Level 3 meters. Building levels: types, selection and purpose

In this section of the Skladom online store you can buy a building level at a low price! Our catalog contains a wide range of models. The range includes tools made in Russia and abroad. A wide choice allows you to find the best option in terms of cost and functional purpose, allowing you to solve problems of any degree of complexity.

Types of building levels

You can buy a building level from us:

• Bubble. A special tool of rectangular shape with installed transparent flasks filled with liquid. By the location of the bubble, it is easy to determine whether the surface corresponds to a horizontal or vertical plane. The presence of the third flask makes it possible to measure the degree of deviation from the given parameters of the horizon. The catalog contains levels of various lengths and body designs: "Profile", "Rail", etc.

• Water - a special construction tool. The level is designed to determine the horizontal location of structures or distant objects. Two graduated flasks at the ends of the hose filled with water allow you to quickly and accurately beat off the horizontal level of the foundation, screed, floor, etc.

The photographs accompanying each model, as well as an informative description, will help you choose the right level. It is enough to go to the site page and you can find out everything about the possibilities, advantages and distinctive features of a particular model.

Depending on the type of tool, manufacturer and individual characteristics, the price for the construction level may be different. Along with professional, more expensive products, we also have budget models, which favorably differ in affordable cost and high quality.

For accurate and quick measurements, buy building levels in Skladom!

The final result of the work of a number of industrial specialists depends on the accuracy of measuring instruments: a builder, a bricklayer, a carpenter, etc. The building level of various modifications is a simple but indispensable tool for any serious team or individual craftsman, which allows you to determine the accuracy of the location of horizontal and vertical surfaces. The history of the appearance of the first spirit level dates back to the second half of the 17th century, and the vertical plumb line is a well-known primitive prototype of later inventions.

The generally accepted classification for building levels:

• Bubble (water level) - with flasks installed in a rigid case filled with liquid, and the presence of a floating air bubble in each flask;
• Laser level - with fast and clear marking by a point of a laser beam of working surfaces;
• Water level (hydrolevel) - the principle of operation is based on Pascal's hydrostatic law and checks the compliance of the planes of horizontal surfaces.

Despite all the obvious innovative advantages of the same laser level, skilled craftsmen never refuse to use a high-quality bubble level - this versatile tool that has stood the test of time.

The main characteristics of the building level

• Measurement accuracy (from 0.3 mm / m, the longer the building level and the heavier it is, the higher the accuracy of its readings);
• Impact resistance. As a rule, levels have a hollow body, but with walls of sufficient thickness;
• Wide resistance to the slightest bending and torsion;
• Measuring flasks with a high degree of transparency and resistance to discoloration, haze, cracking and leakage when exposed to low and high temperatures, as well as ultraviolet rays.

Device

A rigid monolithic, most often rectangular case with a milled bottom edge is made of light and durable materials (aluminum, polystyrene, plastic, wood) with an anti-corrosion coating. In the case, depending on the required accuracy, a certain number of transparent sealed glass flasks (level eyes) are securely fixed with an air bubble floating in a colored alcohol-containing liquid:

• one flask - only for a horizontal guide (180 degrees);
• two - for horizontal (180 degrees) and vertical guides (90 degrees);
• three - for more complex work, with an additional third camera that controls the measurement of the angle of inclination (rigidly fixed at 45 degrees, or rotary - to measure any angle of the controlled surface).

In order to minimize errors in angular vision, limiting lines - risks - are applied on the surface of the measuring flasks. Eyes for checking the position of surfaces of the vertical plane and the angle of inclination have built-in mirror reflectors for simultaneous control of the position of the bubbles.

Plastic plugs at the ends of the level protect the structure in case of accidental falls.

Some level manufacturers also provide additional conveniences: for example, a built-in magnifying lens for more comfortable bubble control, magnetic systems or a fluorescent flask liquid for the possibility of continuing work even in the dark.

The principle of operation of the bubble building level is simple: measuring and adjusting surfaces relative to the horizontal and vertical planes occurs by moving the bubble inside a certain level eye. The result of the correct adjustment will be the presence of the bubble exactly in the middle between the measuring marks of the flask.

Building level. Which is better?

