8 tips on how to choose a building level: types, accuracy, manufacturers

1.Bubble building level

This is the most common type of building levels. It is a very simple but quite functional device .

Design

This is a rectangular frame, most often made of aluminum and hollow inside, with a transparent bulb in the middle. It is the measuring flask , sometimes called the “eye”, that is the most critical part of the level. The flask is filled with liquid, most often industrial alcohol , since it has a lower density compared to water, and the air bubble, due to this, more sensitively to deviations and moves faster inside the flask.

fluorescent are also added to it to make work easier in the dark. Lines are drawn on the flask perpendicular to the body of the level, which serve as permissible limits of deviation. That is, looking at the flask you will see two thin lines, an air bubble and again two thin lines. If the bubble is clearly in the middle between the lines, then the surface is perfectly flat.

An important point is that the larger the bubble itself and the less space left from it to the lines on both sides, the more accurate the device will be and the smaller its error. By the way, there are levels that can be customized. The bulb at these levels is attached with fasteners, which makes it possible to adjust at any time. The most common type of bubble level is a level with two flasks. One serves to control the deviation 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, then the last one 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 important work, since they have a higher measurement accuracy. Modern levels are additionally equipped with various useful functions :

Stiffening ribs are a very important element, the presence of which will make the level body more durable and protect against deflections, which is especially important when using long levels.
The markings made on one of the surfaces of the level can be used as a ruler, which makes it possible to refuse additional tools and free your hands.
The milled surface, often located on the opposite side of the measuring flask, prevents the level from sliding off the work surface and eases the effort required to hold the level with one hand.
The impact pad is necessary for adjusting the controlled surface by applying moderate blows with a hammer.
The pipe groove is a very convenient additional feature when installing sewer pipes, which prevents slipping from radius surfaces.
Magnetic side - there is a magnet at one end of the level, which allows you to attach it to metal surfaces and carry out installation hands-free.

The length of bubble levels starts from 20 cm and reaches 3-4 m , which makes them universal for any application. For example, for simple repair work with your own hands, a level 30-40 cm long will be enough; for laying tiles, you should choose a slightly longer length - 40 cm-1 m. And if you are planning to make a screed, or do wall finishing, then a level with a length of from 2 meters.

Benefits of the bubble level

Quite high strength , especially with stiffeners
Very easy to operate, no special skills required to use it
Suitable for both home use and more precise 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

Flaws

If you purchase a low-quality level of questionable production, it will go wrong
Bubble levels are afraid of falls and bumps
If you choose a bubble level with the ability to adjust, then remember that they get lost more often, and to adjust them you will need a flat surface, which is not always at hand.

How to do without buying building levels

When you urgently need to hang a frame, a mirror on the wall, or install furniture and household appliances straight, but you don’t have a construction angle gauge at hand, a smartphone will help. Apple devices or Android phones have built-in spatial position sensors, gyroscopes, and geomagnetic sensors. This functionality can be used instead of a small construction level.

iPhone owners will not need to install additional programs. The built-in Compass application has a tilt measurement mode. To get into protractor mode, you need to open the compass and swipe the screen to the left:

iPhone instead of building level

If you want the familiar visual style of a bubble spirit level, you can download a third-party program:

Visual style of a bubble spirit level

For Android smartphones, you need to install software from the GooglePlay application store. You can choose a simple application that measures plumb, inclination and angles. The free program is called "Building Level".

program menu

option 1

option 2

option 3

2.Pipe level

This type of level has a very narrow scope of application ; it is used for laying gas, water, sewer pipes or round profiles and beams.

Design

A pipe level is a type of bubble level. It is equipped with several flasks with liquid, in each of which an air bubble floats, which also determines the deviation from the required direction. A distinctive feature of the pipe level is the V-shaped shape of the body and the presence of magnets. Also, pipe levels can have a detachable, replaceable clamp to fit the pipe diameter.

Advantages of a pipe level

Thanks to its special design, it can be easily mounted on a round surface without fear of slipping at the most inopportune moment.
Thanks to the presence of magnets, the pipe level can be easily installed on a metal pipe or support
For ease of storage, they can be folded by connecting sections
Light weight

Flaws

Small size (up to 40 cm)
Narrow scope
Higher price compared to bubble
Shows the slope of one specific pipe, and is not suitable for assessing the overall slope

Which building level is better?

