What is a grade stick for?

[@RRBuildings]

Just to clarify....Everyone of our jobs that has a concrete floor, the top of the concrete is 4" above "grade" . We want our concrete floor to be the same as the front doors thresh hold. therefore when we set out receiver at +4 and then zero it out...the receiver will get a solid tone at 0 on the grade stick when it is 4" below the finished concrete. Then I slide the stick up when resting it on the bracket and the number it tells me is the offset difference I use when making my columns. Hope that clears up some questions

[@MrThisIsMeToo]

No explanation of the beeps. This is 101 laser grade training across all common laser transits. Fast beeps mean you are high, slow beeps mean you are low.

[@pbj417]

I think a white board drawing that indicates all of your required measurements to lay our each post would clarify it for most people. By drawing a post with markings indicating the finished floor height, grade (4" below finished floor), height of the bracket (approximately 2" below grade), and total post length you can show how you are compensating for the small variations in bracket heights from post to post. In the end you are cutting the tops of each post to account for those small variations. Just a thought....

[@rubenvarela4077]

Lost me at back to zero plus 4

[@northvillejam]

So if building 16' with 4" concrete, the inside would be 15' 8"?

[@bradleylayton1741]

Want to start by saying love the content keep up the good work. However I wanted to add something since I use one everyday. Building guys tend to just go from finish floor as you did but the “correct way” (if there’s such a thing in construction) you actually bench your stick in at the sea level elevation. I say correct way loosely cause I come from a civil side of things and I’m sure your background is architectural in nature. There’s more than one way to skin a cat. I could try to explain but I’m sure I’d just confuse everyone.

[@daveylad2]

I get what you’ve done now RR , although I had to watch it several times and then sleep on it in between. After referencing finished floor height to zero on the pole, you lowered the receiver by 4” and then lengthened the pole by 4” now the zero mark on the pole is actual grade level. So now when you take the pole around the site and slide the receiver up or down to get a solid ping from the laser the difference between the mark on the receiver and the zero mark on the pole is the variation in height from grade level. Thanks for making me think about it 👍. Please correct me if I am wrong, the moral here is, be sure to use the zero mark on the pole to make significant reference point , in this case you’ve made it grade level. Thank you for making this video it’s much appreciated.

[@cedarpoplar]

ok. now that I read a few, I think we're all on the same level. I often read text book chapters twice or thrice before doing quizzes

[@DeHGhamEz]

It’s great! My shed has been completed and it turned out nice looking and sturdy and it is way better than the sheds that many of my neighbors had put up. Of course, I'm pleased with the outcome and this Ryan’s kzbin.infoUgkxGZedDTcDfgD7fG_uU4esfx_EgxzlY2_1 Plans was extremely useful to me as a guide.

[@davidcmatt]

I love your videos and I have learned a LOT from you. I must confess that I had to watch this one several time to get it all sorted out in my head. Thanks for all the effort you put into these, you are helping a lot of people to step up their skills.

[@jamiealite]

I found your channel just over a week ago. I have literally just finished watching every single video you made. I live in Ontario Canada if I ever win the lottery I’m flying you here to build my shop house. I have a crazy idea for a shop/house that I guarantee no one in Canada has. Your Channel has gave me so many ideas.

[@joep8520]

Makes a lot more sense after you have tried to use one! Helped my in-laws put in an in ground pool and this video really helped me make sense of how to use it when I actually had one in my hands. Great work!

[@cranehead28]

I’m almost to my third year as apprentice in IUOE. I’ve done trade work for a long time but I’m newer to the equipment side of things. Your videos are great and have helped me a lot along the way. Thanks for everything you post

[@dixiebedsaul859]

You and your crew are awesome , keep the videos rolling please, I learn something new every time I watch you guys

[@Dabear88]

I learn something every time I watch one of your videos. Thank you, sir!

[@joenewman4013]

I watch a few of your videos now and then. What I find is that I’m doing the same things just a little different. I’m not a contractor just a home owner with a lot of toys (tools). I built my own 3300 sg ft home a few years ago long before KZbin. Now I’m looking for a skid steer. Great videos Thank You

[@daviddurham2773]

Thank you for helping me understand how those work and how useful they can be!

[@nikolairubinskii6450]

3 years later, still wasn't a waste of your time mate, thanks for the video! I jusr wish to add that there are different grade sticks out there, some are less advanced and you do end up having to math things out a little bit.

[@patricksullivan9951]

Hi Kyle, worth it! I was a bit fuzzy, I had the basic idea this just set it for me! Thanks, you guys do great work !