Having decided to purchase a building level, it will not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with some recommendations for choosing it:

1. Flask– must be securely fastened to the body. When buying, it is worth abandoning the level at which the flask is screwed with screws, because of which it can become loose over time. Flasks made of polyacrylic should be chosen, which is stronger than glass and more transparent than plastic.
2. Level length- it is necessary to take into account the type of work to be done, since the larger the working area, the longer the level should be chosen;
3. Defects- the building level is a measuring device, so when buying a tool, you must make sure that there are no factory defects, as well as errors in the readings.

1. Housing material- the tool can be made of plastic, metal or wood. The most reliable and durable is, of course, the metal level, inside which there are stiffeners
2. markup- the best option is to place control strips inside the bubble itself. The divisions applied to the surface of the flask should be clear and located close to each other.

The run-up in the cost of building levels is quite diverse. At the same time, it is not worth asking for a choice of more economic models, especially if you need to use the tool repeatedly. If you have to carry out a thorough repair, then experts strongly recommend purchasing a professional tool. For him, a characteristic difference is the presence of a shock-resistant case with special rubber pads, which, during operation, are able to soften the blows from falls, etc.

In operation, it is better than others, the construction level of the famous German brand "Stabila" has proven itself. For such a tool, on average, you will have to pay from 700 to 1800 rubles. This measuring device is famous for such advantages as:

• high-quality and stable reading of indications (high degree of measurement accuracy);
• good ergonomic characteristics;
• precision in the geometry of the aluminum profile housing.

In addition, this brand also produces magnetic building levels, which make it possible to work with electricity, and are equipped with special slots for marking switches and sockets.

In addition to "Stabila", another good option could be the building level of the company "Shark". The levels of this brand are good because they are not afraid of falls and bumps. Also, good models are produced by Ermak, Bosch or Kapro.. For example, the Kapro company constantly updates its models and often introduces the latest innovative solutions, releasing household and professional tools. The models of the German company Bosch are distinguished by high quality. A similar tool with Bosch models is also produced by the Russian company Condtrol, which is more affordable.

In the middle category of such instruments, it is worth highlighting the levels manufactured by Matrix, Brigadier and Stayer, which are distinguished by their high measurement accuracy and optimal cost-quality ratio.

However, when buying a building level, a well-known brand should not be a decisive aspect. The main thing is to decide on the type of future work and the frequency of using the tool.

180 degree method

You can check the accuracy of the level in the simplest way, called the 180 degree method:

1. It is necessary to put the building level tightly, without gaps, on a flat horizontal surface and remember the position of the bubble relative to the marks.
2. In the horizontal plane, turn the level 180 degrees and place it clearly on the same area.
3. In a qualitative and accurate level, the position of the bubble should remain the same.

In the same way, you can check the accuracy of the vertical readings.

Round bubble level

This kind of building levels is designed to control only horizontal surfaces and differs somewhat from the usual levels in the design of the body with the same principle of operation. The round level is a sealed hemispherical capsule made of impact-resistant glass with a fixed flask, inside which the position of the bubble is determined by a bounding round line.

The scope of the round bubble level is not only construction work and control of the degree of shrinkage of already rebuilt buildings. Such levels are widely used in photo and video shooting for strict adjustment of the horizontal position of the equipment tripod. The use of round levels is also very common when installing trade or control scales, as well as for constantly monitoring the stable horizontal position of stationary machines, industrial tools and even jewelry surfaces - for example, polishing wheels.

A round bubble level often has the possibility of local attachment to a controlled surface and a very low cost with high measurement accuracy. A knowledgeable person will appreciate this simple and necessary tool.

The ubiquity of levels

Whatever work you have to do (check the correspondence of the vertical and horizontal surfaces of the walls, floor and ceiling; install a washing machine without distortions, hang a bookshelf or a picture) - the simplicity and ease of use of the bubble building level will help you do it quickly and with the highest quality. Even in the presence of a laser level or a plane builder that is more complex in execution and principle of operation, the building level, unchanged in the arsenal of any master, will not remain idle.

The bubble level is an indispensable tool in construction. With it, you can check the slope and angles, create perfectly straight lines in any plane. Levels are also used when laying pipes, when installing household appliances that vibrate during operation and are demanding on the evenness of the base. Such devices should be in the arsenal of any home master, we will talk about their design and selection rules in this article.

