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laser level for checking joist? peter 03-05-2007
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Posted by peter on March 5, 2007, 11:59 am


I'm shopping for an auto laser level -- a device that mounts on a wall and
projects a vertical and horizontal laser beam on the wall. I want to check
the posts and beams in the crawl space because I suspect there is some
uneven settlement, or a sagged joist (some posts have been replaced recently
and may be cut too short, causing the joist to sag). What prompted this
project is part of my hardwood floor has split into two levels about 1mm
apart.

I thought a laser level would be perfect because it projects a straight line
so I can checked for joist straighness and "horizontal-ness" by projecting
the beam near the edge of the joist.

I saw something like this at hardware store for $40.
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=247676-70-BDL180&lpage=none

Although for this project I can do without the vertical beam, it may come in
handy someday.

There are many styles of self-leveling laser level. The one above needs to
be attached or held against a wall/post and it projects beams on the wall.
Another type mounts on a tripod and project a horizontal beam 360 degree
around.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the instrument or the way I plan to use it?



Real Goods Solar, Inc.
Posted by Rich on March 5, 2007, 12:19 pm


peter wrote:
> I'm shopping for an auto laser level -- a device that mounts on a
> wall and projects a vertical and horizontal laser beam on the wall. I
> want to check the posts and beams in the crawl space because I
> suspect there is some uneven settlement, or a sagged joist (some
> posts have been replaced recently and may be cut too short, causing
> the joist to sag). What prompted this project is part of my hardwood
> floor has split into two levels about 1mm apart.
>
> I thought a laser level would be perfect because it projects a
> straight line so I can checked for joist straighness and
> "horizontal-ness" by projecting the beam near the edge of the joist.
>
> I saw something like this at hardware store for $40.
>
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=247676-70-BDL180&lpage=none
>
> Although for this project I can do without the vertical beam, it may
> come in handy someday.
>
> There are many styles of self-leveling laser level. The one above
> needs to be attached or held against a wall/post and it projects
> beams on the wall. Another type mounts on a tripod and project a
> horizontal beam 360 degree around.
>
> Does anyone have any thoughts on the instrument or the way I plan to
> use it?

The only problem I see is that you are looking at the wrong side of the
joists if you're just checking the bottom of the joist. The 2X ? can vary in
width and not give you the reading your looking for. I suggest you use the
laser but measure to the bottom of the floor to the beam and then determine
what is off and how to go about lifting and correcting.

Rich



Posted by Gerry Atrick on March 5, 2007, 12:30 pm



>I'm shopping for an auto laser level -- a device that mounts on a wall and
>projects a vertical and horizontal laser beam on the wall. I want to check
>the posts and beams in the crawl space because I suspect there is some
>uneven settlement, or a sagged joist (some posts have been replaced recently
>and may be cut too short, causing the joist to sag). What prompted this
>project is part of my hardwood floor has split into two levels about 1mm
>apart.
>
>I thought a laser level would be perfect because it projects a straight line
>so I can checked for joist straighness and "horizontal-ness" by projecting
>the beam near the edge of the joist.
>
>I saw something like this at hardware store for $40.
>http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=247676-70-BDL180&lpage=none
>
>Although for this project I can do without the vertical beam, it may come in
>handy someday.
>
>There are many styles of self-leveling laser level. The one above needs to
>be attached or held against a wall/post and it projects beams on the wall.
>Another type mounts on a tripod and project a horizontal beam 360 degree
>around.
>
>Does anyone have any thoughts on the instrument or the way I plan to use it?
>

Laser levels are useful tools, but at times they are not the handiest.
In a crawlspace it might be tough to mount and level properly. A snug
piece of twine would probably be easier to use, Just put a nail on
both ends and snug the twine between them.

Posted by Deke on March 5, 2007, 12:45 pm



>I'm shopping for an auto laser level -- a device that mounts on a wall and
>projects a vertical and horizontal laser beam on the wall. I want to check
>the posts and beams in the crawl space because I suspect there is some
>uneven settlement, or a sagged joist (some posts have been replaced recently
>and may be cut too short, causing the joist to sag). What prompted this
>project is part of my hardwood floor has split into two levels about 1mm
>apart.
>
>I thought a laser level would be perfect because it projects a straight line
>so I can checked for joist straighness and "horizontal-ness" by projecting
>the beam near the edge of the joist.
>
>I saw something like this at hardware store for $40.
>http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=247676-70-BDL180&lpage=none
>
>Although for this project I can do without the vertical beam, it may come in
>handy someday.
>
>There are many styles of self-leveling laser level. The one above needs to
>be attached or held against a wall/post and it projects beams on the wall.
>Another type mounts on a tripod and project a horizontal beam 360 degree
>around.
>
>Does anyone have any thoughts on the instrument or the way I plan to use it?
>

I vote for the twine solution.

My laser is more fun, but the twine is much more accurate and easier
to use.



Posted by Robert Barr on March 6, 2007, 12:32 pm


D
>>around.
>>
>>Does anyone have any thoughts on the instrument or the way I plan to use it?
>>
>
>
> I vote for the twine solution.
>
> My laser is more fun, but the twine is much more accurate and easier
> to use.
>
>

I'd vote for a water level. It's the only way I can think of to
determine the relative height differences between the top (horizontal)
surfaces of the joists.

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