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

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

String level accuracy?

e2canoe | Posted in Tools for Home Building on July 17, 2004 02:49am

I’ve always used string levels (aka line levels) for large distances (e.g. ledger boards, soffit lines, etc) but I got to thinking about how accurate such a device could possibly be.

Any thoughts on this?  Would a water level (tubing with water in it) be more accurate.  Other than lasers which, if I understand correctly, can’t be used unless you have a way of mounting them at the same level that you want to draw your horizontal line, what other tools can I do to get accurate, long (>8 ft) lines?

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

Replies

  1. User avater
    dieselpig | Jul 17, 2004 02:57am | #1

    Line levels are a great concept, but horribly inaccurate.  A water level would be an excellent cost effective choice for long distance leveling.  I use lasers sometimes as well, just shoot a reference line and then you can pull accurate measurements off of that line (or even use a story pole) if you can't set it up conveniently.

    1. e2canoe | Jul 17, 2004 03:08am | #3

      Thanks.  I ended up buysing a Zircon water level (fancy version that beeps when level - nice) and it got it within I'd say 1/8" - good enough.

      I'm relegating the line level to landscaping projects only from now on.

      And thanks for the tip about the laser (shoot marks at ground level and us story pole or tape to transfer to desired height).  As obvious as it seems to me now, I hadn't thought of doing that - I feel kinda stupid about that!  Now I have an excuse to go buy yet another tool :)

      1. User avater
        dieselpig | Jul 17, 2004 03:27am | #5

        Always happy to help in the justification of another's tool purchases!

        One more thing about line levels....

        you gotta figure......they're usually free with the purchase of a chalk box or something, right?

        Last time I checked, you get nothing for nothing.

        Another nice thing to have I've found is a regular box-beam level with a built in laser.  The one I have is just a Porter Cable torpedo level w/ laser.  I mount it to my 4' Stabila and can get decent accuracy for things like sloping decks or setting ledgers.

        1. e2canoe | Jul 17, 2004 03:32am | #6

          level with built in laser?  Great.  New tool #2.

        2. User avater
          bobl | Jul 18, 2004 05:14pm | #36

          what do u think of the on-off switch on that PC.

          i don't like it.  turn it on by accident_____________________________

          bobl          Volo, non valeo

          1. User avater
            dieselpig | Jul 20, 2004 09:13am | #50

            Sorry for taking so long to respond.  I'm on vacation on Cape Cod right now.  Just drove back up to take care of some business this morning when things open up.

            On/off switch on the little level or the laser?  Level bad, laser good. 

      2. User avater
        Dinosaur | Jul 17, 2004 07:57am | #10

        Yeah, think of the laser level as a kind of electronic transit, LOL.

        If you can find an old transit measuring stick to use with the laser level, you're laughing all the way home. Works like a dream. A static laser level works best with two men, like a transit, but you can use it alone if you don't mind walking back and forth a lot. If you want to invest a bit more, look into a rotary unit. Save you a lot on shoeleather....

        The weak point with the low-end laser levels is not the laser itself but the tripod and base leveller. Some of the cheaper ones can take you forever to set up.

        Dinosaur

        'Y-a-tu de la justice dans ce maudit monde?

        1. e2canoe | Jul 17, 2004 10:58am | #11

          Thanks everyone for your advice.

          1. ronbudgell | Jul 17, 2004 04:35pm | #12

            I'm pretty suspicious of most of the laser levels on the market. They are only as good as the bubble in the vial and even if that's perfect there's still no guarantee that the level is mounted precisely parallel to the base of the level.  Stabila makes one, though, and that's gotta be good.

            My experience is that you don't even get what you pay for. I have a Stanley laser which cost a significant sum four years ago and which is out about 3/8" over 50 feet, making it pretty well useless for the purpose I bought it for.  Now I do know that Stanley isn't a high end brand name, but there was this fast talking salesman, you see.....

