Why I always double-check grade with a water level instead of a laser

I used to SWEAR by my laser level for setting posts, but on a BRIGHT sunny day last summer, I couldn't see the beam at ALL. It was SO frustrating because I wasted an hour trying to get a reading. Now I keep a cheap water level in my truck for backup. You just fill it with water, hook the ends on two stakes, and the water line shows you EXACT level. It works in any light and doesn't need batteries. I've caught my laser being off by a full inch before, which would have ruined a whole section of fence. This little hack has saved me from so many callbacks. Trust me, give it a try on your next sloped job.

3 comments

3 Comments

markhall25d ago

So do you find the water level is actually faster on long runs, or is it more about the reliability? I've had my laser die mid job and it's a huge pain.

jennifershah1mo ago

Ever notice how the simple tools often work when the fancy ones fail? It's like when my phone GPS dies but a paper map gets me there every time. Old school methods have their place.

ross.lily1mo ago

Wait, paper maps get you there "every time"? I've definitely been lost with folded maps that didn't show new roads. That old school method left me circling a block for twenty minutes once. Simple doesn't always mean foolproof.