Frequently Asked Questions

How does a laser level work?
The word “laser” is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. While the science is a bit complicated, basically, that means that lasers emit radiation in the form of visible light. In the case of a laser level, that radiation light is emitted by an LED (light-emitting diode) semiconductor, and then tightly focused by use of an internal mirror or prism into an intense beam of light.

How do you use a laser level to hang pictures?
If you are just hanging a single lightweight picture on the wall, you don’t really need a laser level. But if you are hanging several pictures in a row, are hanging a single heavy mirror or picture that requires multiple nails to secure it in place, or are hanging pictures along an incline, such as over a staircase, then you’ll find a laser level makes the job far easier than eyeballing it or relying on a measuring tape and pencil.

To hang pictures with a laser level, first, determine where you want to hang your pictures and the desired layout. Next, use your laser level to cast a beam of light onto the wall where the pictures are to be hung.

If you want the tops or bottoms of the pictures to be aligned, you'll need to measure the distance from the hanging hook or wire on the back of the artwork to the top or bottom edge. Now measure that distance above or below the beam of light to indicate where you'll need to place nails.

If you're aligning your artwork by the midpoint of each picture, you'll need to measure the height of the artwork and divide it by two to come up with its midpoint. Now, measure the length from that midpoint to the hanging wire or bracket on the back of the picture. Finally, use your ruler to find that measurement above the laser beam and make small pencil markings to mark each spot where you'll hammer in a nail. Then, hammer in the nails and hang your artwork.

How do you use a laser level without a tripod?
While a tripod makes it easy to keep your laser level steady, it’s not impossible to use without one. You can set the laser level on a chair, table, cabinet, or any other flat surface that’s across the room from the wall where you want to beam the light. You might need to use books or other items to raise the laser level up to the appropriate height.