Design - features of modern building levels

Bubble level construction is a structurally simple tool. It is a bar of solid material, in which several ampoules are embedded, filled with liquid and some air. Measuring marks are applied on the surface of the ampoules, which make it possible to determine the evenness of the measured surface by the position of the bubble. To measure tilted surfaces, you can use the indicators of air deflection relative to the central marks on the ampoules.

Ampoules with air are the most important parts of any level, if the integrity of the ampoule is broken, the device cannot be used. Technical alcohol is usually used to fill ampoules. To increase the functionality of the instruments, some manufacturers add other details to the bar, such as lenses, which allow you to better see the bubble. To ensure the ability to operate the level in conditions of insufficient lighting, fluorescent components are added to technical alcohol, thanks to which the liquid ampoules will be clearly visible even at night.

You can also find shockproof models of measuring instruments on the market. During construction, devices are constantly exposed to adverse effects: they are strongly shaken, dropped, which ultimately leads to damage and failure. Long levels are most susceptible to adverse effects, during the fall of which the impact force is significantly greater than that of brands with a short frame. Anti-impact tools are much more expensive than others, but they are more reliable and usually last much longer than cheaper counterparts.

The durability and quality of the measuring device is also affected by its base - a frame consisting of aluminum, wooden or plastic strips. Levels with aluminum bases are the most common, they are made of hollow planks and are very light in weight. However, this is the main disadvantage of such tools. The heavier the device, the better its technical characteristics, the more convenient it is to work with it and the easier it is to obtain accurate measurement results.

There are quite specialized models of such devices. For example, to work with metal bases, it is easiest to use special levels equipped with magnets. They can be attached to the base and easily obtain information about the evenness of the surface. A ruler on the long side of the level can also be a useful addition, it will be needed when, in addition to the evenness of the base, other measurements need to be taken.

The simplest models are equipped with only one vial with an air bubble, but today they are considered very outdated and are rarely found in stores. It is much more convenient to use levels equipped with 2-3 containers. In such devices, one ampoule is located on the long, wide side of the bar; it is designed to measure horizontal planes. The second ampoule is placed on the narrow side of the level perpendicular to the first, it is needed for convenient measurement of vertical surfaces. The third flask is placed on the narrow reverse side of the bar at an angle of 45 degrees, its main purpose is to control the operation of the device.

Bubble levels can be of different lengths. The simplest modifications for home use have a length of 20 cm, while professional devices can reach a length of 300-400 cm. The functionality and efficiency of the level directly depend on the length. In a private house, a short level is sufficient for the installation of household equipment and simple installation work. For laying tiles, longer strips are required, within 40-100 cm. The longest levels are used when performing complex construction and installation work. In the household, they are rarely needed.

Learning to choose measuring devices - what to look for?

The construction market presents spirit levels (levels) in the widest range. Such devices are, perhaps, favorite among manufacturers of low-quality and fake products, because every owner wants to have such a device at hand, but not everyone knows how to choose among the assortment of a hardware store. The spirit level is quite simple to manufacture, but requires the highest precision and the use of only high-quality materials.

Fake and simply low-quality levels are produced in violation of all possible technologies, they are used to create unreliable materials that are not capable of providing the device with decent resistance to external influences and durability. If you are not familiar with measuring instruments, you should only buy products from reputable manufacturers. The following brands have proven themselves well:

• Bosch;
• Kapro;
• Gross Laser;
• Stabila;
• Shark;
• Leader;
• Yermak.

You should not choose equipment only by cost, keep in mind that devices from these manufacturers are not the cheapest on the market. If you see a Bosch spirit level at a ridiculous price, it’s most likely that you have a fake in front of you, and you shouldn’t buy it.

In addition, you need to choose devices that are fully consistent with the planned work. If you are planning to tile the floor or walls yourself, you need a good household level. No need to buy a very expensive professional spirit level, you will just waste your money. First you need to decide on the length of a suitable tool. The more complex work you have to do, the longer the spirit level you need. The optimal size of the household level, which can be used to solve various problems, is 40-60 cm.

