Dropped $220 on a laser level that couldn't handle direct sunlight

I was framing a basement wall in my house last month and thought a nice laser level would speed things up. Spent $220 on a decent red beam self-leveling model from the hardware store. Got it home, set it up near the window, and I could barely see the line on the wall. The sunlight just washed it out completely. Ended up using my old 4-foot spirit level for the whole job, which took twice as long. Should have gone with a green beam version instead, those are way brighter outside. Anyone else run into this issue with laser levels in bright rooms?

2 comments

2 Comments

barbara4299d ago

Spent $280 on a green beam one last year. Can confirm it works way better in bright rooms but still fades if the sun is hitting the wall directly. Just something to plan around.

river_wright8d ago

Aw man, nah you got the green beam thing a bit backwards haha. Green is way easier to see outside but its not magic. Once the sun gets on the wall directly, even those pricey green ones wash out like crazy. Ive got a green one and still have to close blinds or use a shade when tackling stuff near windows. The real move is a target sticker or a piece of paper taped up, that catches the line way better than bare drywall.