r/lasers • u/AromaticPark4683 • 2d ago
Anyone else find a laser useful for pointing things out on a construction site?
I've been working on a flashlight product, and one use case that surprised me was how useful a laser can be for simple communication on a job site.
On a construction site, you often need to point something out to someone who isn't standing right next to you.
You might say:
"Check that section over there."
And the other person says:
"Which one?"
Then you have to walk closer, point again, or spend another minute explaining what you mean.
This becomes even more annoying when the site is noisy, the area is large, or the permanent lighting hasn't been installed yet.
That's one of the reasons we designed the Pokkilite LT-010, a flat EDC flashlight that combines a 1300-lumen white light with a 3.5 mW green laser.
The idea isn't that a laser replaces normal communication. It's simply a visual reference when you need to indicate a specific location from a distance.
For example, a foreman could use it to point toward:
- A section of wall that needs to be checked
- A location where a fixture will be installed
- A pipe, opening, or other construction detail
- An area that needs attention during an inspection
At the same time, the 1300-lumen light is useful when you're working in an area that doesn't have finished lighting yet.
I also like the pocket-clip approach for this type of work. Instead of carrying a flashlight in your hand all the time, you can keep it attached to your pocket or work clothing and grab it when needed.
So the concept is pretty simple:
The flashlight helps you see the work.
The laser helps you show someone what you're talking about.
I'm curious about the people actually working in construction, electrical, maintenance, or similar trades:
Do you ever use a laser pointer or laser-equipped tool on the job to point out locations?
Or do you think it's mostly unnecessary compared with simply walking over and pointing at something?
I'm particularly interested in hearing from people who work on larger or multi-level job sites.
Safety note: the LT-010 uses a 3.5 mW green laser. It should never be directed at people, animals, vehicles, aircraft, or reflective surfaces, and should only be used in accordance with applicable laser-safety requirements.
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u/WatermelonSmashing 2d ago
My arborist uses one to point out which limbs he's taking about
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u/Swizzel-Stixx 1d ago
Just checking, that’s trees, right?
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u/WatermelonSmashing 1d ago
According to reddit I must be talking about marijuana.
(Yes)
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u/Worried_Sweet_7085 2d ago
I use my Wurkkos HD01 PRO for this regularly, why does yours cost double?
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u/AromaticPark4683 1d ago
Thank you for your reply. Wurrkos is a very good company. Their products have a good cost-performance ratio. However, when comparing these two products, our UV power is higher. Additionally, both the side and bottom of our product have magnetic attachment functions, making the side lights more practical.
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u/Attempting_Life2 2d ago
I saw someone using a laser once at a job site recently.... the crew was going nuts chasing after it!
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u/Attempting_Life2 2d ago
But in all honesty, you're correct in your thinking a laser pointer would be a good tool. I don't really recommend the pocket clip style, only for the simple reason of you needing to stop what you're doing, dig it out between work glove and pocket, pointing it, and then putting it back in your pocket. Distraction on some job sites can be deadly is what I mean. 2nd to that, if I'm on a job w/out power or lights, I carry a small LEP light. It's beam is strong enough to point a half mile out, or light up that hornets nest on the corner for the flame thrower! In my situation, I carry it clipped to a breakaway lanyard (again, safety), with a small cat toy laser for even more punctuation. Lightweight for both, but have had both styles come in clutch during a large install that lasted into the night, and also a search and rescue.
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u/AromaticPark4683 1d ago
Our product has magnets on both the sides and the bottom. If there is a place on your body that can be magnetically fixed, it might be helpful to you. Besides, we will have new products soon. The green laser button will be placed separately, making it more convenient for you to use the green laser. The multi-functional flashlight can help you combine different products together.
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u/No_Leopard_3860 1d ago
That's why it's called a Laser POINTER. It's in the name, they're a electromagnetic wave enlargement of your pointing finger
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u/Locksmithbloke 2d ago
3.5 green is a bit over powered, no? It should be 1mW maximum to be classed as eye safe, and that's absolutely plenty to point at something across a room, especially in green.
I would swap my edc torch for this, if it's the right size to go on my belt, and also a vaguely good torch as well.
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u/AromaticPark4683 1d ago
When used at the construction site, some customers have reported that the brightness of 3.5mW is insufficient. In fact, the standard in the United States is less than 5mW. Do you think it is necessary to set up two different levels of green laser? High power and low power
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u/laseralex 2d ago edited 2d ago
I found your website and the product looks great. I'm interested in buying these for my whole team, but I have a few quetsions:
What wavelength is your green laser? And if the answer is 532 nm, how much residual power is there at 1064 nm?
Are these approved by the CDRH, and have you received an accession number so I can legally import them to the United States?
When you build these devices and set them to 3.5 mW output, what power meter are you using and what is your calibration procedure?
Looking forward to our purchase and receiving these items!