What is a building level and its types
The special tool, which has a fairly wide range of applications, is a rectangular structure.
The building level is used in the process of measuring deviation parameters from a vertical or horizontal guide selected as a standard, and can be of different types:
- bubble and tube;
- electronic and laser;
- hydraulic level
The building-grade housing can be made from a variety of materials, and its design is systematically improved.
There is a whole set of criteria for choosing building levels, the selection of which must take into account the characteristics of each type of device.
FRAME LEVELS
The frame level is a measuring device that is used to check the straightness of flat and cylindrical surfaces, and also control the amount of their deviation from the horizontal and vertical position.
Levels are widely used in mechanical engineering and high-precision manufacturing. The production of frame levels is carried out in accordance with the current standard - GOST 9392-89.
Unlike a regular building level, a frame level has 4 perpendicular planes and 3 notches. The product has 2 working surfaces (horizontal and vertical), located at an angle of 90° relative to each other.
The device body includes 2 ampoules, sealed on both sides and filled with liquid. Each ampoule contains a bubble, which acts as a sensitive element and indicates the presence of deviations in the measured surface.
Frame levels are designed for operation at a temperature of +20C. In other temperature conditions, the readings will not be considered reliable. For the same reason, there should be no objects nearby that increase the ambient temperature.
How to use the level:
- removing grease and contaminants from the device;
- level setting;
- zero setting check;
- measurements.
Frame levels are available in several sizes (from 100 to 300 mm) in increments of 50 mm and division values from 0.02 to 0.15 mm/m. The products are made of corrosion-resistant steel.
The levels require periodic maintenance - removal of dust and grease. If scratches or other damage occurs, it is necessary to carry out fine-tuning, adjustment and verification. The frequency of verification depends on the intensity of use, but at least once a year. Products are supplied in protective cases.
Bubble level
In such devices, for carrying out measuring work, an air bubble is used, placed in a flask filled with industrial alcohol.
Depending on the additional functionality, there are certain types of bubble levels used for different areas of construction, communications and finishing:
- with stiffening ribs, which is important for long structures and helps reduce their bendability;
- with additional markings, which helps to use them as rulers and frees the worker’s hands;
- with a milled surface to securely fix the structure and prevent slipping;
- with an additional and functional striking platform necessary when adjusting the surface;
- with a groove for pipes used when installing a plumbing or heating system for fastening;
- with a magnetic side that helps securely fix the structure on metal surfaces.
Bubble levels are characterized by fairly high structural strength and ease of operation, with the possibility of use at home.
At the same time, such measuring devices are widely used for accurate measurements during capital construction or repair work.
Building Level Rating
Now let's look at all types of building levels and the best among them!
The best block levels
Bar level 2 eyes. Stabila Type 70 ST-02290 150 cm
Made of lightweight rectangular aluminum profile with two bubble chambers: vertical and horizontal. High-quality assembly ensures accuracy up to 0.5 mm/m and durability. Smooth side surfaces coated with electrostatic powder ensure easy cleaning and ease of use. Plastic caps protect the case from damage upon impact
Price: 3,200 ₽
Stabila Type 70 ST 02290
Bar level 3 eyes. STANLEY FatMax I Beam 1-43-554 60 cm
Aluminum level 600 mm long, with 3 capsules. It is characterized by an enlarged main ampoule, plugs to protect the instrument when dropped, a convenient scale for measurements and built-in magnets. The one-piece top panel above the central capsule is designed for easy marking.
Price: 1,600₽
STANLEY FatMax 60 cm
Bar level 3 eyes. ADA instruments Titan 100 Plus 100 cm
Professional device with three flasks. It has built-in magnets for working with metal surfaces, two rubberized handles, a milled edge and a ruler for applying precise markings. Special stiffening ribs make it stronger than other “bars”. The length of its body is 100 cm, the accuracy level is 0.5 mm/m.
Price: 1,500 ₽
ADA instruments Titan 100
Bar level 3 eyes. BISON Periscope-2 34587-060 60 cm
A high-quality tool suitable for household and professional use with a milled edge. It has 3 eyes (one horizontal, two vertical) and two handles on the sides of the tool, ensuring comfortable operation. Accuracy level - 0.5 mm/m
Price: 1,000 ₽
ZUBR level
Rating of the best rail levels (body in the form of rails)
Rail level 2 eyes. Vira 100406 150 cm
Reinforced device with milled edge. Made in an I-beam body with two handles and two eyes, 150 cm long. Guarantees a high level of measurement accuracy (0.5 mm/m). It has an anti-slip effect due to diagonal notches along the entire length, which makes it easier to work on smooth, sloping surfaces. Designed for professional use.
