Type
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Spirit. The most common and well-known type of building levels: an elongated bar with a flask built into it — and most often several flasks (measuring capsules), each of which is responsible for its measurement (horizontal, vertical, often — a slope of 45 °). Each flask contains a coloured liquid and an air spirit clearly visible in this liquid; if the spirit is in the middle of the flask, between the two lines drawn on it, it means that the level is level and the surface corresponds to the required position. The most compact spirit levels are less than 10 cm long, the most "large-caliber" — 3 m or more.
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Goniometer. A device designed, in accordance with the name, to measure the angles between different elements. It usually consists of two halves connected by a swivel mount and able to rotate relative to each other. For measurement, these halves must be applied close to the sides of the measured angle, so that the angle between them corresponds to the measured angle. After that, the data can be taken either from a mechanical scale located directly on the swivel mount, or, in more advanced models, from a digital display. Many goniometers are universal devices, supplemented with measuring capsules and capable of being used as spirit levels (see above).
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Inclinometer. The inclinometer, in fact, is a level with extended functionality, capable of not only d
...etermining the very fact of deviation from the horizontal / vertical in a certain direction, but also measuring the specific angle of such a deviation. Outwardly, such a tool is most often similar to the spirit level described above — even measuring capsules are usually included in the design. At the same time, the electronic filling is responsible for more advanced and accurate measurements, and a digital display is a mandatory feature of a modern inclinometer (see "Functions"). But tools with rotary capsules (see ibid.) are not considered inclinometers, they are classified as ordinary spirit levels.
— Rule. In the classical sense, the rule (emphasis on “and”) is a tool in the form of a long rail used in plastering and painting to level various surfaces: plaster on walls, concrete mix during floor screed, etc. In order for the rule to be used as a level, measuring capsules can be provided in the design, as in a spirit instrument (see above). There are two key differences from the usual spirit level for such tools. Firstly, the rules as a whole are much longer — at least 100 cm, and often more. Secondly, such devices are designed primarily for leveling work, and horizontal / vertical / slope control is, in fact, an additional feature. Therefore, the functionality of the rules is noticeably more modest, they usually have only 2 capsules without any additional measuring tools. And in some models, even capsules are missing, and the use is limited to alignment. However, such “levelless” tools can also be useful in determining the horizontal / vertical: if the length of the existing level is not enough for an effective measurement, you can put a long rule under it.
— Water (hydraulic level). A specific kind of levels, the work of which is based on the law of communicating vessels. The design of the hydraulic level includes two vertical flasks, often with divisions, connected at the bottom with a long thin hose. Before use, the hydraulic level is filled with water so that it fills the hose and partially the flasks, after which each flask is placed vertically in the right place. The water level in communicating vessels is always the same — accordingly, the boundaries of the water in each flask will be at the same height from the ground. Thus, it is possible to measure the relative position of two objects, make marks at the same height, etc. At the same time, the length of the hose, even in the most modest models, is usually at least 5 m, and in the longest — 20 m or more. This allows you to take measurements at distances that are inaccessible when working with conventional levels; and hydrolevels compare favorably with laser levels in that the measurement points do not have to be in direct line of sight.
— Spirit (for door jambs). In the spirit level for door jambs, two metres are provided at once: horizontal and vertical. This type of level is used to control the position of the support rails. The main feature of the models is their compact size, because the vast majority of such metres are created in the "mini" form factor — these are small and light levels that are as easy to transport as possible. Spirit levels for door jambs have a very wide scope. They are used not only for the installation of door frames, but also for the installation of all kinds of pillars, columns, racks and other supporting structures that have a vertically elongated shape.
— Spirit (for areal surfaces). Spirit level for areal surfaces has a folding cruciform design. The level feet laid out crosswise allow you to occupy the largest possible area on the measured surface. Because of this, such levels are called "areal" (for areal surfaces). This kind of levels allows you to control the position of the surface in both horizontal and vertical planes. Spirit levels for areal surfaces make it possible to easily and quickly “beat off” surfaces when installing various equipment, furniture and other interior elements. With this level it is convenient to control the correct position of billiard tables, washing machines, refrigerators, etc. The foldable design of the level makes it possible to easily store and safely transport the measuring device.