When choosing, carefully examine the device visually, paying special attention to the glass elements. The flasks must be intact, without any signs of mechanical damage and impacts. Then you need to evaluate the strength of fixation of ampoules with bubbles on a long bar. The containers should be installed as tightly as possible, they should not stagger and fall off.

On the shelves of hardware stores you can find levels in which the flasks can be adjusted. This is an ambiguous function of measuring devices. On the one hand, due to the adjustment, you can reconfigure the damaged level, on the other hand, the device will be much more vulnerable to adverse mechanical effects, drops and shakes. We highly recommend purchasing spirit levels with a tight fixation of ampoules, they are the most reliable and durable.

After studying the integrity and reliability of the fixation of the ampoules, pay attention to the air in the containers and the marks applied to them. All marks on the flasks should be clearly visible and located in close proximity to each other.

It is best if the control strips on the ampoules are located inside the flasks, and not outside, because due to the active use of the device, the marks on the outer surface can simply be erased.

Regardless of what material the spirit level itself is made of, the device must be heavy, durable and stable. It is best to choose devices equipped with additional stiffeners. You can also choose a device among well-known models that you like visually, but external attractiveness does not affect the accuracy of measurements.

It is highly advisable to pre-check the performance of the level before buying. In large hardware stores, there are special stands with a perfectly flat surface for this. If there is no such stand, you can simply place the level in a horizontal plane and remember the position of the air bubble. After that, the device is rotated 180 degrees and placed on the same surface, in both cases the vial in the ampoule should be in the same position. If there are no deviations in the measurements, the device is working properly and you can buy it.

By the way, even if you do not check the accuracy of measuring flat surfaces with a spirit level in the store, you can do it at home. But be sure to keep the receipt from the purchase, so that in case of problems with the level, it can be replaced with another one. However, experts do not recommend buying measuring equipment, whether it be a bubble spirit level, or a level without preliminary checks. Even the most expensive devices from well-known manufacturers need to be checked, high-quality equipment can be defective and fail during transportation from the manufacturer to the place of sale.

Setting up unfixed spirit level tanks

If you purchase a model of the measuring device with loose ampoules, it can be adjusted and reconfigured if readings go astray. Setting up the device is quite simple, you can easily cope with such a task yourself. To do this, you need to determine the most even wall in the room. If you have not previously checked surfaces with an accurate spirit level, you can choose the visually most even wall.

Step back from the left corner of the wall about 4 cm and drive a nail into the surface at eye level (you can screw in a self-tapping screw) so that the fastener protrudes on the surface at a distance of 20-30 mm. From above, the spirit level is positioned in such a way that with one side it rests on a screw or nail, and with the long side it lies against the surface of the wall. Adjust the instrument so that the air in the container shows a flat surface. Draw a line along the edge of the level on the wall.

Then turn the device over and repeat the procedure again. If the drawn lines completely coincide, then the device is adjusted normally and can be operated. If the marks diverge, then you will have to additionally configure the device. To do this, on the right side of the wall, where the marks end, a central point is marked between them. The level is laid on the nail so that with one of its edges it is adjacent to the marked point. In this position, the device must be fixed and the ampoule adjusted so that the vial shows an even base.

The building level is a tool that detects the slope of surfaces. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

How they work

The algorithm of operation of any of them is reduced to the choice of the installation point and the place for measuring the level. The remaining options depend on the particular type of tool and can be combined.

The building level helps:

1. Determine the verticality or horizontality of a given surface - in order to establish a further scope of work and its necessity.
2. To find out in which direction the tilt occurred, in some models its exact size is also available.
3. Set clear guidelines when marking surfaces - before installing frames or furniture.
4. Calculate the volume of materials - for this, the arithmetic mean of the levels of different points on the same surface is used.
5. Determine a single level in different rooms - often required when installing ceilings or windows.

In low-rise construction or apartment renovation, manual tool variations are more often used. These are devices without complex electronics that do not require special skills. Professionals use several types at the same time.

Types and functions of building levels

hydraulic levels

The functioning of this type of instrument is based on the law of physics about communicating vessels. Structurally, hydraulic levels are two flasks connected by a transparent tube.