Price: 1,400 ₽
Vira 100406
Reinforced aluminum level MATRIX Rail 34010
Made of corrosion-resistant aluminum, due to which it is characterized by a long service life. It features a long, meter-long body with three ampoules and handles for easy use. The rigid I-beam profile gives the level special strength. It has one rotating ampoule for taking measurements at the required angle. Protective plugs provide protection from mechanical damage.
Price: 900 ₽
MATRIX 34010
The best bubble level “dashboard” JCB JBL008 25 cm 3 eyes.
Cast, made in an aluminum case 25 cm long. Compact and easy to use due to three large ampoules: vertical, angular, horizontal. Adjustment of the horizontal flask is provided using the “non-spaced” adjustment method, the rest are secured without screws. A minor drawback is the lack of a magnet in the base.
Price: 1,000 ₽
JCB JBL008
Best corner level 80 cm PLUMBSITE SHARK KAPRO, 920-10-80
A professional product that eliminates errors in angular vision when working with vertical surfaces. The level is equipped with a built-in polyacrylic bulb and shock-absorbing inserts that increase impact resistance. It is used for marking work and is resistant to bending and twisting. The reading accuracy is 0.5 mm/m.
Price: 2,900 ₽
PLUMBSITE SHARK KAPRO
Best Impact Level Armero A133/060 60 cm 2 eyes.
A molded bubble-type device with a wide platform, made in a bright light green color. Accurate readings are ensured by two eyes, and ease of use is ensured by a long base. The aluminum body withstands hammer blows well. There is the possibility of self-adjustment/replacement of the bulb and a mirror eye for viewing at an angle.
Price: 1,200 ₽
Armero A133/060
The best digital level ADA ProLevel 40 A00381
Professional tool with LCD display and backlight. Data about the measuring slope in mm/m, its direction and the value of the measured angle are displayed on the screen. Using the “HOLD” mode, the obtained values are saved for ease of use. Two built-in bubble levels ensure surface control. There are automatic calibration and shutdown functions. Powered by 2 AAA batteries providing 100 hours of operation.
Price: 2,800 ₽
ADA ProLevel 40 A00381
Pipe level
Such instruments are a type of bubble level and are distinguished by the presence of several flasks with industrial alcohol.
This allows you to increase the accuracy of the measurements; the design may include a removable clamp, necessary for working with pipes of different diameters when carrying out communications.
Pros and cons of a laser level
A level is a professional equipment that determines the vertical and horizontal and illuminates it with a laser beam. The range of the luminous line, which can be tens of meters, depends on the power of the equipment. The laser level is the most advanced and provides maximum accuracy. Its small size allows it to work in any room. This type of level is used by professional builders and can greatly speed up the work process. With its help it is easy to lay tiles, stretch the ceiling and even glue wallpaper. The disadvantages include its high cost, but it is effective and extremely accurate in measurements.
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Hydraulic level
The unique tool has a narrow specialization and is used exclusively when it is necessary to apply horizontal markings.
The procedure is carried out for objects remote at different distances, and is used when arranging a foundation base, window openings or installing other structures.
LEVELS WITH MICRO-FEED AMPOULES
Levels with micrometric ampoule feed (model 110 and model 120) are used in mechanical engineering and the machine tool industry. With their help, the deviation of flat and cylindrical surfaces relative to the horizontal plane is checked; the measurement range is -20 +4 mm/m, which is greater than the range of standard block levels. Microfeed levels can also be used to make relative measurements, such as straightness deviation.
Technical features and principle of use
The tool consists of a metal case, inside of which the installation and main parts are located.
capsules, micropairs and other auxiliary elements.
The tube is connected to the body using hinges, so the ampoule can be installed at any angle relative to the working surface. A micrometer head is responsible for moving the tube, and microfeeding is carried out by rotating a screw.
Inside the ampoule there is an air bubble and a liquid that does not freeze at low temperatures. The working surface has prismatic grooves that allow you to set the level on cylindrical surfaces of different diameters. The division value is 0.1 mm per 1 m, and the measurement limit is up to 30 mm per 1 m of length. Small deviations are determined by the scale of the main ampoule; when calculating large deviations, the ampoule should be brought to the zero position and the report should be made from the scale of the micrometer head.
