Assembly level and construction. Construction level how to choose. Rating of the best building levels based on user reviews
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A good tool is a great help in any job, and a good construction level is necessary in any job. household(hang a mirror or cabinet) during renovation. And to build a bathhouse you will need at least two or three different levels. There are quite a few types of this instrument and each has its own characteristics.
Bubble levels are the most popular. Most likely, this is caused by their not very at a high price and sufficient measurement accuracy. These instruments come in very different lengths - from several tens of centimeters to 3 meters. During construction or renovation, levels of several sizes are usually needed: short ones are convenient if you need to check compliance small areas, and long ones are indispensable, for example, during plastering work, when installing lathing under the lining in a bathhouse, etc.
Bubble levels have one, two or three transparent chambers with a scale filled with a liquid containing a bubble. The position of the bubble relative to the applied divisions determines the deviation from the vertical and horizontal. If the tool has only one camera, only horizontal surfaces can be controlled; if there are two cameras, vertical and horizontal. There are levels with three flasks. The third, if fixed, serves to determine the deviation from an angle of 45 degrees. But there are models with movable flasks that allow you to determine the deviation from the selected angle of inclination. These will be needed during construction rafter system and some other works.
There are several modifications of bubble levels: some of them have magnets built into them and are convenient to fix on metal surfaces. Such levels are also called magnetic levels. Eat special tools for masons and tilers: there are places where you can hit with a hammer, which is very convenient.
How to choose a bubble level
The price range for these instruments is quite wide. Definitely, it’s hardly worth buying the cheapest ones, unless you need them for one-time work. If you are facing construction or major renovations, you should choose one of the professional levels. Although they are many times more expensive, they will also last much longer: they have thick-walled cases, which are not so susceptible to shocks and falls, some are equipped with rubber pads that soften the blows. The stabila construction level has proven itself best. Kapro tools (the manufacturer gives a lifetime warranty on flasks) and Kraftool work well. These are probably the best building levels available on the market today. If we talk about average price category, then “Zubr”, Stayer and Matrix have proven themselves well.
When choosing a tool, pay attention to the mounting of the flasks: they shouldn't wobble. It is better if they are mounted tightly, without screws. At first glance, flasks reinforced with screws are good because they can be adjusted independently, but in practice such tools get lost very quickly, and you have to repeat the entire adjustment procedure again and again. In order to work comfortably with a level, you must clearly see the flask, the divisions on it and the position of the bubble. The farther apart the strips on the flask are, the more difficult it is to determine how much the bubble is displaced.
Important! Even after a slight drop, the bubble level can begin to “lie,” especially for cheap models. For this reason, check the level for accuracy directly in the store.
How to check the bubble level
To check the accuracy of the level, you need to place it on any horizontal surface (for example, on a store display), notice the place where it lies, and remember the position of the bubble. Turn the tool 180° (the part that was on the right should be on the left), install it in the same place and again look at the position of the bubble. If the readings match, the horizontal bulb is set correctly. Repeat a similar check for vertical plane(for example, on the wall). If the readings match there, you can buy this level. If there are deviations somewhere, ask for another one.
For details on checking the bubble level, watch the video.
Laser building level
Laser building levels are the most modern and accurate, but also the most expensive. The most budget options cost the same (or more) as professional bubble levels. But this is a compact device that attaches to any surface and has a range of up to 100 meters. Laser levels allow you to perfectly align a straight line, some models have the function of sweeping direction in a plane, there are cross models with 2 or more (up to 10) lines, with which you can perform any work. Their only drawback is their high price.
The world leader in the production of laser levels is the German company Bosch - it produces a huge line of laser levels. Compact models include Bosch model PPL5.
This device quite compact, as you can see by watching the video.
The laser level can be mounted on the wall, and along the guide, tiles can be glued to the walls in a bathhouse or sauna.
If you are not professional builder, there is no need to buy expensive levels, which include Bosch products. If you need a laser level only to build a single bathhouse, then you can easily buy a laser level in China. The price of this level on eBay is only 8-9 dollars, and delivery to Russia is free.
Chinese laser level with tape measure (click on the picture to enlarge) 
The laser requires three coin-cell batteries to operate. Water or hydro level
This tool is suitable for determining the presence of deviations in horizontal surfaces. They cannot check either verticals or planes located at an angle. The water level is a set of a hose (from 5 to 25 meters long) and two glass flasks with a scale printed on them.
