As a renovation contractor, I work mostly in old homes that require straightening (where possible). To find out how much a floor sagged from one corner to the other, I used to lay down my level, lift up one end to level, lay my cheek on the floor, and try to read the dimension of the gap (usually in 16ths) on my tape measure.
That was then. Now I use drill bits to make the job easier and more accurate. Instead of measuring the low end with a tape, I slide a drill bit under the raised end of the level. Whatever the diameter of the bit is, as revealed to me by the void in my bit box, is how far out of level the floor is over 4 ft. I make a note on my pad and move along to the next section, extrapolating the data to give me a map of the floor and its tendencies. This method also works great when cutting door jambs, when I need to know exactly how much a floor dips.
—Craig Shields, Toronto, None
Edited by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #192
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FastCap sells a screw-based device called "How Far Out" that attaches to the end of your level and gives a direct readout. Only problem is the $60 price- worth it if you make a living installing cabinets and doors in old houses, but a little spendy otherwise.