            Even water levels aren't completely dependable as you'll find the first time you have one end in the sun and the other end in the shade. Check them frequently by bringing the two ends together.

            Ron

          2. User avater
            JeffBuck | Jul 18, 2004 09:00am | #31

            as far as a real lazer goes ...

            got the PLS2 and the PLS5 last year ...

            both work great.

            I use the little (and much cheaper) PLS2 much more ...

            both auto level ... hardest part is putting the batteries in ...

            have hopes to find an excuse to buy the PLS360 ...

            makes for a line the whole way around the place ...

            btw ... http://www.toolfetch.com is the place to buy these things ... I searched forever for the best price ... they got it.

            Jeff

            Buck Construction, llc   Pittsburgh,PA

                 Artistry in Carpentry                

          3. ronbudgell | Jul 18, 2004 10:04pm | #39

            S'alright, Jeff, I gave up on the junk and got a Nikon autolevel now. No bright lights but it claims to have an error less than 3/16" at 200'. Good enough to fool most people. I can read sixteenths on a tape at 70' with this thing.

            Are you primed and ready for mike's?

            Ron

            Edited 7/18/2004 3:06 pm ET by RONBUDGELL

            Edited 7/18/2004 3:06 pm ET by RONBUDGELL

          4. User avater
            JeffBuck | Jul 19, 2004 01:25am | #46

            "Are you primed and ready for mike's?"

            yes-sir-ree-bob!

            JeffBuck Construction, llc   Pittsburgh,PA

                 Artistry in Carpentry                

    2. User avater
      Gunner | Jul 17, 2004 06:10pm | #13

      When are they gonna make a laser level that projects the diamonds every 19.2 inches? I've went through my string lines and marked em on there but can't get the laser line marked.Who Dares Wins.

      1. e2canoe | Jul 17, 2004 06:11pm | #14

        What is the significance of 19.2"?

        1. User avater
          Gunner | Jul 17, 2004 06:18pm | #15

          If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand.View ImageWho Dares Wins.

      2. User avater
        dieselpig | Jul 17, 2004 06:24pm | #16

        That's an easy one.  Just hold your framing square up to the diamonds and shoot your mark with the laser.  Then use the tables on your framing square to easily convert it back to 19.2" units.  If your framing square won't stay up, just secure it with some drywall screws or other fastener suitable for cabinet hanging.

        See how easy that it?

        1. User avater
          Gunner | Jul 17, 2004 09:38pm | #18

          View Image    I guess I wasn't thinking. Thanks.Who Dares Wins.

          1. Hubedube | Jul 17, 2004 10:21pm | #22

            Hey gunner.  As you know,16" and 24" are normal spacings in constuction, and will divide into 96" (8') equally. This"ENGINEERS" measure is as close as you can get to divide into 5 parts. Example;  19- 3/16"  times 5 = 95-15/16" close enough , seldom used. Thats why, on some tapes (not all) there is a triangular marking at  every19-3/16" interval. Actually ,to be more precise,its 19-3/16" plus a hair.  Hopes this helps...   Hube

          2. User avater
            Gunner | Jul 17, 2004 10:31pm | #23

            And that helps me transfer it to a laser level how?Who Dares Wins.

          3. User avater
            IMERC | Jul 17, 2004 10:55pm | #24

            I was wondering the same thing...

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....                                                                   WOW!!!   What a Ride!

          4. User avater
            Sphere | Jul 17, 2004 11:28pm | #26

            be nice...he's new to the joke.. 

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

          5. User avater
            IMERC | Jul 18, 2004 01:08am | #29

            HEY!!!!!!

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....                                                                   WOW!!!   What a Ride!

      3. User avater
        Sphere | Jul 17, 2004 08:26pm | #17

        my newsest tape has SPADES instead of diamonds wassup with that? 

        Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

        Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

        1. User avater
          Gunner | Jul 17, 2004 09:40pm | #19

          I bought a Big Johnson a few weeks ago then gave it away. It had spades also, I didn't even want to know what that was all about so I unloaded it fast.Who Dares Wins.

