How to choose a bubble building level? Building level how to choose Choose the closest level.

The building level is a device designed to control the installation of devices, materials, structures in the vertical and horizontal planes, as well as to check the clarity and correctness of the lines.

Modern building technologies require the use of only highly quality materials and precision instruments. It is from the strict observance of the clarity of the lines, quite often, that the overall result of the repair or construction depends.

One of the main tools that allows you to keep all planes perfectly flat is the building level. The control of vertical and horizontal lines is carried out using different types building levels: rack, hydraulic or laser.

Helpful information:

In order to determine which building level is best suited for your needs, first consider their design and features of use.

Bubble (rack) levels

The rack level is a rail with three cones at different ends. Each of them contains an air bubble placed in a colored liquid. Also, cones contain special marks, according to which the necessary measurements are made.

Bubble levels are so called because of the presence of cones filled with liquid (non-freezing in the cold) with an air bubble left. The cones are marked with risks that help determine the position of the bubble relative to the earth's surface, and, depending on the position of the cone, indicate the horizontal or vertical of the object being measured.

The basis of the work of this level is the movement of the bubble in the cone, relative to the level of the horizon. The cone located in the middle is responsible for controlling the horizontal lines. Another, located at one end of the rail, helps in measuring vertical lines. The third cone is set at an angle and allows the planes to be held at a 45-degree inclination.

When choosing a building level, you should also pay attention to its design, or rather the design of the rail. It can be of two types: rectangular section and I-beam (in the form of a rail).

Rectangular levels are popular among amateur models that are used in everyday life. I-beams, on the other hand, have earned the attention of professional builders, due to their "survivability". Such levels are not deformed when falling from a height and during prolonged intensive use.

The sectional shape is not the only structural feature of the building level to which attention should be paid. Levels of different lengths are designed for different types of construction work. With their help, the evenness of lines and planes is controlled in a wide variety of conditions.

Rack levels exist with a different number of eyes (cones), for example:

• One-eyed (horizontal)
• Two-eye (horizontal and vertical)
• Three-eye (the most common type of rack level), in such levels two eyes are fixed motionless (horizon and vertical) and one eye is adjustable (with a degree scale to determine the angle of inclined surfaces)
• Five-eye levels - special plumbing levels for laying water and sewer pipes at a certain angle.

Bubble (rack) levels come in various sizes - from 20 cm to 2.5 meters.

To check the bubble level, it is installed on flat surface, mark the position of the bubble relative to the scratches, then turn the other side. If the bubble has not changed its position relative to the marks on the flask, then the level is accurate. Thus, it is necessary to check the readings of each cone.

Hydrolevels (water) levels

The hydraulic level is another type of building level. It is a transparent tube, at the ends of which there are flasks with marks. Its functioning is ensured by the laws of physics and the principle of communicating vessels.

The liquid level in the flasks remains the same and constant, regardless of the height of one of them. In order to use the hydraulic level, it is necessary to draw water into it. Try not to get bubbles into the tube while doing this, because. each bubble will significantly reduce the accuracy of the construction tool.

To carry out correct measurements by the hydraulic level, you will need an assistant, you will not be able to handle it yourself. Everyone takes a flask in his hand and opens the lids on them to prevent water from escaping. One flask is pressed against the wall near the mark, and the other in the place where the mark needs to be applied. After that, the first flask is lowered or raised until the water level in the flask and the mark on the wall are in line.

The water level in the second flask will indicate a point that is in the same horizon with the mark. Be sure to wait until the water in the flasks and the tube calms down, otherwise, it will not be possible to carry out correct calculations.

After it was possible to get two marks in one horizon, they are connected to each other by pulling a cord or drawing a line. Such levels are used at sufficiently large distances. The sizes of hydraulic levels range from 3 to 25 meters.

With the help of a hydraulic level, only horizontal lines can be marked, for vertical lines it is necessary to use a different type of building level.

By doing finishing works in rooms with a small quadrature, it is not recommended to use a hydraulic level. Its minimum length is five meters, which makes it difficult to work with it in small spaces.

