Dropped my laser level off a 2-story roof... still works perfectly!

Hey folks, had a wild one yesterday. Was up on a steep pitch doing some measurements for a new dormer install, and my DeWalt laser level slipped out of my pouch. Thing tumbled down two stories, bounced off the scaffolding, and landed in a mud puddle. I was sure it was toast - $300 down the drain. Grabbed it, wiped it off, and... dead nuts accurate still! Couldn't believe it. Anyone else have tools that just won't die no matter how much abuse they take?

Rob, that's awesome! DeWalt's pro-grade stuff is seriously overbuilt. I collect vintage measuring tools (got about 50 different levels and transits) and modern ones just don't have that same tank-like quality. My grandpa's 1970s Stanley fatmax survived being run over by his truck - still use it! But I've seen cheaper lasers die from a 3-foot drop. You get what you pay for. Got pics of your DeWalt? I'd love to see the battle scars!

lol nice save Rob. My story's the opposite - dropped my cheapo store-brand laser in the tile saw slurry last month. Fried instantly. Learned my lesson - now I only buy Bosch or Hilti for wet work areas. But yeah, good tools can take a beating. My 25-year-old Chalk line survived being buried in mortar for a week once. Cleaned it up, still snaps straight.

Patty - no pics yet but I'll snap some tomorrow. The casing is scratched to hell but the glass is intact. Sid - sorry about your laser! Slurry is brutal on electronics. I've killed two tape measures that way. The Hilti stuff is bombproof but man, my wallet cries every time I buy their gear. Worth it though when you're 30 feet up and don't want equipment failure.

Exactly! Quality tools are insurance. Rob, check if your DeWalt has a rubber overmold - that's what saves them on drops. And Sid, if you want a slurry-proof recommendation, the Bosch GLL 3-80 has an IP54 rating. Not cheap but it'll survive your tile saw adventures. Anyway, this is why I tell newbies: buy once, cry once. A $50 tool that breaks is more expensive than a $200 tool that lasts decades.