Peculiarities:

• This is an accurate view of the levels, but it is important to keep the hose free of kinks and have good eyesight.
• Suitable for checking slopes simultaneously in different rooms.
• As a rule, they require pair work.

To bring the device into working condition, it is enough to fill it with water so that the upper meniscus of the liquid reaches the middle of both flasks, and no air bubbles remain in the tube.

Bubble building levels

Regardless of the size and design features, the principle of the device is the same. At least two flasks are built into the body of the level, where small air bubbles “float” in the liquid. Focusing on them, they check if there is a slope of the planes.

Peculiarities:

• The liquid in most cases will be technical alcohol. Allows you to measure with an accuracy of 1 mm / m - this is the industry standard.
• "Air" bubbles of solid acrylic suggest greater precision. Accuracy 0.5 mm/m.

Some models of bubble levels are equipped with flasks on a rotating base. This allows you to work with inclined planes. Profile shapes are in the form of a box, a trapezoid and with one measuring plane cast Shark (shark). Part of the tool is equipped with end elements that prevent breakage during falls.

Laser building levels

The convenience of this equipment lies in the non-contact use and in a large area of ​​marking coverage.

Peculiarities:

• The pendulum of devices is leveled after unlocking. It is desirable to set the base plane horizontally.
• Manufacturers offer an additional mounting tripod, but its dimensions are not enough for marking at a height. In this case, a bar is used, which is fixed between the floor and another horizontal surface. The platform on which the tool is installed moves along it.
• In bright light, the laser beam is not visible to the naked eye. To resolve the issue, glasses with glasses in the red color range are used.

Part of the laser levels produces static vertical and horizontal lines in a limited sector. An alternative option using a dot running in a circle allows marking from all sides simultaneously.

Magnetic building levels

Magnetic levels are visually indistinguishable from bubble levels. The difference is noticeable only on the lower ends. This option is equipped with magnets for easy work with metal surfaces.

Peculiarities:

• Bar magnets are more commonly used in polymer levels, in combination with a V-groove for ease of use on pipelines.
• Ceramic magnets or ferrites have been the industry standard in levels up until recent years.
• Rare earth - most aluminum models now come with this type of magnet. They are up to 10 times stronger than ceramic.

This type of level is more often used for works related to the installation of frames for drywall, as it is conveniently attached to ceiling and rack profiles, leaving hands free.

Optical building levels

An optical level or level is used in industrial facilities or in the construction of houses. The kit includes a special tripod, without which the use of the instrument is unproductive. Installation comes down to mounting, focusing and centering.

Peculiarities:

• Centering is needed for point-to-point measurements. It is carried out using a construction plumb line attached to the bottom of the tripod.
• Focusing - the telescope is aimed at the rail, with the help of an adjusting screw, the clarity is adjusted. The eyepiece ring defines the reticle.

After adjustment, the height marks are taken. The collected data are summarized, their arithmetic mean is calculated. It will be the mark of the base from the horizon of the instrument.

Advantages

Each type has its own set of advantages:

• hydraulic levels . They support measurements in different rooms, when the initial level is hidden by partitions or heavy structures. This functionality is not available in other models.
• Bubble . Easy to install and use, light weight and dimensions. Possibility of use for measuring the level and at the same time checking the plane of the wall or floor.
• Magnetic . Do not require additional fixation when working with metal. They have a full set of advantages of bubble models.
• Laser . Supports simultaneous vertical and horizontal measurements. The coverage range is higher than any of the manual models. Automation of routine processes.
• Optical . Applicability in open spaces, in the construction of roads and large facilities. Functionality, saving time and labor costs. When measuring at a distance, the accuracy does not decrease.

Problems

Disadvantages and inconveniences also depend on the type of tool:

• Hydro. M obscure and difficult to use. The routine processes of filling, draining, unwinding and forcing out bubbles are time consuming. Not suitable for vertical planes.
• Bubble . Often goes astray, adjustment is often not available. Not suitable for work over long distances and areas. In adjacent rooms, the correct level cannot be determined.
• Magnetic . The same disadvantages as the bubble. Magnets often protrude from the plane of the rib - when measuring, fresh paint or putty can be damaged. Some models are less stable than bubble ones. Frequent failure of magnets is also a disadvantage.
• laser . Requires a flat surface. The pendulum during transportation often fails. With distance, the diameter of the beam increases, which affects the accuracy. Plane measurements can only be made using optional accessories.
• Optic . Adjustment is time consuming and requires skill. For domestic purposes, the functionality is redundant - neither the time costs nor the costs are justified.

