There are really cheap ways to make string lines. I have made elevated and other string lines to measure specific distances for drills. Let’s take a look.
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Elevated String Lines
My first one of these, was one I kept for a long long time. It was simply part of a coat hanger and string. It worked fine for years.
I have a Pelz elevated string line now. It doesn’t reach as fair as I would like. So here we go.
I bought several items on Amazon to try and make a little more flexible elevated aim lilne.
At first, I bought white elastic line on a spool. I probably have hundreds of feet of it. A bit much.
Also, it’s 1 mm thick which blows around in the wind. I’ve been using it to make layout lines for putting drills instead.
This week I bought 30 yards of 1/8 inch elastic line and some single hole cord locks. This stuff might be typical on a tent for example.
I have enough stuff to make several elevated aim lines for less than half the cost of buying one complete.
The process is simple. The finished length of your stake is 8 inches. You just cut the long part of the coat hanger in half. I use the curved part also.
Here are the tools and products you need.
- Tape Measure
- Pliers
- Tin Snips
- 1 mm elastic line (optional) (Amazon)
- 1/8 inch elastic line (Amazon)
- Single hole cord locks (Amazon)
- Coat hanger
Step by Step
I’m going to use pieces of coat hanger 8 inches long with the snips.
You cut the hanger in the center of the bottom long piece.
Then use the curved ends for hooks. Snip off the curved section about an inch passed the curve.
The single hole cord locks hold the piece of coat hanger and the 1/8 elastic cord.
Tie a knot in the elastic cord to hold it from sliding thru the cord lock.
Cost
- Cord locks – 10 for $4.99
- 30 Yards of 1/8 inch elastic cord – $4.50
- Coat Hanger – Free
So the bottom line is that you could make 5 or more elevated string lines of various lengths for around $10.
Buying one online is $10 to $20.
If you want a 15 footer like I want….good luck.
I didn’t see any longer than 10 feet. I wouldn’t even mind having it stretch to 20 feet.
With 30 yards of elastic string you can make it whatever length you want or carry more than one of different lengths.
My previous versions did not use the single hole cord lock and were just tied to the coat hanger.
Elastic String Lines for 3 ft. and 6 ft. putts
I don’t like to goof around much setting drills up. Most every drill I do requires a 3 foot or 6 foot radius around the hole.
I use quarter sized white ball markers to create the circles or putting stations.
I was going to use the white elastic cord for an elevated string line, but it’s too flimsy at 1 mm.
So, I cut a 8 foot long piece. Tied a loop in each end and marked 3 feet and 6 feet with a magic marker.
I use it for clock pattern layouts around a target hole or real hole. Example: The Dave Pelz 3 foot and 6 foot clock drill.
I believe it’s better to lay out 8 stations at 3 feet and 12 stations at 6 feet.
There really isn’t room for 12 stations at 3 feet. At least that’s my opinion.
I use a tee in the center of a target hole. Then, I hang the loop from one end over the tee. If I’m using a real hole, I use a paperclip in the loop to hang onto the pin.
Start by marking 12, 3, 6 and 9 on the clock face. For 3 footers just add 4 more in between.
For 6 footers there would be a station at all 12 positions on the clock face.
Cost
328 feet / 100 m – $9 (Amazon)