Amston CLD-3 User manual

!
1
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
Cross Line/Dot
Laser Level
Model: CLD-3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Technical Specifications …………………………..……………..…. 6
Installing Batteries …………..………………………………………. 7
Operating the Laser Level
Self-Leveling Mode ………….…………………….………………… 8
Fixed-Laser Mode …………………………….………….………… 10
Using the Spring Clamp ………….………………………………… 11
Accessories ……………………………………………….………… 13
Checking Laser Calibration ……………………………………..… 14
Maintenance and Repair……………………………….……………14
Additional Resources
Warranty ………………………………………………….…………. 15
Troubleshooting ………………………………………….…………. 17
Frequently Asked Questions ……..…………………….…………. 18
© Amston Tool Company. All Rights Reserved. - -2

THANK YOU
for choosing Amston!
We proudly stand behind every product we sell. If you should ever
have any question, concern, or issue with any product made by Amston
Tools, please do not hesitate to contact us at
CustomerCare@AmstonTools.com.
EXTEND YOUR WARRANTY FOR FREE
This laser level is backed by a 2 year limited warranty to the original
purchaser. You may obtain a FREE extension of the warranty to a total
of 4 years by submitting a warranty registration form in the mail or on-
line at www.amstontools.com/warranty.
© Amston Tool Company. All Rights Reserved. - -3
Care for the environment!
Do not discard this product with household waste!
This product contains electrical or electronic
components that should be recycled.

WARNING!
IMPROPER USE OF THIS LASER CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY!
THIS TOOL SHOULD ONLY BE USED BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE
READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS MANUAL.
YOUR NEXT STEPS:
1) Carefully review this instruction manual before use.
2) Save this instruction manual for future reference.
NOTE: A downloadable version of this manual is available at
www.amstontools.com/manuals.
WARNING: The following label is attached to the side of your tool for
your safety and convenience. Do not remove, deface, or cover any
warning labels because it can increase the risk of exposure to laser
radiation. The warning labels are required to be clearly visible to users
in order to comply with FDA & IEC regulations.
© Amston Tool Company. All Rights Reserved. - -4

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This instrument complies with FDA laser Class II and is safe when used
in accordance with this manual.
XNEVER point the laser beam at people or animals.
XNEVER look directly into the laser beam; serious injury may result.
XDO NOT stare at the beam being reflected off any surface. Looking
at the reflected beam for long periods of time can cause eye strain or
damage.
X DO NOT open the laser level shell.
X DO NOT remove, cover, or damage the labels on the laser level.
X NEVER attempt to modify the instrument to increase the laser
power.
X NEVER point the laser beam at highly reflective surfaces that can
reflect the beam back towards the user. The laser can cause serious
and permanent eye damage.
X DO NOT use the laser level for any purpose other than measuring
and marking.
X DO NOT use alcohol or other organic or chemical solvents to clean
the lens. !
© Amston Tool Company. All Rights Reserved. - -5

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Laser Type: Class II, 630-670 nm wavelength
Working Range: 30’, depending on lighting conditions
Accuracy: +/- 0.18” at 30’
Self-Leveling Range: +/- 4 degres
Working Temperature Range:40 F to 95 F
Storage Temperature Range: 23 F to 110 F
Batteries: Requires two Type AA batteries (not included)
Weight: 6.5 ounces
Dimensions: 1.75”w x 3.625”h x 2.875”d
© Amston Tool Company. All Rights Reserved. - -6

INSTALLING BATTERIES
The battery cover is on the top of the level.
To install batteries, slide the battery cover towards the rear of the level
(away from the laser) to open the cover.
Insert two (2) AA type batteries. (Not included)
Be sure to position one battery with the positive end up, and the other
with the positive end down, as shown inside the battery slot.
To close the cover, slide it forward until it snaps into place.
!
© Amston Tool Company. All Rights Reserved. - -7
Battery Cover

OPERATION
CAUTION! Use of controls or adjustments or performance of
procedures other than those specified herein may result in
hazardous radiation exposure.
CAUTION! The use of optical instruments with this product will
increase eye hazard.
*NOTE - There are TWO (2) MODES of operation:
1) Self-Leveling Mode
2) Fixed Laser Mode
OPERATING IN SELF-LEVELING MODE
To operate the level in Self-Leveling Mode, push the ON/OFF switch on
the side of the level UP to the ON position.
To turn the Cross-Line laser on or off, press the + button on the top of
the level.
© Amston Tool Company. All Rights Reserved. - -8
ON POSITION/
SELF-LEVELING MODE

