Customer Reviews

Stabila 04100 Manual Leveling Rotating Laser System

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

 

 

Nice job Stabila! The first time I used this laser I wasn't sure I would like it because even though it is rotating, it is manual leveling. To my surprise, it leveled up very quickly and accurately. The features on this bad boy are great! First of all it has 3 speeds for the rotating mode, this comes in handy when using inside and you want to see the line. But it also comes with a receiver to use on long distances outside. It also has a really cool feature where it will osolate back and forth to draw a line (3 lengths of line too). I now use this feature most of all. It comes in a kit with a lot of stuff and a nice hard case. This laser does everything my big one does except self leveling, but as I said, this became no problem. Good Job Stabila . . .AGAIN!

I was also hesitant to buy a manually-leveling rotary laser. But after I read the other review, and after reading everything I could on Stabila's three sites (U.S., U.K., Germany) I went ahead and ordered this.

The first one came and worked beautifully except that something was wrong with the base and it could not be set up to generate a vertical plane. I sent it back and got another and it works perfectly.

The laser levels rapidly. Stabila claims 20 seconds. I'm picky and inexperienced.... I'd put my time in at about 30 seconds. It generates the plumb dot and 7 types of horizontal references: a dot, a short line (say 2" at 5'), a medium line (say 6" at 5'), and a long line (about 12" at 5'), and then three speeds of 360 degree rotation.

In bright sun, you cannot see the line created by the spinning dot, but the kit comes with a laser detector (separately available for about $100) which works well. It's not a fancy detector... it doesn't have coarse and fine and bells or whistles. It is not a remote control. But it does detect the laser without fail and forces you to be something on the order of within a 16th of an inch before it says you're dead on.

The kit comes well equipped. It has a 5/8" to 1/4" adapter (the unit uses 1/4" threads), a very nice folding rule, a target that can be clipped onto the folding rule, the detector, a mounting bracket for the detector that clamps onto a surveyor's measuring rod, and those bizarre red plastic glasses that make it surprisingly easier to see the red lines or dot. I have the stabila 8' measuring rod and it works perfectly with the detector clamp. The plastic case and foam liner are nice as well and everything fits inside without hassle.

This is not a fancy device. It is, however, extremely functional and well made. And it is a bargain. The detector alone is worth $100 (street value... others go for $200 on Amazon) and the accessories easily total a value of another $50. So you're getting an excellent quality, German-made, rotary laser (Stabila proudly refuses to farm out laser production to other countries) for less than $200.

Stabila has just come out with a new self-leveling rotary laser. I expect they're going to phase out production of this one. Maybe that's why the price is so excellent.

Frankly, I don't see how you can justify a different purchase. What would you rather have? A great, accurate, self-leveling laser with all the bells and whistles for $800 to $1000, or a great, accurate, manual-leveling, simple, fully functional laser for $330... and, say... oh... I don't know... a new table saw?

For the money can't beat it.
Stabila give you what you need in a manual adjusting laser level.
Good package.
Detector is real nice.

Stabila makes excellent layout tools and this level is no exception. Don't let the lack of auto-leveling steer you away from this one- the manual leveling devices are very easy to use and accurate. It produces a very strong beam that is easy to see over distances, and the kit comes complete with lots of goodies that add functionality. Overall, this is a very good value and has quality that will last. It works well for drop ceilings, but is also excellent for laying out chair railing, wainscoting, wall tile, etc. The tool is made in Germany.

Great product, easy to use and affordable. Levels very quickly and the price was right!

It is easy to level, and takes only moments. No problems with it not being self leveling. All the extra gear and the hard shell plastic case are fine. My only complaint is that you have to manually turn the nob to change the lazer's location. When your target is over, say, ten feet from the level, and/or the target is some angle other than perpendicular to the level, it is difficult to land on a specific vertical target- for example the edge of a 2x stud. With a hand held remote, you can stop percisely on your target- that's nice. The only question in my mind, is a remote worth the extra hunderds of dollars it costs? For the money, I'm happy with the Stabila 4100- I just make sure I use it BEFORE coffee break.

I bought this level based on the reviews that I read here. BIG mistake. This thing is a piece of crap. The level I got had the batteries already installed, that sent up a red flag right there. Next the thing sounded like it was grinding glass. It didn't spin at the appropriate speeds and the laser line hit at a different spot every time it rotated. I just learned a valuable lesson...trust your gut. I thought buy the Porsche, not the VW. Boy was I right. If your not getting a self leveling laser your still framing with a hammer and not a nail gun. Do yourself a favor and stay away from this junk.