Plumb Bobs

JustaFramer

I was curious what kind of plumb bob set ups do you guys use?

I have two one I consider my finish set and the other to be a mud set up that can take a beating.

The finish set up is the Tajima 14 oz 6 second stabilization bob and plastic reel with a 14 ft. whip. The other is a 16oz brass bob with mullens tools metal case. A lot of string in the reel.
Been eyeing the 25 oz and 48 oz brass bob for windy conditions.

mdshunk

I ain't no carpenter, but I use the Rack-A-Teers laser plumb bob for laying out lighting. I just measure off the lighting plan on the floor, and shoot a dot up to the ceiling (often sloped) for each fixture or can with the laser plumb bob. About 100 bucks.

Mike Finley

I probably use one once or twice a year so mine is some cheap thing with a wad of string all knoted up. Still works as long as they don't change gravity, put it ain't pretty.

firemike

Same here, except I got tired of spending 10 minutes unwading the string so I bought a chalkline, cut the hook off, and added the plumb bob. Works like a charm, no more wadded string, now it only takes 10 minutes to find it in the truck. I generally use a PLS5 laser for locating overhead points just a MD stated. Lay it out on the floor and transfer points.

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-Mike-

KillerToiletSpider

I did that with my plumb bob too, but it still takes me forever to find it.

I use my Hilti laser far more than I use a plumb bob.

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A flush is better than a full house.

Mike Finley

NIce tip.

I don't have trouble finding stuff, so the chalk line idea is a winner!

KentWhitten

I have never really had the need for one to be honest. I remember needing to have one for voc school back in the mid 80's

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Custom Cabinetry - Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Kennebunkport, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Cumberland, Ogunquit, Maine

Salmon Falls Cabinetry

Celtic

Call me a homophobe, but I use a Plumb Barbara:



For you guys still using Robert(as he likes to be referred to)...here he is:




http://www.studiosl.com/html/plumb_b...___robert.html

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firemike

You musta taken the picture during the winter, Barbara look a little cold...

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-Mike-

Celtic

Well sometimes the secretary pool gets upset when Barbara comes out...she does her best work on a deck job.

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JustaFramer

ole' plumb barbara.

Laser's are no good when pouring 16' concrete hand set panel walls.

firemike

Absolutly! Plumb bobs still have their uses, that's why I keep one on the truck. Lasers have just replaced them for certain tasks (except Barbara, she can not be repalced as I have never see a laser with a rack like hers). Lasers just make those chores they are designed for more efficient and easier.

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-Mike-

K2

I keep a few PB's around but I've found I can drop a nail head first and come within an eigth in 8' in most cases. Like if I had to dig a deck post and the deck was built, Drop a nail and dig... Drop 2 to double check, and a third if you still don't believe it.

MechanicalDVR

I have a couple, the one I use most is a 16oz brass attached to a chalk line reel.

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RobertCDF

I use a plumb it level. Extendable level... mine goes to 17'

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Robert Shaw
Colorado Springs Custom Decks
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Chris Johnson

I still use a plumb bob for forming tall walls, But I am going out tomorrow to find the plumb Barbara, that's the tool I need

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Chris

emersonhomes

for plumbing walls use a extenta level, for pick up,rack walls ect, use a pls if your using a plumb blob your way behind and look like an idiot when some-one like me sees you fuc ing with a plumb bob

TempestV

Cheap simple weight, Chalk box, and 50lbs test braided fishing line- simple, but it works.

I've been eying the one that uses a 50bmg shell and bullet for a weight- that looks like a winner.

pwrbildr

I have a cheap 16oz. I got tired of the tangled string line and bought a retractable target string line like surveyors use. It's lightweight and the string line is super thin so it doesn't catch the wind like normal string line does.

Just had a steel erector on site that had a 10lb. plumb bob that some machinist friend made for the foreman. He said he has used it in 20-25 mph winds before on 30 ft. columns and it didn't move a bit.