The Bosch GLL3-80 freestanding laser level provides 360-degrees of coverage with its bright, high-visibility red laser. This laser leveler offers an affordable way to get full coverage of any interior space without the need to move the laser, making it great for remodeling, masonry work, floors, and drop-ceiling installations. The Bosch GLL3-80 Laser level is a great value for both DIY home improvement jobs and professional work, packing unparalleled value and a lot of great features into a small, easy to use package.
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Features:
- 360-degree, 3-plane coverage
- Bright class II laser is safe to use and easy to see up to 275’ away
- Battery-operated design
- Reliable and simple to use electronic calibration
- Magnetic base mounting, as well as threaded holes for a tripod
- Dust and water-resistant housing
- Includes a high-impact plastic storage case
- Keypad makes it easy to select multiple modes and calibrate
- Pulse-receiver laser mode allows multiple lasers to be used together
- Measures 17” tall, by 13” long, and 6 3/8” wide, weighs 1 1/2lbs
- 1-year comprehensive warranty from Bosch
The Good
While the Bosch GLL3-80 Laser level has a lot of outstanding features, the best one is its ability to cover an entire room. Since it offers 360-degree coverage, the Bosch GLL3-80 Laser level can be set up once and used without moving it until the job is done. It manages to accomplish this without a huge increase in cost, making it competitive with other laser levelers that only offer 180-degrees of coverage.
The Bosch GLL3-80 Laser level is also extremely easy to use, with two different modes and simple calibration. The laser can be locked when in use, in contrast to other laser levelers in the same price range, so you’ll spend less time calibrating the beam and more time getting the job done.
Another great feature of the Bosch GLL3-80 Laser level is its electronic self-calibration mode, which other laser levelers can’t match. This tool uses on-chip electronics to set the beam level whenever it’s turned on, making it more reliable and faster to set up than any other laser leveler in the same price range.
The fact that the Bosch GLL3-80 Laser level can shoot in all three planes, plumb level and square, and project 90-degree lines means that it’s suitable for a huge range of different tasks. While it’s a great tool for professionals, anyone who is remodelling their home will get a lot of use out of the Bosch GLL3-80 Laser level. Whether you’re installing doors and windows, doing finish carpentry like trim work, framing an addition, or even masonry and electrical work, the Bosch GLL3-80 Laser level can handle whatever you throw at it.
Finally, the Bosch GLL3-80 Laser level is surprisingly lightweight and compact for such a full-featured laser level. At less than 2lbs, it’s easy to carry to the job site and small enough to store until you need it. Many 360-degree laser levelers are bulky and heavy, but thanks to the Bosch GLL3-80 Laser level’s reliance on cutting-edge electronics, you can get all of the features of a larger laser level in a smaller, more durable package.
The Bad
While the Bosch GLL3-80 Laser level is an excellent laser level, it does have a few shortcomings. Since it has a 360-degree laser, it’s not suitable for outdoor work. While it can be used for some tasks like hanging siding, care has to be taken to not allow the laser to shine in the street or a neighboring home. For outdoor jobs, a 180-degree laser leveler is much more convenient to work with.
The Bosch GLL3-80 Laser level could also benefit from a tripod, which isn’t included. In fact, 360-degree laser levelers essentially need a tripod to function well. It’s possible to mount the Bosch GLL3-80 Laser level using its magnetic base, but for most jobs you’ll want to have the laser situated in the middle of the room. Although the Bosch GLL3-80 Laser level includes all of the threaded mounting holes it needs to be used with a tripod, one isn’t provided for you in this package.
Although it isn’t strictly necessary, it would be nice if the Bosch GLL3-80 Laser level ran off of a rechargeable battery pack. Smaller laser levels usually use AA batteries, but the Bosch GLL3-80 Laser level is designed to be set up and left running while you work in the entire room. You might find yourself burning through batteries quickly with this laser leveler, and purchasing rechargeable batteries is a good move if you plan to use it every day.
Our Verdict
The Bosch GLL3-80 Laser level delivers professional-quality, 360-degree coverage at a great price. It’s not a perfect laser level, but for most tasks it will do the job. Its reliance on electronics for automatic calibration allow the Bosch GLL3-80 Laser level to be lightweight and compact, while still retaining a high-degree of accuracy.
Although it doesn’t include a tripod by default, and there may be issues with battery life if used on a daily basis, the Bosch GLL3-80 Laser level gets a lot more right than it does wrong. If you’re looking for a full-coverage, 360-degree laser leveler on a budget, there isn’t anything on the market that can touch the Bosch GLL3-80 Laser level.
