8 tips for choosing a building level: types, accuracy, manufacturers

How to choose the construction level? To do the job efficiently, you need to have a good measuring tool. At the moment, there are many kinds of levels. They differ in type, purpose, method of execution, manufacturing company and, of course, price. First you need to understand what a building level is.

Building level - this is measuring tool rectangular with transparent flasks mounted in it filled with liquid. Levels can be made of plastic, wood or metal. This device serves for assessments deviations from vertical or horizontal surface, sometimes for measuring angles. The level was invented and used in 1666 by a French scientist, cartographer and traveler, a certain Melchizedek Teveno. The cone in which the vial “floated” with air was filled with alcohol, and the level in those days was called - spirit level. Now, in construction stores you will be offered not only the usual level of a rectangular shape, but also other, no less functional devices. Let's consider each in order.

1. Bubble building level

This is the most common type of building level. It is a very simplebut enough functional fixture.

Design

This is a rectangular-shaped frame, most often made of aluminum and hollow inside, with a transparent bulb in the middle. Exactly measuring flask, sometimes it is called the “eye”, and is most responsible part of the level. The flask is filled with liquid, most often they use technical alcohol, since it has a lower density compared to water, and the air bubble, due to this, more sensitive reacts to deviations and moves faster inside the bulb.

Often the liquid inside the flask is tinted, and at modern levels, it is also added fluorescent particles to facilitate the work in the dark. On the flask apply lines perpendicular to the level body, which serve acceptable the borders deviations. That is, looking at the flask you will see two thin lines, a bubble of air and again two thin lines. If the bubble is clearly in the middle between the lines, then surface is perfectly flat.

Important moment - the larger the bubble itself and the less space left from it to the lines on both sides, the more precisely there will be a device and its error is less. By the way, there are levels with the ability to customize. The flask at such levels is attached with fasteners, which makes it possible to adjust at any time. The most common bubble level option is a two-bulb level. One is used to control deviations from the vertical (90 degrees), the other - from the horizontal (180 degrees). They are located perpendicular to each other on different planes.If you see three cones, the latter serves to measure 45 degrees from the horizontal plane or is rotary, to measure any angle of the surface. There are also levels with a large number of flasks that duplicate horizontal and vertical flasks, such levels are used for very demanding work, as they have higher measurement accuracy. Modern levels are additionally equipped with various useful the functions:

• Stiffening rib - A very important element, the presence of which will make the level casing more durable and protect against sagging, which is especially important when using long levels.
• Markup made on one of the level surfaces, can be used as a ruler, which makes it possible to abandon additional tools and free your hands.
• Milled surfaceoften located on the opposite side of the measuring flask, prevents the level from slipping off the work surface and facilitates the force that must be applied to hold the level with one hand.
• Shock pad necessary for adjusting the controlled surface by applying moderate hammer blows.
• Groove for pipes - very convenient additional function when wiring work is performed sewer pipeswhich prevents slipping from radius surfaces.
• Magnetic side - at one end of the level there is a magnet, which allows you to fix it on metal surfaces and perform installation with free hands.

The length of the bubble levels begins with 20 cm and reaches 3-4 mwhat makes them universal for any application. For example, for simple DIY repair work a level of 30-40 cm will be enough for tile laying it is worth choosing a slightly longer length - 40 cm-1 m. And if you are planning screed, or engage in wall decoration, then a level of 2 meters or more is needed here.

Bubble Level Benefits

• Pretty high strength designs, especially in the presence of stiffeners
• Highly is simple in operation, for its use does not require special skills
• Suitable for both home use and for more accurate work
• Availability of various sizes, which makes it possible to choose the tool that is most convenient for you and most suitable for a specific task
• Affordable price

disadvantages

• If you get a low-quality level of dubious production, then it is very fast get off
• Bubble levels to be afraid falls and strokes
• If you have chosen a bubble level with the possibility of adjustment, then remember that theygo astray more often, and to set them up you will need a flat surface, which is not always at hand.

2.Pipe level

This type of level has a very narrow application area, used for laying gas, plumbing, sewer pipes or profiles and round beams.

Design

Pipe level - This is a kind of bubble building level. It is equipped with several flasks with liquid, in each of which a bubble of air floats, and it also determines the deviation from the necessary direction. A distinctive feature of the pipe level is V shape cases and the presence of magnets. Also, pipe levels can have a detachable replaceable clamp for the diameter of the pipe.

