Learning to use bubble building levels correctly

Stanley "Fatmax Xtreme Torpedo" 250

This tool has characteristics that make it possible to consider the name of the model as an answer to the question of which building level is better. He has everything to please a huge audience of consumers.

The body of the model of complex shape is made of die-cast aluminum. It is easy to take, move, and built-in magnets made of rare-earth elements are offered for attachment to metal surfaces.

Capsules measuring horizontal and vertical are shock-resistant, in enlarged blocks for easy reading of indications. Screws are provided for calibration. The angle control flask is rotatable, with a step of 2 degrees on a clearly distinguishable scale. Additional convenience for placement on pipes is guaranteed by a milled recess on the bottom edge of the body. The device, for all its advantages, is distinguished by its affordable cost.

• adjustable flask blocks;
• convenience, functionality;
• rotation of the angle control flask with a step of 2 degrees;
• strength;
• magnetic mount.

• length only 250 mm;
• large air bubble in flasks;
• it is problematic to work with a metal case in cold weather;
• no rubber pads.

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To find out which building bubble level is better, we studied their characteristics and collected customer reviews. The rating below will help you choose the right model for specific tasks, with which it will be convenient to work with.

How to make a choice

Bubble level

The best option would be a bubble level. The tool is durable, does not require special care or maintenance, and can work under various conditions.

Such a versatile solution is suitable for home and novice craftsmen. The device will help to glue the wallpaper, level the walls and floor, mount a kitchen set or household appliances, lay tiles, change the sewer pipe with the desired slope.

For personal needs, you will need a medium-sized level of 50-100 centimeters. For regular measurements with fixation of indicators, you can purchase a similar device with an electronic sensor and a screen. It is better to check the accuracy of small works with pocket levels.

When finishing work and interior design, it is safer to use the hydro level. The device helps to control the filling of the floor, screeds, ceiling structures, leveling plasterboard ceilings.

The purchase of a laser level is justified in the case of a large amount of repair and finishing work. You need to choose a tool for specific goals and tasks, you should not purchase a professional device for household work, as well as trust the simplest bubble models.

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Rating of manufacturers of building levels

Popular measuring instrument manufacturers

The trade marks of the following spirit level manufacturers have earned the support of the masters:

• Kapro (Kapro) - a company specializing exclusively in measuring instruments. The levels are made in Israel, have increased accuracy, well thought-out design. Devices are shipped from the factory with a lifetime warranty.
• Stabila is a German manufacturer of construction tools and measurement tools. Possesses patented technologies of engineering solutions, has been producing products since the end of the nineteenth century. Has been developing building levels and related devices for one hundred and thirty years.
• Stanley is an American company driving development since 1843. Meters from this company were used during the design of the Apollo spacecraft for landing on the moon.Produces building levels for a wide range of applications.
• ADA Instruments is a young company founded in Ukraine in 2008. Since 2013, she has registered a trademark in the UK and the USA, produces tools in Europe, China and Russia. Positions its measuring instruments as a tool of increased precision

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

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The building level of which company to choose

List of manufacturers whose products are especially in demand among builders:

1. Stabila is a German construction measuring equipment company founded in 1889. Thanks to the revolutionary discoveries of its engineers, it has many patents and is one of the leaders in its industry. Few installers do not know this manufacturer, and many of them use the offered high-class levels;

2. Kapro is a modern Israeli company that has managed to become a "top" in the measuring equipment market for 30 years of history. Ergonomic design, high quality and manufacturability of spirit levels were appreciated by both professional and novice builders in many countries;

3. Stanley is an American manufacturing giant with over 170 years of experience in the manufacture of various tools. Successful management, advanced technology and excellent quality are the keys to success. That is why the construction levels of the company are in demand for the construction of important facilities and for domestic purposes;

4. Sola is a well-known Austrian company for the production of measuring instruments, which sells its goods in more than 40 countries. Since 1994, the production has been in compliance with the ISO 9001 standard, so the owners of modern spirit levels do not doubt their quality.