(continued…)
OPERATING IN SELF-LEVELING MODE
To turn the Plumb Dot laser on or off, press the * button on the top of
the level.
The level has a self-leveling range of +/- 4 degrees. If the laser is not
within the self-leveling range when operating in Self-Leveling Mode, a
red light will flash on top of the level and the lasers will turn off. To cor-
rect this, adjust the position of the level until the red light turns off.
If the power switch is in the “ON” position, the indicator light is not lit,
and the laser is not on, press the + or *button on top of the level to turn
the laser on. If it still does not turn on, verify that the batteries are in
the correct position and that the batteries have sufficient charge.
© Amston Tool Company. All Rights Reserved. - -9

OPERATING IN FIXED LASER MODE
To operate the level in Fixed Laser Mode, push the ON/OFF switch on
the side of the level DOWN to the OFF position. Fixed Laser Mode will
not work with the switch in the ON position.
To turn the Cross-Line laser on or off, press and hold the + button
on the top of the level for 2 seconds.
To turn the Plumb Dot laser on or off, press and hold the *button on
the top of the level for 2 seconds.
© Amston Tool Company. All Rights Reserved. - -10
OFF POSITION/
FIXED LASER MODE

ATTACHING THE LEVEL TO THE SPRING CLAMP
A screw mounting hole has been provided on the bottom of the clamp.
To attach the level to the clamp, position the hole over the screw on
the clamp, and turn the level clockwise until it is tight.
To tighten further, hold the level in place and rotate the circular
mounting plate counter-clockwise to tighten the level into position.
When the clamp and laser are in position and you need to rotate the
level, it may loosen slightly.
To set the position of the level, SLIGHTLY loosen the wing screw on
the ball joint. Hold the level in the desired position and tighten the wing
screw.
© Amston Tool Company. All Rights Reserved. - -11
Mounting Hole
Ball Joint
Underside
View of Laser:
Spring
Clamp:
Mounting Screw
Mounting
Plate
Wing
Screw
Ball Joint

USING THE SPRING CLAMP
The spring clamp can be used with the laser level to attach the level to
a wide variety of surfaces and angles. The clamp is wide enough to
attach to standard framing (such as a 2x4 stud or a 2x10 joist).
CAUTION! The spring is under compression. Do NOT attempt to
modify or repair the spring or serious injury may result. Do NOT attach
the clamp to any fragile object or damage may result. Do NOT attach
the clamp to any part of the body or serious injury may result.
To attach the clamp to an object, first ensure that the object is stable
and secure. Vibrations in the mounting surface can cause the laser to
vibrate. The longer the distance between the laser source (the level)
and the projection surface, the more noticeable any vibrations will be.
Once you have ensured that the mounting surface is stable and secure,
open the clamp by squeezing the handles together. Carefully position
the clamp onto the object and slowly release the handles.
© Amston Tool Company. All Rights Reserved. - -12

ATTACHING THE LEVEL TO A TRIPOD
This laser level is designed to be attachable to a standard 1/4” thread
tripod mounting screw.
We recommend a tripod that has the following features:
1) Heavier legs so the tripod is less prone to vibration
2) Good quality locking mechanisms on the leg height adjustments so
the legs don’t slip out of position
3) Head height that is adjusted by turning a crank or knob. This is im-
portant if you want to be able to easily set the precise height of the
laser
4) Head angle with adjustable Pitch (front up/down), Yaw (spin
around), and Roll (side to side). Most tripods will have all three of
these types of adjustment. Pitch and Roll are only needed if you are
using the level in Fixed Laser Mode. The ability to spin the level
without moving the tripod is particularly helpful if the tripod is on an
uneven surface.
5) Bubble level to assist in positioning laser into self-leveling range
Most users will not need a top-quality tripod. Since tripods come in a
wide range of prices and features, we believe it is best for the end
users to decide which tripod, if any, is the best fit for their needs.
LASER ENHANCING GOGGLES
In bright lighting conditions (such as outdoors in daylight), it can be
difficult to see the laser beam. Goggles with red lenses can make it
somewhat easier to see a red laser. In some conditions, using red
goggles can provide a significant improvement. Inexpensive red
goggles are widely available online and in hardware stores.
In very bright conditions, such as direct sunlight, the ambient light will
wash out the laser. If you need to use a laser level primarily outdoors
or in bright lighting conditions, a Rotary Laser will work much better
than a line laser such as this model.
© Amston Tool Company. All Rights Reserved. - -13

