The best building levels according to user reviews. Construction level - we understand the device and the rules for choosing a home What is a level in

• LEVEL, -vnya, m.

  1. A conditional horizontal line or plane, which is the boundary of the height of something. A few minutes later Zvonarev stood up to his full height, and his head was just at the level of the funnel. Stepanov, Port Arthur. On the same level with the tower, a cloud slowly, lazily crawled. M. Alekseev, Soldiers. || The height of the water. The sea rose, its level was 9 feet above the level of the highest tides. Herzen, On earthquakes. This high bank rises fifty fathoms above the level of the Rohli [river]. Garshin, Bears.

  2. what or Which. The step reached in development of something., qualitative state, the degree of this development. The level of development of technology. pre-war level of production. The level of well-being of the people. □ If you want to educate the people, raise the level of education in a civilized society. Pisarev, Realists. At consultations, he, Shelestov, is always struck by the low level of knowledge in his comrades. Chekhov, Intrigues.

  3. A device for checking the horizontalness of planes and measuring small angles of inclination (in the form of a bar with an ampoule fixed in it, filled with alcohol or ether, with the exception of a small gas bubble); spirit level

  Sea level- the position of the free surface of the water of the seas and oceans, measured along a plumb line relative to the conventional reference point.
  To level with what- in full accordance with smth. The young, lively part of society did not stop developing and constantly tried to keep up with modern requirements. Dobrolyubov, Literary little things of the past year.
  Be ( or be) at the level- comply with the requirements.

Source (printed version): Dictionary of the Russian language: In 4 volumes / RAS, Institute of Linguistics. research; Ed. A. P. Evgenieva. - 4th ed., erased. - M.: Rus. lang.; Polygraphic resources, 1999;

The right choice of measuring tool significantly improves the quality of work and saves time. By design, five main types of building levels can be distinguished: bubble, electronic, pipe, hydraulic, laser. Below we will look at each of them in more detail.

Five types of building levels

bubble levels are most widely used due to their simplicity, accessibility and versatility. They are called so because the sensitive element they have 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 specifications for their manufacture. The body of the tool is a hollow box-shaped structure with stiffeners. It can have a length of 30 cm to several meters. To reduce weight, the device is made of aluminum alloys. Ampoules with air are covered with protective glass. At the base of the case, as a rule, there is a millimeter scale of measurements.

Magnetic bubble levels are perfect for working with metal structures. Their distinctive feature is the presence of built-in magnets that allow you to fix the tool vertically on metal parts. For masons, there are models with a reinforced cast body. If you have plastering work ahead, pay attention to the rules with the level. They combine two devices at the same time.

Electronic levels with goniometer belong to professional measuring tool. They have multiple bubble chambers to assess verticality and horizontality building structures. However, unlike conventional levels, such devices have a number of additional features.



One of the main features is the digital display, which clearly shows the amount of deviation in degrees. At the same time, the accuracy of the data provided is high - up to 0.1⁰. It is possible to record the measured slopes. Sound indication is provided, which signals the achievement of 0⁰ and 90⁰.

Checking the accuracy of the electronic level is simple and does not take much time. To do this, you need to put the device on a flat surface, take readings. Rotate the level 180 degrees to see the new values. If the reading difference is more than 0.2⁰, the device needs to be calibrated.



Designed to check the horizontality and verticality of water, gas, sewer pipes. In general, it is convenient to use it for working with beams, a round profile in various building structures. The main features of this tool are V shape cases, the presence of magnets. Thanks to this, the device can be easily installed on 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, by the location of which the deviation from the given direction is determined.



It is used for applying accurate horizontal markings on objects that are far from each other. With its help, they beat the floor level, install the foundation, lay bricks, install various building structures in one plane.

The hydrostatic level consists of two vessels connected by a transparent tube. Before operation, 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. Bends and fractures of the tube are not allowed: water must flow freely from one vessel to another. To check the accuracy of the instrument, the flasks are aligned with each other. It is necessary that they have a common fluid boundary.

