Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level - Reader Review (Jim E.)

In this installment of the ongoing Bosch Laser reader reviews, Jim E discusses the laser as well as what other items come in the box (or rather, what other items don't come in the box)...

Much like Richard K. from Florida, when I received my Bosch laser level courtesy of ToolSnob.com, I was surprised by the size of the carrying case, and thought to myself, "Well, that must be because, unlike other laser levels I've used, it comes with many helpful accessories, such as a tripod, laser receiver, etc." Unfortunately, that's not...well...the case. So let me get the negatives out of the way right away. The laser is kind of lonely in its large plastic caddy, as standard delivery does not include a tripod, laser viewing glasses (pretty essential in bright ambient light conditions), remote receiver for pulse mode, a smaller pouch to save tool shelf room, or (according to the manual) the very useful universal holder, which was included in the package sent to me for this review. If paying extra for some necessary accessories is not a problem, however, the Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level is a great tool.

I'm an electrician by day (sorry, Richard), and Web designer by night, but I used the laser strictly for home DIY projects. Recently I've remodeled my garage, including building a work bench which makes me swell with understandable, if possibly excessive homeowner pride. The finished product was missing something, however, and I'm sure you can guess what that something is. That's right, a removable Chinese-takeout container organizer shelf. What garage is complete without one? Anyway, the first thing I used the laser for was to set these wonderfully handy removable shelves' "opposing hook" 2x4's on the wall above my work bench. This exercise familiarized me with the laser's features pretty quickly. I set the laser on its universal holder, and then set the universal holder on a camera tripod (the universal holder has a threaded post hole in the bottom of it which fits standard tripod set screws, hence the "universal" part). After adjusting my camera tripod to an approximate height, it was very easy to get the laser to the exact height needed by using the up-down adjustment knob on the universal holder. I discovered soon thereafter that the warning beep feature that operates in conjunction with automatic leveling is invaluable, since, even with a tripod, you can very easily set the laser on a crooked surface preventing it from emitting a level beam. Next, I used the laser to help me get my flat-panel TV off its stand and onto a bracket on the wall of my living room, something I have been eager to do for some time now. Finally, I used the laser to check previous work I had done around the house, such us my homemade laundry room hatch door, and trim work.

I give the GLL2-80 Laser Level a 9 out of 10, and if Bosch decides to include even just a tripod with standard delivery, I'm willing to go 10 out of 10. I will definitely keep it and use it in future home projects, and maybe out in the field.

At Amazon.com

September 3, 2010

Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level - Reader Review (Jim E.)