          1. User avater
            Sphere | Jul 17, 2004 10:00pm | #20

            gee, that's weird..I was kiddin.

            what's next clubs? hearts? we'll be gablin instead of workin..cut a hunk off the tape evry 19.2 inches and  " I got a 38.4 of hearts" that beats yer 19.2 of clubs...could be a new way to kill time at lunch.. 

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

          2. User avater
            Gunner | Jul 17, 2004 10:05pm | #21

            Ever play dollar poker? (I think that's what they used to call it.) Each of you pull out a buck and somehow compare serial numbers and make up a poker hand out of it. Maybe we could do that with a tape.Who Dares Wins.

          3. User avater
            Sphere | Jul 17, 2004 11:23pm | #25

            dollar poker

            1's are aces

            0's are 10's

            we actually called it Liars poker.

            say you got a bill..folded so I can't see it and it has

            114227902 for a number

            I got 885630021

            you start..and say three 2's..cuz ya got em.. no lie

            I say four 2's...cuz I KNOW I have one..and THINK you have three..

            now we gotta beat 4 2's..

            you call outthree 10's (you lied..but really there are 3 cuz I have two..)

            I say 4 10's..thinking you MIGHT have 2..and with my 2 that's four..

            you say 5 10's...

            I call...show me your buck, I show you mine..I only have 2, you only have one...I called the game when you "Lied" at 5

            you hand me the buck and we start over, with fresh bills..the used ones get traded in to the barkeep..

            I used to carry a bill with 6 1's (aces)..in my wallet..just for some big ol dummy to wanna play high stakes..but I almost got shot, for using it,, so I tore it up...lol

            In my old bar days..I'd come home with a WAD of $...lairs poker and playing pool..hardly had to work. 

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

          4. VaTom | Jul 18, 2004 05:06pm | #34

            In my old bar days..I'd come home with a WAD of $...lairs poker and playing pool..hardly had to work.

            Sounds good.  Now you spend your time sweating on roofs.  Have you identified your downfall? PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!

          5. User avater
            Sphere | Jul 18, 2004 09:44pm | #38

            My down fall was my divorce..there went the wad of cash. 

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

          6. User avater
            IMERC | Jul 18, 2004 10:41pm | #40

            That's the way it is suppose to be....

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....                                                                   WOW!!!   What a Ride!

          7. VaTom | Jul 18, 2004 11:09pm | #41

            Ouch!  Not something I've experienced.

            While we're widely digressing, you know anything about acme thread?  Visited my (retired) machinist just now and picked up a plug of 4??? steel that will get an acme  thread cut in it after I do some very simple machining.  Apparently not a big deal with the right lathe.  Surprised me, but I've got a whole lot to learn.PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!

          8. User avater
            Sphere | Jul 18, 2004 11:53pm | #42

            Acme is square cut, and a hell of lot stonger than vee cut. I never saw one strip..and never saw a tap or die either.

            I think a screw lathe is THE tool for those.

            Lemme know what ya learn. 

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

          9. VaTom | Jul 19, 2004 12:11am | #43

            Yep, acme's square, but not "square thread", which is thicker.  Maybe a different proportion.  He showed me the square thread on his railroad wheel-sized lathe.  Far as I know both parts are lathe-cut.

            I stripped the thread out of the base of my 3 jaw gear puller.  Cast steel base, being replaced with that 4??? steel, a little thicker.  Next time something else is supposed to fail.  Abuse? What abuse?

            There was a good sale on imported lathes last month.  He forgot to tell me.  I've been looking for a nice used one for awhile.  Gotta get one while he's still around to tutor me.  Same guy who made a custom gear for my Cat that had 2 gear sizes out of one piece of steel, then tricky tempering.  Workin' great now. PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!