— Spirit (for racks). Spirit levels for racks are designed to control the installation of poles, columns, partitions and many other structures. The level for racks usually has a spirit indicator in both the vertical plane and the horizontal plane. The so-called corner levels have become widespread. Such devices consist of two faces connected by a movable hinge. The vertical level metre is located along the hinge, and a horizontal spirit metre is located on each of the faces. Almost all rack levels are equipped with a magnetic holder, which makes it easy and quick to fix the device on metal surfaces. If the level is used to control wooden or concrete structures, then in this case the tool should be fixed with a tie-down strap, elastic band or cord.
— Spirit (round). Spirit rounded level is designed to control the location of surfaces in a horizontal plane. Such metres have the form of a compact hemisphere. The diameter of the average rounded spirit level is 4-5 cm, the weight is within 20 g. This type of metres has proven itself well when installing countertops, cabinets and other furniture, as well as household appliances. Spirit rounded levels are often equipped with tripods for mounting optical instruments (photo and video cameras, levels, telescopes, etc.). Advanced grade rounded levels may use a tilt scale.
— Spirit (suspended). Spirit suspended level is designed for laying a horizontal beacon between surfaces located far from each other, which are connected by a cord (cable, thread, rope). With this level, you can “beat off” the horizon when building walls, hedges, curbs and other objects. The body of the spirit type is equipped with hooks, with which the gauge is easily fixed on a pre-tensioned rope. With a spirit level, you can control the position of a horizontal beacon between objects at a distance of 10 m or more. Of course, with an increase in the distance between the extreme points, the accuracy of observing the horizon will decrease. This type of level is mainly used in those areas of construction where a high level of accuracy is not required from buildings. Suspended levels have proven themselves in landscape design.
— Spirit (frame). Spirit frame levels allow you to control the parallelism and flatness of surfaces with precision. A good frame level makes it possible to detect surface irregularities with an accuracy of 0.01 mm per 1 metre. Frame levels are widely used when checking the guides of metal-cutting machine tools. With a frame-type spirit level, it is convenient to control the evenness of the guides after their repair by scraping, milling and grinding. Spirit frame levels are considered universal metres, because the frame structure has 4 faces. That is, this level can be entrusted with the control of both horizontal and vertical surfaces. Additionally, one or more faces can have a prismatic shape, which makes it possible to put the level on a cylindrical surface, that is, on a shaft.Length
Working length of the tool. The meaning of this parameter may be different, depending on the type (see above) and design features. So, for bubble levels, rules and inclinometers, the total length is indicated, while in sliding models (see "Functions") data are given for the maximum length, unfolded. For goniometers, on the contrary, the length is indicated by the size of the main bar, that is, in the folded state; and for hydraulic levels, a slightly different parameter is used — the length of the hose, it is given separately (see below).
In general, the longer the tool — the larger the surface it can measure or (in the case of rules) process, the more advanced and professional this model is considered. On the other hand, a longer fixture will also be more expensive and cumbersome, and in cramped conditions, problems may arise up to the complete impossibility of use. Therefore, when choosing, you need to take into account the specifics of the work and the scale of the proposed measurements. For example, for ordinary home repairs, a level of 40 – 50 cm is quite enough, for the construction of a small extension, you should choose a larger model, by 70 – 80 centimeters, and the length of high-quality bubble levels
can exceed 3 m. At the same time, very small instruments of this type are also produced — from 7 cm. Such
pocket levels can be useful, for example, for calibrating a geodetic instrument that
...does not have its own alignment tools. And you can carry it in your pocket, bag, tool box. But the rules, by definition, are made long — from 1 m.Width
Tool width. In fact, the width of the rib corresponds to the width of the front panel — that is, the main operating panel, from which the "vertical" and "oblique" capsules are visible, on which the
digital display is located, etc.
The large width adds strength to the tool and reduces the chance of deformation, but makes it difficult to use in narrow spaces: for example, a mirror capsule may be required to control the vertical in a narrow gap (see "Functions"). Note that long tools are inevitably made wide — otherwise it would be impossible to provide the necessary strength.