When choosing a hydraulic level, you should pay attention to the shape of the flasks. Preference should be given to rectangular rather than cylindrical. It is easier to work with this level, because it is more convenient to press the flasks against the wall and make marks. The diameter of the tube also plays a role, the larger it is, the faster water in flasks is installed at the same level. The diameter of the tubes varies from 6mm to 8mm.

Laser level

The third type of building level is the laser level. This type of construction equipment is more modern and accurate than those described above. Equipped with various electronic technological solutions, it allows measurements in various planes with maximum accuracy.

To date, the most convenient and accurate control and measuring device, which allows you to accurately and efficiently build lines in various planes. Laser levels can be mounted on tripods, magnets, sliding rods or on special brackets. The most common models of laser levels are the so-called "self-leveling levels", in which the part projecting the beam works on the principle of a pendulum, that is, it aligns itself with the ground surface on its own.

There are several types of building laser level:

1. A classic rack level with a built-in laser pointer that can be used to project a laser beam onto a plane.
2. The so-called laser level, which can be independently installed in the level.
3. Well, the last, the most technically perfect - the builder of planes. It has the ability to project several laser beams onto a wide variety of planes at once.

Technical excellence and versatility make the laser building level the most preferable to buy, but its price is also the highest.

Choosing the optimal level length. Here you need to determine for what kind of work you plan to use it. If it's a cladding tiles, then you will have to purchase two levels: short (up to 60 cm), to control the level between adjacent tiles; long (200 cm), to control the level of the entire cladding plane.

When installing plasterboard structures, pouring screeds, plastering walls, it is necessary to purchase a long, at least 200 cm, building level. Thus, the larger the working area, the longer the level must be purchased.

The presence of various additional design features. Built-in magnets allow you to mount the building level on metal constructions freeing up your hands. Slots on the rail make it easier and more secure to hold the level in your hand. Rubberized pads protect against slipping and act as shock absorbers in the event of a level drop.

The building level is a control and measuring device, therefore, when buying it, it is necessary to check for the absence of factory defects and errors in the readings. To check the correctness of determining the horizontal position, you can use a horizontal stand (available in large hardware stores).

If there is no stand in the store, you can put the level on any horizontal surface and turn it 180 degrees to check the position of the bubble. If it has not changed, then the level is correct. The correctness of the readings of a vertical bulb is checked by applying a level to a wall or other vertical surface. The unchanged position of the bubble indicates the serviceability of the flask.

More reliable and accurate are the levels in which the flasks are securely fixed. You should not buy models with screwed flasks, it is better to choose with tightly mounted ones. This is worth paying attention to, because over time the screws become loose and they constantly need to be tightened and the accuracy of the level checked.

In addition to the above design features of the fastening of the flasks, attention should also be paid to the quality of the fastening. If the flasks are not installed securely enough, then over time they will loosen and the level will become unusable.

When considering the prices of different types of levels, you should not opt ​​for the cheapest options. Such building levels are short-lived, require constant adjustment, and may give incorrect readings. It is not worth saving on control and measuring instruments, because the result of the construction work will depend on them. repair work.

If you decide to buy a laser level, then saving here is all the more inappropriate. Such things cannot be cheap, unless they are fake or defective. But here it is important to understand that if you need a level for a one-time work (for example, installing interior doors), then it doesn't make much sense to spend

Always keep your receipt! It may happen that you will determine the defect or inaccuracy of the acquired level only at home after some time. Most often this happens when you double-check the planes with different levels. Professional builders use a whole range of measuring instruments. Each of them is adapted for a certain type of work and conditions, and therefore it is impossible to call them interchangeable. They perfectly complement each other and "insure". Therefore, in order to be able to replace or return a low-quality level, keep the check.

We hope our advice will help you decide which build level to choose for your specific needs.

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Level

Level

noun, m., use often

Morphology: (no) what? level, what? level, (see) what? level, how? level, about what? about the level; pl. what? levels, (no) what? levels, what? levels, (see) what? levels, how? levels, about what? about levels

1. level a conditional horizontal line or plane is called, which shows the boundary of the height of something.

Intermediate level. | The level of the source of the river is higher than its mouth. | The window is at shoulder height.

geography

2. water level called the height of the rise, standing of the water.

The water level has exceeded dangerous levels. | Despite the measures taken, the water level at the site still remains above the critical level.