The task of finding out which building level is best in its class is solved by our review. There is no universal solution due to the multitasking of operations performed on a construction site. The VyborExperta.ru team recommends the following models, taking into account the scope of application:

Stabila Type 70 ST-02286 – for renovation in a country house;
Kapro 920-10-40 – for use in cramped conditions;
Rgk PR-81G – the professional’s choice for outdoor use;
Bosch GLL 2-10 Professional – a miniature assistant for the finisher;
Ada instruments Titan is a good solution for the metal structure installer;
Kraftool – for the professional builder.

All the models presented in the review are worthy of buyers’ attention, but only the most accurate and functional levels deserve the title of the best devices in their class.

3.Hydraulic level

This type of building level is used to apply precise horizontal markings on objects distant from each other. It is advisable to use it when it comes to installing a ceiling, marking the level of the future floor, installing a foundation or any other construction installation in one plane.

Design

The hydraulic level consists of two vessels, with a scale in centimeters printed on them, connected to each other by a transparent, flexible tube. Please note that for ease of use, it is better to choose levels with rectangular so that they fit tightly to the surface. It is better to choose a tube with a larger diameter so that the liquid fills it faster and flows through it faster. The optimal diameter is 6-8 mm .

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

Advantages of the hydraulic level

Low price
Does not require special skills to operate
Covers large areas
Not afraid of falls and bumps
No calibration required

Flaws

Two people are required to use this type of level.
Not a very convenient method of filling with liquid, in which it is not always possible to avoid the appearance of bubbles, which means that there may be several attempts
Work only in the horizontal plane
Possibility of use only at positive temperatures

Bubble (rack) levels

The rack level is a rod with three cones at different ends. Each of them contains an air bubble placed in a tinted liquid. The cones also contain special marks, according to which the necessary measurements are made.

Bubble levels are so called because of the presence of cones filled with liquid (non-freezing in the cold) with an air bubble left behind. There are marks on the cones that help determine the position of the bubble relative to the earth's surface, and depending on the position of the cone, it indicates the horizontal or vertical of the object being measured.

The basis for the operation of this level is the movement of the bubble in the cone relative to the horizon level. The cone located in the middle is responsible for controlling horizontal lines. The other, located at one end of the staff, helps when measuring vertical lines. The third cone is installed at an angle and allows you to maintain the plane at a 45-degree angle.

When choosing a building level, you should also pay attention to its design, or rather the design of the slats. It can be of two types: rectangular and I-beam (in the form of a rail).

Rectangular levels are popular among amateur models that are used in everyday life. I-beams, on the other hand, have earned attention from professional builders due to their “survivability”. Such levels do not deform when dropped from a height or during prolonged intensive use.

The cross-sectional shape is not the only structural feature of the building level that you should pay attention to. Levels of different lengths are designed for different types of construction work. With their help, the evenness of lines and planes is monitored in a wide variety of conditions.

Types of hammers and their purpose

Rack levels exist with different numbers of eyes (cones), for example:

Single-eyed (horizontal)
Two-eyed (horizontal and vertical)
Three-eye (the most common type of slatted level), in such levels two eyes are fixed motionless (horizontal and vertical) and one eye is adjustable (with a degree scale to determine the angle of inclined surfaces)
Five-eye levels are special plumbing levels for laying water and sewer pipes at a certain angle.

Bubble (slat) levels come in different sizes - from 20 cm to 2.5 meters.

To check the bubble level, place it on a flat surface, mark the position of the bubble relative to the marks, and then turn it the other way. If the bubble has not changed its position relative to the marks on the flask, then the level is accurate. Thus, it is necessary to check the readings of each cone.

4.Electronic level

This type of level is considered professional and allows you to perform work with increased precision.

Design

The electronic level looks the same as a regular bubble level and has several eyes for assessing deviations from the vertical or horizontal plane. The difference lies in the presence of a protractor and a digital display , which displays the deviation value. It can be displayed in degrees, percentage or millimeters, your choice. The electronic level has the ability to record measured slopes, and can also signal with sound when reaching 0º or 90º.

Advantages of an electronic level

High accuracy
Ease of use
Possibility of storing measured slopes
Presence of a sound signal

Flaws

The need for periodic calibration
Just like the bubble one, it requires careful treatment
Higher cost compared to previous types

Laser level (level)

Belongs to the group of professional measuring instruments. The principle of operation is to build horizontal, vertical or inclined planes at a distance of several tens of meters from the location. This is an indispensable device when applying markings, leveling walls or ceilings, installing suspended ceilings or plasterboard ceilings, when constructing walls or interior partitions, or when tiling with ceramic tiles.