Thickness
Tool size in thickness, from front to back. In fact, this is the smallest slit in which this fixture can be placed during measurements (although some measurements may require a mirror capsule, see "Functions"). Therefore, for work in cramped conditions, it is worth using thinner models. At the same time, note that long and heavy tools are inevitably made quite thick — to ensure strength and resistance to deformation.
Functions
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Scale for measuring length. Own scale for measuring length, printed on a level or other tool; Essentially a built-in line. Constantly using a level instead of a ruler does not make sense because of the bulkiness, but this function can still be useful — for example, in situations where you suddenly need to measure something, but there is no ruler at hand.
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Mirror capsule. The presence of a mirror capsule in the design of the tool. Such a capsule is, in fact, a regular vertical control capsule, supplemented with a special mirror. The usual "vertical" capsule is possible only from the front (wide) side of the instrument; thus, a tool without a mirror is useless for vertical control in cramped places, the width of which is less than the width of the rib (see above). But in the presence of a mirror capsule, the level can be inserted into the slot with a narrow side, and the position of the bubble will still be visible thanks to a special slot with a mirror installed in it.
— Hole for gripping. The presence of a special slot in the design of the level, which allows you to comfortably hold it in your hands. In devices with a large length of such slots, two can be provided, for both hands. Anyway, holding by the slot is often not only more comfortable, but also more reliable than the usual outside grip.
— Magnetic base. The presence of a magnetic base in the design of the tool. Such a
...base allows you to tightly “stick” to metal surfaces, which not only reduces the risk of dropping the tool, but also has a positive effect on measurement accuracy. Usually, powerful neodymium magnets are used in the design, capable of holding the level even in the “on the ceiling” position. At the same time, this function is far from always relevant, so the same model can be produced in two versions — with and without a magnetic base.
— Impact site. The ability to use the level for impact work — in other words, to knock directly on it, transferring the blow to the material under the level. This function can be very useful when laying tiles, bricks, etc. — it allows you to trim the material with the help of blows and at the same time control the quality of laying with the help of a level. Usually, the shock platform has the form of a sloping surface on one side of the level; often it is supplemented with a rubber lining that reduces wear. In the absence of such a platform, it is impossible to knock on the instrument — you can damage it.
— Digital display. The presence of a digital display in the tool design. This function is not required for classic levels — bubble capsules are enough to control the horizontal / vertical. But for a goniometer (see "Type"), the display will be useful — it affects the total cost, but provides much greater accuracy than a mechanical scale. Inclinometers, by definition, have this function. Please note that the display requires batteries of one type or another (see "Power").
— Backlight. The presence of illumination in the design of the level. It can be both for the digital display (see above) installed in the instrument, and for capsules. This feature makes level operation independent of ambient light and will be especially useful in low light conditions — by turning on the backlight, you can easily see the values in twilight or even in complete darkness.
— Extendable design. The ability to lay out the tool, increasing its working length. This feature is found mainly in "large-caliber" levels with a working length of 3 m or more. On the one hand, in some situations, such a length is indispensable from a practical point of view, while making a clumsy tool of this size does not make sense — the design would be too bulky and inconvenient to store and transport. Folding allows you to significantly reduce the length — usually, by more than a third, for example, from 320 cm to 180 cm. On the other hand, an additional mechanism adversely affects the accuracy of measurements — often when unfolded, it is lower than when folded; and as the moving parts wear and loosen, the error increases even more. Therefore, manufacturers try to do without a sliding structure as far as possible and provide it only when it is practically impossible to do without it.
— Laser pointer. The presence of a laser pointer in the tool design. This function is found exclusively in inclinometers — the laser beam plays the role of continuing the tool, increasing the working length to 20 – 30 m (see "Measurement range"). This provides many additional possibilities: for example, you can determine the attachment point of a long inclined beam by installing an inclinometer at the location of the beam base and tilting it to the required angle — a laser mark will indicate the attachment point of the upper end of the beam.
