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Started laying brick in 1998 and the old straightedge trick still beats laser levels for long walls
Too many new guys rely on those lasers and forget to check their line with a 6 foot level every few feet. I saw a crew sink a whole 40 foot garden wall 3/8 inch off plumb last summer because they trusted the laser on a hot day.
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kimr741mo ago
Hang on, is being 3/8 off over 40 feet REALLY that big of a deal for a garden wall? I mean, it's not a load bearing foundation for a house. Unless you're building a retaining wall that's holding back a hill, a little bit of lean is probably never gonna be noticed by anyone. Seems like a lot of hand wringing over something that's probably fine. Not saying lasers are perfect, but the straightedge trick isn't foolproof either, especially on a breezy day.
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spencer_owens581mo ago
3/8 inch off plumb" - hold up, that's a good point about heat messing with lasers but 3/8 over 40 feet is actually pretty good for a garden wall. Most codes give you 1/4 inch per 10 feet so that's barely over. Not defending the laser guys but the straightedge trick has its own problems too. If your line isn't pulled tight enough on a hot day the sag can throw you off way worse than a laser. Different tools for different jobs is all I'm saying.
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