|
|
home /
home
library /
exterior projects / types
of levels
Types of Levels
A level is a device, containing a sealed
glass or plastic tube, which is partly filled with a clear
liquid. The liquid is usually water, alcohol, chloroform,
or some other clear liquid. The device is used for leveling
because an air bubble is left in the exact center of the
tube when the instrument is on an even horizontal plane.
The tube containing the liquid and air
bubble is often referred to as the vial and it can be mounted
differently. Some are fixed permanently in place at the
time of manufacture, others are adjustable or replaceable.
The most common kinds of levels include carpenter's levels,
masons levels, torpedo levels, line levels, and water levels.
Carpenter's Levels
-
Two-foot levels consisting of a wooden
body and one or more bubble tubes.
-
Typically they are about three inches
high and an inch or so deep.
-
Usually have three bubble vials, one
at each end mounted crosswise for establishing true
vertical, and one mounted at the center along the length
of level for horizontal leveling.
-
Generally made from made from woods
like rosewood, ebony, and mahogany.
-
Vials are replaceable in many new models.
-
Some have a vial set at a forty-five
degree angle to the length of the tool.
Mason's Level
-
Four feet levels, sometimes longer.
-
Usually have three bubble vials, one
at each end mounted crosswise for establishing true
vertical, and one mounted at the center along the length
of level for horizontal leveling.
-
Greater accuracy than carpenter's levels
due to extended length.
-
Most commonly used on cabinet installation.
-
Vials are replaceable in many new models.
-
Some have a vial set at a forty-five
degree angle to the length of the tool.
Torpedo Level
-
Short level. Typically nine inches
long and tapered at the ends.
-
Often used in deck building to set
posts plumb.
-
Also referred to as a canoe or boat-shaped
level.
-
The body of the level contains two
or three spirit tubes.
-
Commonly used when working in tight
spaces because it's small.
Line Level
-
Small device designed to be hung from
a taut string and stretched between two points to be
leveled with one another. Accuracy depends on the tautness
of the string.
-
Should not be used where precision
is important.
-
Often used when framing a new floor
or ceiling, or in squaring off an old ceiling. Other
tasks include lining up concrete piers or fence posts
and checking the pitch of a driveway or gutter.
Water Level
-
A hose or tube filled with water. The
water usually contains a few drops of food coloring
to make the water levels easier to read.
-
Commonly used in deck construction
to transfer elevations from one post to another. Also
used to locate a dropped ceiling.
-
Allows objects that are separated by
some obstacle, such as a tree, to be leveled.
-
It can be of virtually any size, allowing
one to level objects that are many feet apart.
-
The surface of the water at both ends
of the hose must come to rest at the same height, allowing
transfer of elevations.
-
A properly made water level should
be accurate to approximately one-sixteenth on an inch.
|
