Thought I could eyeball a post line on a slope in Tacoma

I was setting a cedar fence on a steep backyard last fall, and I just went by feel for the first few posts. My helper looked down the line and said, 'Boss, that third one is way off.' Sure enough, when I ran a string, it was a good four inches higher than it should have been. Had to pull two posts and reset them, which wasted half a day. Anyone else have a good trick for keeping a level line on a big hill?

3 comments

3 Comments

linda2721mo ago

Remember my dad using a water level for his barn foundation. That old hose and two sticks never lied on uneven ground.

the_taylor29d ago

My uncle tried that on his garage and ended up with a three inch slope. Laser levels are cheap now and way more accurate.

blakem8217h ago

Laser levels have their own problems though. Batteries die right when you need them, and sunlight can wash out the beam. A water level works anywhere, no power needed, and it's dead simple. Sometimes the old way is just more reliable for a quick check.