Quick Tip: Using Spacers on a String Line

I needed to set up a long string line today (8m or about 26′) to screw a timber base plate to a wavy concrete wall in foul weather and I couldn’t really see if the line was clear or not.

non fouling string line

Simple way to ensure a string line doesn’t get fouled by adding spacers.

Bearing in mind that a line has to be two things to be helpful: Very tight and clear of obstruction. If you have those two things, then a string line is the simplest, most useful tool on the job to get stuff dead straight.

Trouble was I just couldn’t see if it was clear because it was so long, low down to the floor and horrible weather. So I used an old trick of slipping something under or behind the line to hold it away from the thing being lined up.

I used a couple of Fischer wall plugs since I already had them handy. Then it’s a simple case of using a third plug between the line and the batten I was fixing (adding spacers behind the batten etc.) to ensure perfect straightness, because I’m very picky that way 🙂

Stay well

Ian

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