Customer Reviews

Laser Straight

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

The ad for this says "A perfectly straight 50 ft. line". No quibbles there. But as far as level goes the one I bought was way off. The spec sheet quotes an accuracy of +/- .55" over 30ft. Using a 4ft and 6ft bubble level my unit was off just less than 2" over 30ft. The problem here is that the only recourse is to get a replacement by sending the unit back at your cost and paying an additional $6.95 to ship a new unit back to you. That's nearly half the cost of the level. I guess I'd spend a little more to get a more accurate unit.

Although I bought from Amazon, the actual seller was "Get Organized" who somehow is affiliated with Taylor Gifts. I paid for the product as well as shipping. The laser shoots 90 degrees perpendicular to the target line instead of down the target line! I mailed it back and checked the box that said replace the product and wrote a full explanation. Taylor Gifts credited my credit card for the purchase price less shipping and handling. I wrote them an email saying that I checked the box that said to send a replacement, and that I kept my documentation, which I could fax or email over. They wrote me one back to say to call them and give them a credit card # so they can send the item again. After >3 emails and >3 calls, they won't call back.

I'm out shipping and handling to my home plus shipping back to Taylor Gifts with nothing to show for it. DO NOT BUY THIS ITEM FROM AMAZON UNTIL THEY GET A NEW VENDOR!

I am a dedicated Amazon customer and have ordered 4 or 5 other items since this incident, including 1 item a few minutes ago. Amazon is great but don't trust this vendor for this item!

I've had the Laser Straight for about 8 months, and used it perhaps 60-70 times. For reference, I've owned/ managed a residential design/build company for 6 years, so I'm very familiar with jobsite tools (Often using my robotic self-leveling laser guide (different product of course) for plumb/level, accurate to 1/8" at 100ft by remote control)... This isn't one of those kind of products, and having realistic expectations will make sure you're not disappointed. In contrast to the above Robo-Level (which cost $300+ & involves a survey-tripod base with each use), the Laser Straight is a little toolbox accessory that is compact, and mainly suited for picture hanging or other visual alignment tasks that rely on a straight line, whether vertical, horizontal, or diagonal.

A quick note to those who've complained about it's accuracy: Can anyone make a 3-4" level that can be accurate?! As anyone who's worked with a construction/ bubble level will know, the minimum length level for a semi-decent reading is 2-4ft (depending on level quality). For "touchy" projects, like door & window installations, especially with tight trim specifications, you'll reach for a $100+ 6ft level. Even those high-quality levels need adjustment and should allow for it (see Stabila brand). I suppose I thought it most helpful to explain what this product is NOT first.

So what will you actually use it for? Light-duty work that more relates to aesthetics/ look. For example, when someone is hanging pictures & wants them to line up visually, this is the tool to grab. I also use it for illuminating stud layout when there are pipes hidden behind a wall (for sheetrock screwing or wainscotting nailing) since over the 5-6 feet of laser beam, the accuracy is fine (1 1/2 inch width of stud allows for give/take).

Once I visited a client's home where the design team was having a horrible time aligning pictures in a stairway that had to match the rise/run of the stairs. I quietly attached the Laser Straight to the wall, turned it on, took two measurements to assure it was aligned to the stairs, and what would've taken them an hour took 10 minutes. No guesswork.

Last month, I was installing a diagonally-laid tile bathroom floor in my home, and found the Laser Straight helpful in keeping a solid layout line available for me to refer back to as the tile transitioned between two rooms. The tile came out flawlessly over a 20ft run including tricky doorway transitions & a custom floor drain. (I wish I could post pics!).

Lastly, in December we installed a nice Redwood fence & trellis over a 30ft stretch of backyard. We had markers at each end for layout, but rather than tripping over a layout string, we used the Laser Straight to give a visual line between A & B (easily verified) during the setting of the posts in concrete. Perfectly useful & no strings or other obstructions. With 4ft level in hand, we verified the plumb-ness of the posts one by one, while aligning the front face of the post to the Laser Straight's beam. Make sense? In other words, you'll still want a level for detail work... This product is primarily a straight-line tool.

So for tasks such as this, the Laser Straight performs well & as expected. I've replaced the batteries once over 8 months under regular use, sometimes On for long periods such as layout taks. I've never heard a "pitch" for this product, so perhaps my expectations are a bit more down-to-earth. I bought it at a Home Improvement store for an laser guide that's handy in a toolbox, and that's exactly what it's been.
Hope this helps.

Someone bought this "Laser Straight" level for me, and at first sight I was skeptical. When I used it, I found that the level wasn't at all accurate. It would be centered in one position, and then I flipped it around and the bubble was off by 3/16"! It cannot be trusted, therefore I give it the "piece of crap" rating!

I selected two units yesterday when they were $4.99 each, created the order, processed the order and one day later you CANCEL my order with no explanation and raise the PRICE $3.00 each!!, nearly doubling the cost. Bait and Switch is still illegal!! K.M.A.

This laser leveler is really nifty and super easy to use. It comes with a whole package of tools to help set everything perfectly. I've been using it for a year and it's still in excellent condition.

product needed calibration point the beam straight, and lens was cloudy and allowed very little light to pass through. If you have the time and know-how, you will get a decent item for a decent price, if not I would recommend spending a few more dollars to get a nicer item.

I love this Laser Straight. I hang a lot of pictures and it made it so easy! I wish I had it years ago!