DIY Rotary
Laser Levels

A Rotating Laser is a type of Laser Level that consists of a laser diode that spins to create a flashing signal, which is then detected by a receiver. Rotating Lasers will generally automatically level to trace a horizontal line.

Rotating Lasers are generally used for Outdoor Levelling applications due to their long-range & ability to work in all weather conditions including full sunlight, something that visible lasers like line laser can’t do.

Rotating Lasers are often a good replacement for the old school “Dumpy” level or Optical level, as rather than needing 2 people to find variations in heights (one person looking through the eyepiece/telescope, one person holding a staff) a Rotating Laser simply needs one person holding a receiver on the staff.

Rotating Lasers tend to be the most accurate laser levels on the market, they give the longest range & often have the most features of any laser level. They can also be used indoors if required although Line Lasers tend to be more effective indoors.

Once the Rotating Laser finds level – Your receiver mounted onto a staff will allow you to work out the variations in heights at different locations around your jobsite. The staff will often have markings or a mm reading to give you the exact variation in heights.

Manual Levelling is the most traditional style of Laser Level, pretty much all lasers were manual levelling when they first came out many years ago.

Manual Levelling is a process where the user needs to use spirit bubbles to adjust the tilt/level of the laser to ensure that the laser traces an accurate horizontal/vertical level. These lasers normally come with adjustment feet (tribrach) to allow you to easily tilt the beam without having to move the tripod legs themselves.

Manual Levelling allows the advantage of being able to intentionally have the laser not level/tilted over in one direction to create slopes, something that is normally only a feature with more expensive Electronic Rotating Lasers. You can also set these up Vertically as well to trace straight lines.

Pendulum Levelling is a common levelling style which basically harnesses the power of gravity & magnets to allow the Laser mechanism to automatically level.

Pendulum Levelling is what Line Lasers typically use, but some Rotating Lasers also use it as well. It is extremely easy & quick to level, they normally have a transport lock/pendulum lock that you flick to allow the laser to level freely.

Important considerations when using a Pendulum Laser of any kind, is to always try and lock the laser when you wish to move it. Any excessive movement while the laser is still trying to level (unlocked) can cause excessive wear on the friction-free bearings, which is what allows the laser level to relevel accurately every time.

Pendulum Levelling is generally much faster than Manual or Electronic Levelling Lasers – but is not as durable as Electronic Levelling that uses sensors to level. If you look after a Pendulum Levelling laser then it will still be able to give accurate levels for a long time, as is extremely easy to recalibrate (every half decent calibration company can do them!) if required.

Electronic Rotating Lasers are some of the toughest built lasers on the market – RedBack’s Electronic Levelling Lasers feature a heavy duty steel chassis that the laser is mounted onto (unlike many on the market with cheap plastic mounts holding very expensive lasers!). For this reason they generally have the longest warranties and are the most reliable option.

Electronic Levelling Rotating Lasers generally give you the longest range of all Rotating Lasers, and feature the highest accuracy. The tradeoff is that they take a bit longer to level every time.

RedBack’s Electronic Rotating Lasers are very feature rich, allowing it to be useful for a wide range of different trades and applications especially outdoors.

Electronic Levelling will also allow the user to set slopes (specific models!) which basically tilts the beam over in the direction you want your slope to go – great for water drainage in Earthmoving, Plumbing, Farming and other applications.

Electronic Levelling Lasers are generally the laser of choice for many trades, but Manual & Pendulum Levelling is also suitable for certain needs if budget is important.

The easiest way to differentiate between Rotating Lasers & Line Lasers is to think about your needs.

If you need an indoor laser majority of the time – choose a Line Laser. If you need an outdoor laser most of the time – choose a Rotating Lasers.

There is some overlap between the two types so if you need advice, feel free to speak to our laser specialists backed by over 20 years of laser expertise – 1800 769 858