Blew $180 on a laser level that barely works on sunny days

I picked up one of those Bosch self-leveling lasers from the hardware store last weekend thinking it would speed up my brick courses. First real job with it was a retaining wall for a backyard patio here in Portland. The dot was so faint in direct sunlight I had to keep cupping my hands over it just to see where I was setting the block. Ended up going back to my old string line and level after 20 minutes of frustration. Anyone else find a laser that actually holds up when the sun is beating down? I'm thinking about returning this one and trying a different brand but not sure what's worth the money.

2 comments

2 Comments

jesse_fisher1mo ago

Grabbed a DeWalt self-leveling laser and it works way better in bright sun for me.

jennys721mo ago

Oh man, I have to call this out a bit. I mean, yeah sunny days can wash out a laser dot but it's not like they're completely useless. I've got a buddy @jesse_fisher who swears by his DeWalt but even that one has limits when the sun is really blasting. For a retaining wall on a patio (especially in Portland where it's cloudy half the time anyway) I feel like a string line and a level is just as fast and a whole lot cheaper. I'm not saying lasers are bad or anything but spending $180 on one and expecting it to work like magic in direct sunlight is setting yourself up for disappointment, you know?