Water is poured into this structure (it is necessary to pour water room temperature and make sure no bubbles form). You can draw a horizontal line by setting the same water levels in both flasks.
Water levels are convenient to use when working with large surfaces (for example, when laying foundations or piles), but they are inconvenient when working in small spaces. Their main disadvantage: sensitivity to temperature changes: you cannot check surfaces located at a distance of less than 1.5 meters from heating devices or other heat sources.
A huge advantage of water levels is that when correct use, you can perfectly measure out the horizontal on large planes. For this reason, for marking, it is advisable to use a water level, and not a bubble level.
When purchasing a hydraulic level, check that there are no cracks in the plastic flasks.
Pipe levels
They work on the bubble principle, but are small in size and most often made in the form of a rectangle. Some models are foldable.
They are convenient to use when working with pipes or when laying profiles (some have corresponding holes and/or magnets to make them easier to attach).
There are many types of levels and their different modifications. The main thing is to determine for what purposes you will use them, and choose the most suitable option for them.
Level on Android
What progress has come... This is exactly what I want to say when you find out that you can now download and install a building level program on a device running operating system Android (Android).
Building level program in a smartphone Quite a few similar programs have already been created. a large number of, but there are not as many high-quality ones as you would like. One of the most popular levels for a smartphone is the program Bubble level, which can be installed by following this link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.androgames.level&hl=ru.
The Bubble level program allows you to switch the type of level.
The Bubble level program allows you to switch the type of level The smartphone navigates in space using its built-in camera. After installing the program, you need to calibrate the device by placing it on a flat surface.
As you understand, the level for Android cannot be considered as a full-fledged tool for building a bathhouse. Although using such a level it will be quite possible to hang pictures evenly in the rest room.
conclusions
When building a bathhouse, as with any other construction, you cannot do without a building level. Since our site is designed for amateur builders, we dare to offer the following gentleman’s set:
- Hydraulic level (required);
- Bubble level (required);
- Chinese laser level (you can get by).
This entire set can be purchased for just 1,000 rubles and will be enough for all types of work, from pouring the foundation to laying tiles.
Greetings, dear visitors! I've been thinking about a topic for an article for the past couple of days when I received an email from a reader asking me to talk about building levels. And I thought - what a great idea. After all, where is repair without a level?
The level selection today is epic. From the simplest water ones to digital ones with a built-in laser. What level is needed and for what purposes, as well as by what criteria to choose them - we’ll find out right now.
Construction level: types
The simplest design is an ordinary water level, also known as a hydraulic level. It consists of two plastic, usually cylindrical flasks with a scale, connected to each other by a flexible long hose. The principle of its operation is simple and should be clear to any high school student. It is based on a well-known physical phenomenon - the water level in communicating vessels is always the same.
With the help of such a device, we can easily mark two points located in the same horizontal plane on maximum distance, equal to length hose. You just need to put marks opposite the boundaries of the water in the flasks.
Such a tool will be indispensable when building a country house, marking ceilings and floors during repairs and similar matters. The lengths of hoses at these levels range from 7 to 25 meters, which is quite a lot. The cost of such a tool, of course, is small, around 150 - 300 rubles.
It is more convenient to work with flasks that are not cylindrical in shape, but with rectangular cross-sections - they are easier to apply to the surface. The diameter of the tube - the larger, the faster the same level is established in both flasks. As a rule, hydraulic levels have a diameter of 6 - 8 mm.
The next class of tools are bubble levels or spirit levels. Most of them have a length of 40 - 250 cm. The horizontal and vertical in them is controlled by the position of the air bubble in alcohol, sealed in special transparent flasks. Short spirit levels are needed when laying tiles, installing windows and window sills...
Long – for installing beacons, checking the vertical/horizontal planes and lines, and various kinds of markings. Oddly enough at first glance, spirit levels can differ in many characteristics, which we will talk about in more detail in the next chapter.
Goniometers and inclinometers are devices that allow you to measure and set angles between planes, and the slopes of planes from the horizontal and vertical, respectively. Such devices may look different. Protractors come in the form of a quarter-circle bulb and in the form of two “rails” connected by a hinge, or whatever it is called.
Basically, inclinometers and inclinometers are digital instruments, that is, they have an LCD display that displays angle values. An inclinometer is also often called an electronic or digital level.
