Tool Box Buzz

Electronic Self-Leveling Horizontal & Vertical Rotary Laser Level

Johson’s Model 40-6529 Electronic Self-Leveling Horizontal & Vertical Rotary Laser Level is an extremely versatile layout tool perfect for a wide range of trades including; site work, carpentry, mechanical and electrical contractors. They sent us this new laser level along with their Heavy-Duty Elevating Tripod to evaluate. Below are my thoughts on these products.

Features and Specifications

Model 40-6529 Laser Level

• Electronically-controlled dual slope feature
• Electronic self-leveling horizontally and vertically
• Laser beam modes include dot, two adjustable line lengths and two rotation speeds (200 and 500 RPM)
• Visual and audible alarms when beyond leveling range
• Height of instrument/tilt alarm function ensures product accuracy
• Detector with clamp and 9V battery
• NiMH rechargeable battery pack
• Alkaline battery compartment (batteries not included)
• Charger
• Remote control with 9V battery
• Ceiling mount
• Tinted glasses
• Magnetic target
• Instruction manual with warranty card
• Hard-shell carrying case

Model 40-6330 Heavy Duty Elevating Tripod

Performance, Features and Quality

Over the years I’ve worked with dozens of surveying equipment used in the construction industry for layout and measurement. So I’ve got a pretty good handle on these products and I’m happy to say that Johnson has some great products. Both of these products really impressed me with their performance, features and quality construction.

• Hard Shell Carrying Case – The carrying case for the laser level is really nice. It’s built out of hard plastic with easy to use latches. The inside includes really nice molded foam that reminds me of nice photo equipment cases.
• Easy To Use Controls – The laser level is extremely easy to use and set-up. The self-leveling feature works quickly and accurately.
• Tons of Features – The laser offers tons of great features that make it extremely versatile. In the photo on the right you’ll see that one of our crews used the laser level while back-filling a foundation. We’ve also used the laser for leveling the wood sub-floor, setting exterior trim and even installing drainage pipe.
• Quality – One of the most important things that I look for in new tools is quality materials that can withstand the rigors of job site abuse. The heavy-duty tripod from Johnson is the best I’ve ever used. That’s saying quite a bit considering the number of tripods I’ve  used over the years. The tripod is built of high quality materials, has easy to use features and set-up is simple.
• Remote Control & Battery Back-up – I also like the remove control which allows you to control the unit from a distance (maybe you’re on a ladder, in an excavator, etc). You can also pull out the rechargeable battery pack and insert regular batteries if the pack runs out. These are small features but really extend the usability in my mind.

Overall Impression

I’m very impressed with both the laser level and tripod. The tripod really blew me away and I can easily say it’s the best I’ve ever used. If you’re a contractor, carpenter or builder this is a tool that can really improve your productivity.

If you’d like to buy these products you can use the following links:

• Johnson 40-6529 Electronic Self-Leveling Horizontal and Vertical Rotary Laser Kit
• Johnson Level & Tool 40-6330 Adjustable Height Tripod

4 Comments

1. jeff_williams

   December 29, 2011 at 9:33 am

   What’s the precision on the laser? Like a 1/4″ over 100′? Also does it have narrow and wide sensitivity level? Like when excavating a site speed is more important than exact depths so a wide setting could be used. It might be +/- 1/2″ but that would be taken care of with fill. I realize that’s more of a feature of the detector though.

   Reply
   1. Todd Fratzel

      December 31, 2011 at 9:13 am

      It’s rated for +/- 1/8″ over 100 feet. It has several sensitivity settings:
      Fine: ±0.039″ (±1mm)
      Coarse 1: ±0.098″ (±2.5mm) when range ≥492 ft. (150m)
      Coarse 2: ±0.394″ (±10mm) when range ≥ 492 ft. (150m)

      Overall it’s a great level. I haven’t used the slope features yet but it also has the ability to be set up for slopes.

      Reply
2. Peter

   August 15, 2015 at 1:18 am

   Thank you for this article! I appreciate that it gave a point by point review not only of the Johnson Rotary Laser Level, but the heavy duty elevating tripod as well.

   It gives a clear picture of this surveying equipment holistically from the features and specifications to performance, features and quality. It explains why most online reviews pose the laser and includes the tripod unit as both very impressive.

   With its practical use for these indoor and outdoor applications, I am convinced that the Johnson Electronic Self-Leveling Horizontal & Vertical Rotary Laser Level not only gets the job done, but is just exactly what every contractor, carpenter or builder needs.

   Reply
3. Gary

   July 11, 2016 at 7:22 am

   I am carefully considering which model to purchase, and your words regarding the 40-6259 have definitely got me looking in that direction.

   Reply

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