Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Chapter 8 Building Layout 159
A leveling rod, Figure 8‑11, is used to measure verti-
cal distances from a horizontal sight line. It is a long rod
marked off with numbered graduations. It allows dif-
ferences in elevation between the position of the level
and various positions where the rod is held to be easily
read. The person operating the level can make the read-
ings, or the target can be adjusted up and down to the
line of sight and then the person holding the rod (rod
holder) can make the reading.
The rod shown in Figure 8‑11 has graduations in feet
and decimal parts of a foot. As mentioned earlier, this is
the type used for regular surveying work. Rods are also
available with graduations in feet and inches.
A laser level is a popular choice for leveling jobs, be-
cause one worker acting alone can perform most lev-
eling and plumbing operations with this instrument.
Figure 8‑12 shows a laser transmitter and its receiver.
The laser level emits a beam of light in a 360° circle. It
can be adjusted so the circle is perfectly level or per-
fectly plumb. A separate laser detector or target sig-
nals when the laser beam strikes it. Rotary laser levels
function much like a builder’s level for establishing a
level line. A laser level can be mounted on its side, so
it projects a vertical circle of light that can be used for
determining when a wall is plumb. During use, the
transmitter may be left unattended. The receiver can be
tended by a rod holder, Figure 8‑13.
Safety Note
For safety, there are regulations limiting power
output of a laser. Federal regulations limit Class
II construction lasers to 1 milliwatt and Class IIIa
units to less than 5 milliwatts. These levels are safe
for human eyes as long as the user does not stare
into the beam. Manufacturers’ cautions should be
carefully observed.
The laser level is also adapted to other construction
tasks to establish either level or plumb lines. Horizontal
operations include leveling suspended ceiling grids and
leveling raised-access computer floors. Vertical opera-
tions include plumbing partitions, curtain walls, posts,
columns, elevator shafts, or any operation requiring a
vertical reference point.
Pro Tip
Leveling instruments and equipment will vary somewhat,
depending on the manufacturer. Always carefully read
and study the instructions for a given brand.
B David White
Figure 8‑11. Leveling rod with target. The target can be
moved up or down to match the line of sight of the transit.
A
Receiver
Transmitter
TFoxFoto/Shutterstock.com
Figure 8‑12. Laser level transmitters project a beam 360°.
The beam can be set to level, plumb, or slope on many
lasers. The laser receiver detects the beam and indicates
whether it is higher or lower than the mark.
Photo courtesy of Robert Bosch Tool Corporation®
Figure 8‑13. A rod holder moves the receiver up or down
until it is on line of sight with the laser level.
Chapter 8 Building Layout 159
A leveling rod, Figure 8‑11, is used to measure verti-
cal distances from a horizontal sight line. It is a long rod
marked off with numbered graduations. It allows dif-
ferences in elevation between the position of the level
and various positions where the rod is held to be easily
read. The person operating the level can make the read-
ings, or the target can be adjusted up and down to the
line of sight and then the person holding the rod (rod
holder) can make the reading.
The rod shown in Figure 8‑11 has graduations in feet
and decimal parts of a foot. As mentioned earlier, this is
the type used for regular surveying work. Rods are also
available with graduations in feet and inches.
A laser level is a popular choice for leveling jobs, be-
cause one worker acting alone can perform most lev-
eling and plumbing operations with this instrument.
Figure 8‑12 shows a laser transmitter and its receiver.
The laser level emits a beam of light in a 360° circle. It
can be adjusted so the circle is perfectly level or per-
fectly plumb. A separate laser detector or target sig-
nals when the laser beam strikes it. Rotary laser levels
function much like a builder’s level for establishing a
level line. A laser level can be mounted on its side, so
it projects a vertical circle of light that can be used for
determining when a wall is plumb. During use, the
transmitter may be left unattended. The receiver can be
tended by a rod holder, Figure 8‑13.
Safety Note
For safety, there are regulations limiting power
output of a laser. Federal regulations limit Class
II construction lasers to 1 milliwatt and Class IIIa
units to less than 5 milliwatts. These levels are safe
for human eyes as long as the user does not stare
into the beam. Manufacturers’ cautions should be
carefully observed.
The laser level is also adapted to other construction
tasks to establish either level or plumb lines. Horizontal
operations include leveling suspended ceiling grids and
leveling raised-access computer floors. Vertical opera-
tions include plumbing partitions, curtain walls, posts,
columns, elevator shafts, or any operation requiring a
vertical reference point.
Pro Tip
Leveling instruments and equipment will vary somewhat,
depending on the manufacturer. Always carefully read
and study the instructions for a given brand.
B David White
Figure 8‑11. Leveling rod with target. The target can be
moved up or down to match the line of sight of the transit.
A
Receiver
Transmitter
TFoxFoto/Shutterstock.com
Figure 8‑12. Laser level transmitters project a beam 360°.
The beam can be set to level, plumb, or slope on many
lasers. The laser receiver detects the beam and indicates
whether it is higher or lower than the mark.
Photo courtesy of Robert Bosch Tool Corporation®
Figure 8‑13. A rod holder moves the receiver up or down
until it is on line of sight with the laser level.