3. Sea level- this is the position of the water surface of the seas and oceans relative to a certain reference point.

The pass is located at a height of one hundred meters above sea level. | Systematic observations over the level of the Caspian Sea began in 1837.

4. level is called an indicator that characterizes the development, improvement of something.

The general level of development of technology. | Low level knowledge. | The World Bank considers the level of telephony to be one of the indicators of the level economic development country.

5. Standard of living- this is an indicator of the provision of people in the country with products, commodities, services, etc.

Low, medium, high standard of living. | The standard of living of the population is affected not only by the income of citizens, but also by social and living conditions.

6. level called a quantitative indicator that characterizes the quality, intensity of something.

Required level of protection, security. | Computer simulation of car flows to assess the level of traffic safety.

conformity assessment

7. If you say that someone or something (is) at the (proper) level, then this means that some person, process, training, etc. meets the requirements, has the necessary qualities, characteristics.

The athletic training of the players was not up to the mark, and therefore the team lost.

8. If you say that something (is) at the middle, (low) level, then this means that some process, fact, situation is considered unsatisfactory by someone.

Protection of rights and intellectual property is at a low level. | The physical training of the guys is at the average level.

power

9. level called a step in the hierarchical system of power.

Authorities of the federal and regional levels.

10. summit meeting- these are official events with the participation of heads of state, government.

level adj.

Explanatory dictionary of the Russian language Dmitriev. D.V. Dmitriev. 2003 .

Synonyms:

See what "level" is in other dictionaries:

LEVEL, level, husband. 1. A horizontal plane, which is the boundary of the height of something. The water level rises greatly during floods. Sea level (conditional starting point for determining heights on the earth's surface). ... ... Explanatory Dictionary of Ushakov

In the OSI model, a set of structures and programs that provide processing of a specific class of events. The level acts as a unit of decomposition of the set of functions that provide information interaction of applied processes. The OSI model distinguishes ... ... Financial vocabulary

See the degree ... Dictionary of Russian synonyms and expressions similar in meaning. under. ed. N. Abramova, M .: Russian dictionaries, 1999. level height, degree, spirit level, point, tessitura, edge, echelon, surface, ordinar, tier, step ... Synonym dictionary

LEVEL, listen, husband. 1. Horizontal plane, surface as a boundary, from which the height is measured. U. water in the river. 2. The degree of size, development, significance of what n. Cultural at. U. life (the degree of satisfaction of the population with material and ... ... Explanatory dictionary of Ozhegov

Life (economic theory). U. life (translation of the English expression Standard of Life) is usually understood in the sense of U. needs. Some, however, distinguish between these two concepts, of which the second has in English. special designation: Standard of… … Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron

level- Level, if you heard such, for example, a message from the flood commission: The water level in the river has increased, then know that this commission probably has flood specialists, but not in Russian, because the level can ... ... Dictionary of Russian language mistakes

LEVEL, see equalize. Dahl's Explanatory Dictionary. IN AND. Dal. 1863 1866 ... Dahl's Explanatory Dictionary

level- LEVEL, degree ... Dictionary-thesaurus of synonyms of Russian speech

level 2- Data link layer in the OSI model. Responsible for receiving and transmitting packets, datagram-level service, local addressing, and error control. Computing network topics EN ... ...

level 3- Network layer (Network layer) in the OSI model. Responsible for addressing and routing in internetworking. Computing network topics EN layer 3 … Technical Translator's Handbook

level 4- Transport layer in the OSI model. Provides delivery between endpoints. Computing network topics EN layer 4 … Technical Translator's Handbook

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, 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 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 it specifications, the more convenient they are to work with 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 for the installation of household equipment and simple installation work short enough. 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 of a suitable tool. The more complex work you are coming, 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 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, since 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 are buying a model measuring device with unfixed 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. For this with right side the walls where the marks end, mark a central point 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 bubble level is an indispensable tool for construction and repair work. different kind. This device helps to create straight lines in any plane, check the necessary slope or angles. The progenitors of building levels are plumb lines and spirit levels, the functions of which they, in fact, perform. Levels are indispensable when laying pipes and various surfaces, which are demanding on the angle of inclination. They are used during the installation of equipment that vibrates during operation and is demanding on the evenness of the installation surface. The arrangement of sewers or steps is also not complete without this tool. Building levels are in the arsenal of any master and are a necessary thing in the household, so it is important to know how to choose the right building level.

bubble level design

The building bubble level is a fairly simple but functional design. It is based on a bar made of solid material, in which a number of air ampoules are mounted. Measuring marks are applied to the ampoule, which determine the position of the air inside it. It is this indicator that is the key to the work of the level. When the bubble is exactly in the middle, this means that the surface is perfectly flat. To check inclined surfaces, an indicator of air deviation relative to the center of the ampoule is used.

