FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
Tips & Techniques

Plumbing Posts

By Charles Miller Issue 41
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

When I set posts, I used to find it awkward first to plumb one face, then the one next to it. One side was always getting a little out of adjustment. Now I use two levels strapped to adjacent faces of the same post, as shown. For a 4×4 post, a 20-in. tarp strap is the right length to secure my two levels. Now I have enough hands to set the post, and my level isn’t on the ground when I need it.

—Patrick Lawson, Sooke, None

Edited and illustrated by Charles Miller

From Fine Homebuilding #41

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Angel Guard Deck Demon

Demo has never been easier with the deck demon. The tool keeps the worker in an upright position and uses leverage to remove decking from framing, a must have tool for demo.
Buy at Amazon

Lithium-Ion Cordless Palm Nailer

This tool is nice to have for fitting in tight spaces when fastening hardware. While you may not use it often, you'll be glad you have it when you need it.
Buy at Amazon

N95 Respirator

PPE is a must, especially when cutting and sanding. We recommend you always have a box of respirator masks on the job site.
Buy at Amazon

Sign up for the Fine Homebuilding Tip of the Day and get daily tips and special offers delivered to your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

View Comments

  1. BobboMax | Jul 22, 2017 05:42pm | #1

    Or for $6.95, you could buy a post level, which would come with its own rubber band to hold it in place.

    http://www.homedepot.com/p/Oz-Post-Post-Level-50740/202400878

    This would have been a good hint 20 years ago, but it's kind of dated now, like too many of these hints.

  2. Suburbanguy | Jul 22, 2017 07:19pm | #2

    BobboMax I guess you believe those little 4 inch levels are adequate on rough lumber. Sure, why waste money on a 4 ft or 6 ft level.

  3. jmcdvm | Jul 23, 2017 07:12pm | #3

    Ditto on BobboMax, I've been using one piece post levels for at least 10-15 yrs. They also make it easy to "wrap around mark" the posts by running a marker around the top or bottom of the post level or any other situation you want to do a 'wrap around" mark on a square or rectangular post or other wood from 1x1's to 8x8's. You don't have to juggle two levels and a bungee; you can also just hold the post level up to the post for a quick check for plumb check in two directions instantly. If you want to check plumb over longer lengths you can even screw mount the post level to a couple of lengths of straight guide strips to each face of the post level. So Patrick, welcome back to planet Earth, we have had these post levels for a few years while you have been gone. We have all sorts of new gadgets, power tools (cordless!), laser levels/guides, eyeglasses and other cool things like wheels etc.

  4. AKOldman | Feb 03, 2020 08:17pm | #4

    Guys, your comments are a couple of years old now. However, before you rag on someone you should check when the original post was made. This one was back in issue 41. The latest issue is number 289. When you guys posted your comments you were approx 227 issues after the original.
    Suburbanguy, BobboMax didn't say anything against 4 or 6 ft levels, very poor argument on your part.

  5. Kurt99 | Feb 05, 2020 10:15pm | #5

    I agree that $6.95 is a bargain if you are putting in 20 posts on a project or fairly regularly set a few posts. I for one probably set one or two posts a year. Something that I use that seldom won't earn a place in my day to day tools. If I have one, it probably gets stored in my attic or my shop at work where chances are it will be across town from where I am when I need it. If I remember this trick, I likely have two levels available and there are always bungee cords in my truck. Bingo, I made the project a little easier.

    Many of these improvised tips are not what I would want to use day to day, but when a need comes up and I don't have the right tool handy, taking 15 minutes to do something that could be done with the right tool in 2 minutes is a winner if the other option is spending an hour to go across town to get the right tool I own, or an hour to go to the store to get a new one.

  6. bobbomax | Apr 23, 2023 06:05pm | #6

    I have to agree with Kurt99. Somebody described being at a job with a tube of caulk, but no gun. His solution was his hammer handle in the tube, with the head pressed against his shoulder like a shotgun. I laughed until the day I found myself in the same situation.

    BTW, those post levels are $10 now.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More Tips & Techniques

View All
  • Precut Bottom Plates in Doorways
  • Prevent Paint Bridging With Picks
  • Stop Cracks at Corners
  • Sticker Smudge Solution
View All

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Installing Prefinished Cabinet Molding

Use these assembly techniques when installing crown risers and molding to minimize visible gaps and nail holes.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • Tall Deck on a Sloped Lot
  • Deck Details for Durability
  • Guard Posts for Angled Deck Corners
  • How to Space and Install Pergola Rafters

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

Video

View All Videos
  • How to Space and Install Pergola Rafters
  • How to Lay Out Post Bases for a Pergola
  • Angle Bracing for a Pergola
  • Raising and Bracing Pergola Posts
View All

Decks

View All Decks Articles
  • Building and Installing Pergola Beams
  • Designing a Pergola
  • Finish a Pergola with Strapping
View All Decks Articles

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data