How to choose a building level

For most types of levels, accuracy will be the defining indicator, so checking its correctness is important.

bubble and magnetic

The same design also implies uniform methods for assessing the correctness of indications.

To check a horizontal flask, you need:

1. Place the tool on a flat surface.
2. Make two marks: at the end of the level and along - near the horizontal ampoule.
3. Note the position of the air bubble.
4. Turn the spirit level 180° and set in the same place according to the previously made marks.
5. Check the position of the air bubble. Any difference in its position before and after the level flip indicates that the instrument is inaccurate.
6. Repeat the test even if the readings match.

To check a vertical flask, set the level on a door frame or a flat wall, further steps are similar to horizontal measurements.

Hydro

In this type of measuring instruments there are no structural details responsible for the accuracy of measurements, but there are nuances that should be considered when choosing:

• The length of the hose - you should not choose it in reserve, because the extrusion of air bubbles and the straightening of the tubes can turn this advantage into a problem.
• Pay attention to the tightness of the protective caps. Water should not pour out - this will interfere with work.
• It is worth checking the integrity of the tube and the connections with the flasks.

An additional parameter is the flexibility of the hose, but it is difficult to evaluate it without having experience with this type of level.

laser

The choice of a laser level involves reconciliation of a number of indicators:

• Measurement error - should not exceed 3 mm per 10 meters.
• Self-alignment - test multiple models. The preferred option is the pendulum of which levels out faster than in analogues.
• Range - marked as a radius or diameter. To avoid confusion, specify what type of distance is indicated. The laser is responsible for the same parameter. The 532nM green beam is suitable for most measurements.

In addition, the integrity of the instrument and the absence of mechanical damage are checked.

Optic

You need to choose a level taking into account the tasks ahead and the features of future use. They are divided into three classes: high-precision, basic and technical.

Peculiarities:

• An air damper is suitable for outdoor applications, while vibration mode requires the use of a magnetic version.
• To perform tasks in a limited space, the defining parameter should be the smallest sighting distance. For large objects, models with the maximum magnification range of the telescope are preferred.
• Class I or II leveling at construction sites is usually not required, but it should be borne in mind that only high-precision instruments are capable of performing it.
• It is easier to prepare a tool with a compensator for work due to the self-alignment of the sighting axis.

Which is better

The answers to these questions will help you choose the best type of tool for your current tasks.

What basic functions should the level perform?

• The functionality of the bubble level will cover all the problems of household tiling, but it is impossible for them to correctly measure the level of ceilings in different rooms.
• Laser - will save hours of work on marking walls for frames and wallpapers, but is not suitable for determining the correct level of the planes.
• Optical - will support accurate calculations for laying tracks, leveling surfaces, but it will not work to hang shelves inside a kitchen cabinet.
• Hydro - will help to perform a single marking of ceilings, but it is useless for mounting wall frames.

Where will it be used? Indoors, outdoors, or both?

• Most of the electronic models are not designed to work outdoors or in aggressive environments (rain, snow).
• Please note that in addition to the laser level, you will need an outdoor detector, as the beams will not be visible in daylight.

What is the required measurement accuracy?

Industrial lasers and levels have mechanical or digital counters, there is support for recording the angle of inclination in 0.01% increments. For less accurate measurements, basic models of hand tools are selected.

Are additional features needed?

A professional-grade tool, accessories necessary for comfortable work. But the functionality of household and industrial models may not have significant differences.

How to use the building level

Features of use depend on the type of tool. There are no single operating methods.

