We don't need no stinkin' laser levels

[ForceFed70]

Make a water level instead!

OK, I'll admit that a water level like this will never replace a laser level, but it is a good alternative for small jobs and for people who can't justify spending a bunch of money on a tool that they will rarely use.

Simply get a plastic bottle, fill it with water, and insert a clear plastic hose. Don't forget to poke a hole in the top of the bottle to allow air in/out!

I wanted to know how much my building site sloped from 1 side to the other. Answer is 27" which is less than what I was expecting!

 

[mjozefow]

Hell, it worked for the Egyptians and the Mayans. Why not for us?!

 

[brwbier]

That is actually better than a laser level. I used the same type of level during a remodel to make sure all the windows in several rooms were the same. I don't think a laser could do that. And the cost is almost nil.

 

[Gary S]

I was able to borrow a laser level to build my garage. I loved it. For me, it was much easier to use than dragging hoses of water around.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Yeah, lasers don't go around corners. Nothing wrong with a water level. One tip: a few drops of food coloring in the water makes it easier to read.

 

[DHS]

I like a water level because you cant really mess them up and they are accurate.

 

[MScott]

I have a friend whose favourite level is the "beer level." You take a bottle of beer, drink some of it, then set it on the item to be leveled. If it looks level, OK; if not you drink some more and repeat. Keep doing this until it looks level to you.

 

[ddawg16]

The water level and plumb bob are two of the most accurate and simple instruments you can have....

When it comes to confirming the level of a large structure...the water level is the most accurate. The lasers can be good....but if it is off just a fraction of a degree....it could translate into an inch or two 100' away. Yea, you would need a lot of hose...but it would be accurate.

Instruments such as those are actually used to verify the high tech wazu stuff. In fact, every thing we use that has to be calibrated has some physical earth related reference.

BTW...did you put soap in the water? I have heard that soap reduces the surface tension and makes the water level more accurate. I would also think that the larger of a tube you used, the more accurate it would be.

 

[OccupantRJ]

A little alcohol will reduce the tension also. Oh, you were talking about the level, weren't you? Still will work.

 

[ddawg16]

A little alcohol will reduce the tension also. Oh, you were talking about the level, weren't you? Still will work.

Best response of the day......

I better not mention how you handed my balls to me.....

 

[OccupantRJ]

Best response of the day......

I better not mention how you handed my balls to me.....

Been laughing since 6 oclock!

All seriousness aside, yuk, yuk, I have a battery powered water level with an audible tone when you reach the level point. It's a feature I really like.

 

[xcgates]

Best not be using drinkable alcohol for that, m'kay? Us menfolk have rules about wasting that precious commodity.

 

[Torque1st]

10' of 5/8" plastic tubing cut into two 5' sections, 4 garden hose fittings (2-M, 2-F), a couple garden hose valves (to keep the water from sloshing out), and any length of garden hose works great. The food coloring makes it easier to read. A little bleach helps keep the rig clean until next time if you just screw the pieces back together to seal them up and prevent mold.

 

[Justanoldguy]

Along as there are no air locks in it.
That will throw it out.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I used one to create a benchmark when I sided my house.

 

[Schtauffer]

I have a friend whose favourite level is the "beer level." You take a bottle of beer, drink some of it, then set it on the item to be leveled. If it looks level, OK; if not you drink some more and repeat. Keep doing this until it looks level to you.

That evidently worked at a jobsite I was on once. This DIY guy rounded up a bunch of buddies and they poured their own floor. There was empty beer cans everywhere (like 2 cases worth), and the floor was 2" out of level in 10'.

Then it was my problem that the garage door didn't seal. Jeez.

 

[Torque1st]

Along as there are no air locks in it.
That will throw it out.

I connect my rig to a hose bib and flush it out to fill it which removes any bubbles.

 

[ForceFed70]

Along as there are no air locks in it.
That will throw it out.

Actually, it won't. The air may "compress" with the pressure but that doesn't really matter as the pressure will remain constant.

 

[e-tek]

I still don't get it. Do you run the hose along the ground, or along the bottom of the windows/siding? How come it says 31" on your stick, but you say it's our 27"....you boys got some esplainin' to do to this boy!

 

[Torque1st]

I still don't get it. Do you run the hose along the ground, or along the bottom of the windows/siding? How come it says 31" on your stick, but you say it's our 27"....you boys got some esplainin' to do to this boy!

The water in the tube makes two reference points that are level with each other. All you do is measure from those points up or down as required and do a little math.

 

[Justanoldguy]

Actually, it won't. The air may "compress" with the pressure but that doesn't really matter as the pressure will remain constant.

There was a program on TV a few years back that disputed your theory and proved it wrong.
May not be out a lot but it was out.
You may as well use a lazer if you don't want 100% accuracy..

 

[rockchucker]

100% Agreed with the Air Bubbles! Simple Physics. Unless there is EQUAL amounts of Water on each side of the 1 Air Bubble it will be out by an RCH (Red Cu** Hair)! Multiple Bubbles are going to throw it out more. =)


Water levels are so good for so many reasons. You can even go from one side of the house around to the other side and get a great reading. When line of sight is not possible then the Water Level is the way to go.

 

[ladderwell]

Used to set up mobile homes years ago, a water level would have them dead nuts level every time. We used antifreeze in ours, as we worked in eastern Oregon in the winter.

 

[rockchucker]

Ha! I am originally from Corvallis. 10 minutes from Albania! Used to live out Peoria Road on Stahlbush Island when I was a kid.

Antifreeze is a great idea!

 

[Falcon67]

I hear this tune in my head now "Work like an Egyptian..."