mia91•15d ago

String lines vs. lasers: Why I'm sticking with the old way

Everyone seems to think laser levels are the best thing for bricklaying. I get that they're quick to set up. But I've had too many issues with them on sunny days or when power runs out. For example, on a recent project, the laser failed and we lost a whole morning fixing mistakes. With string lines, you always have a physical guide that doesn't depend on batteries. It might take extra minutes to set, but it's reliable. I believe we should focus more on skill than just speed.

4 comments

4 Comments

jade_reed15d ago

Totally agree! I've seen a laser get knocked out of level by a gust of wind and ruin a whole course. The extra five minutes with string saves you hours fixing mistakes later.

christopher4115d ago

Actually, @jade_reed, lasers save more time in the long run.

anthony34015d ago

Yeah lasers are cool until they die on you mid job. I've learned the hard way that a string line never runs out of batteries. Old school just works.

brianfoster10d ago

Wait, lasers can just die in the middle of working? That's actually terrifying. I never really thought about that part. So you're just up on a ladder and it quietly quits on you? That makes @jade_reed's point about the wind even worse. You've got two ways for the fancy tool to fail you before you even know it. Maybe the old string does have one big thing going for it: it can't just turn off and leave you.