Ive just bought....

[henpecked]

A chalk-line set, ( I know, the frivolities of my budgeting during a recession).
There was a mini level in it, you know the sort you hook on the line and it tells you if its plumb. Ive alway binned these before as Ive never worked out a use for them, but has anyone on here used it for setting out levels and with any success?
I know you can use a laser ,but as a spirit level is only 2 metres this can be made as long as the string!

What do you think?

Cheep and cheerful way to set out quickly or what?

(goes to Anderson shelter at bottom of garden to await replies)

HP

[Injured]

I used to use them to set out with but you have to make sure the string is extremely tight and then double check with a couple of different length levels held under the string. Also they can be damaged alot easier than bigger levels thus giving false readings another reason to check with other levels. But if you got steady hands and a bit of patience it can be done.
This was laid out with method as described to falls set by drawings.
http://www.bigdiggroundworks.co.uk/Big%20D....o2.html

[henpecked]

Looks good!
I just thought it would make a handy addition the the bucket and a cost effective way to level. It wouldn't be too bothered about losing the bubble, but 2 mtr levels are pricey My one looks like new as it goes styraight back in the van/shed/house after use

HP

[henpecked]

Just to clarify, Im not a seven day groundworker, just a machine driver who has to do a bit for the wife at the weekends (yes, I mean slabbing )

[lutonlagerlout]

they are ok for bits and bobs but cannot be trusted for accurate work.as has been said they damage easily
LLL

[Tony McC]

The biggest problem with them is they need to be hung from a string line, and a string line *always* sags. Pulling it so tight that it's in danger of severing your fingers as you half-hitch it around a pin is all well and good, but there will still be some sag, and so your accuracy is compromised.

They are OK as a rough guide for groundworks, but for paving or surfacing, you need summat more reliable.

[seanandruby]

a line level has to be hung in the exact middle of the line.

[Tony McC]

A line level *should" be hung from the exact middle of the line, but that's often not the case.