The industry produces hydrostatic levels from 5 to 25 m long. The measurement error of these devices is 2÷3 mm. It is recommended to markup from one base mark. This allows for maximum accuracy.



Laser building levels(levels) belong to the group of professional measuring instruments. Despite the relatively high cost compared to other solutions, they provide their owner with whole line benefits. First of all, it is the high accuracy of markup. The value of 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. For home use this is more than enough. Rotary laser levels, due to the rotation of the emitter, project beams around the entire perimeter of the room, that is, they cover the entire space around them.

Which construction works conducted with the help of laser levels:

• leveling walls or floors;
• installation of attachments;
• wall papering;
• installation of stretch ceilings;
• tiling of premises;
• installation of partitions, etc.

To carry out repairs with high quality, even before starting work, you should choose a good measuring tool. Now there is a wide variety of building levels. They differ from each other in purpose, technical characteristics, workmanship and price.

What is the task before you?! If you need an inexpensive universal tool for all occasions, you should pay attention to bubble levels. They are comfortable, unpretentious, and most importantly - have good accuracy. Their capabilities are enough to evenly lay tiles, install windows, doors or furniture. The length of the universal level is 60÷80 cm.

Electronic levels with a goniometer and a magnetic system are suitable for those who decide to take repairs seriously. They have advanced features. First of all, this is a visual presentation of data on an electronic display with an accurate indication of deviations in degrees, percentages or millimeters. Other distinguishing features are high accuracy, the function of recording readings, as well as the possibility of electronic calibration.

If you need to align beams, poles, plumbing or gas pipes in vertical and horizontal directions, take full advantage of the pipe levels. Their indisputable advantage is the possibility of precise centering on these elements of building structures.

The water level will be useful when installing floor screed, installation suspended ceilings, foundation device. It is useful for marking places for sockets that will look aesthetically pleasing, being at the same height. With a water level, you can make accurate horizontal markings for adjacent rooms, between which there is no direct line of sight. 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.

The laser level will be an excellent choice for those who have a large amount of construction work. It will significantly save time, while ensuring high accuracy of construction of both horizontal and vertical planes. This good tool for beating the floor level, marking the walls under Finishing work, installation of furniture and communications.

There are three main types of laser levels: point, linear, rotational. In accordance with the name, they are used to build points, lines, and markings around the entire perimeter of the room at the same time.

Before starting work, the lasers must be leveled using the built-in bubble level. Some models have additional function self-levelling within 2÷4 degrees. The price of professional laser levels is quite high, but there are available options for home use.

What to look for when choosing

Among the large number of manufacturers present on the market of measuring instruments, there are those who have already managed to gain an excellent reputation in our country and abroad. In good standing with builders, there are bubble, as well as electronic levels Stabila and Kapro. Bosch laser levels are known for their quality. However, it is best to rely on own experience to purchase a thing with the necessary set of functions for a reasonable price. Main selection criteria: specifications, equipment, build quality and materials.

By purchasing bubble level, it is necessary to examine it appearance. Is there any visible damage? What is the quality of the materials, is it neatly assembled?! Particular attention should be paid to ampoules with liquid. They must be securely integrated into the case.

Place the chosen level on a flat horizontal surface. It should fit snugly, without gaps, to it with its base. Note the position of the air bubble in the upper ampoule. After that, turn the device 180⁰ clockwise or counterclockwise and put it in the same place. If the bubble has moved relative to initial position, this level cannot be trusted. Similarly, you can check the vertical accuracy of the readings.

The building level is an indispensable working tool designed to check the vertical and horizontal various surfaces. It is used at all stages of construction, from the preparation of the foundation, and ending with the plastering of walls and laying flooring.

Types of building levels

There are 5 types of levels that are used in construction and installation work Oh. They are:

1. Bubble.
2. Electronic.
3. Pipe.
4. Water.
5. Laser.

Each variety has its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice in favor of a separate tool largely depends on the operating conditions and the scale of construction or decoration.