[@xigeneral5112]

This video helped me so much, not all people know how to explain and teach. My boss being one. I’ve watched 6 videos and yours is the only one that made sense. Thanks

[@henryrodgers3409]

Showing a close-up of the sliding of the stick and actually seeing the offset difference would be nice and what number that you are marking on the steel bracket . Just want to thank you for taking your time from work to explain that level for dummies like me . Never was good in school math .

[@DonkeyDongDoug]

It's also worth noting that when you are looking to purchase a grade stick that you need to make sure you buy one that is scaled in the right unit of measurement that you need. My dad always had fractional inch grade sticks... but when I went to work for a utility contractor suddenly I found myself working with a grade stick that was in tenths of a foot :O A tape measure can turn any piece of lumber into a grade stick when you need it to be one too. I'm sure you know that though.

[@nickhill8947]

Clear and concise explanation! If anyone is confused just watch the video again!

[@roncarpenter8910]

Great video, cleared up multiple questions. Much better solution than a visual transit.

[@altinaoutdoor]

I recently purchased an LAR350 and I was a little confused with the grade stick. I’m used to the standard inch/cm measuring sticks but this explanation helped me understand this style. Thanks!

[@thomasrogers7614]

Badass give us as many of these as possible I’d love to see one while building stairways and decks when grading the header and footer 💪💥👍💯🙏

[@gooshie1121]

Video suggestion: What is grade, How to establish grade, How to use grade?

[@wdwtx2.0]

Good tips are ALWAYS appreciated.

[@johndn9238]

Thanks for a helpful video, explaining some tricky ideas. Well done - keep it up!

[@abefrohman1759]

Thanks for the demo I had know idea about how that all worked.

[@MrSignSolutions]

Thanks for the video it helped me. The last thing I used to lay elevations out was a transit. So now we have bosh laser and laying out grade starting today. A video on laying out footers and squaring the footers with a laser would help. Especially with as many subscribers as you have.

[@ronsworld6831]

Nice explanation. Surveyors call a grade reference mark a benchmark- if you want to add some new terminology. Also - I used to have some problems using a laser in snowstorms. The beam would deflect off level when it hit the falling snow. This was a while ago - maybe lasers have improved since then.

[@robjones3132]

Absolutely taught me something i had no idea how the grade stick worked thank you

[@RRBuildings]

Thanks for the feedback Rob

[@johnstaub359]

Great video explaining this somewhat difficult task.

[@seanp1602]

I just learned something. Thanks!

[@kylebacher8074]

Hey Kyle great videos. My name is also Kyle but Had to come back to this video to see the leveling. I have a Johnson laser level transit and getting ready to start our pole barn house conversion. Still waiting on materials from local Mennonites as the been behind and hard finding straight logs for our post and now an injury on there side. With cost of materials and everything we are so far behind along with full time work to come home and build our homestead from scratch. I have the 7 holes for porch started and still have to set grade along with mark the rest of our holes for quick tubes. And tips and trick would be great thanks Kyle b.

[@jasonguest5292]

super simple!! Thanks for sharing kyle.

[@trentonramey6641]

I like these tips videos. Keep them coming

[@karlmikko]

Loved it thanks Kyle!

[@wadus89]

Great job mate - cheers from Australia

[@lornesteed2417]

Thanks Kyle. I think it would be helpful for more examples. I am just starting to get the gist of it, but as a newbie , more would be helpful.

[@RRBuildings]

Probably right thanks.

[@arkansas1336]

@@@RRBuildings--- It amazes me that commenters/people do not grasp the use of the grade rod. Very well explained.

[@romt730]

This video was so very helpful. Thank you very much!

[@montybrewster7]

Interesting stuff. I'll never practically use that information but as a draughtsman I like to know how site guys think as it helps me know what information will be most useful to them on my drawings. That made perfect sense to me, thanks for taking the time sir.

[@casycasy5199]

great tip my stick is different then that one no zero mark to set to but im going to find that one it makes it much easier

[@troyhooks9349]

Hey Kyle I just want to start by saying I really enjoy watching your videos! I have a quick question for you regarding rotary laser. Which one or kit would you recommend to someone starting out? Would it be the Stabila LAR 350 or something else? I really appreciate it!

[@Johnny0005]

Thanks Kyle. Very good info.

[@wyatt160]

Will you show how you install grade board around the building corners over the brackets? how would you build different if the floor was going to be gravel? very informative videos. thanks.

[@butopiatoo]

good stuff. still learning how to use mine.

[@ATPrx23]

Great explanation! Thanks!

[@robs9574]

Looking for a vid on framing a lean to on existing pole barn. Love your work, ty.

