Expert: Roger Zona - 1/28/2007

Question
Hi Roger.
This may be a dumb question, but I am just looking for a type of tool and need to know what to shop for.  Having a name for it makes shopping a heck of a lot easier!
I need to put a mark on a stake, and then be able to mark a second stake at a point that is level with the mark made on the first stake.  I'll be working outdoors at distances of less than 100 ft.  Because it is outdoors, I don't think that visible red laser lines will work.  I would prefer to not use a transit because I am only marking two stakes (and really would need the tool to mark only the second stake).  I considered getting a transit, but would like to avoid dragging the necessary equipment around and having the set up time just to get a single level point established. Is there anything hand held that could get the job done?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Nick,
Know the problem and I hope this is a help.  Unfortunately, it may require two people but one will do if you have some other equipment like a ladder or stool or sawhorse.

I have a "LevelJet" device that is a bubble level carpenters straight edge level and it also projects a red laser beam.  I got it at Sears.  Can't remember the price but it was not expensive.  100 feet may be a stretch but if necessary an intermediate stake would be easy to mark.

One person must hold the level at the beginning stake.  A second person can mark the 2nd (and/or 3rd) stake with a pencil, spray paint, crayon, or whatever.  

Perhaps you could do it singlehanded if you had a support to rest the level on at the 1st stake.  You don't need to be on the line of the first stake.  It's like using a transit - measure down from the red laser line to the line on the first stake, then measure the same distance down from the laser line at the 2nd and/or 3rd stake.

Another option would be a water level line.  I also use this method when in tight conditions where it would be difficult to set up a transit.  buy a 100+ feet of clear plastic hose - any size 1/4", 1/2", etc.  Lay the line out from one stake to the other.  Bend the end up to the line of the fist stake.  At the second stake, bend the line up at a higher level.  Visually eyeball the difference.  Fill the line up with water and it should level out at the same point on each end of the clear tubing.  Simple but very effective and accurate.

Hope this was helpful.

Roger