Got a game changer tip from a guy on a job in Portland last fall

We were building a brick garden wall and the ground was really wet from rain. This older mason saw me struggling to keep my line straight and told me to soak my mason's line in a bucket of water for ten minutes before I set it up. It sounds small, but a wet line doesn't stretch or sag nearly as much, especially when it's humid. I've been doing it ever since and my corners are way tighter. Anyone else have a simple trick for keeping a line true?

3 comments

3 Comments

margaret_nelson20d ago

Honestly, that wet line trick is genius. It reminds me of a guy I worked with who would always put a little bend, like a kink, in his chalk line right where he wanted it to snap. He said the chalk powder built up there and gave a way sharper mark. I tried it once on some concrete and it actually did leave a thicker, clearer line. Never saw anyone else do it.

finley93920d ago

My buddy swears by that kink trick for marking plywood.

cameron72420d ago

That kink trick is one of those weird little secrets that just works. I've used it on drywall a few times when I needed a really bold guide line.