DIY Shed AsktheBuilder Builders Level and Transit

www.AsktheBuilder.com founder, Tim Carter, demonstrates how to get things level while building a shed using a modern laser level and a traditional optical builder's transit.
Both the laser level and transit are great tools. The advantage of the laser is that it requires only one person to operate it.
The optical transit requires two people - one at the transit and one holding the grade pole.
For more DIY Shed building tips and information and the actual plans for the shed in this video, click the following links:
SHED PLANNING:
www.askthebuilder.com/how-to-p...
SHEDS for STORAGE:
www.askthebuilder.com/storage-...
GARDEN SHEDS:
www.askthebuilder.com/garden-s...
SHED RAMPS:
www.askthebuilder.com/shed-ramps/
ACTUAL SHED PLANS:
shop.askthebuilder.com/deluxe-...

[@bergilloannang6600]

Is it possible to transfer this equipment from one place to another when there are posts which you can't be able to sight due to blocking?

[@askthebuilder]

Yes. You just have to recalibrate your elevations. Be SURE to create a point somewhere that is your north star or a thing that you can reset your grade pole on and it's at the exact same place as before.

[@jeremyorourke4334]

Is there something wrong with my builder's level? When I get it level one way and then turn it it is not right.

[@askthebuilder]

No. You need to improve your skills on how to get it level.

[@PimpBeetle138]

Might need to be recalibrated

[@larryslemp9698]

@@askthebuilder But you never tell HOW!!

[@rubenolivascarrion206]

How do you use the transit to square your layout?

[@askthebuilder]

I don't. I just use a tape measure. Watch this video: www.askthebuilder.com/how-to-square-something/

[@armorvestrus4119]

You can use a transit for that if you know how to line the plumb-bob exactly over a nail. Spread the legs but leave the front leg a few inches shorter than the other two. With both hands on the two back legs move the plumb-bob until it comes in line with the nail but is a bit forward of it now move to the front leg and slowly raise it until the bob is over the nail. Now place the level on top tighten just a little and finish centering and tighten snug. Set zero facing the left corner and turn 90 degrees to the right corner. You will need a rod man at both ends, mark the point and reset zero and turn back to the first point. It should line up with 270 degrees. If not repeat and check for errors. I promise this will work up to about 200 feet with most common levels.

[@davem145mxr]

I'm old school, I'll stick with the builders level I think they are more accurate

[@jeffreyaustin3217]

Yea and when you’re still dragging your feet with that dinosaur technique... I’ve already got a benchmark set, batter boards up and digging my footings. It’s 2020...

[@askthebuilder]

I agree 100%. For unlimited tips subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com

[@dunnkruger8825]

Does the smaller one have a laser beam?

[@askthebuilder]

I think it's pretty clear in the video. One is an optical transit - think WW II submarine periscope view.

[@danbrown4134]

Hi, thanks for this video. But, this is confusing for someone like me, who has never used a tool like this before. I have a corner space in my back yard, that is about 20 x 20 feet, and I need to completely level it for an above ground pool. So, the problem with all of these videos, for me at least, is that no one is saying what you do next. So, for example, I want to have this been super low to the ground, so I can go around and move the soil with a rake or shovel. But, I'm not sure where to start, so like, on the side of the area, in the middle. How do you get your starting point of reference. I can't find any instructional manual on any of these tools, or any videos that tells very specifically how to start leveling the soil once you have the level set up. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[@proverbs11thirty]

Dan Brown Dan, your point of reference is one that you choose. Unless you have an actual grade elevation, which is done by a surveyor. I can go in more detail but will wait to see if this helps first.

[@highwatercircutrider]

Hire a builder or better yet a surveyor to set grade stakes for you

[@OffroadTrucker740]

i'd just dig out enough to get rid of the topsoil and have a base of sand for the bottom liner. set up the laser. set grade rod at your lowest point of the 20x20 area and set the reciever to zero on the laser. add the depth of your cut. then just dig out the entire area on that grade. lets say you want it all dug out 8". you add that to where your laser was first set at. then say you want 4" of sand, so subtract 4. then level out your sand while checking it with the grade rod.

[@stephen9973]

you just level to a consistent height on the level rod. use whatever starting point you want

[@joethornell1126]

I'm a surveyor and we use all kinds of instruments. I wish I could explain it to you, but it would be much much much easier to show you. Good Luck.

[@whirlwindjml]

That laser hit me in the eye😢

[@askthebuilder]

You'll get over it like a bad cold. The juice boxes are over on the counter next to the coloring books.

[@SoCalRhetor]

I'm betting this guy succumbed to a heart attack since this video...

[@askthebuilder]

Do you need my address to send your $100 bill? No heart attack. I'm in fantastic health. You should be watching my new LIVE streams to see how I'm still ticking along.