Customer Reviews

Strait-Line 64001 Laser Level

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

I bought this unit a few weeks ago and I find new uses for it almost everyday. Originally I bought it to help me shoot a reference line for a tile floor I laid. It worked great for that, so I used it to hang some pictures at the same angle as my hand rail was on my steps, then I used it to line up some shelves in the garage and for mounting my surrond speakers the same height throughout the room. I recommend this for anyone who does anything around the house or in the garage.

I recently bought this level and as a carpenter that works alone a lot of the time i have found this to be a super little reference tool. Works great for putting up suspended ceiling tracks in particular.

I could think of a thousand uses for this until I discovered that the horizontal level wasn't accurate. I was attempting to align two pictures and found that when the horizontal level bubble showed the unit to be level, it was actually off by about 1 inch every 6 feet.

I've contacted the manufacturer and received a reply that the issue was forwarded to the product manager. So far no response from the product manager.

So like the title reads, great idea but isn't useful it it's not accurate.

The pins that hold this unit to the wall are spring loaded. While the unit is anchored to the wall, the pin springs are working to retract the anchors. Eventually the unit falls to the floor. I have used this level in several types and grades of drywall and have had the same problem regardless. The reason for 3 stars is simply because the laser is easy to see and works well on the floor.

Received as a gift for Christmas, I planned to hang 3 pictures across one wall - perfect tool, eh?

First of all, the bubble level is so small it's close to impossible to be accurate, so what's the point? If I have to check it and measure anyway... Second, there are two small spring loaded pins to anchor to a wall or floor. Great, it makes two small holes in order to secure it to the wall. One of holes I would actually use, and the other covered by the picture until I paint someday. I could see the line projected on a white wall just fine. So now it's hanging there and I attempt to mark my other locations - then the two spring loaded pins retract and this thing falls off the wall... Now there is no way to secure it back to the wall, the pins won't stay in the holes already in the wall, and I'm not about to make anymore.

I had to measure and mark the wall using a tape measure, took about 2 minutes - after spending an hour trying to get this gadget to work. (to make the job easier?) I suppose it would work fine for marking a floor, it can't fall off! It would have worked on the wall too, had someone else been there to hold it.

I can?t say that it measures up. The Strait-Line may be okay for hanging a picture or putting up curtains but it is not ready to replace the chalk-string yet. Sometimes it is okay. Other times it skips a lot and, in certain light conditions, it is very hard to see. It is handy as a quick check (Used for quick checks, I would give it four stars.) but I was unable to use for doing actual work, like putting up a tile ceiling on furring strips.

Previous reviewers have mentioned a couple of items:

First one being that the pin system forces you to put holes in the wall. There is actually a separate swivel base for this unit that uses rubbermaid sticky grippers to attach to the wall. The replacement grippers are bit pricey (6 or 7 bucks at Lowe's seems high to me, haven't priced on Amazon) and you only get 12 of them. They do solve the holes problem, and the base has the ability to make fine adjustments. Personally, I think they should include the base with the level. This tool also pairs with Strait-Line's stud finder, so that you can shoot a vertical line the length of the stud that you find for marking, etc. Also a separate purchase.

The second issue I've seen brought up is the laser being too faint to see on a bright wall. I just took the laser into a bright room with white walls, and you can't see the laser's projection at all. Personally, I really doubt that this would change if you purchased any other product in the same price category. Using this for landscaping is out, as well as any work without a roof.

My observation: This tool has a ton of applications, and I'm sure it will come in very handy. Is it the end-all? No, but you are only paying $37 for a laser. I do think that they could increase the price a bit and include some of the accessories so that people didn't get it and find out they needed to spend more. Sounds like Craftsman is selling a more complete package, so I'd check that out before purchasing this one.

I picked up this laser line to help me when installing stairs in a house. Now my wife and I use it for everything from wallpaper hanging to hanging pictures. It is unbelievable how accurate this thing is. Once you've used it for a while, you will never know how you got by without it. Awesome product!!!

I've found so many uses for it that I've come to believe it's one of those newfangled things I did without for so long but now just can't imagine doing without ever again! There are no framed pictures, diplomas, certificates or awards left to hang now, so I'm busy on a shelving project. I've probably never looked so busy while having so much fun.
Anyway, the one drawback: it just doesn't work outside unless it's very cloudy or very nearly dark.

I got the Strait-Line for Christmas and thought it would be very useful around the house. UNTIL I found out that for the same price, I could get a Craftsman Laser Trac™ Level with Carrying Case and Laser Enhancing Glasses. I returned the Strait-Line and got the Craftsman product. First of all, it doesn't need to be held to the wall, but rather can be set on a table or mounted to a tripod (the mount comes with it) to allow you to work without someone else holding it for you. It comes with a wall mount base as well, but I like the fact that I can use it, by myself, without leaving holes in the wall. Secondly, it projects the beam at 100 degrees, so it can be aimed at a corner and the line is projected on both walls. This is nice for work going around a corner e.g. chair rail, drop ceiling, etc. Finally, there is a roll knob that adjusts the beam to sweep 90 deg. from horizontal to vertical and all angles inbetween. The beam enhancing goggles and protective carrying case cinched the deal. I'm very pleased with my new Christmas present.