The main and most important part of the level is an ampoule with a liquid in which air floats. If the integrity of this part is violated, then the entire device is considered unusable. The filling of the ampoule is most often technical alcohol. For ease of use, manufacturers modify the level, some models are equipped with a lens that allows the worker to better see the bubble. To work at night, fluorescent additives are added to the liquid, which help to use the device without additional lighting with their glow. In such improved models, the ampoule with all the additives is called the eye.

Shockproof models have become quite popular. During work at a construction site or when transporting the device, unpleasant incidents often occur - falls, shakes, mechanical damage, which disable the level. Longer models are especially prone to breakage, as their size makes them more likely to fall and makes the impact force stronger than short frame models. At this level, the building price is slightly higher than for conventional models. However, buying a shockproof device is still more profitable than regularly replacing damaged ones with new ones.

The base is equally important in the whole structure. It consists of wooden, plastic or aluminum slats. Wooden planks are made solid, aluminum or plastic hollow. Most often there are levels with an aluminum base. When choosing a device, pay attention to its weight, since the heavier the device, the better its readings. Practitioners among all the modifications distinguish the cruciform design with rubber handles. They call such levels the most convenient and accurate. For working with metal surfaces, it is recommended to use devices equipped with magnets. Another optional but handy addition is a ruler on the long side of the level. Such a modification will help out when carrying out measuring work and eliminate the need to carry a ruler or tape measure.

The simplest and most primitive level model has only one measuring ampoule. But such modifications are quite difficult to find in a modern store. Manufacturers offer a larger range of levels with two or three ampoules. One of the containers is located on the long wide side and is designed to work in a horizontal plane. The second container is located on the narrow short side of the device, perpendicular to the first. It is designed to work in a vertical plane. If there is another container on the bar, then it is also located on the narrow part, but with reverse side. They fix it at an angle of 45o, and the purpose of this ampoule is to control the operation of the device.

Manufacturers offer bubble levels not only in different versions, but also in various lengths. The shortest standard model has a length of 20 cm, the longest - 3-4 m. This indicator determines the functional purpose of the level. To install various household appliances and perform simple repair tasks in a private house or apartment, it is enough to use levels small size. When laying tiles or working with various finishing materials of this type, a length from 40 cm to 1 m is best suited. Long building levels are professional, used when carrying out major construction and repair work. Experts note that the longer the level, the more accurate its readings.

What to look for when buying a bubble level

Building levels are one of the most popular products from manufacturers of cheap and low-quality products. Since this product is used not only by professional builders who know exactly what they need, but also by ordinary people. The manufacturing technology of the building level is not so complicated, but it requires precision and the use of quality materials in order for the device to work properly. Unfortunately, manufacturers of fakes and low-quality goods take advantage of the ignorance of people who are not qualified in matters of construction and offer low-quality products, the readings of which are not accurate. Trade marks, which have already established themselves as responsible manufacturers of building levels:

• Kapro

• Stabila
• Ermak
• Bosch
• Gross Laser
• Shark (Israel)
• Leader

But, even focusing on these names, it is not always possible to buy a high-quality and durable building level. You need to know some of the nuances of choosing this device, as well as be able to determine the required model so as not to overpay extra money for a professional level if it is needed only for small household work.

• To begin with, they are determined with the required length of the tool. To do this, determine the goals and objectives that are set before him. For finishing work and leveling surfaces, you will need a device of great length. For small decorative works- installation of hanging furniture, shelves, switches, paintings will suffice for the level of small or medium sizes. The best option for domestic use is a level 50-60 cm long.