[@shelbyball8564]

Hey Kyle, can you do a tools day video about the Stabilla LAR350, and walk us through the whole process? That grade stick video was helpful, but i still have questions. I am a deck builder and would use the LAR350 to level all my posts out. I am about to purchase one, and I’m sure I could figure it out, but your walk through videos are money! Thanks Kyle!

[@coreyyoung186]

Very helpful thank you kyle

[@youssefbelghiti4477]

thanks man very helpful

[@clysack07]

Great video. Thanks

[@elijahlong9319]

Awesome im learnning ..keep teaching brother please...love your videos...

[@shawnmazurk3816]

Great video.

[@cedarpoplar]

Ye are worthy 🙌 . Keep em coming

[@lillygrace53]

I would of just left the finish floor on zero and moved it up 4 inches in the yellow. You guys are true craftsmen and enjoy your videos.

[@RRBuildings]

That’s fine... then I would have had to do match once again and this eliminates the possibility of error.

[@lillygrace53]

The Stabila products are top notch. I have used them for years even when most people in Florida have never heard of them. You could also use a story pole if you have multiple elevations and mark what each one elevation is. We use an 1x2 story pole and sharpie because we deal with a lot of different elevations. I build custom homes in Central Florida and Craftsmen like you are getting hard to find.

[@ourbrother8565]

I probably don’t have enough information to know what you are talking about, but I would love to learn more about the grade stick. I know it’s dumb to ask, but could you do like a Barney style explanation of how to use it. Even the little bit of what you did flew way the hell over my head. Would love to take a class on it and learn how to be proficient at it.

[@MrKenhaigh]

couldnt get my head around this till a fella drew me a diagram of what was happening. might be worth including this in a future video. Just a thought.

[@raymondjackson2227]

Kyle Very informative but still some confusion, for my part worth while subject as are all your videos.Thank You

[@integritysurveyingltd1833]

great channel

[@OleGramps53]

Great information on laser grade tool. What if you have the old school system passed down to you? Could you pass on information on that or where we could get information?

[@rustyford73]

Great explanation....thank you. :--)

[@wymershandymanservice9965]

Piece of cake. Great idea no figuring but the one time. Great content

[@jimwheat4551]

What brand and model number is your grade stick? Your videos are great to watch. I own a excavation company and work with Contractors all day long your professionalism is top notch. Thanks

[@RRBuildings]

It’s a stabila grade stick

[@chriswhite6882]

this helped me

[@arthurdduda8233]

Cool stuff

[@elbuggo]

Brilliant!

[@TevfikBEKTAS]

Thanks bro.

[@1MrTahoe]

Thanks for the videos! Just became a member. I want to built a workshop so I need all this information. What do you think of kit buildings? Do you design all of your builds?

[@RRBuildings]

Yes I design them... kits are great for DIY

[@1MrTahoe]

@@RRBuildings thanks

[@calebsjunkremovalservice7593]

Can you post a video of your Site cleanup? your jobs don't look trashed!

[@a-carpenter9229]

This grade stick is a lot different from what came with my Bosch rotary laser. This one seems like it works much better

[@joshhunter6431]

Could you do a video on a water level? Just thinking for the guys that don’t have a grade stick, but want to build their own building.

[@donsdiys1140]

Great video as always. But I have a ? Do you or have you used a water level? Is it accurate?

[@RRBuildings]

I never have used a water level but they say they are perfect

[@WalterRatcliffe]

Thank-you v much. Still a bit confusing after only one viewing. The pluses and minuses get confusing. Will watch again.

[@Sagern234]

I need one of those, rotary lazer level and a tape measure have been my methods..

[@RRBuildings]

this will change your life bud seriously much more accurate..less math, and so much quicker

[@WelshRabbit]

Yep, me, too. I use the old school scope-level: a Leica Theodolite with a grade rod. In the time it takes just to get the Leica scope leveled in a plane, I could have taken all the readings and be finished if I were use a self-leveling Laser level and target-receiver. A Theodolite is a fine instrument but it's obsolete technology. I say it's high time I upgrade my site layout equipment.

[@arkansas1336]

@@WelshRabbit--- I'm retired but I had an old Gurley transit....and still in excellent shape (it can work tomorrow). Last time I used it (for 30 minutes of work) was 2012.

[@kirbyspencer538]

I would think that seeing a laser line on a tape measure would be much faster than messing with the head up and down to get tone then locking the head and turning it to read the number. Maybe not better, but just as good and faster for this particular task. You should race Kyle, I'll put my money on you. Are you sure that your laser is visible/effective 80' or more down the line? :)

[@toolhog10]

How far does the horizontal plane extend from the transmitter module? That thing is dam cool.

