PLS Laser PLS-60521 PLS180 Laser Level Tool, Yellow
by Pacific Laser Systems
 |
List Price: Our Price: $282.00 You Save: $87.00 (24%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Category: Tools See more product details |
Product Details
Manufacturer: Pacific Laser SystemsModel: PLS180 Tool
Product features:
- Has the longest length of line and fan angles in the industry
- Self leveling range of 6 Degree
- Operates on 3 aa batteries for over 30 hours
- Comes complete with carrying case, wall bracket, PLS180 pouch, batteries, and operating manual
- Accuracy +/- 1/8-Inch at 30-Feet
- Popular Mechanics (1-year)
- Measuring, Marking, and Layout: A Builder's Guide
- Energizer L91BP-8 Lithium AA Photo Battery (8-Pack)
- Sanyo Eneloop AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargable Batteries with Charger - 4 Pack
- Sanyo Eneloop AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries - 8 Pack
Tools and Hardware Reviews of PLS Laser PLS-60521 PLS180 Laser Level Tool, Yellow
Customer Review: Worked great until plumb line (vertical beam) gave out
Summary: 3 Stars
The good:
1. What you see is what you get, so it's easy to use with basically 1 button.
2. The horizontal beam seems to have stayed level, and the vertical beam stayed plumb (while it lasted).
3. It survived 2-3 drops from 10 ft. high or lower with no immediate problems.
4. Beam visibility is on par with other laser levels in this price range.
The bad:
1. There is no lock-off (to allow for easier off-level lines or to carry the unit without rattling).
2. The plumb/vertical beam stopped working after 2.5 years of fairly light use for no apparent reason (hadn't been dropped for at least several weeks).
The story:
I have owned this tool for 2.5 years. It is a no-frills laser level with the following settings: level (horizontal beam), plumb (vertical beam), and both beams together (crossing at a 90 degree angle in front of the unit). The PLS 180 self-levels using an internal weight, but the weight cannot be locked off. It will rattle as you carry it, and it is not easy to use the PLS 180 for diagonal lines (e.g., for lines for low-slope roof beams).
The PLS 180 is usable for outside work, even if the beam is not visible, by purchasing a separate detector and using the "pulse" option with each of those settings. I now have the separate detector but I have not used the PLS 180 with it. Even so, I have used the PLS 180 outside. As you might expect, the beam becomes more visible the closer it is to the surface it is projecting onto and the less direct sunlight there is.
I have subjected my PLS-180 to fairly light use. I only began using it in earnest during the last 1.5 years, during which I used it daily to set lines for framing. I was the only one using it and I did not lend it to subs or employees. It would spend about 3-4 hours a day, maybe 3 days a week, clamped to a stud or sitting on the floor sending lines where I needed it.
It has been dropped maybe 2-3 times at the most, and survived the drops. Despite such light use, in the last month, both lasers gave out completely. A light tap brought the horizontal beam back, but the vertical beam will not work. I might have dropped the unit sometime in its 2.5 year life, but not within weeks of the day I lost the vertical beam. The warranty period is only one year, so this failure is not covered by warranty.
The PLS 180 worked as expected as long as it remained fully functional. I give it only 3 stars because (1) there are other laser levels out now that provide greater functionality for an equal price, (2) it stopped working for no apparent reason after only light use. For the construction-grade price and marketing, I expected a more durable laser.
I will update my review when I determine whether PLS can repair my PLS-180 for a reasonable cost.
Description of PLS Laser PLS-60521 PLS180 Laser Level Tool, Yellow
Includes PLS180 Palm Line Laser - PLS-60521, Magnetic Wall Bracket, Pouch, Compact Carrying Case - PLS-60518, Operating ManualThe PLS180 Tool from Pacific Laser Systems is a plumb, level, and square laser line tool designed to help you complete layout tasks quickly, efficiently, and error-free. Brighter, less bulky, and cheaper than most rotary lasers, the PLS180 presents a broad range of features for consistent, time- and money-saving performance, even on the toughest job sites.
