Klein Tools has offered cross-line laser levels for several years, but the Klein Tools Self-Leveling Green Cross Line Laser Level with Red Plumb Spot is the company’s first with a green diode. Green lasers are nearly four times brighter than their red counterpart. Unfortunately, this also made them, until now at least, much more expensive. Klein’s done a remarkable job of including all the bells and whistles in a green laser level for under $200. We used it on a variety of layout projects and managed to hit most of the key features of this tool in the process!
Pros
- Green laser is much easier to see than red—even in ambient light
- Pendulum self-levels 4° and locks (manually) when not in use
- Red plumb spot significantly expands laser’s usefulness
- Several mounting options: tripod (1/4- and 5/8-inch), magnetic mount, keyhole, and clamp-on adapter
- Runs on 3AA batteries
- IP54 Rating
- Excellent accuracy: 3/32-inch at 33 feet
- Great price for green diode
Cons
- No significant downsides
Editor’s Note: Check out our best laser levels article to get our top recommendations.
Klein Tools Self-Leveling Green Cross Line Laser Level Overview
The Laser Level runs on 3AA batteries, which is to be expected at its really-great-for-a-green-diode price of $199. You might even prefer that as you don’t have to wait for batteries to charge. Just keep some extra AAs handy. The Klein 93LCLG includes a low-battery indicator, making it easy to see when you need to pop in three new AAs.
I love the Klein Tools Self-Leveling Green Cross Line Laser Level’s easy controls. You only have three buttons: horizontal, vertical, and plumb spot. All laser functions work independently or in tandem.
The lasers’ brightness will make users of red diodes green with envy. Green lasers make it easier to work in spaces with more ambient light. They also help you work in (shadier) outdoor applications.
Within 4°, the pendulum self-levels so you won’t be stuck making those low-tech fine bubble adjustments. That’s not to cast aspersions on the low-tech way – but the Klein Tools Self-Leveling Green Cross Line Laser Level just makes it so easy. Be sure to lock the pendulum when your work is done – this will keep it calibrated.
Various Mounting Options
I rarely encounter a project that doesn’t include something that needs to be level, plumb, or square. Maybe mowing. Otherwise, there are cabinets, counter tops, trim, and all other manner of things that must be true. The Klein Tools Self-Leveling Green Cross Line Laser Level gives you some excellent mounting options. These greatly assist for all kinds of projects and they free up your hands so you can get to work more quickly.
Swiveling Magnetic Bracket
The Laser Level’s swiveling bracket, integrated on the unit, is the first mounting option. It has strong rare earth magnets so find the nearest magnetic surface and you’re off and running. Our campus offices feature metal door frames. We used that to our advantage as we hung photos in our large conference room.
That swiveling bracket has a keyhole for mounting on a nail or screw, but you have to be pretty precise with the placement. It’s a better better bet to use the keyhole on the mounting clamp. The clamp is designed for leveling drop ceilings, but it also has a metal strip. By using its keyhole, you can stick the Laser Level’s rate earth magnets anywhere along the clamp’s metal strip, giving you a lot more leeway.
Give It a Tripod
The third mounting option uses a tripod and either the 1/4- or 5/8-inch threads. A tripod is useful when the magnet, clamp, or keyhole options aren’t ideal but it really allows the red plumb spot function to shine.
Suppose you have to hang a light fixture, fan, or projector from the ceiling (as I’ve done countless times). Measuring along the ceiling is awkward or impossible—and using a plumb bob is a bit arduous. But the Klein Tools Self-Leveling Green Cross Line Laser Level instantly transfers a spot on the floor to the ceiling and holds in there. Locating fixtures just got a whole lot easier!
I consider myself quite fortunate that my wife also works at FBCH. It just so happened that she needed some artwork placed on her office wall (her artistry by the way, if I can brag on her for a moment!). It was the perfect job for the Klein. And it earned me some husband points!
Price
The Klein Tools Self-Leveling Green Cross Line Laser Level comes in at a very reasonable $199.
It’s not unusual to see some of the competition much more expensive than that, although green diodes have come down quite a bit…
The Bottom Line
Klein Tools’ first crack at a green cross-line laser level with red plumb spot does pretty well. It includes plenty of mounting options and a high degree of accuracy. We loved the easy-to-use functions and the fact that Klein included a nice, strong case. Finally, it delivers all that for under $200.
With a 3/32″ accuracy at 33 feet, this makes for a pretty accurate laser. In fact, we like to see 1/8-inch accuracy at a minimum—this exceeds that. While the plumb lasers aren’t green—they really don’t need to be. In the end, Klein made some excellent design decisions on this tool. Pro tradesmen of all kinds should be able to find a way for this laser level to improve their efficiency almost every day.
Klein Tools Self-Leveling Green Cross Line Laser Level Specifications
- Model: Klein 93LCLG
- Power: 3 x AA
- Laser: 515-530 nm (cross-lines), 630-680 nm (plum spots)
- Laser safety: ≤1mW each beam, Class 2 laser product
- Beams: Horizontal, vertical, plumb up, plumb down
- Plumb laser
- Outdoor range: 65 ft.
- Max distance: 70 ft.
- Accuracy: ±3/32” per 33′ (±2 mm per 10 m) vertical and horizontal beams, ±1/8” per 33′ (±3 mm per 10 m) plumb spot
- Drop protection: 3.3 ft. (2m)
- IP rating: IP54
- Transit locking mechanism
- Low battery indicator
- Standard: EN61326-1, EN60825-1, 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11
- Dimensions (LxHxW): 5.3 x 5.0 x 2.6 in.
- Weight: 1.5 lbs.
- Warranty: 2 years
- Price: $199.99
