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Make Long, Level Lines With a Short Level
Wainscoting, wallpaper borders and suspended ceilings all require a level line before you can start installing them. Here’s a tip I learned from a suspended-ceiling installer (before low-priced laser levels became available). It’s simple. Carefully adjust your level at the correct height until the bubble is perfectly centered and mark the wall at both ends of the level. You must have an accurate level, because any error will be multiplied by the length of the line. Then stretch a chalk line across the marks to extend the line. Use the longest level you own. It’s best to have a helper who can hold the other end of the line and stretch it tight while you align it with both marks. Then snap the chalk line and double-check to make sure it’s exactly aligned with the marks. If you’re careful, you can expect the line to be accurate within 1/4 in. over 12 ft.
Mark the wall at both ends of the level.
Stretch a chalk line across the marks and pull it tight. Snap it when it’s perfectly aligned with both
marks.
Lasers Work Great for Long-Distance Leveling
There are many types of laser levels that simplify long-distance leveling. The $50 version we’re showing is a small “torpedo” level with a built-in laser light (RoboToolz RT-3210-1 from robotoolz.com, 800-984-0404). Turn on the laser light and adjust the level until the bubble is centered between the lines. The point of visible laser light will be level with a reference mark on the body of the level. More expensive laser levels have self-leveling mechanisms that eliminate the need to adjust the bubble.
You can mount laser levels on a tripod, but if you don’t own a tripod, thread a 1/4-in. No. 20 machine screw into the hole on the bottom of the level, letting it protrude about 1/4 in. to serve as a pivot point. Set the level onto the pivot and use shims to center the bubble (photo below). Mark the wall at the dot of light and measure up or down to the desired height. Then swivel the laser on the pivot, level it, mark the wall again, and measure up or down the same distance. Snap a line between the points.
Click image to enlarge.
Adjust the torpedo with shims to level it. Mark the wall at the point of light. Swivel the level on the pivot and adjust it with shims again. Mark the wall at the new location.
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