Wasted $250 on a laser level that couldn't handle the sun...

So I bought this fancy rotary laser level off an online deal, thought it would be perfect for setting grade on a big parking lot job near Phoenix. First day out in the sun, the beam was invisible after about 30 feet. Totally useless. I should have known better, everyone says green lasers wash out in direct light. Has anyone else lost money on gear that just doesn't work on site?

2 comments

2 Comments

oscarhart1mo ago

Green lasers are a scam in bright conditions, but the bigger issue here is nobody talks about how even the best rotary lasers need a dedicated detector to be useful outside. A $250 kit probably skipped the receiver entirely or included a cheap one that doesn't pick up the beam past a few yards. Did the deal you bought come with a detector, or was that an extra you had to chase down?

ray_miller841mo ago

Green lasers ARE better for daytime though, just way harder on batteries.