Hilti recently announced the new Hilti Rotary Laser PR 30-HVS A12 for vertical, horizontal, and slope applications. The PR 30-HVS A12 laser, accurate to 1/32-inch at 33 feet, has an operating diameter range of 7 to 1,650 feet and a digital slope range of -15 to +8.6%.
The tool body features four shock-absorbing handles, 360° Outlast head protection, and an IP 66 protected housing. It’s powered by the same 12V CPC battery platform as Hilti’s A12 cordless line. Backed by Hilti’s Calibration Service, it’s also covered by Hilti’s Tool Warranty 20/2/1, which consists of 20 years of repair or replacement of defective parts, 2 years no cost repair including wear and tear, one free calibration per year, and a guaranteed 1-day turnaround on repairs.
Our Take
Rotary lasers are indispensable tools for leveling while pouring concrete or excavating, transferring building lines, aligning columns or facades, and grading and squaring, but the laser must remain calibrated for accuracy. The work environment is not really conducive to tools with tight calibrations, so any tool that has them needs to have some substantial protection. Hilti has been churning out new tools at a furious pace over the last few years and one of them is the seemingly bomb-proof Hilti Rotary Laser PR 30-HVS A12.
Lithium-Ion Power
The PR 30-HVS A12 is a new “spin” on the excellent self-leveling PR 30-HVS that we reviewed a couple of years ago. Hilti’s A12 battery powers the new laser and differentiates it from the PRA 84 power of the original version. Not only is the A12 compatible with the rest of Hilti’s cordless line whereas the PRA 84 isn’t, it also charges in a brisk 35 minutes. Hilti’s website indicates runtime at 16 hours, down from 25 hours. In any event, we appreciate having batteries that fit multiple tools and charge over a quick lunch break!
Extra Protection
But that’s not the only improvement. The A12 version retains the large, protective side handles of the previous version but adds Hilti’s 360˚ Outlast, a head protection upgrade which amounts to a beefy helmet. We were impressed by the protection the side handles afforded us before, so more protection around the most delicate part of the tool only impresses us more. Now Hilti’s just showing off, and we like it.
The company claims that the laser will hold its calibration after a 5-foot tripod drop or 3-foot free fall. Couple that with the dual PRA 30 Remote Control and Receiver, and you have a leveling tool that’s fit to withstand just about any abuse it can encounter on the jobsite. You’ll pay a premium for any Hilti product, but users generally consider it money well spent.
Hilti Rotary Laser PR 30-HVS A12 Features
- 360° Outlast – the unique head of the tool works together with four shock-absorbing handles and a robust receiver holder. It also includes the rugged IP 66 protected housing for reliable performance in tough jobsite environments (MIL-STD-810G)
- The lithium-ion battery, featuring CPC technology for unique power management, charges within 35 minutes
- Teamed up with the PRA 30 remote control/laser receiver in one device, the Hilti PR 30-HVS A12 rotating laser forms the perfect, reliable system for a host of leveling, aligning and squaring tasks
- Digital measurement indicates to the user precisely how much the measurement deviates from the target value
- Fast, automatic laser alignment at up to 490 feet thanks to the revolutionary Auto-Alignment System makes this a one-person task
Hilti Rotary Laser PR 30-HVS A12 Specifications
- Accuracy: ±0.02 in at 33 feet
- Max. operating distance with laser receiver (diameter): 1640 feet
- Self-leveling range at room temperature: ±5°
- IP protection class: IP 66 (IEC 529)
- Laser class: <4.85mW, 620-690nm, Class 2 (IEC 60825-1:2007), class II (FDA CFR 21 art. 1040)
- Operation time with Li-ion battery: 16h
- Operating temperature range: -4 to 122°F
- Dimensions (LxWxH) 7.9 x 7.9 x 9.7 inches
- Weight with batteries: 5.5 pounds
- Battery type: Li-Ion B 12/2.6
- Tripod thread diameter: 5/8 inches