          10. User avater
            Sphere | Jul 19, 2004 12:36am | #44

            sounds too familiar..a buddy was "hemming in" my wayward spring and installing a new concrete manhole..he was walking his International back hoe by knuckling down the hoe, and lifting up the machine, raise the outriggers and scoot forward and lower the stabilizers again..a walking tripod if you will.

            I told him thats a good way to bust sumptin..he says " awe, I do it all the time"

            not 2 mins. later I hear a 'boom'..the arm was hanging like a limp you know what..broke the casting with a 4'' dia. SPLINED jiont right at the base of the arm..looked pricy to me.

            He came back with tools..( I still don't have water, bathing in the creek) few days later and yanked it off, and said the new splined part was 3K..yikes.

            So he took it to a local machine shop, they plasma cut out the internal splines part and fabbed a new mounting block..all for 15oo.oo...and only 3 weeks...damn I was glad to have water again..that creek hair washin got old fast..and in March in NC mtns. that water was cold.

            You musta been using the canned spinach to strip a gear puller..of if the casting broke, I'da tried the mig on it. I have a cast aluminun vise "virtuex" or no. it's a "Zyliss" I stripped the floating nut acme thread..I covered the screw with grease, and cast new threads with J-B weld..lol..hey it works. 

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

          11. VaTom | Jul 19, 2004 04:19am | #47

            You musta been using the canned spinach to strip a gear puller..of if the casting broke, I'da tried the mig on it.

            I stripped it. 

            Once wandered into the local Ford dealer looking for a new lug bolt for an F600.  The other customer looked at the snapped one and observed that there must be more to me than meets the eye.

            Yep.  I understand leverage.  Then if you have a job and a tool...  The other lug bolts came right out- after cooking them.  That 10' cheater bar was a little too much.  Or maybe I shouldn't have been jumping on it.  Hey, I was eager to trade the truck for my first crawler and part of the deal was to drive it to its new home.  Functioning brakes struck me as prudent.

            I knew a guy who moved his backhoe without a trailer.  Just walked it into his dump truck, stilt style.  Never broke anything that I heard of.  Sure looked strange.  You've seen the railroad car pictures?PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!

          12. UncleDunc | Jul 19, 2004 12:41am | #45

            Here's a site that shows the difference between square and acme threads. Scroll down to the end.

            http://www.mech.uwa.edu.au/DANotes/threads/intro/intro.html

          13. VaTom | Jul 19, 2004 04:37am | #48

            Here's a site that shows the difference between square and acme threads.

            Most interesting, thank you. 

            My acme threads were too small and encrusted for me to notice the angle.  Either my guy knew the application or his eyesight's better than I thought.  But the same guy'll pick up a rusty piece of scrap and go on about the steel type and what its possibilities are.  Like the piece we're using, doesn't temper well.  PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!

          14. User avater
            Qtrmeg | Jul 18, 2004 01:15pm | #32

            Gunner>>> "I bought a Big Johnson a few weeks ago... so I unloaded it fast."

            I keep getting e-mails about them, always wondered if it was worth it.

          15. User avater
            Gunner | Jul 18, 2004 04:35pm | #33

            Nope some times too much is uncomfortable to pack around. Your better off with a little smaller but manuverable.Who Dares Wins.

          16. CAGIV | Jul 20, 2004 01:20am | #49

            I see the wife has been trying to boost your self esteem

          17. User avater
            bobl | Jul 18, 2004 05:10pm | #35

            "I bought a Big Johnson "

            did you type that with a straight face?_____________________________

            bobl          Volo, non valeo

          18. User avater
            Gunner | Jul 18, 2004 06:01pm | #37

            I tried to.Who Dares Wins.

          19. User avater
            Luka | Jul 20, 2004 12:14pm | #51

            You bought a big johnson ?

            You BOUGHT a big johnson ???

            Never mind, I don't even want to know.

