Dewalt DW088CG Self-Leveling Cross-Line GREEN Laser

Tool Box Buzz rating:

Dewalt DW088CG Self-Leveling Cross-Line GREEN Laser

3.5/5
Manufacturer: Dewalt
Model number: DW088CG
Price: $196.00
Power source: 3- AA batteries
Weight: 3 lbs

Dewalt DW088CG GREEN Laser Review

In construction, the laser is used primarily as a leveling device. It may be set up to indicate elevation, direction, or both. Applications of Laser Levels include:

  • Align and plumb your walls
  • Leveling floors
  • Easily check door or window heights
  • Install chair rails and wainscoting
  • Align shelves, cabinets and trim
  • Check and level posts and beams on decks and porches
  • Masonry alignment
  • Site layout
  • Set Slope and grade for drainage

Dewalt DW088CG Self-Leveling Cross-Line GREEN Laser

We took a look at the Dewalt DW088CG Self-Leveling Cross-Line GREEN Laser. It’s a fairly durable laser, is powered by three AAA batteries, has +/- 1/8″ Accuracy at 30 ft., and sells for just under $200.00. The entry price is perfect for a contractor looking for a decent laser. The Dewalt DW088CG has a range of 65 feet and 165-feet when used with an accessory detector.

Green vs Red Laser Color

Studies show that our eyes see green better than any other color in both day and night. So is the green laser better?

Well, here’s some facts:

Regarding the brightness of red versus green lasers, red lasers are most visible in low light conditions…

The human eye naturally detects green with great ease, allowing it to appear brighter in conditions and environments with higher ambient or natural light.

Testing the Dewalt Laser

The Dewalt DW088CG is easy to use. There is a low battery indicator, and two buttons that control the lasers level and a plumb lines. These buttons operate, idependently in an ON / OFF fashion.

In my testing, my Bosch red laser it was be visible at 15-25 feet in bright sunlight, but I was struggling to see the line at that distance. I didn’t struggle at all to see the Dewalt green laser at that distance, in daylight. As the light faded, the green laser had less of an edge. Both were very easy to see in low light conditions.

The win…

Daylight visibility is the biggest thing in my book. That said, the added brightness of the green laser definitely expands its viability to a broader range of lighting conditions. Green lasers have the win in my book.

Dewalt DW088CG Features

  • 1 Meter drop rating
  • Blow mold storage case
  • Detector compatible – full time pulse 165 ft range
  • +/- 1/8″ Accuracy at 30 ft
  • 165 ft with a detector
  • 65 ft Visible Range
  • 1/4″ thread mount for use with a tripod
  • Integrated, swivel magnetic bracket
  • Ceiling bracket
  • Full time pulse mode
  • Powered by AA  batteries
  • Low battery indicator
  • 3 lbs weight

Dewalt DW088CG Durability

To me durability means drop protection and ingress protection from the dusty, dirty and sometimes wet elements of a job site.

The The Dewalt DW088CG is rated for drop protection for 1 meter [3-feet] and has an IP54 Rating. What does IP 54 really mean?

IP stand for ….   Ingress Protection. The two digits represent different forms of environmental influence:

  • The first digit represents protection against ingress of solid objects
  • The second digit represents protection against ingress of liquids.

The larger the value of each digit, the greater the protection. For example a rating of IP54 means:

  • 5 = Limited protection against dust ingress.
  • 4= Protected against splash water from any direction.

Dewalt DW088CG is a Class 2 Laser

Lastly, the Dewalt DW088CG Self-Leveling Cross-Line GREEN Laser is listed as a Class 2 laser. Lasers are classified for safety purposes based on their potential for causing injury to humans’ eyes and skin.

Class 2 lasers’ output power is below 1 milliwatt. All Class 2 lasers emit visible light only. Lasers in this rating normally would not harm an eye unless a person deliberately stared into the beam. Laser protective eyewear is normally not necessary. A Class 2 laser is not a skin or materials burn hazard, which is a plus on a job site with a lot of flammable combustible around.

Dewalt DW088CG Cost

The Dewalt DW088CG Self-Leveling Cross-Line GREEN Laser sells for approximately $196.00. It’s a decent laser and is vey well-placed for what it provides.

Dewalt DW088CG Self-Leveling Cross-Line GREEN Laser
$196.00

Is the Dewalt DW088CG worth it?

The remodeling and construction industry began adopting laser technology almost twenty years ago, but many in the business have been slow to get onboard. These days, lasers are no longer considered an elite luxury item, but a necessity during construction and also in the design phase.

Lasers reduce human error and the time of production. It is my opinion that every contractor should have a laser level. The Dewalt DW088CG Self-Leveling, Cross-Line GREEN Laser is a win in my book.

Dewalt DW088CG Self-Leveling Cross-Line GREEN Laser Video Review

About the author

Rob Robillard

Robert Robillard is a remodeler, general contractor, and principal of a carpentry and renovation business located in Concord, Massachusetts, and serves as the Editor of Tool Box Buzz and founding editor of A Concord Carpenter . Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review - Tool and Product Review - Video Channel, , where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the remodeling industry. The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

http://www.aconcordcarpenter.com/@https://twitter.com/robertrobillardRob Robillard

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1 Comment

  1. I’ve been a contractor all up and down the east coast of America and I’ve used some of the most expensive tool’s required over the year’s , so it was a exciting moment to see this laser for $89.00 at home depot then I did some comparison with my commercial laser and I found one crushing blow to this DeWALT laser and it’s devastating to any person doing quality work if using this laser. The most important thing to owning a laser is you have to keep it from being damaged this laser is missing one important measure to provide accurate line’s a pendulum lock . Without that it’s going to sustain damage to it’s quality even before you buy it it may sustain damage on the truck being shipped or whenever because without that lock you might as well hold a $10.00 hand laser over a basic 6ft level . Do research on all equipment today before purchasing you could save yourself a ton of headaches and money.

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