 This laser line tool is compact, durable, and easy-to-operate for reliability on the job. View larger. |
 The PLS180 simplifies a wide range of layout and quality control tasks. View larger. |
 |
 Two bright, easy-to-see laser lines are ideal for plumb and level applications. View larger. |
 Includes a durable carry case. View larger. |
 |
Whether you're a carpenter, plumber, HVAC specialist, or general contractor, you know that layout tasks and quality-control are essential and time-consuming components of every construction project. The PLS180 lets you accomplish these jobs quickly, accurately, and without relying on complicated, time-consuming setup.
The PLS180 generates two crisp, visible laser lines for plumb and level applications, with an indoor visable working range of 100 feet. The PLS180 has the longest laser lines in the industry. The lines project at over 180 degrees. This means that the level line projects wall to wall wrapping a room, and the plumb line projects behind the tool allowing the laser line to wrap a plumb line completely around a room or door opening makes the PLS180 a truly versatile tool capable of helping with everything from acoustic ceiling or door and window installations to wallpaper, drywall, and tile jobs. And industry-leading brightness makes sure that these lines are easy to see. For interior work to 10 feet high, consider pairing this tool with the PLS-20513 telescoping tripod (not included).
For effective outdoor use to 200 feet, the PLS180 offers a pulse setting that works with a PLS-SLD detector to deliver reliable readings over longer distances and in bright light conditions (detector not included). The PLS180 is accurate within 1/8-inch over 30 feet.
PLS Benchmark Dampening Ensures Consistent, Reliable Layout Results
Like all PLS point and line laser alignment tools, the PLS180 is fully self-leveling, and it takes full advantage of the patented PLS pendulum design and magnetic dampening to deliver real, usable results. Dampening is the settling down effect on the laser beam, and thanks to this advanced technology, all PLS point and line lasers settle down instantly when moved to a new layout point.
Additionally, this system compensates for job site vibrations caused by compressors, generators, and other heavy equipment, preventing the laser point from "jumping" around and ensuring that your laser delivers accurate, usable information. This helps your team get jobs done right the first time to save you time and money.
Durable Construction and Accessories for Career-Long Savings
All PLS tools are designed and manufactured to meet strict quality control guidelines, and the PLS180's workmanship is backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty for dependability you can rely on. Plus, if your laser tool ever does need to be serviced, PLS offers fast, 48-hour factory turnaround on repairs or replacements to help ensure that your PLS laser line tool continues to provide accurate performance and improved productivity for the full duration of your career.
This laser line tool measures 2 x 2-7/8 x 3-3/8 inches and weights just 1.7 pounds, so it practically fits in the palm of your hand. It also comes with both a pouch and a hard-shell carrying case to help protect it from the rough realities of construction work. For your convenience, the PLS180 is powered by three standard "AA" batteries (included), and it can run over 30 hours between battery changes.
About Pacific Laser Systems
Built by contractors for contractors, PLS tools were developed out of necessity by professional carpenters with over 50 years of experience in commercial and residential interior and exterior layout, and they're recognized as some of the finest point-to-point and reference line layout tools in the world.
Ideal for installing ceiling, track, curtain walls, foundations, columns, skylights, doors, cabinetry, and much more, PLS tools combine portability with advanced, utilitarian designs for effective use in situations where traditional bubble vial levels or two-person plumb bob setups are too cumbersome or too limited to get the job done right.
What's in the Box
PLS180 laser line tool, magnetic wall bracket, pouch, operating manual, batteries, and carrying case.
