Target Plates

About Target Plates

Target plates are essential laser accessories that significantly improve the visibility of laser beams from laser levels and measuring devices, particularly in bright conditions or over extended distances. These highly visible plates feature reflective surfaces in distinctive colours—typically red for red lasers and green for green lasers—providing maximum contrast for pinpoint accuracy when direct viewing of the laser line becomes difficult. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional target plates from leading brands including Bosch Professional and DeWalt, designed to deliver reliable performance on construction sites and in workshops.

Modern target plates commonly incorporate magnetic backing for hands-free positioning on steel beams, metal studs, and site equipment, making them invaluable for single-person operations. Whether you're working outdoors in bright sunlight, across large commercial spaces, or at distances where laser lines become faint, a quality target plate enhances both accuracy and efficiency by extending the effective visible range of your laser tools well beyond the capabilities of the unaided eye.

Applications

Target plates are used across numerous construction and installation trades:

• Builders and General Contractors: Setting out foundations, aligning walls, and ensuring level installations across construction sites
• Electricians: Installing cable runs, conduit systems, and aligning electrical boxes over long distances
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Setting accurate gradients on waste pipes and levelling radiators throughout properties
• Ceiling and Drywall Installers: Suspended ceiling installation and partition wall alignment across large open spaces
• Tilers and Floor Layers: Establishing level reference points for screeding, tiling, and flooring installations
• Landscapers and Groundworkers: Outdoor drainage projects, patio levelling, and fencing alignment where bright sunlight reduces laser visibility
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects requiring accurate levelling and alignment

Choosing The Right Target Plates

Laser Compatibility: Match your target plate colour to your laser type—red plates for red lasers, green plates for green lasers. Whilst universal plates function with both, colour-matched combinations provide optimal visibility in challenging lighting conditions.

Magnetic Features: Magnetic backing is invaluable for steel frame construction and metal studwork, allowing hands-free positioning. For timber frame buildings or outdoor applications, consider plates with mounting holes for attachment to posts or stakes.

Size and Working Distance: Larger plates offer better visibility at extended ranges but are less portable. Standard sizes range from 100mm to 200mm. Consider your typical working distances—longer ranges benefit from larger, more visible targets that remain easy to locate.

Build Quality: Professional-grade plates from brands available at MyToolShed.co.uk feature robust construction with impact-resistant materials and weather-resistant finishes, essential for demanding site conditions and daily professional use.

Centre Point Markings: Look for clearly defined crosshairs or centre markings with measurement scales if you need precise reference points for transferring measurements and ensuring accurate alignment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a red laser target plate with a green laser level?

Whilst it will function, you won't achieve optimal visibility. Green lasers work best with green target plates as the colour-matched surface provides maximum contrast and reflection. For professional accuracy in bright conditions, use colour-matched equipment or consider universal plates if you regularly switch between laser types.

What distance can I effectively use a target plate at?

Standard target plates typically enhance laser visibility to 30-50 metres, though this varies based on ambient light conditions. Dim interior spaces allow longer ranges, whilst bright outdoor sunlight reduces effectiveness. For distances beyond 50 metres, consider using an electronic laser receiver alongside your target plate.

Will the magnetic backing work on all metal surfaces?

Magnetic target plates adhere only to ferrous metals such as steel beams and iron pipework. They won't stick to aluminium, copper, or stainless steel. For non-ferrous materials, you'll need alternative mounting methods such as clamps or mounting brackets.