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Discussion Boards > Active Subjects > Messages as Posted > Landscape Design Forum

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09-16-2003, 11:54

Post: 64040

ScooterMagee

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Is My Retaining Wall Level

I’ve started my retaining wall project and have two separate walls to build (1) about 40’ long and (1) about 80’ long. I’ve pulled strings, used hanging line levels, and a 4’ beam level, but am still not comfortable that I have the base row level. So, my question, without renting (or buying) a rotary laser level, does anyone know any “trick” (= inexpensive) way to check level over such a long length. There must have been a method to do this before rotary laser levels. And, in the scheme of things how close is close enough over an 80' length?

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09-17-2003, 08:49

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ScooterMagee

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Is My Retaining Wall Level

Okay, I gave it a try last nite. Used a 50ft garden hose, a couple of hose fittings and a couple of pieces of 3/4" clear tubing. The 40ft wall was perfect (plus-or-minus 1/16". However, the 80ft wall was off about 1-1/16" over 50'. Darn, I thought I was closer than that. Oh well, since I only have the first row of blocks set, I think I'll pull 'em back up, and adjust. Thanks for the advice, all. This worked out well.

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09-17-2003, 10:12

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ScooterMagee

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Is My Retaining Wall Level

No Costcos in Omaha.

My concern with the "torpedo" type laser levels is not with the laser, but with their leveling bubbles. Even if you are only off a 1/64" over 9", you will be 1-5/8" off over 80'. That's why I really liked the water level idea.

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09-17-2003, 11:34

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ScooterMagee

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Is My Retaining Wall Level

I would agree, once you have established your two points with the water level, just align the laser to pass thru both points and you have a straight & level line. For what I’m doing, I marked the water level heights on two stakes, 50ft apart, and pulled a string between them. From there, I will measure down a constant height.

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09-18-2003, 07:37

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ScooterMagee

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Is My Retaining Wall Level

Actually that was part of the original question, "how close is close enough over an 80' length?" All-in-all, It took about an hour to adjust the first row, which is now dead-on. I could have lived with 1/2in, but an inch seemed like too much at the time. I guess I have to realize that I’m not building the Great Pyramid of Egypt (although it seems like it sometimes, when you’re lugging 115-lb blocks around). Now, only 13 more rows to go.

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No Costcos in Omaha. My concern with the "torpedo" type laser levels is not with the laser, but with their leveling bubbles. Even if you are only off a 1/64" over 9", you will be 1-5/8" off over 80'. That's why I really liked the water level idea.

No Costcos in Omaha.

My concern with the "torpedo" type laser levels is not with the laser, but with their leveling bubbles. Even if you are only off a 1/64" over 9", you will be 1-5/8" off over 80'. That's why I really liked the water level idea.