How to Calibrate a Laser Level?

Although most laser levels do come already calibrated some do not. The calibration of your laser level is extremely important as it could mean your project might not measure up in the end. Normally, a laser level will remain calibrated for up to a year give or take. This depends very much on the type of working conditions your laser level has been subjected too. A laser level that has been dropped or any other instance where it might have taken a few hard knocks might lead to the laser level needing calibration. This is an important step in caring for your laser level and should not be skipped over.

Read also: Top 10 Best Laser Levels of 2022

Calibration Made Easy

• Set up your laser on a tripod about 100 ft from a wall.
• Rotate the laser so that the front is pointing at the wall and switch on the detector as well as the laser level.
• When the detector gives the signal for levelness, make a mark on the wall.
• Rotate the laser 180 degrees and again make a level mark using the detector.
• Measure the difference between the two marks.  If it is within the devices specified accuracy then it is correct.
• Rotate the laser 90 degrees and make a mark using the detector.  Measure the difference of this mark and the previous mark.  If it is within the devices specified accuracy then it is correct. If it is out of this range then your laser needs to be professionally calibrated.

Influencing Caliber Factors

Any rough conditions will cause your laser level to become less calibrated. Some job sites have very heavy machines that give off a constant vibration which could cause your laser level to lose some of its calibration. The way your laser is transported also plays a big role in how long your laser will remain calibrated. If you are not transporting it in the provided hard shell case then the chances are good that your calibration will be out.

Locking System

Most lasers have a pendulum locking system that stabilizes the diodes when they are not used. This helps a lot when the laser needs to be transported over rocky or bumpy terrain. It is helpful for any situation where the laser might be jostled around. Thick glass plates also protect the laser diode against fine dust particles and water which might damage the laser and cause it to become less calibrated

Self-Leveling Calibers

Many are self leveling which makes calibration easy but keep in mind that not all lasers come with this feature which means you will have to perform a quick calibration check every now and then. Also do not assume that your laser is fully calibrated when you purchase it. Unforeseen circumstances in the lasers shipping or delivery could have caused it to become less calibrated and therefore it is very important to check your laser level for calibration upon receiving it.

Other Important Specs

There are three methods which you can use to calibrate your laser:

• Manual leveling – You as the operator will need to level the laser using a separate or built in spirit level
• Self-leveling – The laser adjusts itself using its internal magnets and pendulum
• Electronic Self-Leveling – Also known as automatic leveling which uses a series of small servo units to find accurate laser levels

Conclusion

The means of calibration which you will be using will largely depend on the type of laser level you are intending to use. We recommend doing a calibration test as soon as you have purchased your laser or when it has been delivered to you and not to assume that it has been calibrated. This could save you a lot of wasted time and energy.