CHECKING LASER CALIBRATION
You can check the calibration of the laser using the following steps.
1) Set up the laser on a tripod on one side of a room, about 12”-24”
from the wall.
2) Point the laser towards the wall it is closest to, make a mark at the
laser height. Then rotate the laser to face the far wall, and make a
mark on that wall.
3) Reposition the laser and tripod to be about 12”-24” from the far wall
in the previous steps.
4) Point the laser towards the wall that it is close to, and mark the wall
at the laser height. Depending on how level the floor is, this mark
could be the same height as the mark in step 2.
5) Rotate the laser to face the first wall (which is now the far wall) and
mark the laser on that wall.
6) Measure the difference between the height of the two pairs of
marks.
7) Subtract the difference between the marks on the first wall from the
difference between the marks on the second wall.
8) Measure the distance between the two walls.
9) The ratio of the result of step 7 to the measurement in step 8 is the
calibration.
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE
Keep this tool clean at all times. Do not immerse in water or other
liquids. Replace batteries as needed with two AA batteries. Regularly
wipe down the lenses with a lint-free cloth. The cloth may be
dampened with water, but DO NOT use alcohol or any other cleaning
chemical. Keep the level dry and avoid excessive dust build-up.
DO NOT disassemble this tool. It contains very small wires which
are easily damaged. If repair or service is needed, contact us at
CustomerCare@AmstonTools.com to arrange a Service Ticket.
© Amston Tool Company. All Rights Reserved. - -14

LIMITED WARRANTY PROGRAM
CDL-3 Laser Level
This warranty is offered by the manufacturer, Amston Tool Company,
and is exclusive of any return policies or third party warranties that may
be offered by the retailer from which you purchased this tool.
Amston Tool Company ("Seller") warrants to the original purchaser
only, that all Amston brand lasers and measuring tools will be free from
defects in material or workmanship for a period of two (2) years from
date of purchase. Amston will extend warranty coverage to four (4)
years when the purchaser registers their product for extended warranty
coverage either ONLINE or via POSTAL MAIL within sixty (60) days
after date of purchase.
Product registration card must be complete and mailed to Amston Tool
Company, PO Box 5, Amston, CT 06231 ATTN: Warranty (postmarked
within 60 days after date of purchase), or registered online at
www.amstontools.com/warranty. If purchaser chooses not to register
their product, a two (2) year limited warranty will apply to the product.
SELLER'S SOLE OBLIGATION AND YOUR EXCLUSIVE REMEDY
under this Limited Warranty and, to the extent permitted by law, any
warranty or condition implied by law, shall be the repair or replacement
of parts or whole units, without charge, which are defective in material
or workmanship and which have not been misused, carelessly handled,
or mis-repaired by persons other than Seller or Authorized Service
Center.
The Seller may, at its sole discretion, elect to refund your purchase or
or replace it with a similar model of equal or greater value. To make a
claim under this Limited Warranty, you must return the entire Amston
laser or measuring tool, transportation prepaid, to Amston Tool Co, PO
Box 5, Amston, CT, 06231. You must notify the Seller prior to mailing
your tool and have your return approved. If you have not registered
your warranty, please include a dated proof of purchase with your tool.
(continued…)
© Amston Tool Company. All Rights Reserved. - -15

LIMITED WARRANTY PROGRAM
ACCESSORIES WARRANTY THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT
APPLY TO ACCESSORY ITEMS AND RELATED ITEMS. THESE
ITEMS RECEIVE A NINETY (90) DAY LIMITED WARRANTY.
To make a claim under this Limited Warranty, you must return the com-
plete product, transportation prepaid. For details to make a claim under
this Limited Warranty please visit www.AmstonTools.com/Warranty.
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES SHALL BE LIMITED IN DURATION TO
TWO YEARS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE. SOME STATES IN THE
U.S., AND SOME CANADIAN PROVINCES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITA-
TIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE
ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO LIABILITY FOR LOSS OF PROFITS) ARISING FROM THE SALE
OR USE OF THIS PRODUCT. SOME STATES IN THE U.S., AND
SOME CANADIAN PROVINCES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION
OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,
SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS LIMIT-
ED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU
MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO
STATE IN THE U.S., OR PROVINCE TO PROVINCE IN CANADA AND
FROM COUNTRY TO COUNTRY.!
© Amston Tool Company. All Rights Reserved. - -16

