Buyers Guide to Dot Plumb Lasers

Dot-plumb lasers are a type of laser level that projects a small dot onto a surface. These dots are used for transferring points from wall to wall or ceiling to floor. It’s a handy tool for making sure a wall is plumb or even installing wall-to-wall furniture. Not all dot lasers are created equal. Some are meant for basic use while some are professional-grade. To know the perfect dot-plumb laser for your needs, you first need to know what you’re going to use it for. Is it a minor home project? Or are you working on a larger project? What kinds of projects do you usually do? This should determine the features you need.

10 Features to Look for in Dot-Plumb Lasers

1. Number of laser points

Dot-plumb lasers have varying numbers of laser points, most commonly three or five. Three-point lasers usually have up, down, and forward-facing dots while five-dot lasers add left and right dots for transferring points between walls. The number of laser points you need depends on the kind of job you need to do. Is it a simple task of transferring a point from ceiling to floor? If so, a 3-dot laser may suffice.

2. Visibility range

The visibility range is how far the dot laser can go. To stay on the safe side, you should look for units with at least a 20-feet range.

3. Beam color

Dot lasers are either green or red. Green beams are almost 4x more visible than red beams, so they’re easier to see in bright indoor or outdoor environments. Note that green beams are more expensive and consume more power than red beams. Which color to go with depends on how you will use the laser. If you’re going to work mainly indoors within the range of 66 feet and your budget is limited, red beam will suffice. But if you’re going to work outdoors or when you need longer range (within 98 feet), a green laser is a better choice.

4. Accuracy

When it comes to accuracy, a good rule of thumb is at least ±1/8 inch at 30 feet. More advanced models are accurate to ±1/8 inch at 50 feet. The level of accuracy you need depends on the kind of job you’re going to do. If it’s a minor home project, you can do with lower accuracy.

5. Power source

It’s often an overlooked factor, but the battery type can seriously affect your productivity and overall cost of using a laser level. Unlike models that run on alkaline batteries, rechargeable units do not require frequent battery changes, saving you money and reducing your carbon footprint in the long run.

6. Additional features

Dot-plumb lasers often have additional features that may come in handy for some applications. For example, more advanced units have a Pulse mode that makes it possible to use the laser outdoors with a laser receiver. Laser receivers extend the range of the laser and allow you to use it even when the laser point is invisible to the human eye.

Another useful feature is the locking mechanism. This function locks the pendulum inside the laser level to protect it during transport. It also allows you to tilt the laser whichever way you want so you can have lines with any angle. This is helpful when you’re installing staircases, patios, picture frames on a diagonal order, and the like.

An out-of-level indicator is another useful feature that tells you when the laser is beyond the self-leveling range of the model. This will help avoid costly measurement mistakes.

7. Durability

You naturally want a unit that will last for years. Luckily, most dot-plumb lasers are protected by rugged housing that makes them safe to use even in tough job sites. Some models are tested to withstand drops from a certain height (usually one meter). Many, if not all, models are also resistant to dust and water splashes/submersion.

8. Mounting option

A dot-plumb laser, you’re likely going to want to mount it to a wall, ceiling, a tripod, or any other surfaces that make sense for what you’re trying to do. Dot-plumb lasers usually come with multi-functional mounting brackets that have magnets, a clamp, and a tripod thread. The laser level itself would usually have a tripod thread. Some units even have built-in magnets. You want as many mounting options as possible to make things easier.

9. Warranty

The warranty coverage is also important to consider. You want a long warranty coverage, 2 years in the least, and friendly policies regarding repairs and recalibrations. Some brands even offer instant replacement of damaged tools. It’s best to carefully read the fine print to make sure you’re getting what you need.

10. Cost

At this point, it’s obvious that the more advanced the functions of a dot-plumb laser are, the more expensive it gets. Higher accuracy, longer range, color and number of laser points, and extra features all increase the cost of a dot-plumb laser.

Now that you know what to look for, click here to browse one of the largest selcections of dot plumb lasers, only at Tiger Supplies.