Tried a 12-inch level versus my old 4-footer on a chimney rebuild near Buffalo and the shorter one was way faster for checking plumb on each course.

The 4-footer kept catching on the scaffolding and I wasted time repositioning it, but the 12-inch level let me check right where I was laying without moving my feet, so what's your go-to level for tall, tight work?

3 comments

3 Comments

jessica33117h ago

Oh man, I know exactly what you mean! I was repointing an old two-story chimney last fall and my 48-inch level was a total pain. I switched to a stubby 9-inch torpedo level and it was a game changer. I could just keep it in my back pocket and check each brick without climbing down to move the big level. For tall, tight spots, that little level is my best friend now.

ivan46212h agoTop Commenter

A magnetic level on the trowel seems like overkill for a one-time job. It's just repointing, not building a watch. Most of the time you can eyeball it close enough and save the fancy tricks for full rebuilds.

blake_owens16h ago

My buddy who does chimney work in Rochester swears by a 6-inch magnetic level. He sticks it right on the trowel blade so it's always in his hand when he needs it. That's even one step faster than pulling a torpedo level from your pocket. For really tall stuff, he says the less you have to handle a separate tool, the better. It sounds a little weird, but after hearing how much time he saves, I get it.