On Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:59:17 GMT, "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?actio...180&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.