TROUBLESHOOTING
Below is a list of common Troubleshooting questions. If you need
assistance with something that is not answered here, please contact
our Customer Service Team at CustomerCare@AmstonTools.com.
•“When I turn the laser level on, no laser comes out.”
•Verify that batteries are correctly inserted and have sufficient
charge
•If using SELF-LEVELING mode, a red light will turn on at the
top of the unit to indicate if the unit is outside of the 4 degree
self-leveling range. In this case, adjust the position of the laser
to be closer to level.
•If using SELF-LEVELING mode, and the red indicator light is
not on, turn on the lasers by pressing and releasing the buttons
on top of the unit. Refer to the OPERATION section of this
manual.
•“FIXED-LASER mode does not seem to be working.”
•Verify that batteries are correctly inserted and have sufficient
charge
•Be sure that the ON/OFF switch is in the “OFF” position.
•Press and hold the laser beam selector buttons for 2 seconds to
turn on either the cross-line or vertical dot laser beams.
•“I can’t get the laser off the clamp.”
•Loosen the circular mounting plate by turning it clockwise, then
rotate the laser level counter-clockwise.
•“Self-Leveling Range seems small.”
•Because the level is compact, small adjustments to the position
can represent several degrees. Many tripods include a bubble
level which can be very helpful in getting the laser within range.
© Amston Tool Company. All Rights Reserved. - -17

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(FAQS)
•Q: When would I want to use FIXED instead of SELF-LEVELING
laser mode?
A: Self-Leveling mode is used when it is important that the
lasers be level and plumb. Fixed-Laser mode is used when it is
important that the lasers be straight but possibly on an angle
that is not level and plumb. For instance, setting the heights for
handrail brackets, laying out tile on a floor, or laying out tile on
an angle on a wall, or marking joists for aligning the holes for
plumbing or wiring.
•Q: How long is the warranty?
A: The standard warranty is 2 years from the date of purchase.
You can extend the warranty to 4 years for free by submitting a
completed warranty registration form online or in the mail.
•Q: How can I contact Amston Tools with questions or
comments?
A: You can email us anytime at CustomerCare@AmstonTools.com.
•Q: Does this laser include batteries?
A: No. Many users have favorite brands of batteries they prefer.
As this tool requires only two (2) AA batteries which is one of
the most common battery types used in the United States. We
decided to let users choose their preferred brand of batteries
and to ensure that the batteries are fresh.
•Q: Can the laser be clamped to a 2x4?
A: Yes.
© Amston Tool Company. All Rights Reserved. - -18

(Continued…)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
•Q: Can the laser project vertical and horizontal lines at the same
time?
A: Yes.
•Q: Can the laser project only horizontal or only vertical lines?
A: No.
•Q: Can the laser project only the vertical dots?
A: Yes.
•Q: Can the laser project the cross-line laser and the vertical dot
laser at the same time?
A: Yes.
•Q: Can I point the laser at the ceiling from the floor?
A: Yes. The dot laser is designed to provide a plumb dot on the
ceiling, which is helpful for setting light fixtures and plumbing
drops. To project a line laser onto the ceiling (helpful for aligning
plumbing or wiring runs), use the laser in FIXED LASER mode.
Position the ON/OFF switch to “OFF”, then press and hold the
cross-line button for 2 seconds. The laser can also project onto
the ceiling in SELF-LEVELING mode, but it will have a limited
angle of projection.
•Q: Does this laser come with a case?
A: A nylon pouch is included. The pouch is sized to fit the laser
level only. The clamp will not fit in the pouch. A hardshell case
is not included.
© Amston Tool Company. All Rights Reserved. - -19

(Continued…)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
•Q: Will this laser work outside?
A: Levels with visible lasers work best indoors. Bright light,
such as direct sunlight, will make it difficult to see the laser.
Wearing red laser-enhancing goggles will make the laser
somewhat more visible. The laser will function outside, but
depending on the project and the amount of ambient light, you
may not be able to see the laser therefore a rotary laser with a
locator tool may be a much better fit for the job. NEVER use
any optical tool, such as a transit or binoculars, to look at a
laser. Serious eye injury may result.
•Q: Is there a way to transfer a plumb point with this laser?
A: Yes. The vertical dot feature will project a plumb point up or
down, making this level ideal for setting light fixtures, plumbing,
and many other projects where vertical alignment is essential.
•Q: Can this laser be used on an angle?
A: Yes. FIXED-LASER mode will project the laser beams while
the unit is in any position. The clamp (included) allows a full
range of positions for the level, but you may find that a tripod
(not included) will work better than the clamp, depending on
your project conditions. An angled beam works well for setting
handrails on stairs, positioning pictures on a wall, and certain
trim projects. An angled beam is NOT recommended for setting
the pitch on plumbing drain lines unless you first establish a
level line, then measure and mark the pitch at opposite ends of
the plumbing run, then align the laser with those two marks. Be
sure that the pitched marks are sufficiently far apart enough to
ensure accuracy.
© Amston Tool Company. All Rights Reserved. - -20
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