What do you use for determining grade

[jAngiel]

I am hoping to lay down some pavers and also some drain pipe to attach my downspouts to in hopes that will prevent water from accumulating on my front sidewalk. I want to make sure that the walkway and patio slopes the way that I envision it in my head and also the drain pipe slopes correctly.

What does everyone use for this type work? A transit, a rotary laser level, the trusty water level.... Before I just used a 8' 2x4 on edge with a 4' level on it but this time I was thinking on trying something else, maybe getting a new toy for future projects but not spending mega bucks. I did see some professional grade rotary levels but at $1000 give or take, way to expensive for me.

I like the idea of a rotary laser level for cabinets and lots of other stuff inside, but can the less expensive ones be seen and used outside? The water levels are suppose to work well but with the hard water we have around here it seems the inside of the tubes would get gunked up and not be see-thru for very long. They are cheap though and new tubing wouldn't be very expensive, but they seem pretty low tech.

Any ideas?

[LarryG]

I use a dumpy level, grade stakes, and strings. Results are not dead solid perfect, but plenty good enough to ensure that the water flows downhill.

You can sometimes find dumpy levels at pawn shops, cheap.

[just4funsies]

A water level is a good option. If you are concerned about water quality in your area, then fill it with bottled water.

[jAngiel]

Thanks. I think the dumpy level is what I was thinking of when I mentioned a transit (never heard it called that before). I'm a little leary of purchasing stuff at a pawn shop when I am not familiar with what I am purchasing. The water level will probably work and it is the least expensive, but if I can find a good deal on a dumpy level I may get it. I have never used either so there would be some level of a learning curve with either one.

What I am planning on isn't in need of perfect measurements, like Larry mentioned, just enough to make water flow downhill.

[scorrpio]

I'd say water level. Just buy a 2.5gal of spring water and use it to fill the level.

[woodrowB]

A simple garden hose should suffice.

[LarryG]

I think the dumpy level is what I was thinking of when I mentioned a transit (never heard it called that before).

"Builder's level" is another common term. "Dumpy level" dates back to when the instruments were considerably more primitive than most of those in use today. But then "primitive" is a good description for the one I use.

You said $1000 was too much, and that you didn't want to spend mega-bucks, but didn't specify what that means. Basic yet very servicable builder's level packages (instrument, tripod, and grade rod) are available for $200-250, brand new. Even Porter-Cable has one for around $200. Water levels are far cheaper, of course.

A lot depends on what you'll use it for. A dumpy level is ideal for outside work like you're facing now; quicker and easier than a water level. OTOH a water level is better for interior work (cabinets, etc), especially if you need to work in different rooms. That's because a water level can effectively "see" through walls, whereas a dumpy level cannot.

[JR]

Straight line level - $3.99

It may not give you much new-tool satisfaction, but it gets the job done.

http://www.cvfsupply.com/miscellaneo..._straight.html

[jAngiel]

It may not give you much new-tool satisfaction, but it gets the job done.

http://www.cvfsupply.com/miscellaneo..._straight.html

I've seen those but always wondered if they worked well. I suppose they are pretty light, I guess I always thought they would weigh down the string and make it inaccurate. I suppose if you use a heavier gauge string and pull it tight it wouldn't have an impact.

[JR]

They're extremely light weight. You don't really need to worry about heavy-guage string. A snap-line will do the trick.

JR

[LarryG]

A string level like JR suggests will work, absolutely. Just drive some stakes, pull a tight and level string, and then do your arithmetic to get the correct amount of fall at each station point along the string.

[jAngiel]

I think that tiny little contraption is what I will attempt first. Not exactly new tool worthy but very inexpensive, I can save money for a rotary laser level for inside use when the time comes.

Thanks again all.

[Hellrazor]

I use strings with a line level or 3. I also have a 6' level i use for doing siding,etc and use that to verify things. I have also used a cheap laser level. Getting a laser system or transit/etc is overkill.