[@NailheadCarpentryTile]

if hes using the laser i think he is, that one has like a 2500ft range or something along those lines

[@noisybarinavalon]

Interesting. I guess I never realized that the bottom of the column was under the concrete and the concrete was poured around and encasing the bottom of the column. Is that required by building code in your area or just considered best practice?.

[@johanweakley2658]

This is great but the same thing can be done with a basic spirit (dumpy) level and staff, or am I missing something? What is the cost of the equipment you are using?

[@denniscooper6328]

Can you make a tutorial for making your own columns, aka laminating 2x6s?

[@BND8710]

Kyle, love watching your videos. Could you do a video on the process/steps you have to go through before you even arrive onsite?? Such as designing the buildings, material takeoffs, ordering of materials, and possibly your estimating costs for projects. Thanks for sharing your passion!

[@arkansas1336]

@Brandon Collins --- Kyle might not want to reveal his methods/secrets!...I know I didn't when I was still contracting....but my competitors still called me!

[@omgnothingisavl]

What about keeping the stick plumb as that can affect the height of the laser receiver?

[@Sam.147]

Hi Kyle, what rotary laser would you recommend?

[@garywood7037]

How do you install window trim when edge of window falls on a rib

[@toposheet]

good vid

[@agrisea.original]

Need hearing aides now, thanks so much... :P

[@RRBuildings]

lol I tried lowering it

[@WelshRabbit]

Kyle, what's the red portion at the top of the stick (on the metric side) and the yellow portion (on the inches-Imperial side)? Why do the colored portions only cover about 1.5 feet of the grade stick? Another question is the bull's eye level at the bottom supposed to be functional? On mine, it's just a useless dummy level. It seems to me that a real, working bull's eye level would have been better, right? Of course, someone who is experienced and skilled handling a grade rod should be able to tell when they are holding it plumb (or at least close enough) without having to look at a level.

[@lb7wade518]

The minus 4" is the finish grade under slab. The +4" is top of slab

[@johnsinning6030]

Can you please tell me what laser detector holder you are using.

[@jimkamminga6743]

Is a fractional grade stick better that a 10ths stick? What are most blueprints or plans?

[@guitarsavage1]

what brand of grade stick did you use and where can I get one?

[@dannywilsher4165]

Worthy!

[@christaylor5291]

Hi just come across your video. What brand is that grade staff?

[@rubenmoraleslighthousemini6212]

I bought a laser when I set the stick on hub and it gives me beep where do I set the numbers too

[@HogeN1337]

Just remember that up is down and down is up and will work fine ^^

[@joncardinal7641]

Do you have/use a grade laser with Slope/dual slope?

[@ernestosaboia]

Where I can buy just the vertical grade rod with the sensor?

[@tajindersingh4112]

Got it mate

[@DrakeJStone]

I'm a total amateur building a relatively tiny shed that is 6' x 14'. The grade is pretty flat already but I do have a "high" end. Unfortunately, I don't have a Stabila and can't justify buying one for such a small job. Do you have any videos that show a good way to layout a level foundation on just 6 piers? I guess it would be like if you showed up to the job site and you said, "Damnit. We forgot the stabila! Is there an easy way to layout a small job? I'm assuming the answer to be "use a string and string level"(?). Not sure there is much interest in this sorta question but figured I'd lob the question over. Love the vids by the way... I have a new appreciation for making sure everything is done right from the very beginning.

[@kirbyspencer538]

You can do this stuff on a small scale with most any self leveling laser, even a $50 one. If that seems expensive for a one time small job, look up 'water level', it will work as accurately and can be made for less than $15.

[@ajrandles]

so does a building with a 12ft wall and 4 inches of concrete have an inside finished height of 11' 8"?

[@johneggleston5209]

Is the measurement taken on each support bracket used to trim each wall post length? That way each post will be the same height and all your pre-measured markings will be level for the wall perlins

[@kirbyspencer538]

Exactly right. That is the sole purpose for this task.

[@davidberllow7876]

I need to dig a footer 42” below grade how do I set my transit once grade is set to zero on the stick

[@waynemorrison9905]

That is the same math I use when I am Billing. I always add 4 when you want it to come down 4 so that gives me your bill. LOL.

[@davidburke3802]

How do you like that laser?

[@ohmygod666]

Does your grade stick have a bulls eye level to ensure that it’s perfectly plumb when you’re reading the measurement?

[@RRBuildings]

Yes