Control

The FIRECORE FRL-500HR rotary laser level is equipped with a rather impressive control panel, which has 11 buttons, with which you can not only control the device, but also adjust the level accuracy yourself in the field, we will analyze them in more detail.

Button 1.
Switching the level on / off. There is also a battery discharge indicator. A flashing light indicates the need for charging.

Button 2.
Disable auto-alignment. Switching on is also highlighted by the corresponding indicator. In this mode, you can make markings at any arbitrary angle.

Button 3.
Activates the anti-shock function, that is, after de-leveling, automatic leveling does not occur. By default, after a jolt or short vibration, the level will automatically re-establish itself.

Button 4.
Responsible for the sequential selection of the rotation speed of the "laser head" 0 - point mode, 60, 120, 300 and 600 rpm. The rotation speed can be selected both in the auto-alignment mode and in the manual mode.

Button 5.
Scan function. Allows you to select a certain angle of rotation of the "laser head": 0 (point), 10 °, 45 °, 90 ° and 180 °, that is, in the projection, the corresponding laser segments are obtained in proportion to the angle of rotation.

Using the keys 6 and 7, the point or segments can be moved in a circle to the left or right, thereby, as if scanning the area to be marked.

In addition, this function makes the signal for the receiver more concentrated, which allows you to work more confidently over long distances on the street up to 250 meters in one direction.

For example, if you choose a 45-degree angle of rotation of the "laser head", then it will start spinning quickly back and forth in this range, and if you mentally imagine a distance of 250 meters, then at this angle of rotation a rather large sector will be covered.

Button 6 and 7. Move the point or selected lines in a circle, right or left, respectively.

Buttons 8,9,10,11. In the automatic alignment mode along the X or Y axis, these buttons set the slope, maximum 5 ° or 8%.

For example, it is used to create a profile near the roadway, when laying various sewage communications or in any other work where it is required to set a certain inclination along the axes.

By the way, if it is often required to set a controlled slope, then it will be really more convenient to do this if the rotary unit is equipped with a display that specifically displays the value of the given slope along the X or Y axis. This model is called
 

Also, these buttons are involved in adjusting the accuracy of the level. (For details on alignment, see below)

What technical parameters should you pay attention to

Before choosing a laser level, you need to take into account not only the type of device, the measurement range, the number of beams, the accuracy of the readings, but also a number of other important characteristics:

• Working hours... Most are battery operated. It is better to take with the ability to work from batteries and recharge them. It is advisable to have a charger included. Some models can be powered from the mains - this is a convenient feature.
• Type of equipment... Directly plan targets for the device. This will help you understand which laser level to choose. Spot are suitable for measurements and marking. With the help of line builders, vertical and horizontal lines are marked, rotary apparatuses are also built inclined.
• Temperature Range... For outdoor use in winter, frost-resistant equipment is needed.
• Self-leveling... A convenient feature, but it is desirable that there is also a bubble level and the ability to disable self-leveling for precise manual adjustment.
• Hull protection... Take with the IP54 marking - it is protection against rain and dust.
• Fastening... Simple models may be missing. Also found with magnetic fixation. The most convenient installation is on a tripod.
• Number of projections... For household needs, a level with two intersecting projections is sufficient.

Equipment. At least there should be a case. Its purpose is to store and protect the device.

Top manufacturers

We advise you to pay attention to the following companies and their model range: Bosch, Defort, DeWalt, Ada, Condtrol, Bort.

Price. It's not always worth overpaying

The cost of laser devices varies several times. Consider if you need a level with a range of 20m if you are going to put tiles in the bathroom? Or a level with a visibility of 50 meters and high accuracy when building a garden house? An inexpensive, simplified apparatus is quite enough.

What building level to buy

The choice of tool depends on many of the above factors and may have the following options:

• For control work on walls, ceilings, floors, including screed and plaster, you can use: Plumbsite Hercules 986-44-250 from Capro and FATMAX XL 0-43-681 from Stanley;
• For checking the geometry of masonry and ceilings (tension and suspended) will fit: Stabila 70 02290;
• For an even installation of furniture, windows and doors, the best option: R-300 18374 from Stabila;
• For driving in dowels with a certain pitch, the following is suitable: 70MAS 1411 from Stabila;
• For work with metal structures, it has proven itself well: MM40 from Sola;
• Effective for pipe alignment: Kapro 340-08;
• Good for local household tasks: Stanley 0-42-130 and Stanley 0-43-511.

