Spent $800 on a laser level and it was a total waste for framing work

My $80 string line setup is faster and never needs calibration, so can anyone explain why guys drop that kind of cash on a tool that just sits in the truck?

2 comments

2 Comments

gavinwood2d ago

Laser levels have their place but not for rough framing. String lines are faster and more reliable on open stud walls. A laser can drift out of calibration after one bump on a jobsite. Plus all that dust and vibration just ruins the accuracy over time. Guys buy them because they look professional on Instagram but end up using tape and chalk lines for the actual work anyway. Not trying to knock anyone's tool budget but that $800 could've bought a good saw or a bunch of lumber.

alicebarnes1d ago

Real question though, how many times have you seen a laser level get knocked off a stud and nobody even notices until way later when the walls are all out of square? Happens all the time on bigger crews I've been on. String lines force you to actually stop and look at what you're doing instead of just trusting a red dot. Do you think the guys pushing lasers are mostly just the ones who never learned how to pull a tight string line properly?