Tube Level Benefits

• Due to its special design, its easy can fix on a rounded surface, not afraid of slipping at the most inopportune moment
• Thanks the presence of magnets the pipe level can easily be installed on a metal pipe or support
• For convenience, storage can take shape section joining method
• Small weight

disadvantages

• Small the size (up to 40 cm)
• Narrow scope
• Higher pricecompared to vesiculate
• Shows the slope of one particular pipe, and is not suitable for assessing the total slope

3.Hydro level

This type of building level is used for applying accurate horizontal markup on objects remote from each other. It is advisable to use it when it comes to installing the ceiling, drawing markings for the level of the future floor, installation foundation or any other building installation in one plane.

Design

Water level consists of two vessels, with a scale in centimeters on them, connected by a transparent, flexible tube. Please note that for ease of use, it is better to choose levels with flasks rectangular shapes so that they fit snugly to the surface. And it is better to choose a tube of a larger diameter so that the liquid fills it faster and flows over it faster. Optimum diameter 6-8 mm.

Before work, the level must be filled with water so that it occupies about 2/3 of the volume of vessels. Should to avoid bubble formation air inside the tube. Do not bend the pipe - water should flow freely through it. After filling the system with water, align the flasks with each other, the liquid level in them should be the same, which means that the level is ready for use. The length of the water levels can be from 5 to 25 m.

Hydro Level Benefits

• Low price
• Does not require special skills for operation
• Covers large areas
• Not afraid of falls and bumps
• No calibration required

disadvantages

• To use this type of level, you must two people
• Not quite a convenient way to fill with liquid, in which it is not always possible to avoid the appearance of bubbles, which means that there can be several attempts
• Work only in horizontal the plane
• Possibility of use only with plus temperatures

4.Electronic level

This kind of level is professional and allows you to perform work increased accuracy.

Design

The electronic level looks the same as a normal bubble, has several eyes for assessing deviations from a vertical or horizontal plane. Difference is in stock goniometer and digital displayon which the deviation value is displayed. You can display in degrees, percent or millimeters, of your choice. The electronic level has the ability records measured slopes, and can also signal using sound when reaching 0º or 90º.

Electronic level benefits

• High accuracy
• Simplicity use of
• Opportunity memorization measured slopes
• The presence of sound signal

disadvantages

• The need for periodic calibration
• Just like a bubble, it requires a careful attitude
• Higher costcompared to previous types

5. Laser level (level)

Belongs to the group professional measuring instruments. The principle of work is to build horizontal, vertical or inclined planes at a distance of several tens of meters from the location. it indispensable device when marking, leveling the walls or ceiling, mounting stretch ceilings or ceilings from drywallwhen erecting walls or interior partitions or when facing ceramic tiles.

There are three main types of laser levels - spot, linear, rotational. From the name it is clear that they serve to build points, lines or planes. Some laser levels have the ability self-leveling within 2 ÷ 4º.

Design

Inside the case is installed Light-emitting diode, which produces the luminous flux for the laser. At a linear level, light passes through perpendicular prisms and two mutually perpendicular lines form at the output.In the rotational level, light is focused at a point at the moment of passage through the lens, and a straight line is formed due to the rotation of the light source around its axis. Self-leveling the levels are equipped with a pendulum with a copper tip-load, which freezes in a magnetic field induced by vortex flows, thereby allowing the level to level out. The usual laser level has a small built-in bubble level, which must be aligned before use. Everything is quite simple, but the possibilities of using the laser level are really very extensive.

Laser level benefits

• Simplicity exploitation
• Substantial time savingspent on markup and other preparatory work
• High accuracy
• Simplicity storage and transportation
• Ability to cover considerable areas

disadvantages

• The main disadvantage of laser levels is their cost, but believe me, the costs will fully justify themselves when you evaluate all the advantages and possibilities of working with this device.
• Laser levels are not always sold immediately complete with a tripod and storage case, which carries additional costs for their purchase.

6. Measurement accuracy

The most important thing you need to know when performing any work is the amount of error that building levels can give.

