Laser technology sheds new light on the old tasks of determining plumb and level.
Construction lasers have been around for 20 years, but have only recently become more practical. Ten years ago, for example, the typical rotating laser cost as much as $5,000, looked like a suitcase and weighed about as much as one going on a family's week-long vacation.
But like all things electronic, they've gotten considerably smaller and less expensive, and, as a result, are becoming more and more popular on the jobsite. Contractors can pick up laser devices today that aren't much bigger than a tape measure on steroids. And they'll have plenty of models to choose from that cost well under $1,000.