Advantages and disadvantages of a bubble level

The bubble level is the most common. Often, in addition to the function of the level, it performs the task of the ruler. Usually the device is a flat rail on which glass flasks with alcohol liquid are fixed. They have small air bubbles. The central flask serves to display the horizontal, and the two extreme rulers located across the section show the vertical and 45 degrees. This is the simplest and most versatile tool. It is used to check the vertical and horizontal, to draw marks, it is used as a ruler and even as a rule. To check the horizontals and verticals with such an instrument, it is necessary to check that the air bubble in the corresponding flask is exactly in the center.

Bubble devices are budget and very common. This level is made from metal profile. On sale you can find levels, the body of which is made of aluminum or steel. Aluminum appliances are best avoided, as their surface bends or the stiffeners deform when dropped. The bubble tool will be indispensable when laying walls or plastering works. Such levels are used by both professional builders, who can afford to purchase a more expensive tool, and amateurs. This device has an error of approximately 1 mm for each meter of length, but this is not so significant.

The length of this level is the most diverse. The cheapest are short instruments 30-40 cm long. They are of little demand, since they allow you to determine deviations in level only ideally. flat surface. In the same case, if you need to work with a non-ideal plane, on the surface of which there are slight differences around the entire perimeter, you need to use a level of great length. The most popular are bubble instruments 1 m long. Levels up to 4 m can be found on sale.

Often on working surface level, which is applied to the measured plane, there is permanent magnet. This allows it to be fixed to steel elements such as beams and roofing sheets.

The bubble building level has several advantages:

• Low cost.
• Resistance to mechanical damage.
• Versatility.
• Ease of use.
• Possibility of calibration of flasks.

The disadvantages of the tool include its massiveness. This level is difficult to use in small rooms, such as a bathroom or storage room. In this case, you have to choose short devices that are less accurate.

When buying a bubble level, you need to check it. To do this, the tool is applied to any horizontal surface and the indicator that it shows is fixed. Next, the level must be rotated 180 degrees and compare the new position of the bubble with what it was before. If everything remains the same, then the tool is working as it should, and if the bubble is in a different position, then the level needs to be calibrated, which is accompanied by a number of inconveniences, so it is better to look for another one. The flask for vertical measurements is checked in the same way.

Electronic building level

It is practically the same bubble, with the exception that it is equipped with an electronic display, which displays the indicators of the angle of deviation from the norm. Some instruments have an internal memory that stores data.

Such a tool is more expensive, but in some cases it is more preferable. Thanks to its use, it is possible to measure the amount of material that needs to be used to level the horizontal or vertical surface. For this, well-known geometric formulas are used. This device has a sound indication that indicates that the ideal vertical or horizontal has been reached.

It is worth noting that the electronic building level allows you to receive measurement data with an error of only 0.1 degrees. The sensor of the instrument is not perfect, so the instrument must be checked before purchase. If the error in the angle of horizontal or vertical inclination in one position in two directions with a difference of 180 degrees is only 0.2 units, then this is a very suitable tool that you can buy.

Features of the pipe level

The pipe level is also a bubble structure, but in unusual shape. Instead of a rail, it is fixed in a small plastic corner 90 degrees. Such a tool is designed to check the slope of pipes and beams. Due to the angular shape, such a tool is securely fixed on the surface, and allows you to simultaneously control the horizontal and vertical.

The pipe level, although it has a short base, but since it is used on almost ideal planes, such as pipes and beams, therefore it has good accuracy. Often there is a magnet in its design, so it can work with metal surfaces without support. When buying it, you also need to conduct a preliminary check for compliance with the indications of the bubble in the flask, depending on the direction of the instrument. Often, the device is attached to the measured surface using the perforated tape that comes with the kit. The undoubted advantages of such a tool include its compactness and maximum adaptation of the design for convenient operation with pipes and beams. The only drawback that the pipe building level has is that it is not suitable for other work.