            *shudder*

            "Criticism without instruction is little more than abuse." D.Sweet

          20. MGMaxwell | Jul 24, 2004 02:41am | #53

            My big johnson says "swan" sometimes and other times says "saskatchewan"

          21. User avater
            IMERC | Jul 24, 2004 07:04am | #54

            Mine has a tat of a Springer Harley on it....

            Great pick up line to use on the babes... "Wanna ride my Harley".... 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....                                                                   WOW!!!   What a Ride!

          22. User avater
            Gunner | Jul 24, 2004 10:01am | #55

              When girls used to ask me if I had anymore tatoos other the the ones they could see. I would tell them"Yep I got a battleship on my stomach." (when I had a flat stomach.) Then I'd pull up my shirt and look all proud. They would of course look and see nothing, then I would look down then up real quick and blurt out. "It must have sunk!" Then start acting like I was going to pull down my pants to look for it. They always got a kick out of it.

            Who Dares Wins.

            Edited 7/24/2004 3:04 am ET by Gunner

            Edited 7/24/2004 9:52 pm ET by Gunner

      4. User avater
        BillHartmann | Jul 17, 2004 11:33pm | #27

        You take a zircon ring, you know the one that you got your wife for an aniversery gift and told her is was a real 2 carrat diamond, but you actually paid $19.95 on the TV shopping network.

        Take that and shine the laser on it.

        It will project a matrix of diamond horizonataly and veritically on the wall.

        1. User avater
          Sphere | Jul 17, 2004 11:36pm | #28

          yep...quartz works too..

          tourlamine makes a CIRCLE..

          we used to do it all the time in the "Gem Capital of the World" Franklin, NC.

          shot lasers at soooo many differnt gems..way cool. 

          Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

        2. User avater
          Gunner | Jul 18, 2004 02:53am | #30

          Think the wife will miss her anniversery present?Who Dares Wins.

  2. User avater
    Sphere | Jul 17, 2004 03:03am | #2

    yup, what DP said..

    how tite can ya get the string?

     

    Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

    Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

    1. e2canoe | Jul 17, 2004 03:10am | #4

      I use mason's line for the line level.   Can usually get that tight enough to play a high C on it ;)

  3. DanH | Jul 17, 2004 05:45am | #7

    One really big advantage of water levels is that they can "see" around corners, something that no other level can do. This is especially handy when establishing a level line in a odd-shaped room, or when establishing level on the outside of a building when, eg, preparing for siding.

  4. User avater
    jonblakemore | Jul 17, 2004 06:06am | #8

    You string level could be more accurate if you make sure it's in the center of your two points. Any sag should be equal this way. Of course this is assuming the bubble vial is accurate.

     

    Jon Blakemore

  5. 4Lorn1 | Jul 17, 2004 06:56am | #9

    IMO decent quality line levels can be good enough for a lot of work. One of my first bosses pointed out that it depends on getting it near the center of the line run. The line will sag some no matter how tight you get it. The ends will tilt toward the middle. The middle will be much more correctly in relation to the line.

    As an electrician I usually only carry a torpedo level. I keep a 2' and 4' level on the truck but these stay mostly unused. Even something as rigid as 1/2" conduit sometimes, seems to depend on the brand, can have enough flex to give a false reading if you read the level when it is near the end of a 10' run supported at both ends.

    On long runs I have come to depend on a water level. I don't have a laser level and I'm not sure I want one. I have seen laser levels, assumed to be accurate, give false readings after being set up wrong, bumped after setup or thrown into the truck one too many times. I'm not the only person to check a laser level against a water level and find the laser level wanting. High tech doesn't always translate into 'better'.

    A lot of emphasis is placed on accuracy but nothing is ever absolutely accurate. Anything approaching true accuracy doesn't remain that way for long. Long ago I learned that the best references are only accurate shortly after being calibrated and under standard conditions. Temperature, moisture or pressure changes distort materials.

