The level going up got easier when I gave up the string line

Used to stretch a line across every long wall and fight it for hours, checking it with a level every few feet. Then a guy I worked with in Columbus, Ohio showed me his laser setup back in 2021 and I laughed at it. But after one afternoon of watching him set the first course, I bought a rotary laser the next day. Now I only use a line for the first row and then trust the laser for everything above it. It cut my layout time on a 40 foot wall from about 45 minutes down to maybe 15. Feels weird going back to a string line on small jobs now, it just takes twice as long. Any of you guys still run a line on every course or did you make the switch too?

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thompson.robin1mo ago

What happens when that laser battery dies halfway up a wall and you're stuck holding a level and a prayer? I've seen too many guys trust those things and then blame the equipment when the bubbles are all over the place. A string line never lies to you, it just sits there and forces you to do the work right. Sure it takes longer, but I've never had to redo a course because my string decided to recalibrate itself. Different tools for different folks, but I'll keep my line and my patience over a forty dollar gadget that needs charging every time I turn around.

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