Uncle Jerry's level advice almost cost me a door install
My uncle Jerry, who built decks in the 80s, swore a 4-foot level was a waste of money and a 6-foot was the only way to go. Took his word on a hallway door job in Cleveland last month, and the jamb was off by a full 3/8 inch because I couldn't get the bigger level in the tight space. Had to shim the whole thing twice just to save it. Anyone else ever get burned by old-timer advice that just doesn't fit modern work?
My dad handed me his old 6 foot level when I started and I thought bigger meant better for like two years. Then I did a closet door in a Philly rowhouse and that thing wouldn't even fit sideways, ended up using a 2 foot for the jambs and it came out dead on. Now I keep both in the truck and grab whatever the space actually allows.