There are three main types of laser levels - point, linear, rotary . From the name it is clear that they are used to construct points, lines or planes. Some laser levels have the ability to self-level within 2÷4º.

Design

An LED is installed inside the housing , which produces the luminous flux for the laser. At the linear level, light passes through perpendicular prisms and at the output two mutually perpendicular straight lines are formed. In the rotational level, light is focused to a point at the moment it passes through the lens, and a straight line is formed by rotating the light source around its axis. Self-leveling levels are equipped with a pendulum with a copper tip-weight, which freezes in a magnetic field induced by eddy currents, thereby allowing the level to level. A regular laser level has a small built-in bubble level that must be leveled before use. Everything is quite simple, but the possibilities of using a laser level are really very extensive.

Advantages of a laser level

Easy to use
Significant savings in time spent on marking and other preparatory work
High accuracy
Easy to store and transport
Ability to cover large areas

Flaws

The main disadvantage of laser levels is their cost , but believe me, the costs will be fully justified when you appreciate all the advantages and possibilities of working with this device.
Laser levels are not always sold complete with a tripod and a storage case, which incurs 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 produce.

The bubble level has a measurement accuracy of 0.5-1 mm/m, the longer the level, the smaller the error
The error of the pipe level depends on its length; the shorter it is, the greater the deviation
Hydraulic levels from 5 to 25 meters long have an error of 2-3 mm
The electrical level has a fairly high accuracy, the error is up to 0.1º
Laser levels are very accurate, their error is only 0.1-1 mm/m depending on the class of the device

Which manufacturers should you prefer?

You can save on anything, but don't try to save on the cost of a building grade. It doesn’t matter what type of levels you give your preference and for what purposes you will use it - it must provide the declared accuracy . This can be achieved by purchasing products only from trusted manufacturers . According to reviews from experienced users and surveys of people who professionally engage in interior decoration and installation, the following manufacturers can be distinguished:

Stabila (Germany)

Specializes in the production of laser levels, spirit levels and levels, known all over the world. The products of this brand are supplied to all industrial countries. All measuring instruments of this brand have reliable build quality, high quality materials used and high measurement accuracy. That is why Stabila has high popularity and a high reputation.

Kapro (Israel)

One of the leading level manufacturers in the world. Kapro levels are valued for their high strength, they are the only levels whose measurement accuracy is confirmed by a certificate from the German VPA laboratory.

Bosch (Germany)

Specializes mainly in the production of laser levels. The measuring instruments of this manufacturer are distinguished by a high level of accuracy, high-quality assembly and high quality materials.

Rating of manufacturers of building levels

Popular manufacturers of measuring instruments

The following brands of spirit levels have earned the support of the craftsmen:

Kapro is a company specializing exclusively in measuring instruments. The levels are produced in Israel, have increased accuracy, and a well-thought-out design. The devices are supplied from the factory with a lifetime warranty.
Stabila is a German manufacturer of construction equipment and measuring tools. It has patented technologies for engineering solutions and has been producing products since the end of the nineteenth century. One hundred and thirty years of experience in the development of building levels and related devices.
Stanley is an American company that has been developing since 1843. The company's meters were used during the design of the Apollo spacecraft for the Moon landing. Manufactures building levels for a wide range of applications.
ADA Instruments (ADA Instruments) is a young company that was founded in Ukraine in 2008. Since 2013, it has registered a trademark in the UK and the USA, and produces tools in Europe, China and Russia. Positions its measuring instruments as tools of increased accuracy

All brands of inclinometers have different price categories in terms of quality and reliability. It is worth considering the optimal models from each manufacturer.

What to look for when choosing?

