Must-Have laser for under 100 bucks?

[BGeezus]

I have seen a few recent laser questions and I guess I have been caught napping in the laser department.I have a Dewalt rotating laser with remote for when it's necessary.But I guess I would like a small self leveling device that broadcasts a clean line that I can check level or plumb and 90 degrees when needed.Like to align something in a straight line on the ceiling or check a tall wall for plumb. Or possibly there are other useful things I'm not thinking of.

I know that Greg B. will have an article out soon to clarify the laser world to us,but I want to start giving it some thought.

[Ottoman]

It's a PLS you want only problem is it's closer to $300. Self leveling plumb and level lines, magnet to stick to corner bead. And, about the size of a box of matches. Bought one and never looked back. Think I have the PLS 2E. I use strictly for interior work, mostly cause thats all I do. I had tried a variety of the cheap B&D as well as Stanely, those have been relagated to the landfill after several disappointing uses.

[drewsledz]

I'll second the PlS, I've got a PLS 3, level and plumb beams.

You'd probably be after a PLS5 to get a square beam.

[rocket]

I got the Hilti PRI 2 for $38....













a month under their fleet program. I love it.

[Hoover]

For the clean line, both plumb and level, the pls you would want would be the PLS 180. It's the newer version of the PLS 2 and PLS 2E. The 180 spans the laser much wider which would be nice (I have the PLS 2). They have excellent customer service and the laser is great. It's an interior laser, unless you get the sensor which comes as part of a package but I think that puts the price to $300 or $350. If you don't use it outdoors then just get it without the sensor and save the money. You can use it outside at dawn or dusk but in even moderate sun forget about it. You can always buy the sensor later too. If you buy used, the PLS 2 cannot be used with the sensor, the PLS 2E can.

http://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Laser-...908957&sr=1-16

[dbritt]

craftsmen makes one for around a 100 maybe less.comes w/a tripod.

[dave_k]

PLS2 and 2e give you the perpendicular plumb and level solid lines. I think other reputable manufacturers make similar quality lasers so it's a good idea to shop. I have the 2e and it's indispensable. The PLS 5 is a big heavy 5 way dot laser, I would take a good drywall laser and a dot laser over the PLS 5 any day, you can do the same job and more way faster.

[gburnet]

PLS2 and 2e give you the perpendicular plumb and level solid lines. I think other reputable manufacturers make similar quality lasers so it's a good idea to shop. I have the 2e and it's indispensable. The PLS 5 is a big heavy 5 way dot laser, I would take a good drywall laser and a dot laser over the PLS 5 any day, you can do the same job and more way faster.

Just an FYI, Dave - PLS has recently updated the 5. The new model is much smaller than the old one...http://www.dynamitetoolco.com/Produc...oint&click=123

[Hickorywind]

Currently there is no must have for $100. PLS180 can be had for $230-$240.
Maybe someday we can pick up a total station from the corner store for
the price of a cell phone.

[dave_k]

Just an FYI, Dave - PLS has recently updated the 5. The new model is much smaller than the old one...http://www.dynamitetoolco.com/Produc...oint&click=123

That looks a lot better. The old model definitely needed wheels.

[billnunez]

They have excellent customer service and the laser is great.
http://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Laser-...908957&sr=1-16

I'm curious as to why you say that. I have 3 PLS products...360, 2, and 90. Functionally, I love them, but the PLS2 and 90 both took spills on a job recently and it was the first time I tried to send something to PLS for repair. First, they never contacted me with an estimate once they received the units. Then I found out that they do not repair the lasers...they replace them. In other words, they're disposable. I find this troubling...shouldn't professional tools be repairable? The PLS90 is brand new and just took a fall of about 1' off a batter board and happened to hit a piece of rebar to break out the front lens. Now they want over $200 to replace it, and if I just want the laser back, they want me to send them money for return freight!!!WTF!!! This is not what I expect from a professional tool maker, especially one that seems to be trying to cultivate an image of being a small, service-oriented company. I'm VERY disappointed and looking for a new laser manufacturer that deserves my loyalty. All suggestions are welcome.

[rpuglisi]

Stay away from robotools and porter cable in my exprience.Hilti maybe ?

[billnunez]

I'd like to let you guys know that Mike Tramontin, the owner (co-owner?) of PLS read my post and responded to me by phone the next day. He was apologetic regarding the slow response I had gotten, and wanted to clarify his company's policy of replacement instead of repair. Basically, they have found that it's faster and more economical to charge the customer what a repair would have cost, but provide a new unit. A fair policy, I think. Yes, it's a shame that so many tools, and everything else in the world, is not worth repairing---so many plastic parts+ cheap overseas labor=disposable product--- but that's the reality of the times in which we live...be it a DVD player or power tool, it's probably cheaper to replace than repair.

Anyway, Mr. Tramontin offered me a solution to my problem and restored my loyalty to his company. It's nice to know he cares so much and monitors feedback from users.

I'm curious as to why you say that. I have 3 PLS products...360, 2, and 90. Functionally, I love them, but the PLS2 and 90 both took spills on a job recently and it was the first time I tried to send something to PLS for repair. First, they never contacted me with an estimate once they received the units. Then I found out that they do not repair the lasers...they replace them. In other words, they're disposable. I find this troubling...shouldn't professional tools be repairable? The PLS90 is brand new and just took a fall of about 1' off a batter board and happened to hit a piece of rebar to break out the front lens. Now they want over $200 to replace it, and if I just want the laser back, they want me to send them money for return freight!!!WTF!!! This is not what I expect from a professional tool maker, especially one that seems to be trying to cultivate an image of being a small, service-oriented company. I'm VERY disappointed and looking for a new laser manufacturer that deserves my loyalty. All suggestions are welcome.

[Joepro0000]

Bill,

I was about to reply, because in thed Grabber store, they repair PLS lasers.

[Joepro0000]

BTW =

The only laser for under 100 is the Stanley Fat Max Laser pointer. I use it for metal framing, to put the top track up. All other lasers suck, because there all manual. Make sure its self leveling. I love the PL3,(vertical and plumb lines) but I only use it for framing ceilings, furring out walls, or checking for plumbness. I'm in the market for 2 new lasers, and like I said in my previous post, I'm sold on the Agatec to get out of the PLS bandwagon in South FLorida. As for my other laser, I'm in need of a pointer laser, and looking at the Spectra or Hilti. I have used the hilit and its very nice. I don't like the PLS laser pointer, because when putting it up to a metal track, it doesn't butt up to the exact location you need it(when putting it against the track, you don't touch the track with it, you need to adjust the laser, pushing it back off the track and checking the light if its hitten the bottem track or not.