How to use the hydraulic level

1. Carefully unroll the tubes and fill the instrument with clean, running water through one of the flasks while holding the other one above. Try to fill without stopping so that there are no extra air gaps.
2. Check the correct filling - the tubes should be evenly convex. Drive the rest of the air bubbles with light clicks to the flasks until completely out. If done correctly, the risks will rise to the same height when measured. This can be checked by placing the flasks close to each other.
3. Lock the lids.
4. The next step is to work together. One person holds the flask, and the second goes with a hose to a place or room, the level of which needs to be compared with the current one.
5. When both are in place, the caps are removed from the flasks. It is important to do everything at the same time and at approximately the same height - otherwise there will be overflows.
6. One person holds the flask against a pre-made mark, making sure that the center of the meniscus of the water corresponds to it.
7. The partner carefully raises or lowers the flask, thereby adjusting the level of filling with water.
8. When everything is leveled, a level mark is made by the second participant.

Precautions: avoid kinks and mechanical damage to the hose.

How to use the bubble and magnetic level

• Place the instrument on the surface of the object whose horizontality is to be checked.
• If the air bubble is to the right of the line, the object is tilted down to the left.
• If the bubble is to the left of the line, the object is tilted down to the right.

The vertical level is found by analogy.

Maintenance and care consist in the timely cleaning of the instrument, especially after measurements on wet plaster surfaces.

Precautions are limited to protecting the instrument from bumps and falls.

How to use the laser level

• Place the instrument on a tripod or a flat surface.
• If the model is manual, make sure the bubbles indicate the level. Otherwise, find the screws on the side and adjust them to the required correctness. Self-Leveling - Allow the tool to self-level after installation, typically 30 seconds.
• Turn on the device. The device will emit a beam that reflects on surfaces. Depending on the type of laser level, it can be a dot, a line, or several horizontal or vertical intersections.

If the device has not been used for a long time or has been dropped, calibration will be required. Mounting on a rail or tripod is carried out using a clamp or clamps from the kit.

Precautionary measures:

• do not look at the beam itself, do not direct it at children or animals;
• do not use the tool in the rain;
• do not carry with an unlocked pendulum - many models warn about this with a beep or laser blinking.

How to use the optical level

Before use, check the stability of the tripod. Tighten the mount with the tool. Make sure the foot screws are not too tight on the footing.

Alignment:

• Hold the adjusting screws between your thumb and forefinger and turn them simultaneously in opposite directions. Observe the movement in the graduated flask.
• The air bubble should be centered on the circular level window.
• Centering on a point is carried out by a plumb line mounted on a tripod screw. Then the level is shifted along the head.
• Centering is complete when the plumb bob is above the target point.

Focusing:

• Aim the telescope at a sheet of paper or other light object.
• Tighten the eyepiece until the desired sharpness appears - the sight should be clear.
• With the tube pointed at the supplied rail, adjust the focus with the knob.
• When properly adjusted, the scale of the leveling staff and the crosshair of the sight do not move one after the other.
• After focusing, hold the level on a specific target.

Use the focus knob to add sharpness.

Precautions are the same as for laser models, but additional care must be taken when handling the lens.

Warranty

Standard warranty obligations exclude cases of mechanical damage.

Bubble, magnetic and hydro - related to hand tools. They rarely have warranties longer than 12 months. Most manufacturers do not provide detailed conditions for these types of tools.

Laser - depending on the manufacturer and the category of the tool (household or professional), a guarantee is provided from 1 to 3 years.

Optical - standard warranty period of one year. But the narrowness of the niche forces manufacturers to go to tricks. Some give a guarantee on the tool up to 25 years.

The warranty period can be counted from the date of purchase or shipment. In the second case, it is appropriate to clarify how much time the tool spent in the warehouse.

Faults and repairs

Different parts turn out to be weak links - their set depends on the type of tool.

Bubble and magnetic

The main problem is related to the loss of measurement accuracy.

1. Broken flask with bubble - the readings will no longer be accurate, the error can reach several cm per meter. In budget models, bulb adjustment is not provided - the tool is unsuitable for work with this malfunction. In other cases, tightening the screw fasteners or fixing clips will return the level to the correctness of the readings. During setup, calibration is performed in the same way as when selecting a tool.
2. Bent profile - this happens with bumps and falls. The tool cannot be repaired, it will no longer give accurate readings.
3. Crack in the protective glass of the flask - in models of a collapsible type, the part changes to an analogue. Solid cast levels in this case cannot be repaired.