    It tickles me to see precision woodworkers fiddle with machinery to the last thousandths of an inch. Never mind that opening the shop door or a cold front moving through the area can cause the wood to swell or warp enough to make their tweaking meaningless. No loss as long as they enjoy the process I guess.

    True accuracy is an illusion. The only relevant measure is how accurate must it be? Or what is the smallest sensible measurement. HOs don't usually check surfaces with laboratory grade laser references. A bit off is normal. As long as that bit remains below what they can sense your usually fine.

    In this context a line level, properly used, is probably good enough for most slabs. They have been used, in some form, for generations. It isn't like houses suddenly became orders of magnitude more accurately put together when laser levels came out. A good standard for plumb and level in construction often, IMHO, has more to do with the care and skill of the tradesmen than with what equipment they use.

    A good experiment would be to set up a line, water and laser levels and compare readings. Maybe the setup of of line level could be tweaked to increase accuracy. Same with he others. Ideally all of them could be adjusted to read relatively the same.

  6. csnow | Jul 20, 2004 04:31pm | #52

    After 'roughing' it with a line level, you can fine tune your line with a long spirit level for better accuracy.

  7. MojoMan | Jul 24, 2004 08:03pm | #56

    My beeping Zircon water level is now in retirement. I just got the Porter Cable 3-beam torpedo level. I'm building a 14' x 24' deck with screen house on top. I used the lazer for laying out footings (90 deg beams), determining Sonotube length, determining post heights and squaring the frame. Imagine my delight as I checked things at every step of the way with levels and squares and found them right on.

    This tool made things so quick and easy I found myself looking for other ways to use it.

    Al Mollitor, Sharon MA

    1. User avater
      bobl | Jul 29, 2004 01:27am | #57

      what do you mount the PC on?_____________________________

      bobl          Volo, non valeo

      1. MojoMan | Jul 29, 2004 05:41am | #59

        The PC lazer comes with a nifty little base that has leveling screws that allow you to set it up on any surface that's at least about 3" wide and 6" long. This can be used when setting up the level on a beam, on the floor, on a block or most other places. 

        I also bought a $40 Northern Tools lazer level (From Amazon.Com) that comes with a tripod,  figuring the money was worth the tripod alone. The PC unit clamps into the tripod pretty well and the telescoping legs are fine, but this tripod isn't very easy to level and things wiggle around a bit, so I am always double-checking. You get what you pay for, I guess.

        I set this tripod up in the middle of my deck project and swung the beam around to all the pier locations as my assistant held a story pole. The depth to each footing was determined by marking the position of the lazer's dot on the pole and measuring to the bottom of the hole. We used these data to determine the lengths of the Sonotubes. Later, we used the same technique to determine the lengths of the 6x6 posts that sit atop the concrete piers.

        This Northern Tools level might be an inexpensive way to try out a lazer. I wanted the PC unit, however, because of it's 90 deg. beams that can be used for lay-out and squaring things up.

        Al Mollitor, Sharon MA

        1. User avater
          bobl | Jul 29, 2004 06:17am | #61

          I have one, but no tripod for it, was wondering what u used._____________________________

          bobl          Volo, non valeo

    2. e2canoe | Jul 29, 2004 02:17am | #58

      Yes, I'm eyeing a laser level too.  Curious to know what tripod you use.  Presumably, the quality of the tripod will be a major factor in accuracy (or is your PG self-levelling?)

      1. MojoMan | Jul 29, 2004 05:49am | #60

        See my reply to Bobl above.

        The PC lazer in not self-leveling. It's basically a torpedo level that shoots three lazer beams (straight, left, and up) with two perpendicular spirit vials to level it up and down and left and right. It comes with a small metal base with two leveling screws that works very well on most surfaces. A good tripod would be very helpful when there is no good surface handy or when you want to shoot at multiple locations from one spot.

        Al Mollitor, Sharon MA

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

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

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans

Hover's smartphone app offers an easier way to get precise 3D scans.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business
  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights

Highlights

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

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

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

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

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

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