The theme of Tomasino's first zine 
issue is "hammer." I'll have to think 
about that one. I'd like to contribute 
something. In the meantime, I've been 
constructing my new bathroom and the 
tool that I want to talk about is the 
plumb line.

plumb line (noun)

1 : a line (as of cord) that has at 
one end a weight (such as a plumb bob) 
and is used especially to determine 
verticality.

2 : a line directed to the center of 
gravity of the earth : a vertical 
line.[1]

The plumb line is one of my favourite 
tools. It makes me feel like I'm 
inhabiting the same universe as some 
medieval mason, given that it's an 
ancient device that's dependent on the 
operation of natural forces.

It also makes me feel like there's one 
thing that I got completely right in 
the day. It's so simple and so 
accurate. The walls of my new shower 
stall are damn straight. They line up 
precisely. That's the result of a 
great tool.

I wonder if there are other old tools 
that provide such precision? They 
don't have to be carpentry tools. They 
could be tools for doing anything. 

Tell me about your favourite 
implements, phloggers, be they real, 
philosophical, or digital. 

What old tool or device gives you 
satisfaction?

[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plumb%20line