CMU School of Drama


Friday, September 08, 2023

Best Laser Levels for 2023

Pro Tool Reviews: Technology has driven down the price of laser levels, making them affordable tools for homeowners, DIYers, and handymen. Use them for everything from kitchen layout to hanging photos and setting fence or deck posts. We give you our picks for the best laser levels and tell you why everyone should have (at least) one in their toolbox.

4 comments:

Nick Wylie said...

The first time I ever used a laser level was for a theatre company I was working for, and I was blown away at how cool it was. I wondered why everyone didn't have on in their tool bag, until I looked them up and realized that they were way too expensive for everyone to just have lying around. It's nice to see that prices for these tools are finally going down, although the bigger name brands are still pricey at ~$500. However, other brands like Skil and Ryobi are making their own that are much more accessible to homeowners and diy-ers. While I don't think laser levels will ever push traditional levels out of the market, they are a very useful tool and should start being used more and more. They are especially useful to those in the theatre industry; a good example would be putting down deck on the stage floor, making sure with the laser that the lines stay straight and everything will fit nicely on top of it.

Jojo G. said...

Laser levels are extremely useful and in many cases required for some work. I used one to measure out a deck I built with my dad and without the level it wouldn’t have been possible to make the deck actually level in any way without an absurdly long level that wouldn’t have worked very well anyway. As it was, the level was very expensive and we just rented it for the day, at that time buying a laser level was out of the question but maybe now it wouldn’t be. The technology that gets cheaper over time that once was inconceivable to own yourself is insane. The fact you can just have one of these now is reminiscent of when the 3d printer when from this upwards of $500 item to something you can get for under $100 to just have because you wanted one and not because you need it for a job.

John Alexander Farrell said...

I find my current course at CMU's IDeATe program incredibly fascinating, particularly as we delve into the world of laser cutting. It's a technology that has sparked my interest because it shares similarities with our CNC router, albeit on a smaller scale and with the incredible precision of a laser. The capacity for intricate detailing that laser cutting offers is truly remarkable, and it opens up a world of creative possibilities. What excites me even more is the notion that this technology is becoming increasingly accessible to a wider audience. The democratization of laser cutting means that more individuals, regardless of their background, can now harness its potential for solving problems and fueling innovation. This accessibility encourages collaboration, breaking down barriers to entry for those who wish to explore new avenues in technology. Articles like the one I recently came across not only inform but also inspire. They make it easier for everyone to stay informed about and work with the latest technological advances. As we continue to witness the democratization of cutting-edge technologies, I am filled with hope for a future where collaboration and innovation are at the forefront, and where individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together to tackle challenges and push the boundaries of what's possible.

John Alexander Farrell said...

The revelation that Burning Man takes place in a national conservation area was surprising to me, and it raises important questions about the impact of large-scale events on sensitive ecosystems. The choice to hold such events in conservation areas prompts me to wonder why this practice is allowed and whether sufficient regulations and oversight are in place to safeguard these precious environments. Conservation areas exist to protect and preserve the natural beauty and ecological balance of our planet. Allowing massive events like Burning Man to take place within these areas seems contradictory to the very purpose of conservation. While the event may generate economic benefits and cultural experiences, the potential harm to the environment, especially during incidents like heavy rain and mud, cannot be ignored. One key aspect to address is whether the fines imposed on event organizers are a sufficient deterrent. It's essential to weigh these penalties against the long-term environmental consequences and explore alternative methods to mitigate the impact. Raising awareness among attendees about the importance of leaving no trace and respecting conservation areas could be a step in the right direction. Educating participants about the fragility of these ecosystems and instilling a sense of responsibility for their preservation may lead to more mindful behavior.