Walls and Ceilings - Installing ceiling Grid

Anybody have any tips on the best way to ensure the ceiling grid in level? I am going to rent a 3 beam rotary level and try that....any thoughts? I am also putting the wall moldings up first. I used metal studs and plan on attatching them with the self tapping screws, is that ok? Also, has anyone encountered a wall that "bows" in about 1/4 inch making the wall molding not flush with the wall? Any way to correct that problem?

wall that "bows" in about 1/4 inch making the wall molding not flush with the wall? Any way to correct that problem?

If pressing it into place and fastening won't do what you want, there is always caulk.

I suppose, I tried pressing it but that stuff doesn't bend very easily without affecting the rest of the strip. I guess its not that biga deal, its just my basement. Thanks!!

Your rental yard should give you complete instructions on usig the laser level. With that leveling your ceiling will be a piece of cake.

Definitely use the self-tappers for the metal studs.

Since this is a drop ceiling, you could always climb up there where the bow is & pop your drywall loose (carefully) and push a shim in behind the drywall at that point to fur the top of the sheet out flush w/the rest of the wall. Might have to do a little touch mudding (or spackling for just a single hole), but it would be preferable to havibg a 1/4" bow in the wall.

I always put up molding last.

Good luck with the project & let us know how things go for you.