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?

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3 Comments

linda2727mo ago

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

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the_taylor7mo 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.

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blakem826mo 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.

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