Every contractor has basic alignment tasks to perform on the job site. No project can be completed without layout of the work, installation of material and quality control. Each of these functions is accomplished by determining plumb, level and square reference. Nothing can be built without tools that ensure 100 percent alignment.

The plumb bob and water level are ancient tools used to establish vertical or horizontal reference. Reference lines require opposing reference points. In many applications, a plumb bob takes the efforts of two people; one person holds the string while the other waits below for the plumb bob to stop swinging (in the wind, if they are outdoors). This can be an expensive exercise at $45 per hour per person. Laser levels replace traditional layout tools by emitting reference points and lines for quick and accurate layout.

Ten years ago, only commercial general contractors or high-rise drywall contractors knew the value of a laser tool. Back then, rotary lasers were available for about $7,000. They were heavy, cumbersome and difficult to move around the jobsite.

Today's laser tools are available in a variety of options that address layout applications for almost every trade in both commercial and residential construction. Laser tools may be grouped into three categories: rotary, point-to-point and "hybrid."

Rotary lasers take a laser point and spin the point to create a fast-moving laser line. They continue to be used for long distance surveying, general construction and commercial interior acoustic and drywall applications.

Point- to-point lasers emit points that are in line with each other and are designed to replace plumb bobs and to speed layout of 90 degree reference marks.

Hybrids are laser tools that emit solid horizontal and vertical laser lines and laser points. They are used for a variety of reference layout for carpenters and electricians.

Today, contractors have a choice of carpenter levels, laser levels, rotary levels and hybrid laser products. Which tool gives the highest return on your investment? A contractor who spends 90 percent of the workday installing acoustic ceilings requires a constant horizontal laser line for T-bar and wire installation. However, for a contractor who performs multiple alignment tasks, including plumb and square, a point to point or hybrid works best.

The evolution of laser tools has been beneficial for contractors because tools are smaller, more powerful, safer, affordable and easy to use. These improvements convert to labor savings and improved efficiencies and quality for the contractor.

The laser tool that offers the best value to the contractor is one which is fully self-leveling, repairable, and packaged with accessories that maximize the utility of the tool. The ideal laser combines all these features and may be used inside and outside in bright sunlight.

Except for a few trades, most contractors need to use a laser tool in a variety of lighting conditions and times of day. Because visible beam laser tools cannot be seen well in bright light conditions, laser tools that can be used with a laser detector offer the most utility and value.

Price is not always the deciding factor when choosing which laser tool is right for your layout application. Buying the wrong laser for your application is frustrating. Consider the following characteristics:

• How bright is the beam on a daylight interior job site?
• How quickly does the point or line settle down after being moved? Remember that point-to-point or hybrid tools are used often for quick setup and portable reference marks. Rotary lasers are set up at a fixed location for long periods of time.
• What is the accuracy of the laser at 100 feet?
• What accessories are packaged with the laser?
• What happens when you drop your laser? How do you check calibration and where can you have the laser repaired?

In addition to the evolution of laser tool design and features, the tools are safer to use and pose little to no danger from the light emitted by the tool. In the United States, lasers are rated for safety by the FDA. The safest and most common class of laser tool is a "Class 2" product. Labeling on the laser tool will clearly indicate the class of product and will carry a "caution" or "danger" label to satisfy FDA requirements.

Laser tools are available from a variety of manufacturers and resellers. Consumer product brands such as Stanley, Black & Decker and Irwin may be found in the DIY Big Box outlets as well as tool and building material dealers. Original manufacturer brands such as PLS Pacific Laser Systems, Topcon, Laser Reference and Trimble are normally found at surveyors' or specialty tool and fastener stores. Prices range from $100 in consumer brand products to $1,200 and up for the more technically advanced products. DIY brands are normally designed for light or homeowner use.

With prices averaging about $250 for a good-quality hybrid or point-to-point laser, most professional contractors who own a laser tool should store it alongside their cordless screw gun or other standard power tools for safe keeping.

For information on Pacific Laser Systems' products, contact Mike Tramontin at (800) 601-4500 or visit www.plslaser.com.