If you’re a builder or a DIY enthusiast, you already know what a laser level is. But, for the uninformed, it is a control device that generates a visible, straight line over a horizontal or vertical surface by emitting a light beam. This convenient device offers excellent precision for alignment, leveling, layout or plumbing purposes in a variety of indoor and outdoor jobs. For instance, you can use a laser level to install hanging cabinets in your kitchen, or you can use it to check whether a room’s corners are perfectly straight.
And the best thing? Your hands we’ll be entirely free. By simply positioning the level on the ground or mounting it on the wall, it can automatically balance itself out and maintain a precise line without you needing to hold it. Laser levels can even project a perfectly straight line across distances up to 30 meters. This frees your arms for other things, like hammering a nail or making notes. It’s no wonder that the simple bubble levels of the past are becoming increasingly replaced by laser levels.
This popular trend of using laser levels for professional and home use alike has resulted in a variety of different models suited to tackle different jobs. The most popular and perhaps the most versatile type in this wide range is the cross line level. It’s called that way because it can produce a horizontal and vertical line simultaneously, resembling a cross. This way, it’s a lot more convenient and fast to check whether an angle is straight for a variety of tasks such as installing kitchen or bathroom cabinets, tiling bathroom floors or fitting wallpapers.
However, the tool also allows for the horizontal and vertical line to be projected separately from each other, kind of like a single line laser level. In order to use this tool, you will have to secure it on a special tripod. Most cross line level models come with their own tripod included. The device needs to be positioned it in front of the wall or surface where you’d like the lines to be projected on. Distance is never an issue with a cross line level, the device will work just fine no matter how far you place it. Increasing or decreasing the height of the tripod can help you calibrate the laser level to your needs.
The reason why cross line levels are one of the most precise measuring tools is that they can come with an integrated self-leveling feature. Self-leveling cross line levels do not require you to position them on a straight surface. Even if they are somewhat out of level, they have an internal pendulum that can find the true level after only a few seconds. However, it only works within a certain degree range. If you want greater accuracy, look for a model that has a self-leveling capacity for at least 4 degrees out of level.