DeWalt’s Next-Generation Cross Line Laser Could Alleviate a Significant Pain Point
We’ve all been there before… you’re trying to dial in the perfect layout with a line laser, and it just won’t settle into the position you want. Micro-adjustment dials certainly help, but they often take a second person watching your mark, or you have to walk back and forth from the laser to the mark. The latest DeWalt cross line laser aims to ease your pain by adding remote control functionality.
I dug into the details to see if this 2024 Pro Tool Innovation Awards Finalist has the potential to solve the problem.
DeWalt Remote Control Cross Line Laser Basics
Remote Control Details
Using the remote control, you can adjust the laser up to 174° horizontally. That’s a generous range that goes beyond getting the line close and then remoting in the precise placement. You can systematically work your way around nearly half the room and knock out multiple layout sections without having to go back to the laser. Of course, that’s assuming a static placement of the laser doen’t mess with your accuracy.
Vertical adjustments are possible as well. The magnetic mount for the laser allows for 3.5 inches of travel. It’s not a tilt, though. It’s just like the vertical adjustment on manual mounts but adds the ability to remotely control it.
You can make the same adjustments by using controls integrated on the laser’s mount.
Range and Accuracy
The laser’s 3 x 360° green lines are visible up to 260 feet, and you can use a detector to pick up the beam as far as 330 feet away. That begs the question… what’s the range of the remote control?
According to the manual, the remote will work up to 330 feet away, covering the entire usable range of the laser.
As we’ve seen with other DeWalt cross line lasers, you can expect ±1/8-inch accuracy at 30 feet.
Additional Highlights
- 3 brightness settings
- Up to 9 hours of runtime using a 2.0Ah battery
- Drop detection with alerts
- IP54 rating
DeWalt Remote Control Cross Line Laser Price
You can pick up the DeWalt DCLE34035D1 for $999. Here’s what it includes:
- Laser and base
- Remote control
- Ceiling bracket
- Target card
- 2.0Ah battery
- Charger
- Blow molded case
If you need a replacement remote control, they’re $39.99 each.
Should You Buy It?
The DeWalt 20V Max remote control cross line laser is one of the most expensive models we’ve seen. Considering the additional tech that’s integrated for the remote functionality, that doesn’t come as a surprise.
I expect the price will cause some hesitation, and the type of work you do plays a big role in how valuable an addition it might be. For work that’s closer to the beam source, like residential cabinet or tile installs, more affordable manual adjusting lasers are likely the way to go. For commercial installations where you’re laying out over longer distances, your time savings will add up quickly. Add in higher convenience and less fatigue, and it starts to make a lot of sense.
Either way, DeWalt has come out with a compelling layout tool that certainly has a place. We’ll see if other popular cross line laser brands follow suit with remote control versions of their own.