I think that goniometers are needed mainly not by builders, but by carpenters. Inclinometers will also be more useful to them. In finishing, an inclinometer will be in demand only, perhaps, for tile work, and then more for control. Their highest accuracy (usually 0.05 degrees) leaves the tiler no chance for even the smallest hack. And you will most likely go crazy already on the second or third tile))
A colleague of mine, a tiler, recently purchased a Bosch digital inclinometer and confirmed this. But damn, how cool he is, this Bosch.
Various avant-garde types are also available for sale. building levels. For example, pipes. Moreover, they are also available in different versions. There are devices in the form of a “clip” that are put on a pipe, there are ordinary bubble ones with a recess for a pipe on the body, and there are generally masterpieces of the avant-garde - “sticks” with five eyes, each of which is set to a certain slope - to make it easier to drain, you know whether.
Laser levels. I already have an article about them, so I’ll keep it short. This is their most technologically advanced type (I mean self-leveling). High accuracy, ease of use, huge time savings when marking. Such devices are divided into two large classes: positional and rotary.
Positional ones do not have any moving mechanisms; as a rule, they produce a classic laser cross or several dots.
Rotary lasers produce one point, but due to the rotating base it quickly moves 360 degrees. Such devices are used, for example, by ceiling craftsmen.
Bubble Level Selection
Of course, the most common tools for home renovation are bubbly. So what criteria are the most important when choosing a spirit level?
First you need to decide what kind of work you need it for. The length of the tool will depend on this. If for tiles, then you won’t be able to get by with just one level; you’ll need at least two: a short one (40 or 60 cm) and a long one (200 cm). The short one is used constantly to check the level between adjacent tiles. Long – to control the entire surface of the cladding.
If you intend to assemble structures from gypsum plasterboard, plaster, pour screed, you will definitely need a long spirit level, at least two meters.
Next the most important criterion- form.
Often there are levels that have the cross section of a rail. Is not the best choice– such a tool bends very much. Much more powerful than a box-type “stick”. And if they have a stiffening rib inside, then that’s great!
The next point is the device of the flasks.
Extremely important feature. In the store you can see levels, for example, with the following flasks:
In what case do you think the device readings will be more accurate? Of course, in the first one. The smaller the distance from the boundaries of the bubble to the divisions of the flask, the more accurately the deviation can be determined. Remember this. Also pay attention to the sensitivity of the bubble, it greatly depends on the radius of curvature of the flask. To the eye it seems that the flask has the shape of a cylinder, but this is not entirely true, it is slightly curved, otherwise the slightest deviation from the horizon would “carry away” the bubble to the very edge of the flask.
One more thing can be added here. The flask for determining verticality is often inaccessible to good review, because By attaching a building level to the wall, we will not be able to look at the readings of the level parallel to it - our head gets in the way. This means that we will not be able to objectively judge the readings of the device. But there are levels in which it is built special system mirrors, and the image of the bulb is “displayed” at the rear end of the level, which is extremely convenient. For example, the Israeli Kapro levels of the Plumbsite series have such a system.
Accuracy of "sticks" for professional use– no worse than 0.5 mm per 1 meter of length; for housework, a simpler tool is also suitable, with an error of 1 mm per 1 meter.
Processing work areas. Ideally, they should be processed with a router. This can be understood by rough surface(-tyam).
The presence of built-in magnets is also a very important addition to any level. You hang it on the profile and calmly adjust it. Other extremely useful features of spirit levels are slots in the body for easy grip and rubberized linings, which often also serve as shock absorbers if the instrument falls.
Rotating and adjustable flasks are controversial advantages. Tools for which it is available manual adjustment Instead of a “dead” fastening, they will most likely become knocked down. It’s better to take flasks that are sealed once and for all. The main thing is to carefully check the tool in the store.
The verification procedure is quite simple. First place the level on the table or counter, look at the readings, and remember. Then turn it 180 degrees (but so that it remains in the same place!) and look again. If the position of the bubble is the same, the instrument is not lying. You do the same procedure for the vertical, only you apply it to the wall.
In some spirit levels, the bulb for horizontal control is recessed into the middle. Personally, I find this solution inconvenient, and I do not advise you to purchase such ***. The flask should be on top, period.
Here's a good video about bubble levels:
Well, I told you everything I knew. Do not buy something that is outright cheap, carefully inspect the instrument before purchasing. This concludes the article, thank you for your attention! And don't forget to subscribe for updates.
When building a house, capital or cosmetic repairs, assembly and installation of furniture by one of necessary tools is a construction level. It is this that allows you to clearly determine the deviation from a vertical or horizontal line. The construction products market is annually replenished with many models that differ technical characteristics and the operating principle. Having studied the rating of the best samples, everyone will be able to accurately determine the most suitable option for themselves.