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

When choosing a level with bubble elements, be sure to pay attention to its main element - the flask. Carefully inspect its surface; it should be transparent and free of abrasions or other mechanical damage. Then check the strength of its fastening. It must be motionless and securely 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 flask will be removable. Experienced users advise giving preference to levels with rigid fixation of the flasks, since in case of falls or other mechanical damage, they are more likely to remain intact and not get knocked down. Pay attention to the stripes that are applied to the flask; they should be even and clear. It is better if they are painted from the inside, so they will not be erased with frequent use. The air bubble should also be clear and not separate at the first shake; do not buy levels with a small bubble - their error will be greater. Another important point is the material of the level. Now almost all building levels are made of aluminum; it is much lighter and more practical than wood or plastic. If you purchase a long level, then it is mandatory to have stiffening ribs, so it will be more durable and will not sag.
After a visual inspection it is necessary check level by clarity of indications. It's very easy to do. Specialty stores even have special surfaces for testing. If there is none, just use a more or less flat, horizontal surface. Place the selected level on it and mark, for example with a marker, the position of the air bubble, then turn the level 180º and place it in the same place. The bubble should be where your mark is. The bubble doesn't have to be in the center because your surface isn't perfectly flat, it just needs to return to the same position. If, after turning, the bubble is in a completely different place, you should refuse to buy this level.
When purchasing a hydraulic level, pay attention to the shape of the liquid containers; give preference to rectangular shapes. The material from which the vessels are made must be clearly visible and free from abrasions, scratches, and chips. The scale applied to the vessels must be clear, legible, and most importantly, the same on both containers. Don’t forget to look at the hose - it should be soft, flexible, able to quickly acquire the necessary bends and not break. Do not purchase a level with a hose that is too narrow, otherwise the liquid will take a long time to flow through it.
When purchasing a laser level , give preference only to well-known manufacturers, do not be tempted by a lower price, otherwise your device may quickly fail, and you will have to pay twice when purchasing another one. If you are going to use it often, or construction and repair are your way of earning money, pay attention to the number of available functions. The most popular are horizontal, vertical straight, plumb and cross. This is the minimum set for a professional level; as a rule, there are much more. It would be good if the level comes with storage case tripod . The case must be durable or shockproof, have a soft protective coating inside and special recesses for storage elements, which must fit tightly into them and not fall out when the case is turned. The telescopic tripod must be rigid, strong and stable. It is better if it has as few plastic elements as possible.

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

The article was written for the site.

Tags:Preparing for room renovation

Criterias of choice

Deciding on the choice of level is not easy due to the wide range of tools that have design features and differences in operating principles. You can purchase a reliable assistant by taking into account the following criteria.

Manufacturer

Measuring instruments of an affordable price category are in great demand. However, not all products are distinguished by the quality of workmanship and accuracy of readings. Therefore, experts advise focusing on the brand. Well-known manufacturers deserve trust:

Kraftool;
Kapro;
ADA instruments;
Matrix;
STANLEY;
Bosch;
Ermak;
Leader;
Gross Laser.

What are the building levels?

round

Length, cm

One of the main criteria for choosing a bubble level is the length of the device. The decision is influenced by the purpose of the tool, that is, for what work it is planned to be used.

When finishing, the main attention is paid to leveling the surface. This is easier to do if you take measurements with a long device. It is convenient to carry out decorative activities with a device 50-60 cm long. For domestic purposes, it is recommended to choose medium-sized models.

There are models with lengths from 20 to 450 cm. And this is not the limit of the product line. The hydraulic level hose reaches 25 m.

Number of eyes

Meters can have 1, 2 or 3 eyes. The number of flasks determines the functionality of the device. Models with one capsule can take horizontal readings, while models with two capsules can take horizontal + vertical readings. For a product with three flasks, the angle of inclination is additionally measured.

Weight, g

This parameter depends on the material from which the device is made, the type of design, and dimensions. To take measurements, it is more convenient to use a lightweight tool. However, when using metal, the product becomes heavier. At the same time, such qualities as wear resistance and impact resistance are increased, which is also important when performing construction and installation work.

Additional weight is given to the level by magnets and stiffening ribs. That's why professional models choose more budget options. They produce levels weighing from 100 to 5708 g.

Additional options

For convenient use of the meter, the manufacturer equips the models with additional options.

Magnet – when working with metal surfaces, this part ensures fixation of the device. The master’s hands remain free, which is convenient for adjusting the device or making marks.
Digital indicator - found mainly in professional products. This option allows you to more accurately determine how much the surface deviates from parallel or vertical. Meters with digital display can be used as protractors.
Milled edge - this part creates a perfectly flat measuring surface, reducing errors to a minimum mark.
Fluorescent filler - a special pigment is added to the liquid, which is poured into the flask. Due to the presence of reflective particles, the peephole becomes visible even in a poorly lit room.