The level is accompanied by a passport confirming its compliance with the current standard.
Electronic level
Professional measuring instruments are widely used in the field of construction and interior design.
The device differs from a bubble level in the presence of a protractor and a convenient digital display used to reflect the deviation of the controlled parameters.
Five types of building levels
Bubble levels are most widespread due to their simplicity, accessibility and versatility. They are called so because their sensitive element is an air bubble floating in the ampoule. The measurement error of these devices is 0.5 ÷ 1 mm/m. Domestic models are produced in accordance with GOST 9416-83, which describes the technical conditions for their production. The tool body is a hollow box-shaped structure with stiffening ribs. It can have a length from 30 cm to several meters. To reduce weight, the device is made of aluminum alloys. The air ampoules are covered with protective glass. At the base of the case, as a rule, there is a millimeter measurement scale.
Magnetic bubble levels are perfect for working with metal structures. Their distinctive feature is the presence of built-in magnets, which allow the tool to be mounted vertically on metal parts. For masons, there are models with a reinforced cast body. If you have to do plastering work, pay attention to the rules with a level. They combine two devices at the same time.
Electronic levels with a protractor are a professional measuring instrument. They have several bubble chambers to evaluate the verticality and horizontality of building structures. However, unlike conventional levels, such devices have a number of additional capabilities.
One of the main features is the digital display, which clearly displays the deviation in degrees. At the same time, the accuracy of the data provided is high – up to 0.1⁰. It is possible to record measured slopes. There is a sound indication that signals when 0⁰ and 90⁰ are reached.
Checking the accuracy of an electronic level is simple and does not take much time. To do this, you need to place the device on a flat surface and take readings. Rotate the level 180 degrees to see the new values. If the difference in readings is more than 0.2⁰, the device needs to be calibrated.
The pipe level is designed to check the horizontal and verticality of water, gas, and sewer pipes. In general, it is convenient to use for working with beams and round profiles in various building structures. The main features of this tool are the V-shaped body and the presence of magnets. Thanks to this, the device can be easily installed on a metal pipe or support.
The pipe level, like the bubble level, is equipped with several flasks with alcohol liquid. An air bubble floats in each of them, the location of which determines the deviation from a given direction.
The hydraulic level is used to apply precise horizontal markings on objects that are distant from each other. It is used to knock out floor levels, install foundations, lay bricks, and install various building structures in one plane.
The hydrostatic level consists of two vessels connected to each other by a transparent tube. Before use, the system is filled with water so that it occupies approximately 2/3 of the volume of the flasks. At the same time, make sure that the liquid inside the tube does not contain air bubbles. They must be removed, otherwise the measurements will be inaccurate. Kinks and fractures of the tube are not allowed: water must flow freely from one vessel to another. To check the accuracy of the device, the flasks are combined with each other. It is necessary that they have a common liquid boundary.
The industry produces hydrostatic levels from 5 to 25 m in length. The measurement error of these devices is 2÷3 mm. It is recommended to mark from one base mark. This allows for maximum accuracy.
Laser building levels (levels) belong to the group of professional measuring instruments. Despite the rather high cost compared to other solutions, they provide their owner with a number of advantages. First of all, this is high marking accuracy. The permissible deviation is only 0.1÷1 mm/m depending on the class of the device. The technical capabilities of linear laser levels allow them to build horizontal, vertical, and inclined planes at a distance of up to several tens of meters from the installation site. This is more than enough for home use. Rotating laser levels, thanks to the rotation of the emitter, project beams along the entire perimeter of the room, that is, they cover the entire space around them.
What kind of construction work is carried out using laser levels:
- leveling walls or floors;
- installation of attachments;
- wallpapering walls;
- installation of suspended ceilings;
- tiling of premises;
- installation of partitions, etc.
Laser level
The best levels of 2022 are levels or laser tools from different manufacturers that belong to the professional group.
These devices are indispensable when carrying out ultra-precise measurements and can be point, linear and rotary, are quite expensive and help in carrying out various works.
BAR LEVELS
Bar levels are designed to measure deviations of flat and cylindrical surfaces from the horizontal plane, as well as check their straightness. They are indispensable in mechanical engineering and construction, when carrying out geodetic, installation and astronomical work. Bar levels are also used when installing machines and conducting laboratory tests.
