Cross Line Laser
Four cross line lasers in one, the Stanley FatMax CL54 has four lasers that create five points of reference: three horizontal and one vertical laser crosses (accurate within +/- 1/8 inch at 32 feet) and a plumb-down beam (accurate within +/- 1/4 inch at 50 feet). It has a range of up to 32 feet. The self-leveling unit, which can be used for a range of tasks, features adjustable 360-degree circle reading, fine-tune adjustment, compensator lock for transport, visible out-of-level alarm, and a removable floor trivet. It also can be used on a tripod. Price: $499–$525. 800-343-9329. www.stanleyworks.com.
Rotary Laser Level
Hilti's PR 25 rotating laser can be used horizontally, vertically, with an incline, and for laying out 90-degree angles. The tool includes Auto Alignment that aligns the laser beam with a specific point to ensure accuracy. According to the company, the tool's beam can find the PRA 25 receiver within +/- 5 degrees and the tool's sensors send readings through the tool's software program to filter out errors. The unit's combination remote and electronic receivers can control the tool from up to 325 feet away. Other features include four large rubber-coated handles for easier handling and extra protection; a fully enclosed, sealed rotating head; and an IP 56 code for weather and dust resistance. Price: Unavailable. 800-879-8000. www.us.hilti.com.
Laser Distance Meter
The Disto A6 handheld laser distance meter from Leica Geosystems features integrated Bluetooth technology to wirelessly transfer measurement data from the tool to a pocket PC or laptop at the jobsite. The unit takes measurements within 1/16 inch at ranges up to 650 feet and up to 325 feet without a target plate. It includes an integrated 2x viewfinder for long-range measurements in bright sunlight, a multifunctional end piece with built-in sensor, and a soft grip. It comes with software for data exporting into programs such as Excel, Word, or AutoCAD. Price: $649. 770-326-9500. www.disto.com.
Rotary Laser Level
DeWalt's DW076KE self-leveling exterior rotary laser level can be used for a variety of tasks, including excavation, grade work, posts, block layout, and more. The horizontal system is accurate within +/- 1/8 inch per 100 feet. The unit includes manual override, a single-speed rotation feature for maximum detector readability, a sunshade to protect it from falling objects, and shock isolation for the leveling mechanism. It runs on the company's 9.6-volt to 18-volt batteries. Price: $999. 800-433-9258. www.dewalt.com.
Laser Measure
The Dual Technology RoboTape indoor/outdoor Laser Measure from RoboToolz combines a red laser-pointing beam with an infrared measurement beam to take readings from dark targets and in bright sunlight. The tool is accurate within 1/8 inch and takes measurements up to 600 feet. Its Time of Flight pulse technology allows for easier reading at long distances. Other details include Measure on Level for taking level measurements; Pythagoras, Area, and Cube functionality; Min/Max to automatically record wall measurements; and Laser Memory for storing up to 50 measurements. Price: $299. 650-903-4944. www.robotoolz.com.
Laser Line Generator
Ideal Industries' Mini Magnetic Laser Level has a range of 650 feet indoors under normal conditions, 1,500 feet in a darkened room, and 325 feet outdoors. The tool generates a line horizontally or vertically, and it includes rare earth magnets for secure attachment to pipes and steel studs and a built-in beam spreader for transition from dot projection to line. Price: $30. 800-435-0705. www.idealindustries.com.
Rotary Laser Level
Stabila's LAR100 fully automatic self-leveling rotating laser with receiver has a diameter range up to 980 feet, accuracy of +/- 1/8 inch at 100 feet, vertical alignment and horizontal slope adjustment up to +/- 5 degrees with remote control, and height adjustment of 3 inches. It features out-of-level shutoff, scan/line function, and variable speed. The unit has a 90-degree prism for laying out square and can plumb up from floor to ceiling. Price: $1,300. 800-869-7460. www.stabila.com.
Layout Station
Designed for general and concrete contractors, the Spectra Precision TS515 Mechanical Total Station from Trimble can be used for layout of control lines, offset points, excavation lines, foundations, and more, as well as for checking plumb, layout of arcs, and other alignment and measurement applications. The unit features dual-axis compensation for accuracy, the company says, a large graphical display, and full alphanumeric keypad. It works with the company's LM80 Layout Manager, a pocket computer with data collection software. Price: Unavailable. 800-827-8000. www.trimble.com.
Laser Alignment Tool
The PLS90E from Pacific Laser Systems provides precise 90-degree layout for square and projects bright lines on the floor with a vertical fan angle to maintain the reference line vertically up to 100 feet. The self-leveling unit is accurate within 1/8 inch at 100 feet, and has on outdoor range of 250 feet with detector. Price: $495–$695. 800-601-4500. www.plslaser.com.
Laser Cross Level
CST/Berger's LaserMark iLMXT indoor/outdoor self-leveling laser cross level offers level and plumb functionality, as well as laser cross and manual mode. Ideal for a range of layout tasks, including finish carpentry, cabinets, drop ceilings, masonry, and lighting, the tool is accurate within +/- 3/32 inch at 30 feet, has a range of 100 feet, and a detector range of more than 100 feet. Features include outdoor pulsing mode for use with a detector, a heavy-duty gimbal magnetically dampened compensator for quick self-leveling, out-of-level range sensor with auto shut-off, and a rugged overmolded housing. Price: $249–$400. 800-435-1859. www.cstsurvey.com.
Laser Line Generator
The Greenlee L97 mini-magnet laser level projects a beam more than 80 yards. The tool's four vials display 0-, 30-, 45, and 90-degree angle ports for easy viewing from all sides, while a V-groove at the top also allows for easy viewing. Four rare earth magnets allow for attachment to metal surfaces. Price: $88. 800-435-0786. www.greenlee.com.