Well-known companies producing building levels
Among the variety of offers from different companies home craftsmen and experienced builders have identified several brands, which specialize in the production of building grade products. Their products have earned trust due to their high build quality and ability to determine precise parameters.
ADA
The company was founded back in 1889 and from the very beginning produced construction measuring devices. He has many patents and is considered one of the leaders in this field. Key Advantage meters - launch immediately when sliding the rulers, general ergonomics and price. The downside concerns electronic meters - many complain about weak batteries. And if this is not important for a home, then at a construction site or other large site it is a serious problem.
Kapro
An Israeli company that in just 30 years was able to get into the TOP manufacturers of measuring devices. The products are distinguished by ergonomic solutions, original design, high level quality and manufacturability.
BOSCH
A German concern with 130 years of experience in the development and production of a variety of equipment and tools. The company uses in the production of products innovative technologies, as a result of which the quality remains standard. In this case, it was no exception measuring equipment, produced for household and professional needs. All models are ergonomic, comfortable, small, with minimal error, designed for use in the most difficult conditions. It is clear that Bosch’s price is a priori high, but it’s worth it.
BISON
Domestic manufacturer construction equipment and tools. All products are made in accordance with ISO 9001 standards, which leaves no doubt about their reliability and durability. The stated error of the meters is up to 0.1°, which really corresponds to real indicators. Basically, ZUBR is criticized for its small assortment, but the quality, and most importantly the price, definitely deserve all praise.
VIDEO: How to check a laser level
The “TOP” laser levels included models that distinguished themselves good characteristics according to the following parameters:
- measurement range;
- type of body;
- accuracy;
- type of food;
- weight and dimensions.
In addition, the selection criteria include consumer reviews, as well as technical indicators - the self-leveling angle and the number of rays.
Kapro 985D 60L
Professional, electronic type spirit level, equipped with a backlit digital screen and two Plumb Site capsules of polyacrylic type. The design provides for the presence of two milled surfaces, as well as built-in magnets. The tool has a length of 120 cm and is precisely calibrated.
Building magnetic level distinguished by the presence additional options in the form of a battery charge indicator, an automated dial flip function and a nine-fold memory. There is a special hole for installing a tripod, and the package includes a convenient case for transportation and storage.
Main characteristics:
- length - 600 mm;
- weight - 1.1 kg;
- probable error - 0.1 mm/m;
- price - 6500-8800 rubles.
The measurement is in percentages, as well as degrees and the ratio of inches to feet. When an angle of 45° is formed, the device produces a sound signal, as in the horizontal or vertical state. As for the shortcomings of the Capro, there are examples with uneven application of the paintwork.
Bison "Expert"
Multi-functional electronic magnetic building level with detection function absolute zero, determination accuracy 0.1 degrees. Made from durable material with increased wall thickness for long service life in harsh conditions. 2 high-precision (1 mm/m) measuring ampoules are made on precision equipment from impact-resistant acrylic.
Bison "Expert"
A serious advantage, according to reviews from builders, is the size, which usually fits into any pocket, the neat design of the case, the strength - the accuracy of the measurement is not impaired after repeated falls and full automatic, which is especially convenient on construction sites. The price of the rule is 2795 rubles.
ADA ProLevel 40
Used to measure inclination angles individual parts, vertical and horizontal planes. A fairly large digital electronic display allows you to view deviations from horizontal/vertical at a distance of up to 3 meters. Information about the level comes simultaneously from the built-in slope sensor (inclinometer) and built-in bubble indicators, that is, double control is obtained. At the same time, you can work separately - mechanical (bubble) and digital.
The base contains magnets so that it can be fixed on metal surfaces. Working temperature from -20°C to +40°C, which allows you to cope equally effectively both indoors and outdoors. The price of the device is 2490 rubles.
The laser rule is characterized by its relatively small size, light weight and great functionality. Used, just like other varieties, for leveling various surfaces, How on construction sites, and in enclosed spaces
BOSCH GPL 5C
A professional meter will be needed a good helper for each master when performing construction work. It stands out for its 30-meter operating range. In addition, the point unit is capable of building both vertical and horizontal straight lines, measuring angles and plumb lines.
The cost of a construction laser device is 7900-9000 rubles. Thanks to small sizes 146x57x119 mm the device fits easily in your hands. As for erroneous determination, there is a small probability of error of 0.1-0.2 mm/m.
