Milwaukee 72" Laser Tripod

Milwaukee has built a reputation for producing top-quality tools, so I had high expectations for their 72" Laser Tripod. This tool, designed to support and elevate a laser level, promises a range of features aimed at enhancing precision and ease of use. However, my experience with it has been a mixed bag.

First, let's talk about the build quality. The tripod is made of lightweight aluminum, which is beneficial for portability, but not so much for stability. At just under 3 lbs, it's easy to carry around, but this comes at the cost of feeling flimsy. The legs, while adjustable to accommodate a range of heights from 28" to 72", are simply not robust enough for my liking. When fully extended, they wobble under the weight of a laser level, a significant drawback when precision is paramount.

The adjustable pan-tilt head, another key feature, allows for some degree of fine-tuning. However, the head is made almost entirely of plastic, which doesn't inspire confidence. The locking mechanisms feel weak and imprecise. I found myself constantly readjusting the setup to maintain a level line, which is time-consuming and frustrating, especially in a professional setting. This becomes particularly problematic when using heavier laser levels, as the head struggles to maintain stability.

One feature that initially seemed promising is the 15" precision adjustment for vertical alignment. Unfortunately, the crank mechanism used to adjust this height also left much to be desired. Made of plastic, it feels fragile and is prone to slipping. On one occasion, the crank handle popped out of its socket, rendering the adjustment mechanism useless until I could fiddle it back into place. This is not what I expect from a tool designed to support expensive laser levels.

The bottom mounting point for low applications is a thoughtful addition, allowing the tripod to be used in a variety of scenarios. However, the overall instability detracts from the utility of this feature. I found it difficult to trust the tripod to hold my laser level securely when set at lower heights, where stability is even more critical.

Ease of setup is another area where the tripod falls short. The quick-reference leg markings are a nice touch, but the process of attaching the laser mounting plate to the tripod is cumbersome. The plate itself feels cheaply made and doesn't secure firmly to the tripod. This can be particularly embarrassing when setting up in front of clients, as it makes the entire process look unprofessional.

Durability is another concern. After just a few uses, the plastic components began to show signs of wear. The leg locks, for instance, became increasingly difficult to secure, and the plastic gears in the crank mechanism started to grind. For a tripod that carries the Milwaukee name, this lack of durability is disappointing.

However, it's not all bad news. The tripod does have some redeeming qualities. The two built-in bubble levels, one on the platform and one on the top plate, are helpful for ensuring the tripod is level. The removable laser mounting plate is convenient for quickly attaching and detaching the laser level. And despite its flaws, the tripod does offer a range of adjustability that can be useful in various applications.

Yet, these positives are overshadowed by the numerous drawbacks. The tripod's overall lack of stability and durability makes it hard to recommend for professional use. The flimsy construction and plastic components simply don't hold up to the rigorous demands of a job site. For a brand like Milwaukee, known for its high-quality, job site-tough tools, this tripod is a letdown.

Would I recommend the Milwaukee 72" Laser Tripod? Regrettably, no. While it has some useful features and the potential to be a great tool, its execution falls short. The instability, lack of durability, and overall flimsy construction make it unsuitable for professional use. For those who need a reliable, stable tripod for their laser levels, I'd recommend looking elsewhere. There are better options available that offer the quality and reliability that Milwaukee's tripod sadly lacks.