Cannot lock angles in manually
2. Hammerhead HLCLG01 Green Beam Compact Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser (Best Value)
The Hammerhead HLCLG01 produces a bright green laser beam that is great for use in any light conditions and is ideal for tile alignment, windows, doors and wall studding. This device offers excellent value for money and full functionality.
There are three modes so you can use the best option to suit the situation. The modes are level, plumb and cross-line and this leveller features a self-levelling capability up to 4 degrees. Another great feature is the manual mode which is great for stair railing and straight alignment.
The adjustable mounting clamp makes attaching the laser level to a range of surfaces easy. The LED indicator turns red when the unit is outside of the self-levelling range. This model is powered by 2 AA batteries and comes with a soft bag for storage.
What We Like:
- Great visibility
- Compact and lightweight
- User friendly
What We Don’t Like:
- No hard carrying case
3. Makita SK105GDZ Cordless Green Cross Line Laser
This line laser from Makita offers a cordless solution to levelling and aligning. It projects horizontal and vertical lines using a green coloured beam for increased visibility.
The laser range is 35m as standard and the line accuracy is within 3mm at a 10m distance. There are 2 brightness modes (high and eco) on the green laser that can be selected to suit the work environment.
Self-levelling line stability is achieved in just 3 seconds to increase productivity and efficiency. For durability, XPT technology protects this unit against water and dust.
What We Like:
- Fast self-levelling line stability
- One button use
- Durable
What We Don’t Like:
- Battery not included
4. Johnson Level Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser Level Kit
This is one of the best laser level kits as it comes with the leveller, a tripod, a hardshell case and tinted glasses. This kit is great for all projects including home uses such as levelling cabinets, tiling and putting up shelves.
This model is very user friendly, when you turn it on the horizontal and vertical lasers will self-level and project the line level. The base of the unit has a protractor so you can easily set the angles you need without the need for extra tools.
The included tinted glasses help you to see the laser lines even in high ambient lighting. The laser lever can be used independently or with the tripod, the telescoping legs make setting up a breeze and allow you to easily compensate for an uneven surface.
What We Like:
- Comes as a complete kit
- User friendly
- Accurate
What We Don’t Like:
- Some users have found the laser distance is considerably shorter when using outdoors
5. MICMI A80 Laser Level
This MICMI A80 laser level combines a tape measure, bubble level and laser level all in one handy tool so you can get the results you need faster. This unit is a great budget option for using in and around the house.
The unit offers pinpoint accuracy and can be used to produce a vertical, horizontal or cross-line laser. The measuring tape is 8ft long and includes metric and imperial measurements. The set comes with an additional 3 AG 13 cell batteries so you have backup batteries for added convenience.
This tool is lightweight, user friendly and gives you everything you need for measuring, levelling and alignment tasks.
What We Like:
- Combination tool
- Affordable
- Pinpoint accuracy
What We Don’t Like:
- Better suited to home use
Laser Level Buyer’s Guide
A laser level is a simple tool that is quick to set up and can help you ensure accurate levels across longer distances than a spirit level can offer. The features on the leveller can vary and there are different types of laser too.
The type you need will depend on the situation and workplace. If you’re looking to hang picture frames or install chair rails or a mounting bracket you may have a quite different set of requirements than someone wanting to use it daily on the construction site.
In general, the best laser level is quick, easy and very accurate. Below are the most important factors to consider when choosing a laser level for your tool collection.
Type
- Cross-line Laser: a cross-line laser produces a horizontal and a vertical laser line which produces a cross on the surface. You can often adjust the tool so that you can see just the horizontal line, just the vertical line or both. A cross-line laser is great when you need perfect right angles, for example when tiling.
- Dot level: a dot laser produces a single or multiple dots. It is a simple option that is good for giving a reference point.
- Rotary Laser: a rotary laser level will produce a 360-degree laser which is perfect for levelling whole rooms or sites. This type of laser is best suited to large jobs and generally produces horizontal lines rather than vertical.
- Dumpy: this is an automatic leveller that sets horizontal lines. This is great for outdoors and is often used by site surveyors and construction workers but it requires two people to operate.
Accuracy
The specifications of laser levels outline their accuracy as +/- a number of mm. The industry norm is for this accuracy level to be given when the leveller is being used at 30m. Generally, it is common to have an accuracy of +/- 3mm but the very best laser levels may offer +/-1.5mm.
Manual vs Auto
A manual laser level requires you to set the accuracy, they feature a bubble level to help you achieve this. Manual options are generally a good option for smaller DIY projects.
Auto is a self-levelling laser level that will take a few seconds to automatically set the accuracy when it is switched on. It is quick, simple to use and accurate. If the laser is disturbed it will stop to prevent inaccuracies.
Green or Red Laser?
The green beam is brighter and is easier for the human eye to see. Green lasers often produce a crisper line with a slightly longer range and are best for use in large indoor spaces. They tend to be slightly more expensive and consume more battery power compared to red beams.
There is no difference in accuracy between the two beam colours. Green lasers tend to be the preferred option as they are easier to see but if you will be working outdoors or in bright conditions, the green beam poses no real benefit compared to red beams. Red lasers are more accessible, less expensive and use less battery power but they offer a shorter range and are more difficult to see.
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IP Rating
The IP Rating is basically an international standard that lets you know how dust-proof and waterproof the laser level is. The higher the number is the better the level of protection. IP67 is the highest protection as it means that it rates a 6 against dust (the first number) so it is completely sealed and the second number is regarding water, the 7 means that the unit can be submerged in water up to 1m deep for 30 minutes and will not get damaged.
Accessories
- Smart pendulum system – self-levels and indicates out-of-level conditions.
- Laser Detectors – A laser detector is extremely useful when you are using laser levels outdoors or in bright conditions. A laser detector can give optical or acoustic indications that make it easier to locate the laser lines.
- Tripod – a tripod is very useful as it keeps the laser level still and makes results more accurate.
- Batteries – some laser levels take AA batteries while others use a strong, rechargeable battery which tends to be the better-suited option if you are going to be using the laser level on construction sites.
- Charger – if the laser level has a rechargeable battery as its power source it is important to have a charger handy to ensure it is charged and ready to be used when needed.
- Pulse mode – can extend the range.