• During the selection, carefully inspect all the glass elements of the device. We are talking about containers with air, which perform the main function. First of all, they must be intact and not have traces of mechanical impact. Next, the strength of their fastening is checked, these parts are fixed tightly and should not stagger or unscrew. There are models with the ability to adjust capacities, the presence of this function is a very controversial point. On the one hand, the adjustment allows you to adjust the failed level, on the other hand, it makes the device more vulnerable to shocks and mechanical stress. Professional builders recommend purchasing levels with a rigid fixation of all containers.
• After examining the fixation of the flask, pay attention to the air itself in it and the strips applied to the surface. All these elements should be clearly visible and located close to each other. The best option is the location of the control strips inside the vial, and not on its outer surface. Since with active use, these marks will quickly be erased.
• The next important factor is the base material of the level. Whether it is made of wood, plastic or metal, it must be heavy and durable. Optimal models with stiffeners located inside. In general, the design and external construction of the levels differs for each manufacturer, but this aspect does not affect the accuracy of the device itself.
• After an external inspection of the level, it must be checked. Specialized stores should always have a stand to test the device, which has a perfectly flat surface. But even if there is no such stand, it is not difficult to check the level in any other place. To do this, it is placed in a horizontal plane and the position of the air bubble is marked. Even if it deviates from the center, this is not scary, since this is not the essence of this check. Then the level is raised, turned 180o and placed exactly in the same place. In this case, the position of the bubble should be at the same mark. If so, then the device is OK.
• The accuracy of the indication of a flat plane without the presence of a verified surface is impossible. But in this situation, it is enough to keep the receipt from the goods and then check the level readings using other devices. For example, for this they use a level or a laser level, or a bubble level, which has already proven its indications. These checks must be carried out even with branded and expensive items, since the technical characteristics and indications of the device are often violated during transportation.

How to set up a bubble level

The bubble level setting is only possible if a model with loose containers is available. The level setting process is quite simple:

• Determined by the most flat wall in the room, this area should be at eye level, while the corner is located on the left side.

• Stepping back from the corner about 4 cm, they drive in a nail or twist a self-tapping screw. They do this not to the end, but so that 2-3 cm remain on the surface.
• The device is placed with one side on the nail and leaned against the wall, and then adjusted so that the air in the container shows a flat surface. A line is drawn along the edge of the level on the wall.
• Turn the device over and repeat the procedure.

The correctness of the setting is checked by the drawn lines, if they do not go beyond each other, then the device is functioning properly and its readings are accurate. If the marked marks diverged, then proceed as follows:

• On the right side, where the marks end, mark the center point between them.
• The device is placed again on the nail, and the other end is applied to the marked point.
• For convenience, another self-tapping screw is screwed into the mark, or simply hold the level with your hand.
• In the fixed position, the liquid container is adjusted to the required position.

In the same way, the container is adjusted to work in a vertical plane, only the level is pressed against the nail with the long side.

How to work with a bubble level

When working with a building level, it is important to remember that this device has a working surface, with which it is applied to the control area. This area is distinguished by a raw edge or a magnetic insert. In some models, there is no distinction between the work surface and other faces. If you put the device on the other side during use, it will not harm it, but the measurement accuracy will drop. The level is never laid sideways, all measurements made in this way are not correct, since, in fact, a non-existent surface is measured.

To work in a horizontal plane, they are guided by a container in the long side of the level. The device is applied to the surface and a line is marked in which the air is exactly in the center of the ampoule. If there is a deviation to the left, then slightly lower the left edge of the frame or raise the right one. The same is true for deviations to the right.

To work in the vertical plane, they are guided by the container in the narrow edge of the device. For example, if it is necessary to control the quality of the wall finish, then the device is applied to it with the capacity up. If the air moves away from the wall, there is a convex unevenness from below. If the air moves towards the wall, then it means that you need to add a little volume below the level.

A good tool is a great help in any job, and a good building level is necessary in any household (hang a mirror or a locker), when repairing. And for the construction of a bath you will need at least two or three different levels. There are quite a few types of this tool and each has its own characteristics.

Bubble levels are the most popular. Most likely, this is due to their not very high price and sufficient measurement accuracy. These instruments come in very different lengths - from a few tens of centimeters to 3 meters. During construction or repair, levels of several sizes are usually needed: short ones are convenient if you need to check the compliance of small areas, and long ones are indispensable, for example, when plastering works, when installing the crate for lining in the bath, etc.