Features of hydraulic levels

The water building level is used to check the slope of long horizontal surfaces. The device has 2 vessels made in the form of flasks, which are interconnected by a long flexible hose. Before using the tool, the flasks are fixed in one position at the same level, and filled with water. Fluid fills them along with the hose that connects them. Water is poured until the hose and the flasks themselves are filled with 2/3 of their volume. Next, the flasks must be closed with special tight lids. Vessels are placed at the ends of the surface to be measured, after which the lids are opened. This device works on the physical principle of connected vessels. Atmospheric pressure equalizes the liquid column in the vessels to the same level. If the column of water is at the same height in the first and second flasks, then the horizontal has been reached.

The hydraulic building level is the cheapest. The length of its hose is usually from 5 to 25 m. The cost of the tool depends on the quality of the flasks. When buying, you should pay special attention to the material from which they are made and the density of the covers. If they are unreliable, then when filling the instrument with water and stretching the hose for installing the flasks at the edges of the surface to be measured, liquid may leak out. The disadvantages of this equipment include its limited capabilities. When the flasks are quickly filled with water, air bubbles may appear in the hose, which air the system and affect the accuracy of measurements. Often, when storing the tool in direct sunlight, the transparency of the plastic is lost, and it turns yellow.

Advantages and disadvantages laser level

The laser building level is also called the level. This professional equipment, which not only allows you to determine the vertical and horizontal, but also shines through the surface with a laser beam, which allows you to draw on it or immediately navigate along the luminous strip. Such equipment can be fixed in the center of the room, after which its body is set exactly with the help of a vial flask, which is located on its surface. Next, the device turns on, after which the laser beams outline horizontal and vertical lines on the walls. Depending on the power level, the length of the luminous lines can be several tens of meters.

The laser building level is the most perfect. It gives the most accurate indicators and is small in size, while allowing you to work in rooms with a large area and even in very cramped closets. With it, you can detect the slightest deviations on the measured surface. Laser levels are used by professional builders, as they significantly speed up the workflow. The tool highlights perfectly vertical and horizontal lines, which allows finishing without preliminary drawing. With this level, it is easier to lay wall or floor tiles, glue wallpaper, fix the frame for drywall or stretch ceilings.

The obvious disadvantage of this equipment is its high cost. Those tools that have more or less affordable price have low efficiency. Of course, they are accurate, but the laser built into them does not allow illuminating a large room along the entire contour. In daylight, the luminous lines are almost invisible, and the process of setting the level itself before switching on takes more time.

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 dot marking laser beam 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 clear innovative advantages of the same laser level, skilled craftsmen never refuse to use a high-quality bubble level - this universal tool time-tested.

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 drops.

Some level manufacturers provide and additional amenities: for example, a built-in magnifying lens for more comfortable eye control of the bubble, magnetic systems or 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 due to the movement of 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 the placement of control strips inside the vial itself is considered. 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 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 may become 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 tools for household and professional type. 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. Knowledgeable person will appreciate this simple and necessary tool.

The ubiquity of levels

Whatever work you have to do (check the vertical and horizontal alignment of the surface of the walls, floor and ceiling; install without distortion washing machine, hang 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 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, vibrating during operation and 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 building is structurally a simple tool. It is a plank of solid material, which contains several ampoules 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 a narrow reverse side strips 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 the favorites of 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 decent resistance to external influences and durability for the device. 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 the right tool. The more complex work you have to do, the longer the spirit level you need. Optimal size household level, which can be used to solve various problems - 40-60 cm.

When choosing, carefully examine the device visually, paying particular attention to 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 bands on the ampoules are located inside the flasks, and not outside, because due to active use devices from the outer surface of the tag 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 from among famous models, which 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 construction stores for this purpose there are special stands with a perfectly flat surface. 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 quality equipment may have a marriage and fail during transportation from the manufacturer to the place of sale.

Setting up unfixed spirit level containers

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 indicates 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.