How to Use a Self Leveling Laser

A warning sign is a necessity on a job site using construction lasers.

Construction tools have evolved over the years and one tool that a majority of construction workers cannot live without is the self leveling laser. According to Kapro University, a worker can be much more productive, and have precision with consistency, when using a laser tool on the job. Setting up a self leveling laser correctly is important to the integrity of the job site. If done incorrectly, it can have far reaching consequences and can cause rework of a layout or structure.

Things You'll Need

• Self leveling laser
• Aluminum or wood tripod
• Lenker rod or 2x2 wood stake
• Laser detector (if necessary)
• Laser light warning sign

Instructions

1. Choose a corner of your job site to set up the tripod--free of obstructions and traffic. Make sure a laser warning sign is visible to workers on site near the laser.

2. Spread the legs of the tripod out. If you are on dirt or soil, push each tripod leg into the ground for stability. If you are on concrete or asphalt, use sandbags stacked on each leg.

3. Visually rough level the tripod by adjusting the height on each leg. It does not matter on which leg you start.

4. Place the self leveling laser on the top of the tripod and screw the tripod bell housing assembly into the bottom of the laser.

5. Press the "On/Off" button and let the laser start up. No more than 30 seconds should pass before the laser finishes leveling, begins to rotate and produces a beam.

6. Place a lenker rod or 2x2 piece of wood where you need to mark your points.

7. Use a laser detector to find the beam (if it is infrared or a sunny day) with the lenker rod, or visually mark your point with a pen on the 2x2 piece of wood (if it is visible beam).

Tips & Warnings

• Do not over tighten the tripod screw into the laser bottom or you can strip out the connection.

• If you have a diode driven laser level, there is no need for a warm up period. If you have an older Helium-Neon vacuum tube laser level, a 10 to 15 minute warm up period is required for calibration accuracy.

• OSHA is extremely particular about laser warning signs being visible on a job site. Make sure you have one posted at all times while laser levels are in use.

References

• Kapro University: An Introduction to Laser Levels

Resources

• Professional Deck Builder: Lasers for Deck Builders