When buying a device, be sure to test it - put it in the store on a control surface, read the indicators on the flask, turn it 180 ° and set it strictly in the same place - the bubble should not change its location.

Friends will also be interested in this.

Every craftsman, home or professional, always wants to use an accurate, high quality and convenient tool. And the question, which building level is better, sounds on thematic forums almost constantly.The answer to it depends on what kind of work the tool is selected for. However, in all categories, whether it is a high-precision professional device or a beginner's fixture, there are better bubble-type building levels.

The rating of the best products will help you choose a bubble building level for performing certain operations. The top includes a variety of classes of meters. You will find here:

• high-quality building level for domestic use;
• compact fixtures;
• an electronic meter that is suitable for both laying tiles and making quick and accurate measurements;
• universal devices for a wide range of construction work.

The best bubble building levels were selected based on a variety of criteria. The reputation of the model was taken as the main one, based on the feedback from the owners and the experience of real use of the meter. In addition, the availability of a particular product for an ordinary consumer was taken into account. And of course, the durability and reliability of the device played an important role.

Types of building levels. Their advantages and disadvantages.

Building levels can be conditionally divided into manual and laser levels. Manual building levels include: bubble and cap (hydro level, it is also a water level or plumb line). Let's consider in more detail: what kind of work is this or that building level suitable for, its advantages and disadvantages.

Bubble (rack) level.

The most popular and widely known measuring tool. Levels with three flasks have become very popular.

Construction: The main element is a strip of solid material. It contains transparent, glass capsules with a bubble. There are measuring marks (risks) on the glass of the ampoule (flask). The air bubble should be in the center of the measuring lines. The body is made of wood, aluminum and plastic. Aluminum level is widely used. Flasks with a bubble, as a rule, contain technical alcohol. At some levels, the alcohol is tinted and neon is added. Many models are equipped with magnets for ease of use. Each individual ampoule is installed so that it is possible to measure the horizontal and vertical plane, as well as to measure the plane located at an angle of 45 degrees.

Application area. In professional construction work and at home.

Advantages: ease of use, reasonable price, versatile.

Disadvantages: not suitable for large-scale works.

How to adjust the building bubble level: before using the rack level, you need to check that all ampoules are secure and not damaged. It is also necessary to check the accuracy of the level. To do this, set the level on a flat horizontal plane. Makes a mark (at risk) at the location of the bubble in the flask. We turn the level to the other side. The vial in the flask should be in the same place. If the level has several flasks, it is necessary to check the accuracy of each flask.

Pipe level.

Refers to the varieties of the bubble level.

Design: looks like a half-coupler with a built-in bulb. Can be foldable.

Scope: used for laying pipes and profiles.

Advantages: compact, lightweight, equipped with clamps on the surface.

Disadvantages: narrow specialization.

Before using the level, you need to make sure that all the flasks are fixed and not damaged. The principle of checking the accuracy of the instrument is the same as checking the bubble level.

Hydro level (water building level).

One of the most accurate measuring instruments.

Construction: two transparent tubes with a scale, connected by a soft and flexible hose.

Scope: for leveling a horizontal surface of a large area.

Advantages: ease of use and low cost.

Disadvantages: narrow specialization. It takes skill when storing and filling a container. Requires a companion to work. Work at temperatures above 0 ° C.

Before use, the tube is washed with soapy water and then filled with water

It is important that no air enters the tube, otherwise the measurement will be in error. The accuracy of work is checked by measuring the liquid in two containers.

For ease of use, many models have rubber sliders for leveling. The principle of level operation is communicating vessels. We know well how communicating vessels interact from the school physics curriculum.

Laser building level.

Professional construction measuring tool. The electronic laser level has gained wide popularity. This is the most accurate building level to date.

Construction: the level is based on a laser emitter. This beam is parallel to the base of the level. The laser level can be mounted on magnets, tripods, brackets. Many models have an LCD screen and built-in memory.

Scope: used in the professional field.

Advantages: high measurement accuracy. Versatile. Compact.

Disadvantages: Difficulty in management. High price.

Before working with the laser level, be sure to read the instructions. Electronic levels are equipped with an automatic leveling system. The level works on finger batteries, so for the results to be accurate, monitor the state of charge in the batteries.

Happy choice!

Bubble levels 200 cm

The 200 cm long tool is used on particularly large surfaces. It allows you to see the evenness of beams, walls, long communications. This helps to align the supporting structures, but it is inconvenient to work in a confined space with such a tool. Here is the rating of the bubble levels 200 cm long:

PLUMBSITE GENESIS 200 cm KAPRO 781-40-200РМ

Level 200 cm long with two eyes. It is made in a rectangular case with a hollow interior, therefore it weighs only 1.44 kg despite its large size.

+ Pluses of PLUMBSITE GENESIS 200 cm KAPRO 781-40-200RM

1. The walls of the flask are made of polyacrylic, therefore they are especially durable and contribute to the long service life of the device.
2. Built-in system of powerful magnets - the level will not fall off the structure with a slight shake.
3. The Plumbsite system has been implemented, which allows you to see the readings of the capsule from the front and side sides.
4. The metal is powder coated in red, which provides visibility on the construction site and less soiling.
5. Rigid profile to withstand foot assault.
6. Easily removes glue and dirt thanks to its smooth body.

- Cons of PLUMBSITE GENESIS 200 cm KAPRO 781-40-200РМ

1. The paint peels off in places from drops.
2. With its help, it will not work to set the angle to 45 degrees.
3. When working with metal structures, chips constantly adhere to magnets.
4. There is no scale with centimeters, which would be useful at such a great length, so as not to use a tape measure in parallel.
5. Dear model.

Output. This is an excellent level for performing construction work with metal structures. Magnetic blocks will provide a secure hold of a long tool and allow you to adjust parts of the structure with two hands.

KAPRO 905-40-200

The model with the lowest error rate is 0.029 degrees per meter. Suitable for particularly precise work. The flasks are made of polycarbonate, which reliably protects them from damage.

+ Pros of KAPRO 905-40-200

1. Shock absorbing pads on the tool ends.
2. On the horizontal and vertical eyes, a red background is reflected on the boundaries of the air bubble, which helps to clearly notice its position relative to the marks.
3. Rubber-trimmed handles for comfortable high-level holding.
4. View the flasks from any position at an angle of up to 45 degrees without optical distortion.
5. One of the highest accuracy rates.
6. Wide milled surface.
7. Resistant to bending and twisting.

- Cons of KAPRO 905-40-200

1. The cost is high.
2. Only suitable for horizontal and vertical installations - no third window for inclined surfaces.
3. There is no magnetic block in the design.
4. When ordering, you need to specify the color - it happens white instead of red and vice versa.

Output. Great bubble level for finishing work. Thanks to the length of 200 cm, it will be possible to level the walls with plaster and putty, without pits and drops. Thanks to the ribbed sight, it is convenient to set up beacons.

Purpose and types of levels

Levels are designed to measure the height of objects on the ground. They are used to draw up geodetic plans and site planning during construction.

The types of levels are quite few. The types of devices are distinguished according to the accuracy class and the principle of operation.

In terms of accuracy, devices are of high accuracy (square-law error of no more than 0.2-0.5 mm per 1000 m of double stroke), precise (error 0.5-2.0 mm per 1000 m), technical (error 2-10 mm per 1000 m). The construction level belongs to the technical type, as well as any household level.

By the principle of operation, the devices are divided into:

• Geometric... Devices with a horizontal sighting beam. With the help of special rails, the heights of points on the ground are marked. Used for drawing up plans and maps.
• Trigonometric... Also called theodolites. The measurement of the height between points is carried out by calculating the angle of inclination of the sighting beam and the known distance between the points.
• Hydrostatic... This is a spirit level known to many. Looks like a hose with glass beakers at the ends. The principle of communicating vessels is used. Very accurate method, but limited in distance.
• Optical-mechanical... Use sighting with precision optics. Do not need additional food. They are distinguished by their accuracy, reliable, but require a lot of experience in use and independent calculations by the operator. A partner is needed to hold the rail.
• Digital... They are electronic. They can be laser, optical. The principle of operation of the electronic level is that it itself measures the distances, the angle of inclination and gives the results in the form of ready-made readings. Allows you to work alone, but are expensive and susceptible to damage.
• Laser... Let's consider what a laser level is. It is a device that projects a clearly visible laser beam. Easy to use, their purpose is to work not only with points, but also with planes due to the visibility of the line of sight. When working on drawing up plans, the point of impact of the beam with the staff is visible not only to the operator, but also to the partner. You can work alone.

Types of laser levels:

• Rangefinders... They are also laser roulettes. The simplest device. Used to measure distance.
• Static line builders... Instruments that plot statistical lines by splitting the beam with a prism. The simplest ones are with one laser beam. Usually there are 2 of them: vertical and horizontal. They can have self-leveling, the error angle is 3-6 degrees. They are usually used for interior decoration and interior work.
• Axis builders (point lasers)... Give points for marking. Rays 5-6. Their direction is up, down, forward, backward, left and right. They can mark frames, ceilings, walls.
• Rotary builders... The plane builder has a rotating part with a laser. This allows the rotary vial to mark the plane immediately. It is especially convenient to do this indoors.

How does a laser level differ from a level

These names often refer to one device. Let's consider how the level differs from the laser level. Level is a single beam instrument. This means that the line is drawn using two points. Purpose - checking the horizontal or vertical line.

The main difference is that the level is a more versatile device. It can perform the functions of a regular level, plumb line, square, and serve for vertical and horizontal marking.If the level works at 105, at most 10 meters, then the level is tens of meters, and some models are hundreds, allowing you to create projections of large areas and buildings. This is the main thing, what is the difference between devices.

Specifications

Accuracy: ± 0.2mm per meter (or ± 2mm / 10m)

Working distance: 30 m * (depending on the degree of illumination)

Compensator range: ± 4 °

Compensator installation time:

Beam color: green

Laser class and length: II, 635 nm,

Mounting thread: 1/4 ″

Power: battery 5000 mAh 3.7V

Working time: 3-9 hours (depending on the number of planes included)

Working temperature: from -10 ° С to + 40 ° С

Storage temperature: from -20 ° С to + 70 ° С

Set weight: 1.62 kg

Level weight: 680 gr.

Dimensions of the device: l.sh.h. ~ 12cm / 6cm / 11cm (without protruding towers)

Minimum distance from the horizon:

to the floor - 11.3 cm

to the ceiling - 1.6 cm

Minimum distance from vertical to wall: 9 mm

Rating of the best level producers

Bubble ratings are provided by manufacturers such as:

It is also worth highlighting the best levels of manufacturers in accordance with the required work:

• To keep the plaster and screed flat, use construction tools from Stanley model FatMax XL 0-43-681 and Capro model Hercules 986-44-250. They are perfect for working with the ceiling and leveling the walls.
• To check stretch and suspended ceilings, as well as brickwork for horizontal - vertical evenness, Stabila model 70 02290 will come in handy.
• Equally important is the smooth installation of doors, furniture, windows. The best option is Stabila model R-300 18374.
• Driving a few centimeters of dowels in increments is within your reach Stabila model 70MAS
• For steel structures, choose the Sola model MM
• To make aligning the pipes a hassle, the Capro model 340-08 should be used.
• Local tasks of the household plan can be easily solved by Stanley model 0-42-130 and model 0-43-511.

The listed models and manufacturers were included in the rating of bubble building levels, since most users have already had time to evaluate all the pros and cons of a particular model from their experience. Therefore, they received a large number of top marks and fairly widespread

Affordable price, excellent performance - at a height, however, it is very important to check the tool before buying. Do not ignore this selection parameter.