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ToolGuyd > Hand Tools > Layout & Measuring > Reader Question: Recommend a Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser Level for Under $150

Reader Question: Recommend a Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser Level for Under $150

Mar 3, 2014 Stuart 6 Comments

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Aaron wrote in asking for help selecting a laser line level for around $150 or less.

I missed Aaron’s email the first time (sorry about that), but luckily he reiterated his criteria in a followup.

I decided to DIY some tile back splash and I thought using a self leveling laser would be a super easy way of setting up perfect chalk lines.

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I’ve never bought one and I know nothing about them so I thought about just going with a trusted brand like Bosch or Dewalt.

There are a lot of brand names that I don’t recognise and some of the old standbys have received some negative reviews on Amazon.  People commented that the Bosch I was looking at seemed cheap and broke easily for example.  So, I wanted some help.  I’m looking in the 150 price range.  Any ideas?

At them moment I am leaning toward the Dewalt DW087K.  I am a rookie and a new home owner.  I want a tool that will work for this job, but also be versatile enough as to not be absolutely useless after I’m finished with the tile.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Criteria

  • Laser level for tile work and other home DIY projects
  • Cross-line beam pattern
  • Self-leveling
  • ~$150 or so target price

Recommendation

I have zero experience with self-leveling cross-line laser levels, and so my approach was to consider known brands. This is actually a product category I wanted to look into for projects planned for later this year, so Aaron’s question came at a good time.

Given the presented criteria, these are the models I looked at first:

Dewalt DW087K ($161 via Amazon)
Dewalt DW088K ($178 via Amazon)
Bosch GLL2-15 ($160 via Amazon)
Bosch GLL2-40 ($132 via Amazon)
Leica DISTO LINO L2 ($173 via Amazon)
Skil MT 8201 ($90 via Amazon)
Johnson 40-0921 Kit ($90 via Amazon)

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There is also the Bosch GLL2-10, but it looks a bit bulky and seems to have limited mounting options compared to Bosch’s other models. It seems this is the level which users report as having potential build quality issues.

There are other brands worth considering as well, but there aren’t that many more options in the $150-$175 maximum price range or so.

Of these levels, the Dewalt DW087K and new Bosch GLL2-15 would be my top two choices.

Dewal DW087K Self-Leveling Laser Line Level
Dewal DW087K Self-Leveling Laser Line Level

Both of these levels have independent cross-line modes (horizontal, vertical, or both), both have ±1/8″ accuracy at 30-feet, and both have 50-foot max ranges. The Dewalt self-levels within 5°, while the Bosch self-levels within 4°.

Bosch GLL2-15 Self-Leveling Laser Line Level
Bosch GLL2-15 Self-Leveling Laser Line Level

Exact product dimensions aren’t readily available for the Dewalt, but the Bosch looks to be more compact and measures 3.1″ x 1.6″ x 3.8″.

The Bosch has a safety lock that protects the pendulum internals during transport; the Dewalt does not have such a feature.

It’s a tough comparison. The Bosch GLL2-15 is newer and has a few benefits over the Dewalt DW087K, but the Dewalt is tried-and-true with proven reliability and solid features.

Personally, the Bosch would be my first pick, and the Dewalt a close second. To be truthful, I don’t have enough experience with both brands’ cross-line levels to be able to tell you which is better than the other. Ask me tomorrow, and I might recommend the Dewalt over the Bosch.

It’s worth mentioning that Bosch owns CST/berger (more tool brand corporate affiliations), a company that specializes in professional laser measuring technology. This bit of knowledge might be subconsciously influencing my preference.

I searched user reviews, and didn’t really see many gripes about either brands’ levels. The newer Bosch level looks similar to the older model, and so it might be worth looking at reviews for the older model (GLL2-40) until more professionals and DIYers report their findings about the newer one.

Buy Now: Bosch GLL2-15 | Dewalt DW087K (Amazon) DW087K (Home Depot)

Neither of these models are under $150, but $160 isn’t too far of a reach.

Do you agree or disagree with this recommendation? Are there any other levels that fit the above criteria? Please let us know in a comment!

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Sections: Layout & Measuring Tags: laser levelsMore from: Bosch, Dewalt

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6 Comments

  1. Michael Quinlan

    Mar 3, 2014

    I can definitely recommend the DeWalt DW087K – I’ve been using one for the last 5+ years and have never had a problem with it. Is simple to operate with two on/off switches – one for horizontal, one for vertical. I haven’t used the Bosch, but it appears that the magnetic mount (my most frequent mounting method) has to be removed for storage – something that would bother me a bit. What I do like about the Bosch over the DeWalt is that the Bosch had a knob that allows minor vertical adjustment after mounting – something the DeWalt lacks.

    Also, unless you’re using it every day, I recommend taking the batteries out between uses. In my experience, you’ll drain a set of AA batteries in about 1 month of storage with the dealt, probably due to the non-mechanical on/off switches.

    Reply
  2. But its me!

    Mar 3, 2014

    I have an even more lower level model, the Bosch GLL2-10 ($99 at Amazon). The few reviews are a bit all over the place, but it has worked fine for my DIY use for a few years now (flooring, sheetrock, trim, and some tile work). The mounting options are a bit limited, with only a tripod mount hole in the base (an old camera tripod picked up at a yard sale works fine for it). The complaints say it is too dim, but still visible to me indoors in a 20×20 room, so not sure why others have issue with it. I have never used it outdoors, so I cannot comment on that aspect. There are those filtered glasses that help with viewing it. It self levels quickly, with a lock for the mechanism, like the fancier version above.

    Reply
  3. Mike

    Mar 3, 2014

    We’ve been buying alot of Bosch laser products and have been mostly happy. I think in the home most any self leveling laser will fine. I do see alot of the dewalt lasers as well, and we have a rotary Dewalt. So I’m with Stuart, I’d pick Bosch, but could be swayed either way. Both seem to make good lasers, I don’t think you’d be disappointed with either.

    My current small room laser level is the Bosch GL3-80. No complaints really as long as the room isn’t too bright or you try to push it too far. Anything more then 40′ or just a bright site we will bring a rotary laser. But those are both over $500 so won’t help him much.

    Mounting tip. Get a Joby Tripod. They make finding mounting places way easier. Side of a ladder, stud, conduit, lift, or even a bundle of wire.

    Reply
  4. Aaron

    Mar 3, 2014

    Thanks for the post and all the replies. I was originally leaning toward the Dewalt, but I think I’m going to give the Bosch a try. Thanks for the recomendation.

    Reply
  5. Adam

    Mar 3, 2014

    This might be an ‘out of left field’ comment, but I’ve had great luck with a very inexpensive rotary laser I found at my local Menards (midwest home improvement store):

    http://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/hand-tools/levels/manual-leveling-rotary-laser-level-kit/p-1339287-c-9145.htm

    The price is right for me – and it was very accurate. Comes with a tripod and decent case.

    It may be too large for your needs, but I’ve done everything from setting concrete grade to tile work with it.

    I prefer the rotary laser because, well, it’s rotary and I can get a 360 view of the level line. I can set it to spin vertically as well for setting walls and such.

    Anyway – my two cents…..

    – Adam

    Reply
  6. justin

    Mar 3, 2014

    I have the johnson level. I like that when you turn it off the laser locks in place so it does not bang around. Have only used it for some shelves and the tripod is nice but will be to short some times.

    Reply

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