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Black and Decker BDL300S BULLSEYE 360-Degree Auto Laser Level | List Price: $158.57
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Brand: Black & Decker
Binding: Tools & Hardware
Features: - 360-degree laser line levels across and around rooms
- Laser line automatically levels
- Micro-adjust tripod extends to 5' in height
- Detachable head hangs from strap for higher applications
- Includes tripod, 9 volt battery, hanging strap, and laser
Meets or Exceeds Expectations [Posted on 2005-07-26]
B&D is not high on my list of preferred tools. I thought I'd give this a shot. One never knows about Black and Decker.
When you step down from top-of-the-line tools to less expensive ones, there are usually compromises to be expected. Still, a tool should be worth at least what was paid. Compared to the competitors, this is very inexpensive.
The accuracy of the line was dead on, to within the thickness of the line over a span of 40 feet. This was checked using a self-leving laser placed next to the BDL300S. The dot height was adjusted to hit the line projected by the BDL300S on a wall about 20 feet away. The dot laser was then manually turned to hit three other walls, each about 20 feet away. Remarkably, the dot landed exactly on the line on these other walls. Note that even if the dot laser had an error, shining slightly uphill or downhill, it would be the same in all directions and would not introduce an error in this test since it would be the same no matter which wall it was aimed at. A rotating laser does not have that advantage. B&D does not specify the accuracy, so there is no certainty that the next BDL300S would be so incredibly accurate.
The line was reasonably bright for indoor use, but don't let much of the sun in. It's thickness was typical of other laser levels.
The only negative is that it is slower to settle the dot laser and cross beam laser that I can compare it to, about 9 seconds versus 3. Whether this is inherent in a 360 degree design or if it's just a shortcoming of this model, I don't know. I doubt if it matters in normal use.
Considering that a laser level is a somewhat delicate mechanism, like an old fashioned watch, it should not be dropped or driven over. They both can take some bumps, but there is a limit. There's no easy way to tell how much this can take without actually reaching the level of causing damage. There are many types of plastic, some of which are very tough, others not. I cannot tell by looking which kind this is. I suspect it's somewhere between the extremes of brittle polystyrene and super-tough fiber reinforced nylon. Who knows? The construction of this laser does look sufficiently rugged for handling with reasonable caution. I wouldn't toss it in a tool box like a hammer. The on/off switch even mechanically locks the pendulum when in the off position, just like more expensive brands do. My guess is that this tool could probably take a pretty good hit, but I'm not going to test that.
The case is very cleverly designed an opens up to form the tripod base. It closes up very easily as well. Th only downside is the the height adjustment (rack and pinion) is a little "fast" and takes just a little care to set precisely.
This one is a terrific value.
OK tool at the right price [Posted on 2006-01-09]
I can't believe the price now ($204.05). I bought this (thru Amazon) in Jun 2005 for $74.99 ($90.92 including shipping and tax). For my price, its an OK deal. It uses 3 lasers, each covering 120 degrees to get the total 360 degree coverage. There is a risk of one or two of the lasers to be mis-aligned; but I found that mine was pretty accurate. The self leveling worked fine. The packaging was also nice with the legs folding up to make a case.
I'm glad I got it at the $75 price; but I certainly wouldn't pay the current over $200 asking price. For a little more I think you can get something with more precision.
Good Enough for Suspended Ceiling [Posted on 2006-03-14]
I needed a one time relatively inexpensive 360 degree laser level. I happened to find this lonesome level with tripod at the local home improvement store. I didn't need it to survey or
on the job contracting. Just enough to get the ceiling done.
Well my ceiling is level. Perhaps within 1/8 of an inch. Had a couple blind spots but I didn't need a continuous line to locate my brackets. Only other issue is initial wobble. It needs a little time to self level. I would recommend it for the do it yourself guy who doesn't want to spend a lot of money but wants to get the job done nonetheless.
Black and Decker BDL300S BULLSEYE 360-Degree Auto Laser Level [Posted on 2007-05-14]
Great product, great price, I'm imagining it should be all right, since I have nothing to compare it to. Good thing is that the readings I get are constant.
Quite satisfied [Posted on 2007-08-12]
I found this at Big Lots for $30. At such a low price, I figured why not? So I bought it, even though I had no immediate need for it. However, once home, I have found several things to use it for and found it very helpful. First, I installed some shelves in the garage, on both sides at once. The level line on each opposite wall meant the shelves are aligned at exactly the same height and are both level and symetrical. Not a big deal, since it's a garage, but it sure worked. They are level and aligned to within 1/8 of an inch, I would say. Certainly within the tolerance of my visual inspection.
Second, I hung a dart board in the basement with it. The dart board has a bracket on each side (it is in a case that hangs on the wall). The brackets are 19 inches apart, so getting the thing level would be difficult with a bubble level. This B&D auto level performed great for this task. It projected a level line, and zot, in went the screws. The dart board is level and it took less than five minutes.
Third, I hung tea light sconces on either side of a doorway. Grrrrrr, getting them level was a pain the last time I hung them. This time, the level line went up and extended across the door way to either side. Zot, in went the screws and the sconces were level to each other. What had taken me a frustrating hour the last time, took five minutes.
The reason I drop this a star is because of the tripod. It's flimsy and not easily adjustable in fine increments. Fortunately, I am a photographer and have light stands at home with a standard tripod connector. The B&D level has a standard tripod socket, so you can use any tripod you wish. My light stand extends to 10 feet, so I can get the laser level up as high as I want in the room. So, forget the tripod that comes with it, and go get a tripod and use that instead. The tripod that comes with it is useful for storage, however. It folds up and protects the level from bumps pretty well.
I couldn't justify spending $135 for this thing, but it would be worth it if you were a handy man/fix-it guy and were working indoors with it. The beam is easily seen in an indoor room (with the curtains closed).
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