Got talked into a $450 laser level for a big foundation job and it was a total game changer

I was doing this long foundation wall for a garage addition, about 80 feet total, and the old string line method was just not cutting it. The ground had a slight slope and keeping everything level and straight was taking forever. My supplier kept pushing this self-leveling laser, saying it would save me half a day. I finally caved and spent the money, which hurt at the time. But man, setting up the first course was so much faster and more accurate. I could check the level across the whole run in seconds instead of moving pins and lines. It paid for itself on that one job just in time saved, not to mention the headache. Anyone have a good brand they stick with for these, or are they all pretty much the same now?

2 comments

2 Comments

nora864d ago

Ryan's right about the arguing being a time sink. I've seen guys waste more time debating a tool than it would take to just use it. The real test is if it still feels worth it on a small job, or if it just stays in the truck.

ryan6534d ago

You're right about that initial sting, but it fades fast when you see it work. My crew fought me for a week about buying one, said it was a toy. Now they won't start a slab without it. Was it the arguing that cost us half a day or the old method? Hard to say.

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