 Model # | Uses | Accuracy | Indoor Visible Range (Feet) | Outdoor Visible Range (Feet) | Outdoor Range w/Detector (Feet) | |
 | PLS90
| Point & line laser for plumb points & square lines | ±1/8" @ 100' | 100 | None | 200 |
 | PLS180
| Line laser for plumb & level applications | ±1/8" @ 30' | 100 | None | 200 |
 | PLS360
| Line laser for leveling applications when you need a full-circle line | ±1/8" @ 100' | 100 | None | 500 (diameter) |
 | PLS5
| Point laser for plumb, level & square applications | ±1/8" @ 100' | 200 | 60 | 250 |
 | PLS3
| Point laser for plumb & level applications | ±1/4" @ 100' | 200 | 60 | N/A |
 | HVR505R
| Rotary laser for plumb, level & square applications | ±1/8" @ 100' | 100 | None | 1000 (diameter) |
 | HVR505G
| Rotary laser for plumb, level & square applications | ±1/8" @ 100' | 300 | 30 slow rotate | 1000 (diameter) |
 | HVR1000
| Rotary laser for plumb, level & square applications | ±1/10" @ 100' | 100 | None | 2000 (diameter) |
 | PLS24X
| Optical level for general construction layout | ±1/8" @ 100' | Not a laser | Builder's level | 200' Working Range |
Line Lasers Tools
DEWALT DW087K LaserChalkLine Self-Leveling Line Laser, Horizontal & VerticalDEWALT; Tools
Price in other shops:
CST 58-ILMXL-UM Mini Laser Cross Level with Univeral MountCST/Berger; Tools
Best price: $139.99
Price in other shops:
David White 48-MATRX54 Matrix54 Multi Laser Cross with Plumb BeamDavid White; Tools
Price in other shops:
Stanley 77-189 FatMax PB2 Self-Leveling Laser Plumb BobCST/Berger; Tools
Price in other shops:
Bushnell 82898 Torpedo Laser LevelAllied Tube & Conduit; Tools
Price in other shops:
Zircon 59655 Qube System Manual Dot Laser Kit - Manual-leveling Platform and Dot QubeZircon; Tools
Price in other shops:
RoboToolz RT-A1450 9 Grade RodRoboToolz; Tools
Price in other shops:
Performance Tool W5739 Quick-Line Laser LevelWilmar/Performance Tool; Tools
Price in other shops:
LaserJamb LJ3PROPC LaserJamb System with Porter Cable LaserLaserjamb; Tools
Price in other shops:
Spectra Precision LL200-1 Laser Leveling Crew in a CaseSpectra Precision Lasers / Trimble; Tools
Best price: $450.00
Price in other shops:
Bosch PR20EVSK Colt Palm Grip 5.6 Amp 1-Horsepower Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router with Edge GuideBosch; Tools
Best price: $99.55
Price in other shops:
FastCap Accuscribe Scribing ToolFastcap; Tools
Best price: $12.15
Price in other shops:
Pacific Laser Systems PLS4 Tool Point and Line LaserPacific Laser Systems; Tools
Best price: $379.00
Price in other shops:
PLS Laser PLS-60542 PLS 5 System, YellowPacific Laser Systems; Tools
Best price: $399.00
Price in other shops:
Pacific Laser Systems PLS Elevator Tripod with Adjustable Height to 9-Foot 6-InchPacific Laser Systems; Tools
Best price: $179.00
FastCap 3-H LMOUNT 3rd Hand LasermountFastcap; Tools
Best price: $22.47
PLS Laser PLS-60523 PLS3 Laser Level Tool, YellowPacific Laser Systems; Tools
Best price: $199.00
Price in other shops:
Pacific Laser Systems PLS-20309 1/ 4-Inch by 20 Threaded Flat Head TripodPacific Laser Systems; Tools
Best price: $66.95
Price in other shops:
Pacific Laser Systems PLS-20351 5/ 8-11 by 1/ 4-20 Threaded Female to Male Tripod AdapterPacific Laser Systems; Tools
Best price: $18.95
Price in other shops:
DEWALT DW0714 Laser Enhancement GlassesDEWALT; Tools
Best price: $8.66
Price in other shops: