To get the job done right, you need to work with the right tools. And whatever kind of project you have underway, few details are more important than making sure everything is level.
Believe it or not, there are many types of levels, and each is designed to accomplish a specific task. Knowing which level you need is important, but not everyone is familiar with the differences in each.
Let’s take a look at the things you need to know about levels so that you’ll be ready to get to work.
What You Need to Know About the Different Types of Levels
Choosing the right level helps you complete tasks faster and more accurately. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types, so you’re ready for your next project.
Torpedo Level
Torpedo levels are ideal for tight spaces where a full-sized level won’t fit. You can use them to check both horizontal and vertical alignment, making them perfect for quick jobs like hanging pictures.
Many torpedo levels include magnetized edges, letting you work hands-free on metal surfaces. Higher-end models often add laser beams for extended lines and digital displays for precise angle readings.
String Line Level
A string line level uses a bubble inside a lightweight housing—usually aluminum or plastic. You thread the housing onto a tightly stretched string between two points. As it slides along the string, it shows if the line is level.
Despite its simple design, this level makes aligning over long distances much easier. It’s especially useful for outdoor landscaping or fence posts.
Carpenter’s Level
The carpenter’s level is the one that most people will be familiar with. Also known as a spirit level, it typically features three yellowish-green bubble vials framed in aluminum, plastic or wood, and can vary in length from 24 inches to 72 inches.
This is a very practical tool that allows you to check that horizontal surfaces are level and vertical surfaces are plumb.
Laser Level
This handy tool shoots a horizontal laser line in the direction you choose, enabling you to mark a line on a wall or an upright stud. Laser levels are popular with do-it-yourselfers and homeowners for such tasks as hanging pictures without having to support the weight of a normal carpenter’s level.
Post Level
If you’re going to build a porch or a deck, don’t start the job without a good post level. This level is shaped like an L-shaped bracket featuring a horizontal bubble vial on the spine and one on each wing.
Post levels often include rubber bands or magnets to allow the user to fix it to the post that’s being leveling.
Angle Level
This type of level is used to check angles or slopes ranging from 0 to 90 degrees. These are often used by plumbers to make certain that a drainage pipe is sloped properly.
An angle level can also be used for such carpentry tricks as setting a post when the base of the post is resting on an angle. Simply place the post near the slope with the level next to it and slowly tilt the level until it arrives at the plumb line. Mark that line on the post to cut it on a miter saw. The cut angle will allow the pst to rest flush on the slope while the upright post remains plumb.
Bull’s-Eye Level
A bull’s-eye level is typically used in construction for the leveling of planes in two dimensions. They are often mounted on a tripod and used to level horizontal surfaces like countertops and tabletops.
This type of level is also known as a “circular bubble”.
Laser Plumb Level
This tool is very similar to the laser level. The major difference is that it shoots a vertical laser line rather than a horizontal laser line. It’s intended is to replace a traditional plumb bob for making any kind of vertical alignment. This is especially handy on windy days when it can be nearly impossible to keep a plumb bob from swaying.
Rotary Laser Level
A rotary laser level represents the pinnacle of laser technology in construction. It functions much like a lighthouse in the way the laser beam rotates around a horizontal plane. When working on a task, you can raise or lower the rotary laser level in order to mark one or more points as needed.
The 360-degree laser line works for all types of projects, from machine-controlled grading and batter boards, pouring concrete, installing fences and chair rails, to laying out foundations and installing drop-ceilings.
Plumb Bob
A plumb bob looks very different from any of the other tools on this list. It traditionally looks like a cylindrical arrowhead and is most often used to measure true vertical. This is accomplished by tying it to a string and allowing it to hang until it has stopped moving.
This tool is especially handy for tasks such as measuring the vertical depths of concrete deck footings and other holes.
A Different Level for Every Kind of Job
As you can see, there are many types of levels available on the market. While some tools like the plumb bob have been in use for thousands of years, the laser lever utilizes the latest cutting-edge technology.
The world of construction relies on each of the levels on this list each and every day to accomplish important building tasks, regardless of size or scope. And yet each is small enough and handy enough to use at home and conveniently store in your own toolbox.
Keep in mind that levels are all about accuracy, and the key to accuracy is choosing the right level for each job.
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