That old trick with a string line for leveling footings still works

I was pouring a small shed slab in my backyard last weekend and my laser level crapped out on me. Remembered my grandpa always used a string line and a 4 foot level, so I rigged one up with some mason line and stakes. Took me maybe 10 minutes to get it set across the 12 foot span and everything came out dead nuts level. Has anyone else gone back to old school methods after a tool failed on them?

3 comments

3 Comments

river_thompson4d ago

Got a funny one for you. I was helping a buddy build a small retaining wall last year and his transit level was all fogged up inside, unusable. He started cussing and I just grabbed a garden hose, filled it with water, and used it as a level across the forms. Worked perfect, we just eyeballed the water line at both ends. It's hilarious how we overcomplicate things with gadgets when a little water and string can do the same job. Have you ever tried the water hose trick yourself?

sanchez.ivan4d ago

String line never lets you down. Had the same thing happen with a battery powered laser on a fence job last spring. Went back to the line and level approach and honestly it felt good to keep it simple and not worry about dead batteries.

blake_kelly194d ago

That "string line never lets you down" is gospel, saved me on a deck last month.