Steel and plastic are used to produce bar levels. The main element of the level is a glass ampoule filled with alcohol or ether. There is a prism-shaped recess on the bottom of the body that allows you to install the level on cylindrical surfaces. The design of the level includes 2 ampoules - longitudinal (for reading) and transverse (for monitoring position on cylindrical surfaces). The measuring element is an air bubble inside the ampoule; if it is located strictly in the middle, the surface is smooth.
Bar levels have one working surface - horizontal, consisting of a flat base with prismatic grooves. Thanks to these grooves it is possible to work with cylindrical surfaces. Products are produced both with and without a zero-setting mechanism.
All products comply with the requirements of the state standard - GOST 9392-89. Level bars are presented in several standard sizes (from 100 to 300 mm), with a step of 50 mm and a division price of 0.02 or 0.05 mm.
The manufacturer recommends taking measurements at an ambient temperature within +20°C and humidity not exceeding 80%.
What is important to consider when choosing a building level
When carrying out construction or repair, finishing work, and even when installing furniture, it is important to use the most effective devices.
Simple tips for choosing the right level will help you choose a measuring device of improved quality, offered at a competitive price:
- durable body with additional stiffening ribs;
- optimal accuracy of displayed deviation data;
- reliable build quality and optimally competitive price.
It is important to choose laser and electronic levels especially carefully, because such devices are quite expensive.
Their use cannot be replaced by analog models, which are not capable of recording certain deviation parameters with particular accuracy and correctness of display.
How to choose a building level
To perform repairs efficiently, you should choose a good measuring tool before starting work. Nowadays there is a wide variety of building levels. They differ from each other in purpose, technical characteristics, workmanship and price.
What task is facing you?! If you need an inexpensive universal tool for all occasions, you should pay attention to bubble levels. They are convenient, unpretentious, and most importantly, have good accuracy. Their capabilities are enough to lay tiles evenly, install windows, doors or furniture. The length of the universal level is 60÷80 cm.
Electronic levels with a protractor and a magnetic system are suitable for those who decide to take repairs seriously. They have advanced capabilities. First of all, this is a visual representation of data on an electronic display with an accurate indication of deviations in degrees, percentages or millimeters. Other distinctive features are high accuracy, reading recording function, and electronic calibration capabilities.
If you need to level beams, posts, water or gas pipes in vertical and horizontal directions, take full advantage of pipe levels. Their undeniable advantage is the possibility of precise centering on these elements of building structures.
A water level will be useful when installing floor screeds, installing suspended ceilings, and laying foundations. It is useful for marking places for sockets, which will look aesthetically pleasing, being at the same height. The water level can be used to make precise horizontal markings for adjacent rooms between which there is no direct visibility. This is one of its main advantages. This tool is low cost and easy to use. Its length varies from 5 to 25 meters, which is quite enough for domestic use.
A laser level will be an excellent choice for those who have a large amount of construction work to do. It will significantly save time, while ensuring high accuracy of construction of both horizontal and vertical planes. This is a good tool for marking floor levels, marking walls for finishing work, installing furniture and communications.
There are three main types of laser levels: point, linear, and rotary. In accordance with the name, they are used to construct points, lines, and markings along the entire perimeter of the room at the same time.
Before starting work, laser devices must be leveled using the built-in bubble level. Some models have an additional self-leveling function within 2÷4 degrees. The price of professional laser levels is quite high, but there are affordable options for home use.
What to look for when choosing
Among the large number of manufacturers present on the measuring instrument market, there are those that have already gained an excellent reputation in our country and abroad. Builders have a good reputation for bubble and electronic levels from Stabila and Kapro. Bosch laser levels are known for their quality. However, it is best to rely on your own experience to purchase something with the necessary set of functions at a reasonable price. Main selection criteria: technical characteristics, equipment, build quality and materials.
When purchasing a bubble level, you need to inspect its appearance. Is there any visible damage?! What is the quality of the materials, is it assembled neatly?! Particular attention should be paid to ampoules with liquid. They must be securely integrated into the housing.
Place the selected level on a flat horizontal surface. It should fit snugly, without gaps, against it with its base. Note the position of the air bubble in the upper ampoule. After this, turn the device 180⁰ clockwise or counterclockwise and place it in the same place. If the bubble has shifted relative to its initial position, this level cannot be trusted. In a similar way, you can check the accuracy of the vertical readings.