Minor problems: breakage of protective pads and handles, falling off of magnets are corrected by replacing the obsolete part with a new one.

hydraulic levels

Malfunctions of hydraulic levels are reduced to three types:

1. Broken or cracked hose . Occurs as a result of mechanical damage or freezing of an instrument filled with water. As a temporary measure, you can seal it with a layer of nail polish and wrap it with electrical tape. Complete repair and replacement of the hose is often unprofitable - the costs are comparable to the acquisition of a new hydraulic level.
2. Cracks in flasks - temporary measures are similar to those presented in the previous paragraph, but instead of electrical tape there should be a transparent material in order to see the rizki. Replacement may not be required in mild cases. In serious cases, it is necessary to change, since the defect will affect the accuracy of the instrument.
3. Breakage or loss of protective caps is the simplest case. They can be replaced with plastic soda caps.

Laser

Correction is often impossible to perform independently due to the need for a special tool.

1. pendulum shift - the tool does not work correctly, with deviations in horizontal and vertical measurements. This happens after the device falls or is carried with an unlocked pendulum. Restoration will require an offset adjustment. Such damage is not covered by the warranty.
2. Beam does not burn - the malfunction is caused by a broken wiring or incorrect operation of the batteries. In the first case, you will need to remove the cover of the device and replace the flexible wiring going to the pendulum. In the second case, unclenching and stripping contacts or changing batteries is more often enough. Both options are self-repairable.
3. Instability of readings - as a rule, it will be necessary to change the suspension bearing. The case is rare, but guaranteed in the absence of mechanical damage.
4. Buttons don't work - there are several options for failure, of which only clogging of contacts can be repaired independently. The keyboard may not work as a result of frequent use in dusty environments. Clogged contacts will need to be cleaned mechanically. The procedure can be performed at home.

In difficult cases, the keyboard will need to be replaced. When the coating is membrane, it will not be possible to repair the device without special skills.

Optical

Problems of optical levels are solved systematically or by replacing parts. Repair with improvised tools is often not applicable.

• Sticking compensator - to solve the problem, the standard calibration procedure is performed several times. In case of gross errors, service maintenance of the tool will be required.
• Cracked lens or mirror . Purchase of a similar part is required. The optical lens can be replaced by yourself.
• Adjustment is broken - you need to calibrate the device. The screw fastener is loosened, the plate with the grid is aligned. To do this, the horizontal thread is placed perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the tool, and the vertical thread is set along the plumb line.

Problems in the operation of electronics, serious mechanical damage, site repair or torsion bars will require the intervention of specialists.

Manufacturers

Manufacturers are presented in different price categories. The correlation between prices and quality is often insignificant.

AD - manufacturer of diagnostic and measuring equipment. The company is multinational. Digital and shockproof level types, professional tool. Warranties are not specified. Website: www.adainstruments.com

Bosch - German manufacturer of equipment. Rotary, linear and point laser levels, digital levels. The tool is available in professional (blue) and home (green) formats. Standard warranty. Valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. In addition, a long-term promotion is taking place, within which warranty cases with mechanical confirmation of the tool are recognized. Website: www.bosch-professional.com

FIT - budgetary manufacturer of power tools. Torpedo and laser levels are available in the minimum configuration. The tool is certified, a network of service centers. Warranty terms not announced. Website: www.fit-instrument.ru

Kapro - an international manufacturer from Israel specializes in measuring instruments. Digital, magnetic, aluminum levels with an ergonomic design, comply with Russian standards, are certified. The warranty period is 12 months. Website: www.kapro.com

KRAFTOOL - manufacturer of professional hand tools. Magnetic, digital, foldout and box models available. Warranty and certification not announced. Website: kraftool-instrument.ru

Stabila - manufacturer from Germany. The company specializes in measuring instrument. The range includes 120 construction, including telescopic and special models. No warranty provided. Website: www.stabila.com

Stanley - hand and power tools, including measuring ones. Average price category. Certification provided. Plain and magnetic models are available. Warranty not stated. Website: www.stanleyrussia.com

Zubr - a budget manufacturer of household and professional tools, but measuring instruments are presented in the middle price category. Basic and enhanced models. Warranty not stated. Website: zubr-instrument.ru