how to make spotlights/downlights straight

[shubz99]

hi, i am fitting 8 LED recessed downlights i the living room, anyone got any tips or tricks to ensure that the lights will be in a straight row as my OCD will kick in if there not and il end up ripping the entire ceiling apart ? ive got a bosch 360 laser level but cant exactly get it to laser the ceiling, any one got ideas how they do it?

 

[Baddegg]

Find the joists take lots of measurements and aim the laser at the ceiling......then hope you don’t hit a noggin ?

 

[Midwest]

Laser level. Some will say chalk line, but guess as you have OCD'c, you won't want red line's across your ceiling. Could use a piece of ordinary string.

 

[Andy78]

Measure them how you want, then find out where the joists mess up this system.
Adjust all measurements then find out where the joists mess up the new system.

Repeat the above processes until your OCD gives in and you just put them where they fit.

 

[buzzlightyear]

me the old fashion way string line ,me I some times use red line & blue line ,but never white line ,lol.

 

[SJD]

Sometimes you have to put a downlight the odd cm out of line of the others, but it really isn't noticeable unless you check with a laser etc.

 

[Baddegg]

White downlights on white ceilings won’t notice at all if slightly out.....especially once they on....

 

[James]

small nail or drawing pin in ceiling.

attach string
pull across room, tie to 2nd small nail or drawing pin.

you now have a straight line across the ceiling.

EDIT

just noticed buzz beat me to it.
well done buzz

 

[ipf]

OCDD…...obsessive ceiling downlight disorder.

Like buzz says, get a string up, or keep trying with the laser....lie it on it's back.

 

[Andy78]

White downlights on white ceilings won’t notice at all if slightly out.....especially once they on....

I have been known to use artistic license quite often, even with customers with self professed OCD. ( a much overused phrase )
No-one is noticing less than a 100mm difference between light spacings on a high ceiling.

 

[Baddegg]

I have been known to use artistic license quite often, even with customers with self professed OCD. ( a much overused phrase )
No-one is noticing less than a 100mm difference between light spacings on a high ceiling.

Got to agree there mate, every one I meet is “ocd” with they house apparently......then I look around with my chippie head on and raise an eyebrow to myself ?

 

[Midwest]

Sometimes you have to put a downlight the odd cm out of line of the others, but it really isn't noticeable unless you check with a laser etc.

 

[plugsandsparks]

Or you could simply randomly place them on purpose, thus creating an artistic bent

 

[Midwest]

Or you could simply randomly place them on purpose, thus creating an artistic bent

Buzz does random, could enquire with him?

 

[Andy78]

Or you could simply randomly place them on purpose, thus creating an artistic bent

that would require getting a builder to fit them.

 

[SJD]

I did once see a large bathroom with a swirl of about a dozen downlights arranged in a spiral, looked quite nice.

 

[shubz99]

thanks everyone i used the laser level, amd just hoped for the best after that, and didnt hit any joists either haha

 

[telectrix]

it's not the spacing that's critical, it's the line . 10mm out of line, you'd think a wet-pants had fitted them.

 

[ipf]

it's not the spacing that's critical, it's the line . 10mm out of line, you'd think a wet-pants had fitted them.

...and 10 light years out of space and you'll think buzz is involved..

 

[shubz99]

it's not the spacing that's critical, it's the line . 10mm out of line, you'd think a wet-pants had fitted them.

this is what im most afraid of