It seems like there’s a never ending supply of gadgets to assist the homeowner in hanging pictures and shelves; it’s not like it’s rocket science, is it? Here’s an interesting one — the Kapro Prolaser Set-A-Shelf which combines a ruler, level, stud finder, sliding stops, and a class II laser into an all-in-one measuring tool.
Two AAA batteries will power the 645nm red laser for up to 8 hours of continuous use. It has a range of up to 20′ and swivels to any angle, but snaps into place every 45º. The horizontal and vertical bubble vials are located on two different sliding markers that you can lock into place to mark studs or hole locations.
The laser and sliding markers ride on a lightweight ruler that looks like it’s marked in centimeters. The stud finder is simply a strong magnet, so besides finding buried nails or screws it can also find metal studs. Kapro claims the magnet is strong enough to hold the 4-oz. Set-A-Shelf in place if the fastener isn’t too deep.
According to Kapro’s literature, the Set-A-Shelf comes in 24″ and 26″ lengths. So far the only place I’ve found this tool is Rockler, where they sell what looks to be the 36″ version for $30 before tax and/or shipping.
Set-A-Shelf [Kapro]
Set-A-Shelf [Rockler]
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
6 Responses to Hanging Pictures With A Laser
Leave a Reply
TM on Flickr
![RICH-CON No. 2 [shows Logo on side of plane]](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/7230831382_240f44f2f4_s.jpg)
Recent Comments
{ Undeniably imagine that which you said. Your favorite justification seemed to be at the internet the simplest factor to consider of. I say to you,... } – May 22, 11:55 PM
{ Wow the third design is cool. In fact all of them are cool
. Kinda helped me to generate some ideas. } – May 22, 11:40 PM{ What did you do about the glass surfaces on the limbs? Did you sand and refinish them as well, and if so, what did you... } – May 22, 9:48 PM
{ The DP350 is discontinued and some people are saying it has a lot of breakdowns. What have you experienced since 2010 when you did this... } – May 22, 12:04 PM
{ Fool me twice, shame on me! Do not buy into any battery fix from Ryobi or some tool review monger. Remove the dead batteries from... } – May 22, 10:52 AM
So based on that picture the laser is a small tractor beam which suspends the picture you’re trying to hang in mid air while you find the studs and mark them?
Seriously though, what the hell is the point of the laser on this thing?
My guess on the laser is that you use it to shine a level or plumb line on a wall so you can line up multiple pictures. The only use I can think of for the 45 degree or other angles is if you’re trying to line up pictures on a staircase. I think they might have mentioned that someplace else on the site I didn’t link to.
I have no clue why Rockler (where I got the picture) chose to demonstrate the laser like they did, unless maybe he’s supposed to be on a stair case trying to line up photos, but where are the other photos, or even the stairs.
I don’t understand the 45 degree detent if its use is for hanging pictures on stairs. I don’t know of many staircases that have a rise/run of 45 degrees. Why else would a 45 be useful?
Whoa! A class II laser? It doesn’t just find the spot, it directly bores the hole!
Well, seriously, don’t look into that thing and beware of reflections. A class II laser device can harm the eye even with short exposure.
As for the othe comments, you use the ruler to find the spot with one hand, mark it with a pencil with the other hand, put away ruler and pencil and then you secure whatever fastener you deem right with the usual means.
laser!
If you go to the manuf site the 804 set a shelf is 24″ long. This is same one Rockler has on sale.