southernboys
Senior Member
what do you guys think about using the new laser levels to find the center of can lights in residential work?
use laser levels for lights
- Thread starter southernboys
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
Re: use laser levels for lights
They are awesome. I like the brass one that looks like a plumb bob. Very cool.
They are awesome. I like the brass one that looks like a plumb bob. Very cool.
electricmanscott
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
Re: use laser levels for lights
I have a couple different types. One that shoots out three ways horizontally that is perfect for setting up kitchen counter boxes so that they are all perfectly level. It also does the plumb bob thing. I use a laser chalk line for rows of recessed lights.
I have a couple different types. One that shoots out three ways horizontally that is perfect for setting up kitchen counter boxes so that they are all perfectly level. It also does the plumb bob thing. I use a laser chalk line for rows of recessed lights.
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
Re: use laser levels for lights
A water hose? Whodawha???
A water hose? Whodawha???
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: use laser levels for lights
They work great and do not run out of batteries.
Same reactions some coworkers of mine had when I brought in a water hose type level.Originally posted by georgestolz:
A water hose? Whodawha???
They work great and do not run out of batteries.
Re: use laser levels for lights
Very simple device that can consist of a regular garden hose or clear tubing filed with water or colored water. When yo use a hose you use clear plastic fittings, like a snorkel at each end of the hose to allow you to see the water. You can still find the systems at home building stores.
Water seeks it's own level. They are very accurate, more so than a laser, and still in use today.
[ February 06, 2005, 12:43 PM: Message edited by: dereckbc ]
A poor mans laser level or what craft people used before laser levels became available.Originally posted by georgestolz:
A water hose? Whodawha???
Very simple device that can consist of a regular garden hose or clear tubing filed with water or colored water. When yo use a hose you use clear plastic fittings, like a snorkel at each end of the hose to allow you to see the water. You can still find the systems at home building stores.
Water seeks it's own level. They are very accurate, more so than a laser, and still in use today.
[ February 06, 2005, 12:43 PM: Message edited by: dereckbc ]
Re: use laser levels for lights
Man, I can't say enough about lazers!
Great example to learn from. I heard this from my high end tile installer friend.
Contractor does a complete kitchen rough-in in a 2 million dollar house. Mounts all his boxes using his tape measure. Drags tape from floor to box. For some reason floor is just a bit off. Well, most cases, even after finish contractor installs countertop, you would never see a little difference in outlet elevation. My friend the tile contractor starts installing his tile. He of course installs tiles exactly level along with finish carpenter. Most all times if at all possible, he will try to make tiles look symetrical and as pleasing with kitchen outlets as possible. I guess with the type of tile he was installing, it had very distinct grout lines. Well, to make a long story short the outlets all starting creeping into the grout lines. Interior Designer was not happy. I guess they had to go back in and change. Not sure how it all shook out, but, to make a long story short, use lazer chalk line, and.... make sure it is accurate. Just because its got a beam and it says its level, well, anyhow, hope this helps.
Man, I can't say enough about lazers!
Great example to learn from. I heard this from my high end tile installer friend.
Contractor does a complete kitchen rough-in in a 2 million dollar house. Mounts all his boxes using his tape measure. Drags tape from floor to box. For some reason floor is just a bit off. Well, most cases, even after finish contractor installs countertop, you would never see a little difference in outlet elevation. My friend the tile contractor starts installing his tile. He of course installs tiles exactly level along with finish carpenter. Most all times if at all possible, he will try to make tiles look symetrical and as pleasing with kitchen outlets as possible. I guess with the type of tile he was installing, it had very distinct grout lines. Well, to make a long story short the outlets all starting creeping into the grout lines. Interior Designer was not happy. I guess they had to go back in and change. Not sure how it all shook out, but, to make a long story short, use lazer chalk line, and.... make sure it is accurate. Just because its got a beam and it says its level, well, anyhow, hope this helps.
electricmanscott
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
Re: use laser levels for lights
See the problem with this is you would look ridiculous when you put on your Star Wars outfit and use a water level an a jobsite. Now with a laser level this is not a problem. Huh?
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
Re: use laser levels for lights
I've seen a water level used to level my (awesome) mobile home, but I'm having a hard time seeing how you would apply it to getting lights in the right location...?
I've seen a water level used to level my (awesome) mobile home, but I'm having a hard time seeing how you would apply it to getting lights in the right location...?
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
Re: use laser levels for lights
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: use laser levels for lights
I do not know any way to use a water level to place ceiling fixtures.
However for wall mounted items like wall sconces, outlets, and switches along counters it would work.
At this point with the low cost of "Lasers" (think Dr. Evil) a water level may be laughed at.
[ February 13, 2005, 08:13 AM: Message edited by: iwire ]
I am guessing by the bump you gave this thread inquiring minds still want to know?
I do not know any way to use a water level to place ceiling fixtures.
However for wall mounted items like wall sconces, outlets, and switches along counters it would work.
At this point with the low cost of "Lasers" (think Dr. Evil) a water level may be laughed at.
[ February 13, 2005, 08:13 AM: Message edited by: iwire ]
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
Re: use laser levels for lights
The problem is, my apprentice keeps humping the laser.
The problem is, my apprentice keeps humping the laser.
Re: use laser levels for lights
I bought two lasers from Walmart and returned both. They were junk. Then I looked on ebay.
There are several great lasers there. I bought this lazerspot brand for $15 dollars including shipping. It is a great tool. Here is there website. http://www.lazerspot.com/Pages/englishwelcome.html
They are all over ebay. Here is an ebay listing.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43588&item=4358146957&rd=1
[ February 14, 2005, 07:32 PM: Message edited by: mulllet ]
I bought two lasers from Walmart and returned both. They were junk. Then I looked on ebay.
There are several great lasers there. I bought this lazerspot brand for $15 dollars including shipping. It is a great tool. Here is there website. http://www.lazerspot.com/Pages/englishwelcome.html
They are all over ebay. Here is an ebay listing.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43588&item=4358146957&rd=1
[ February 14, 2005, 07:32 PM: Message edited by: mulllet ]
peter d
Senior Member
- Location
- New England
Re: use laser levels for lights
I hope you learned your lesson.
Wow, what a surprise. :roll:
I hope you learned your lesson.
- Status