The design includes a dust- and moisture-proof case, a reliable device, a cross-shaped sight and 2 threaded elements for a tripod of ¼ and 5/8 inches. The device is very convenient to use, as it is capable of reproducing up to 5 beams. It is also impossible not to note the automatic shutdown function when laser level do not use for 20 minutes. This makes it possible to save energy.
Geo-Fennel Ecoline EL 168
The construction level has an affordable price, which is significantly lower than its analogues. The price of the model is only 1200 rubles, while its quality is not inferior at all. Such a unit can be used not only in domestic conditions, but also on construction sites.
Geo-Fennel Ecoline EL 168
The operating radius here reaches 20 m, and two regular batteries can provide energy for up to 24 hours. In addition, the model has compact dimensions, which makes it easy to use.
The design even has bubble building levels, this allows you to use the device when the batteries are low. The disadvantage of the device is that the measurement accuracy is not nominal, but this is fully justified by the cost.
ADA instruments PROLiner 2V
A laser level is a plane builder used to determine vertical and horizontal markings indoors and outdoors. The level projects a horizontal laser line of 140°. To construct vertical markings, 2 vertical laser lines are used, respectively. The ADA instruments PROLiner 4V model has 4 vertical laser lines.
ADA instruments PROLiner 2V
Using a plumb point and a laser cross on the ceiling anywhere in the room, you can transfer markings from the floor to the ceiling. It is convenient for construction suspended ceilings and development of spot lighting. The case is shockproof, measurement error up to 0.01°. The price of the laser device is 8990 rubles.
Before choosing a water level, it is recommended to use the rating of the most popular pocket, corner and traditional devices.
Stanley 0-42-130
A compact liquid device that can easily fit into your pocket. It has a monolithic plastic body, as well as a V-shaped metal base with two capsules of horizontal and vertical dimensions. The water levels are securely fixed in the grooves, which guarantees safe transportation or carrying on a belt.
Stanley 0-42-130
The case length is only 87 mm. If the capsules become dirty, their surface can be easily cleaned. If the operating rules are followed, the tool will last long time, guaranteeing high measurement accuracy. The cost of the building level is 690 rubles. The disadvantages of the model are the scrolling of the bubble controllers.
Kapro 340-08
The angular magnetic level allows you to calculate angular deviations. Two horizontal and one vertical sensors are built into the housing. The model is made from plastic material, is equipped with four magnets and has a folding system similar to a book.
An elastic band is used for fastening to non-metallic elements. The device weighs only 200 grams, and the measurement error can be 0.5 mm/m. Capro 340-08 is sold at a price of 700-900 rubles.
The model is installed in 15o increments. The design does not lose its qualities under prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. In practice, the construction level manifests itself in the best possible way, it is quite easy to carry, practical and reliable. There is only one drawback - when making a model, geometric accuracy is not always maintained.
Stabila 70 Mas 1411
This is a universal spirit level with a feature in the form of a measuring scale, which is printed on one of the planes. The design has two engines, with their help the required parameter is transferred, for example, to a wall. The reliable box-shaped case is equipped with sealed plugs made of plastic material on both sides.
Stabila 70 Mas 1411
The size of the model is 80 cm, the device weighs 400 g, and an error of 0.5 mm/m is allowed. The device is sold at a price of 1,500 rubles.
VIDEO: How to set beacons and form a 90 degree angle?
LEVEL, -yay, m.
1. Conventional horizontal line or plane that is the boundary height of something. A few minutes later, Zvonarev stood up to his full height, and his head was right at the level of the funnel. Stepanov, Port Arthur. At the same level as the tower, a cloud slowly, lazily crawled. M. Alekseev, Soldiers. || Height of standing water. The sea rose, its level was 9 feet above the levels of the highest tides. Herzen, On earthquakes. This high bank rises fifty fathoms above the level of the Rokhli [river]. Garshin, Bears.
2. what or Which. The stage reached in development of something., qualitative state, degree of this development. Level of technology development. Pre-war production level. 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, Shelestova, is always amazed by his comrades low level knowledge. Chekhov, Intrigue.
3. Device for checking the horizontal planes and measuring small corners tilt (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 origin. B level with what- in full accordance with smth. The young, vibrant part of society did not stop developing and constantly tried to keep up with modern requirements. Dobrolyubov, Literary trivia last year. Be ( or be) at the level- meet, meet 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. language; Polygraph resources, 1999;