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How to get string level?

40K views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  KUIPORNG 
#1 ·
This may seem like a rather easy thing to do but apparently i am having problems doing it correctly. I want to string up a level line that extends about 18 feet in my basement to measure to see how much the main beam is sagging.

I have a line level that slides onto the string, have mason's string line, and cannot get it tight enough over the 18 feet i need. No matter what i do it is never completely level across the whole line (it will always sag in the middle a little bit). Is there any trick to this i am missing?

Nick
 
#6 ·
If you are just wanting to see how much sag your beam has just use the string, pull tight and put each end flush with the bottom of the beam along the outside corner. This will tell you how much the beam is sagging. The string does not need to be level to tell what the sag is from the ends to middle. The 1/16 to 1/8 sag in the string, if even that, is minimal over that distance.
 
#7 ·
Do you want the string straigt or level? If you only need to check for sagging, in the middle of the beam, then get rid of the level and just pull the string taught between two support columns and see if the beam sags down below the sting in the middle. An out of level floor isn't neccesarily a problem as long as its flat.

If you are trying to measure how level something is, then a string level isn't the most accurate tool. You can still get a rough idea if your patient and double check everything. There was a debate here not to long ago on where on the string the level should go.
 
#8 ·
I bought a device which is slightly different from laser level but would be ideal for this type of measurement, it set on a platform, then you adjust to make sure the bubble in the center, then a horizontal level line struck on the wall.... from a pointy laser output... it is used to put on painting...etc. but I think is the easiest way to do above stuff... the tool cost me only 9 bucks on sale...
 
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