Ask anyone and the great gripe of even the most ardent home improver is making sure that shelving and cupboards are horizontal or that a prized collection of pictures is hanging in a straight line. The problem is compounded by the fact that in many homes, walls and floors are not level and spirit levels, while useful, are cumbersome to use. As a result, for many people getting a true line is a bit of a hit and miss affair.
Thankfully a truly professional look is now available to everyone with the launch of two new laser levels from Black&Decker®. Combining either a stud detector (LZR1 Laser level) or a metal pipe and live wire indicator (LZR2 Laser PlusTM), these handy gadgets will not only put an end to uneven shelves but also ensure safe, successful, drilling throughout the home.
These compact new levels are simple to use; and because they are self leveling, one person can use it quickly and easily to undertake a multitude of DIY tasks without the need of a spirit level.
Simple to set up, the laser level can be hung on a dry wall by pushing the pin supplied through the marking insert in the middle of the unit. A special keyhole-hanging insert is also provided for fixing the unit to surfaces other than dry wall, using either a screw or a nail.
Once switched, on the laser level auto levels to ensure that it generates an extremely accurate and visible horizontal line and one that is much longer than that, which can be achieved with a conventional sprit level. The line can even be extended using the supplied spacer insert, ensuring a longer true line for all relevant tasks.
For greater functionality, the laser levels also incorporate either a stud or a metal pipe and live wire indicator, ensuring that a hole can be drilled with confidence. The stud detection feature on the Black&Decker® LZR1 Laser level can be used to find wooden studs through drywall boards up to 18mm thick.
On depressing the stud finder switch, the unit should be placed flat against the wall. This activates the red indicator light and the unit will bleep once indicating that it is ready to start calibrating. The detector should then be slowly moved along the wall until it bleeps again and the green indicator light comes on. This marks the beginning of one edge of the stud, which can then be marked through the hole in the marking insert. The process is then repeated to find the other edge of the stud. The centre of the stud, which lies between these two marks, can then be drilled into with confidence. The unit comes complete with clever pads that protect the wall during use.
The Black&Decker® LZR2 Laser PlusTM works almost exactly in the same way as the LZR1 Laser level stud indicator but has been calibrated to detect live electrical wiring or metal pipes. The indicator does not require setting but automatically adjusts to the correct mode either for metal pipe work or electrical current, ensuring that it is well away from either an AC current or any metal object.
The Black&Decker® LZR1 Laser level and LZR2 Laser PlusTM offer the consumer a flexible tool that gives them confidence with their home improvement tasks around the home. Each unit comes in a handy robust carrying case, ensuring that everything for the task is readily at hand. The unit even comes with a 9-v battery so it is ready for use straight away.
The Black&Decker® LZR1 Laser Level with stud detector is available from Freemans Catalogue and all good DIY Stores nationwide, priced £49.99.
The Black&Decker® LZR2 with pipe and wire indicator is available from Argos and B&Q, priced £49.99.
BLACK&DECKER is a registered trademark of the Black&Decker Corporation.
LASER PLUS is a trademark of the Black&Decker Corporation.
When using any kind of power tools, it is essential that the manufacturers safety recommendations be observed.