Bubble levels have one, two or three transparent chambers with a scale filled with liquid with 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 the construction truss system and some other works.

There are several modifications of bubble levels: some of them have built-in magnets and it is convenient to fix them on metal surfaces. Such levels are also called magnetic levels. There are 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 range of prices for these tools is quite large. Definitely, it is hardly worth buying the cheapest ones, unless you need them for one-time work. If you have construction or major repairs, you should choose one of professional levels. Although they cost many times more, they will also serve much longer: they have thick-walled cases for which bumps and falls are not so terrible, some are equipped with rubber pads that soften the blows. The building level stabila proved to be the best. Not bad is the Kapro tool (the manufacturer gives a lifetime warranty on flasks) and Kraftool. These are probably the best building levels available on the market today. If we talk about the middle price category, then Zubr, Stayer and Matrix have proven themselves well.

When choosing a tool, pay attention to the fastening of the flasks: they shouldn't wobble. It is better if they are mounted tightly, without screws. At first glance, the flasks reinforced with screws are good because they can be adjusted independently, but in practice such tools go astray very quickly, and you have to repeat the entire setup procedure again and again. In order to work with the level it was convenient, you must clearly see the flask, the divisions on it and the position of the bubble. The farther apart the stripes on the flask are, the more difficult it is to determine how displaced the bubble is.

Important! Even after a slight drop, the bubble level may begin to "lie", especially for cheap models. For this reason, check the level for accuracy right in the store.

How to check the bubble level

To check the accuracy of the level, you need to put it on any horizontal surface (for example, on a shop window), note the place where it lies, and remember the position of the bubble. Rotate the tool 180 degrees (the part that was on the right should be on the left), set it in the same place and look at the position of the bubble again. If the readings match, the horizontal bulb is set correctly. Repeat the same test on a vertical plane (for example, on a 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, see the video.

Laser building level

Laser building levels are the most modern and accurate, but also the most expensive. Most budget options cost the same (or more) as professional bubble levels. But this compact device, which is attached to any surface and has a range of up to 100 meters. Laser levels allow you to perfectly set a straight line, some models have the function of scanning the 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 the Bosch PPL5 model.

This device is quite compact, as you can see by watching the video.

The laser level can be mounted on the wall, and along the guide to glue the tiles on the walls in the bath or sauna.

If you are not a professional builder, there is no need to buy expensive levels, which include Bosch products. If you need a laser level only for the construction of a single bath, then it is quite possible to 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 of horizontal surfaces. Neither verticals nor planes located at an angle can be checked by them. 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 design (be sure to fill in water at room temperature and make sure that bubbles do not 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 a foundation or piles), but they are inconvenient when working in small spaces. Their main drawback: sensitivity to temperature changes: it is impossible to check surfaces located at a distance of less than 1.5 meters from heaters or other heat sources.

The great advantage of water levels is that when correct use, you can ideally die out the horizontal on large planes. For this reason, for marking, it is advisable to use the water level, and not the bubble level.

When buying a hydraulic level, check that there are no cracks on the plastic flasks.

Pipe levels

They work on the principle of bubble ones, but they are small and most often made in the form of a rectangle. Some models are foldable.

They are useful when working with pipes or when laying profiles (some have appropriate holes and / or magnets to make them easier to attach).

There are many types of levels and their various 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 to ... This is what I want to say when you find out that now you can download and install the building level program on a device running operating system Android (Android).

The building level program in a smartphone

Quite a number of such programs have already been created. a large number of, but there are not as many 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=en .

The Bubble level program allows you to switch the level view.

The Bubble level program allows you to switch the level view

The smartphone is oriented in space with the 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 in the construction of a bath. Although using this level it will be quite possible to hang pictures evenly in the rest room.

conclusions

During the construction of a bath, as in any other construction, one cannot do without a building level. Since our site is designed for amateur builders, we dare to offer the following gentleman's set:

1. Hydraulic level (required);
2. Bubble level (required);
3. Chinese laser level (you can do without).

This whole set can be bought for only 1000 rubles and it will be enough for all types of work, from pouring the foundation to laying tiles.