non pro building sight level????

[Ed of all trades]

What do you non pro. Builders use to level your building pad. Laser, transit, or ???? Hoping to build a shop this summer and need something but can't see $400 or so. Thanks Ed

 

[mikefromnh]

Garden hose and some fittings to attach some clear tubing to the ends.

 

[BukitCase]

If you want cheap and have time to diddle with it, how about a water level? All you need to make one is a garden hose, 4-5 feet of clear tubing, a few hose fittings and you're done - I did one several years ago, I can save you one PITA by suggesting CAPS for both pieces of clear tubing - just remember to loosen both caps once the hose is in place, or it will LIE to you... Steve

 

[RDrancher]

Here's a link to one of the best deals out there. CST/berger 20X Speed Line Level Kit 54-190K, Construction Transit

 

[Ed of all trades]

I have a lot of dirt to move and was hoping for something that I could use for grade work. Wouldn't the hose be hard to grade with?

 

[s219]

You can rent a surveyor's kit pretty cheap. Can also use the Theodolite app on iPhone/iPad with a tripod and shoot elevations.

 

[Ed of all trades]

Here's a link to one of the best deals out there. CST/berger 20X Speed Line Level Kit 54-190K, Construction Transit

That looks good, just have to figure out something to hold the grade rod.

 

[RDrancher]

That looks good, just have to figure out something to hold the grade rod.

Here you go. Grade Pole Holder - Excavation & Site Work - Contractor Talk

 

[CalG]

I have a lot of dirt to move and was hoping for something that I could use for grade work. Wouldn't the hose be hard to grade with?

The transit doesn't move much material either! ;-)

But I think....if you use the leveling tools of your choice to SET GRADE PEGS in the ground, you can do just about anything you want to between the grade pegs, and always come back and pull a string to see how you are progressing.

 

[CalG]

That looks good, just have to figure out something to hold the grade rod.

There is a reason some men marry!

It's not all cooking, house keeping and sex! ;-)