DIY: How to choose and use a line laser  

Line lasers are a great bit of kit for everything from putting up  pictures to hanging curtain rails and checking a new countertop is flat

The Stanley Cubix, from €110.

If you’ve ever held a traditional spirit level under one aching elbow while sliding a hearty length of shelving up the wall, you’ll know exactly how limited they are when working alone. 

Enter the self-levelling line laser. Line lasers are wonderful bit of kit for everything from putting up multiple pictures, installing wallpaper to hanging curtain rails and checking a new countertop is nicely flat. 

All you need to make best use of one of these little beauties is a standard camera tripod (you may even have one gathering dust somewhere).

Green light lasers rather than red are growing in favour, as they project clearer lines that stand out better when used outdoors, great if you’re laying out patio stones for example. 

Both red and green lasers, level themselves once set within a reasonable tolerance, so there’s no see-sawing and finding bubbles to bother about. If you don’t have a tripod you can use any flat surface including the step of a ladder to set one up. These devices are not toys, and should never be projected towards the eyes. 

For a good DIY laser (not a sophisticated 360-degree model), expect to pay in the area of €50-€120 depending on branding. I like the Stanley Cubix (STHT77499-1) in a green light, a cross-line laser level that projects two (horizontal or vertical) lines up to 16m. It’s supplied with locking pendulum, three-position lock switch, a removable quick link bracket, touchpad control panel, a handy belt pouch and is IP51 rated (light rain outdoors). The Cubix is priced from €110. 

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