Looking for a little bit of help in selecting a good tool. We are a full service architecture firm in Cincinnati (http://www.rwaarchitects.com). Frequently we need to produce accurate as-built drawings when doing addition and remodeling work and in the past have used either a Stanley Compulevel or a Zip Level which I believe was the successor to the Compulevel. Our Zip Level has never been as accurate as we would like (problems with calibrating and maintaining a consistent zero point), and the Compulevel has been recently damaged. Can anyone reccommend a reliable, accurate tool for measuring elevation changes, differences if floor levels, etc. that can be done without having a direct line of sight (i.e. lasers)?
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Replies
The water tube level has worked well for many years.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Thanks, Eddie. I don't know because I've never used one, but are there any issues with setup (access to water, draining) or the chance to make a mess of someone's Persian rug (or something more unfortunate). Often we are going into people's homes while they are actively living in them. Any thoughts?
That was a semi-sarcastic response, designed to keep the discussion alive.
But, a water level is very accurate, and is limited only by the length of the hose. Fasten one end to a door frame, put a story pole on the other end, and start walking. No leaks unless you raise one end too high.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Thanks, Eddie. Sometimes I'm a bit slower than most and didn't pick up on the tounge in cheek! The water level has been around for ages and definitely works. What we liked about the Compulevel was that it is all self-contained and gave the vertical distance between levels without any additional devices.
Thanks again,
Mark
Look at this thread.
http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&msg=62995.1
You might want to look at the cheapy that I found.
And you might want to contact Lawrence as he is a dealer of the Zip Level and might have more ideas about the problems.
He has not been on for about a month you can try emailing him through his profile or at his website.
http://www.gardenstructure.com/
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Thanks, Bill, I'll give him a shout!