A laser detector mounting device to mount a laser detector to a grade rod, the laser detector mounting device including a handle assembly to facilitate gripping thereof, a clamp assembly disposed on at least a portion of the handle assembly to squeeze the grade rod in a first position, and release the grade rod in a second position, a clamp trigger disposed on and within at least a portion of the handle assembly to at least partially tighten the clamp assembly in response to squeezing the clamp trigger, and a clamp release disposed on and within at least a portion of the handle assembly to at least partially loosen the clamp assembly in response to depressing the clamp release.