• Bubble the level has a measurement accuracy of 0.5-1 mm / m, the longer the level, the less the error
• Error pipe level depends on its length, the smaller it is, the greater the deviation
• Water levels from 5 to 25 meters long have an error of 2-3 mm
• Electric the level has a sufficiently high accuracy, the error to 0.1º
• Laser the levels are very accurate, their error is only 0.1-1 mm / m, depending on the class of the device

7. Which manufacturers to prefer?

You can save on anything, but do not try to save on the cost of the construction level. It doesn’t matter which type of level you prefer, and for what purpose you will use it - it should provide declared accuracy. This can be achieved by purchasing products only trusted manufacturers. According to the reviews of experienced users and surveys of people who are professionally involved in the decoration and installation, the following manufacturers can be distinguished:

• Stabila (Germany)

It specializes in producing laser levels, spirit levels and levels, known throughout the world. Products of this brand are delivered to all industrial countries. All measuring instruments of this brand have reliable build quality, high quality of materials used and high measurement accuracy. That is why Stabila has a high popularity and high reputation.

• Kapro (Israel)

One of the foremost level makers in the world. Kapro levels are appreciated for their high strength, they are the only levels whose accuracy is confirmed by the certificate of the German VPA laboratory.

• Bosch (Germany)

It specializes mainly in the production of laser levels of levels. Measuring instruments of this manufacturer are characterized by a high level of accuracy, high-quality assembly and high quality materials

8. What to look for when choosing?

Even if you have listened to our advice, and are not going to save on the cost of the building level, you should spend visual inspection device and pay attention to the little things that, in fact, will tell you a lot about the serviceability and accuracy of your chosen level.

• When choosing bubble level Be sure to pay attention to its main element - the flask. Carefully inspect its surface, it should be transparent, not have scuffs or other mechanical damage. Then check the strength of its fastening.It should be fixed and firmly fixed in the body of the level, unless, of course, you have chosen a level with the possibility of manual adjustment, in which case the bulb will be removable. Experienced users are advised to give preference to levels with rigid fixation of the flasks, as with falls, or other mechanical damage, they are more likely to remain intact and will not break. Pay attention to the strips that are applied to the flask, they must be even and clear. It is better if they are drawn from the inside, so they will not be erased with frequent use. The air bubble should also be clear and not stratified at the first shake, do not buy levels with a small bubble - their error will be greater. Another important point - level performance material. Now almost all building levels are made of aluminum, it is much lighter and more practical than wood or plastic. If you get a long level, then the presence of stiffening ribs is mandatory, so it will be more durable and will not bend.
• After a visual inspection is necessary verify level on readability. It is very easy to do. Specialty stores even have special surfaces for inspection. If not, just use a more or less flat, horizontal surface. Put the selected level on it and mark, for example, with a marker, the position of the air bubble, then turn the level over 180º and put it in the same place. The bubble should be in place of your mark. The bubble does not have to be in the center, because your surface is not perfectly flat, it just needs to return to the same position. If, after the turn, the bubble is in a completely different place, you should refuse to buy at this level.
• At the time of buying water level pay attention to the shape of the vessels for the liquid, give preference to rectangular shapes. Material, from which the vessels are made, must be clearly visible, not have scuffs, scratches, chips. Scaleapplied to the vessels should be clear, legible, and most importantly - the same on both containers. Do not forget to look at hose - it should be soft, flexible, able to quickly acquire the necessary bends and at the same time not break. Do not get a level with a hose that is too narrow, otherwise the liquid will flow over it for a long time.
• By acquiring laser level, give preference only to well-known manufacturers, do not be tempted at a lower price, otherwise your device may quickly fail, and you will have to pay twice, acquiring another one. If you are going to use it often, or building and repairing is your way of making money, pay attention to the number of available functions. The most popular ones are a horizontal, vertical line, a plumb line and a cross. This is the minimum set for the professional level, as a rule, there are many more. Well, if complete with the level will be case for storage and telescopic tripod. The case should be durable or shockproof, inside should have a soft protective coating and special notches for storage elements that should fit snugly into them and not fall out when turning the case. The telescopic tripod must be rigid, strong and stable. It is better if it will have as few plastic elements as possible.

Following these simple rules, your chosen level will last you a very long time and become an indispensable assistant in any of your endeavors. And most importantly - it will be convenient for you.