PLS vs Stabila, Hilti and Bosch Lasers

**WoodTech** · 09-24-2012, 05:46 PM

In a different thread I bragged on my new PLS180 laser.

I guess that was a bit premature because I haven't had it a week yet and it has quit shutting off when it is out of level.

To be exact, it still shuts off when tilting to the right, but it stays on when tilting to the left.

So, when setting it up I have to tilt it to the right until it shuts off, then to the left until it comes back on - just so that I am confident it was able to self level ok.

How is the quality of Stabila, Hilti, and Bosch lasers? I need something that works right out of the box and stays working for a reasonable amount of time.

**Hoover** · 09-24-2012, 05:56 PM

Originally Posted by WoodTech

In a different thread I bragged on my new PLS180 laser.

I guess that was a bit premature because I haven't had it a week yet and it has quit shutting off when it is out of level.

To be exact, it still shuts off when tilting to the right, but it stays on when tilting to the left.

So, when setting it up I have to tilt it to the right until it shuts off, then to the left until it comes back on - just so that I am confident it was able to self level ok.

How is the quality of Stabila, Hilti, and Bosch lasers? I need something that works right out of the box and stays working for a reasonable amount of time.

Call PLS. They make excellent products, you may have gotten a lemon. Even good companies have a few get by. They have good customer service in my few experiences with them.

**WoodTech** · 09-24-2012, 07:04 PM

I believe (based on what I have read) that they have good customer service.

That doesn't matter to me at all in the middle of a job. It is like the lifetime free exchange warranty on stuff nowadays. When you are in the middle of nowhere and need to get something done right now, a lifetime warranty doesn't mean squat.

I had better stop now before I start yelling and my blood pressure shoots up.

**LIHR50** · 09-24-2012, 08:17 PM

Before you curse it make sure you change the batteries with fresh alkaline batteries and give it another try. You could have a bad battery and the voltage is low. These lasers need fresh batteries to work properly.

**WoodTech** · 09-25-2012, 09:27 AM

It isn't the batteries.

I filled out the contact form on the PLS site with my email address and cell phone number 36 hours ago, but haven't heard from them.

I think it is going back to Amazon and I am going to replace it with a Spectra 5.2XL. It costs a bit more, but has a pendulum lock and also 5 point functionality.

**tom dickey** · 09-25-2012, 11:27 AM

I have Stabila lasers and have never had any issue with any of the [ I have 3], But I do agree that PLS make very good tools and you probably just got a lemon. Lifetime gaurentee is crapola when it dies on a job.

**LIHR50** · 09-25-2012, 04:59 PM

I called PLS last week from the job site when I thought I had a problem with one of my PLS Lasers. Why would you email when they have a customer service number? There phone customer service is excellent. Don't blame them for not getting back fast when all you needed to do is pick up the phone and get instant help.

This is why I mentioned about the batteries. I too thought I had brand new batteries in my 180, and I did. But when I changed them it worked perfectly again. I didn't check each battery with a tester but I'll bet one had bad voltage.

**WoodTech** · 09-25-2012, 08:05 PM

I didn't call them because I filled out the contact form at 11:00 Sunday evening. I explained the problem in detail on the form and even checked the "Contact me ASAP" box.

However, neither contact form, emailing, nor calling them was probably going to help unless they were going to second-day-air a new one to me before I even shipped the old one.

At any rate, it is too late now as UPS will be picking up the PLS180 and dropping off the Spectra 5.2XL tomorrow or the next day. I just don't have time to mess around with the ship/repair/ship process.

Again, I am sure they do have good customer service. However, first impressions are lasting. Every company makes lemons, but I have never had a Bosch, Metabo, Makita, Williams, or Proto tool fail in less than a week. That is just me. Other people can probably tell stories of quality brands blowing up in their hands.

**MIKE TRAMONTIN** · 09-26-2012, 06:56 PM

Gents:

This falls under the heading "adding insult to injury".

After reading Wood Tech's comments I checked our website Contact Us page and sure enough it is not working. So to add to Wood Tech's frustration with the PLS 180 he didn't even get a reply from us because our website was malfunctioning too. Bad day all around. Had we known about the problem it would have been remedied overnight.
My apologises for both failures. I did send an e mail to Wood Tech direct and I invite Wood Tech to call me direct when you have a chance.

After 18 years of making these lasers we know we have to keep our eye on the details. We'll do better.

Regards,
Mike Tramontin
PLS Pacific Laser Systems

**TWhite** · 09-27-2012, 08:05 PM

Mike you seem to be a "stand up guy". Good response.

**WoodTech** · 09-27-2012, 08:36 PM

I appreciate Mike's followup. I sent him a private message explaining my perspective. Again, I mean no disrespect to PLS customer service at all.

I may try a PLS laser again someday (I still think the PLS90 would be very useful).

**m2akita** · 09-28-2012, 05:04 PM

How did you know it wasn't the batteries? Did you pull them out and test the voltage? Ive had new batteries that were bad right out of the package.

Its to bad you didnt call PLS. They overnited a replacement laser to a buddy of mine once.

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