How to Choose Outdoor Rotary Laser Level for Use?

Rotary Laser is a famous construction tool to make horizontal or vertical beams 360 degrees away from the transmitter. It can level lines to hundreds of feet with utter perfection. Rotary Laser is a big surveying tripod with two different parts- a transmitter and a receiver. This tool imparts a laser beam to make a perfect line in any direction.

Aside from contractors, other professionals like architects, landscape designers, structural engineers use this tool for their projects. The machine can rotate up to 1100 rpm to provide the best possible leveling. This item is used for modern construction of highways, floors, ceilings, and many more.

How to Choose a Laser Level

A laser level is a multipurpose tool. It has both indoor and outdoor variants. If you intend to use it outdoors, then watch for these key features-

- Self Leveling.
- Bump Alarm.
- Single-speed Rotary Laser.
- Green Laser.
- Work without interruption.
- Beams.

The laser level should be dustproof and waterproof.. Also, a laser level should have a drop protection feature. Among all different variants, the self-leveling laser level is the most expensive and accurate one. 

What is Outdoor Laser level?

Outdoor Rotary Laser comes with a pulse detector feature that allows working over longer distances. Also, the unit will enable you to work on uneven surfaces as well. The radius of the laser beam determines how far the Laser can cover a distance.

Outdoor Rotary Laser can reach as far as 800-meters in distance with 600rpm speed. Most tools maintain self-level horizontal ±5°. In terms of accuracy, it can be as accurate as ±1/16 per 100ft. In addition to that, outdoor laser levels come with a sturdy design and are easy to use.

How to level the laser beam with an outdoor rotary laser machine? You can mount it on a tripod or set it on a floor or a table for the best possible straight line. You can also install it with a ceiling or a wall with screws for the straight beam of the Laser. Basically, it must remain stationary to a position for a straight laser beam.

The laser beam should be of vivid color, so it can be detected with the naked eye. Rotary laser level comes with two different beams - red and green beam. Green lasers are more compatible with machine control receivers, while the earthmoving applications require red beams mostly. Though green lasers are more expensive, both work great in rotary laser levels.

Rotary Laser Leveling Methods

There are three main methods to use rotary laser levels.

Manual Leveling

This is the most inaccurate way in comparison to other methods. Here an operator adjusts the Laser to bubble vials. The accuracy can be only 1/8th inch per 30 feet with manual leveling.

Self-leveling

This method levels laser beams with pendulum and magnets. This method is accurate as 1/8th inch per 100 feet. It is a bit more expensive but more effective than manual leveling.

Electronic Self-leveling

Small servo motors are what it uses for leveling laser beams. This method can produce accuracy of 1/16th inch per 100 feet. It is expensive but faster and more effective than the alternatives.

How to choose a Laser Level

Calibration of Rotary Laser Level

  • Place the Rotary laser machine on a tripod or any flat surface in between two opposite walls.
  • Fix it in such a way that it is 1 inch from one wall and 20 inches from the opposite wall. 
  • Align the laser in such a way that it remains to the axis of vial. Make sure the vial is pointing to both walls.
  • Now screw the unit according to vials. Adjust the screws in both axes. 
  • Once bubbles appear in between two black lines, turn on the Laser. 
  • Mark the points where Laser hit the walls. 
  • Now shift the laser one inch from the distant wall. 
  • Adjust the height and level the laser so that it hits your second mark.
  • Measure the gap between the two lines. If the difference is equal or less than level specified accuracy, then the unit is calibrated. In case the difference is more, then you have recalibrated it.
  • For recalibration, mark the halfway point of your last measurement and readjust rotary laser unit. 
  • Remove the screws and adjust the vials to calibrate the unit. 

Step by Step Rotary Laser Level Uses

  • Choose a tripod or any elevated flat surface to set up your rotary laser level.
  • Turn it on. 
  • In case it is a self-leveling device, wait for a minute to find levels. In the case of manual leveling, follow a user guideline, and take measurements more carefully. 
  • Once it is active, you will hear a beep from the receiver. That is an indication that laser connections have been established. 
  • You can make marks or lines for easy installation.

Outdoor Laser Levels Common Uses

Concrete Contractors

Concrete contractors heavily rely on Rotary Laser to control, measure, and pour the exact amount of concrete they want. They also use it to check the alignment of concrete forms. It is also useful when it comes to checking the exact plumb.

Deck Builders

Whether you are building a patio or a deck, it is very important to make it flat and even as accurately as possible. Laser beams help in accurate footing of diagonals for patios. A good rotary laser cuts the labor in bringing perfection.

Construction Contractors

Life without rotary Laser sounds confusing to contractors. Yes, they have the most diverse use of this tool. It's a handy tool to retain landscape, walls, and terrace. The unit is also great in digging the basement and setting footers for building accuracy. Other than that, it is best for site excavating, rough grading, building foundations, and many more.


The rotary laser level is highly technical in its work. It is a perfect tool to make your project accurately measured and leveled. So, make use of this highly regarded tool for the most successful projects. 

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