Guides · Tips from our workshop
Keep your laseraccurate.
Every laser drifts out of calibration over time, from drops, knocks and everyday use. Check yours regularly, and have it serviced at least once a year.
Check your laserin 8 steps
- 01
Set your laser up 30 m from a wall on a stable tripod, ideally with a plumb bubble.
- 02
Line up one axis (X or Y) so it runs parallel with the wall.
- 03
Once it has self-levelled and is spinning, mark the beam on the wall. Label it point A.
- 04
Turn the laser exactly 180° in the same spot. When it is spinning again, mark point B.
- 05
If A and B are more than 6 mm apart, send your laser in for a service.
- 06
Now check the other axis. Turn the laser 90° and repeat step 3. Label it point C.
- 07
Repeat step 4 and label it point D.
- 08
If C and D are more than 6 mm apart, send your laser in for a service.
Manual slope vsdigital grade
| Manual slope | Digital grade | |
|---|---|---|
| Setting the slope | You work out the fall, mark it, then tilt the beam by hand with the remote until it hits your receiver. | Type the exact grade into the screen as a percentage (1% is typical for drainlaying). The laser sets itself. |
| If it gets bumped | No alarm. It can keep spinning on the wrong plane. | Standard models stop and sound an alarm. Autoslope models re-set to your grade and keep spinning. |
| Best for | Concrete placing and site levelling work. | Civil and drainage work where precise grades are needed. |
Tip: our Theis lasers have Align (grade match). Set the laser at your start point and the receiver at your finish point. The laser finds the receiver and locks on, giving you a plane between the two.
Types ofself-levelling lasers
Pendulum
An internal pendulum hangs free and levels the laser by gravity. Always has a bubble vial: centre the bubble and the pendulum does the rest. If the pendulum touches the casing, an alarm warns you it can’t level.
Electronic
Two small motors, one per axis, level the laser. No bubble, but it needs to be within about 5° of level. Takes around a minute to level before the beam starts spinning. Most lasers today are electronic, because you just press start.
Both can be equally accurate, depending on the brand.
Out by morethan 6 mm?
Send it in for a service and calibration. We pick up for free, anywhere in New Zealand.