After DeWalt purchased Momentum Laser, it was inevitable they would release their own rotary laser tools. However, this is not just an old tool dressed up in a new yellow housing. Instead, DeWalt has designed from the ground up a completely new rotary laser level. Probably the coolest thing about this tool is that any existing DeWalt cordless tool battery, from 9.6 to 18 volts, can power it. It runs for 16 hours on an 18-volt battery and 8 hours on the 9.6-volt battery. Built with the rigors of a professional job site in mind, this laser comes with a side-impact, rubber-mounted roll cage. The level is designed for horizontal or vertical application, and the pivoting head makes it easy to switch between the two. While we would like to see a self-leveling system, it doesn't take long to level this tool manually, and the bump sensor tells you if the tool has been jarred and may need releveling. The level uses a patented dual side-by-side laser diode system, which eliminates blind spots caused by obstacles and makes the line more visible. The level is accurate to 1/4 inch at 100 feet, 1/8 inch at 50 feet, and 1/16 at 25 feet.
As with all laser levels currently available, if the diodes become misaligned, recalibration must be done at a service center. And, while other companies offer only one or two service centers, DeWalt plans on having six service centers across the country in order to provide users with fast maintenance turnaround. Professionals looking to take advantage of the accuracy and timesavings of a rotary laser level will appreciate the durability and versatility of this model. Anyone already using DeWalt's line of cordless tools is likely to find this laser to be the ideal choice based on the battery compatibility alone. --Brian Trinen
