8 tips on how to choose a building level: types, accuracy, manufacturers

A bubble level is a necessary tool for performing construction and repair work of various types. Using this device, you can create straight lines in any plane, check the required slope and angles. The ancestors of building levels are plumb lines and water levels, the functions of which they, in fact, perform. Levels are necessary when installing pipes and various surfaces that require an angle of inclination. They are used when installing equipment that vibrates during operation and is demanding on the evenness of the installation surface. The installation of sewer pipes and steps is also not complete without this tool. Building levels are available in the arsenal of every master and are a necessary thing in the household, so you need to know how to choose the right building level.

Construction bubble level

Bubble level design

The building bubble level is a fairly simple design. The base of the level is a bar made of solid material, into which a certain number of air ampoules are mounted. Measuring marks are applied to the ampoule, which are used to determine the deviations of the air inside it. It is this indicator that is the key to the correct operation of the level.

1.Bubble building level

This is the most common type of building levels. It is a very simple but quite functional device .

Design

This is a rectangular frame, most often made of aluminum and hollow inside, with a transparent bulb in the middle. It is the measuring flask , sometimes called the “eye”, that is the most critical part of the level. The flask is filled with liquid, most often industrial alcohol , since it has a lower density compared to water, and the air bubble, due to this, more sensitively to deviations and moves faster inside the flask.

fluorescent are also added to it to make work easier in the dark. Lines are drawn on the flask perpendicular to the body of the level, which serve as permissible limits of deviation. That is, looking at the flask you will see two thin lines, an air bubble and again two thin lines. If the bubble is clearly in the middle between the lines, then the surface is perfectly flat.

An important point is that the larger the bubble itself and the less space left from it to the lines on both sides, the more accurate the device will be and the smaller its error. By the way, there are levels that can be customized. The bulb at these levels is attached with fasteners, which makes it possible to adjust at any time. The most common type of bubble level is a level with two flasks. One serves to control the deviation from the vertical (90 degrees), the other - from the horizontal (180 degrees). They are located perpendicular to each other on different planes. If you see three cones, then the last one serves to measure 45 degrees from the horizontal plane or is rotary, to measure any angle of the surface. There are also levels with a large number of flasks that duplicate horizontal and vertical flasks; such levels are used for very important work, since they have a higher measurement accuracy. Modern levels are additionally equipped with various useful functions :

Stiffening ribs are a very important element, the presence of which will make the level body more durable and protect against deflections, which is especially important when using long levels.
The markings made on one of the surfaces of the level can be used as a ruler, which makes it possible to refuse additional tools and free your hands.
The milled surface, often located on the opposite side of the measuring flask, prevents the level from sliding off the work surface and eases the effort required to hold the level with one hand.
The impact pad is necessary for adjusting the controlled surface by applying moderate blows with a hammer.
The pipe groove is a very convenient additional feature when installing sewer pipes, which prevents slipping from radius surfaces.
Magnetic side - there is a magnet at one end of the level, which allows you to attach it to metal surfaces and carry out installation hands-free.

The length of bubble levels starts from 20 cm and reaches 3-4 m , which makes them universal for any application. For example, for simple repair work with your own hands, a level 30-40 cm long will be enough; for laying tiles, you should choose a slightly longer length - 40 cm-1 m. And if you are planning to make a screed, or do wall finishing, then a level with a length of from 2 meters.

Benefits of the bubble level

Quite high strength , especially with stiffeners
Very easy to operate, no special skills required to use it
Suitable for both home use and more precise work
Availability of various sizes , which makes it possible to choose the tool that is most convenient for you and most suitable for a specific task
Affordable price

Flaws

If you purchase a low-quality level of questionable production, it will go wrong
Bubble levels are afraid of falls and bumps
If you choose a bubble level with the ability to adjust, then remember that they get lost more often, and to adjust them you will need a flat surface, which is not always at hand.

The best magnetic levels

When working with metal structures, magnetic levels are a great help. Their characteristic feature is internal magnets, which allow the tool to be vertically attached to metal surfaces.

Kapro "Torpedo" Plumbsite 241-23

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

87%

buyers recommend this product

The hybrid model has a removable suspended mini-level 23 cm long. This design allows you to measure deviations from a given surface angle. It is possible to adjust one of the eyes in the range from 0 to 180 degrees. Error 0.5 mm/m. The cost of the device is slightly above 1000 rubles.

Advantages:

the presence of three polyacrylic flasks;
additional linear mini-level;
checking the angle of inclination of the plane;
adjustable bulb;
high accuracy.

Flaws:

the price is high;
fragile plastic.

The magnetic level is securely fixed on any metal surface, which makes work easier. In tight spaces, you can simply remove the central bulb and take measurements using it.

FIT with three eyes

4.7

★★★★★

editorial assessment

85%

buyers recommend this product

Due to the presence of three eyes in this model, it is used to control horizontal and vertical surfaces, as well as slopes. Due to the built-in magnet and lightweight body, the device adheres well to metal. Measurement error - 0.1 mm. The cost does not even reach 500 rubles.

Advantages:

reliable fixation in horizontal and vertical positions;
surface tilt angle control at 45 degrees;
compact size and easy storage;
low price.

Flaws:

no rubber plugs on the sides
lack of adjustment.

This miniature device, weighing only 60 grams and dimensions 230x40x15mm, is perfect for working in confined spaces.

2.Pipe level

This type of level has a very narrow scope of application ; it is used for laying gas, water, sewer pipes or round profiles and beams.

Design

A pipe level is a type of bubble level. It is equipped with several flasks with liquid, in each of which an air bubble floats, which also determines the deviation from the required direction. A distinctive feature of the pipe level is the V-shaped shape of the body and the presence of magnets. Also, pipe levels can have a detachable, replaceable clamp to fit the pipe diameter.

Advantages of a pipe level

Thanks to its special design, it can be easily mounted on a round surface without fear of slipping at the most inopportune moment.
Thanks to the presence of magnets, the pipe level can be easily installed on a metal pipe or support
For ease of storage, they can be folded by connecting sections
Light weight

Flaws

Small size (up to 40 cm)
Narrow scope
Higher price compared to bubble
Shows the slope of one specific pipe, and is not suitable for assessing the overall slope

Best Stanley Bubble Levels

Stanley Torpedo FatMax Pro Box XTHT0-42495

Stanley Torpedo FatMax Pro Box XTHT0-424

Small bubble level. The extruded aluminum case with a diameter of 23 centimeters contains one horizontal ampoule and two vertical ampoules. The right tank has a 360 degree rotation mechanism.

The outside of the case is molded with rubberized plugs that leave no marks when in contact with the surface. The measurement accuracy in both planes is about half a millimeter.

The builder's level is suitable for home renovations, installing windows, consumer electronics or cabinetry, and light carpentry work.

Stanley STHT1-43111-60

Medium spirit level with a magnetic substrate made of a rare-earth alloy. With a length of sixty centimeters, it includes two reservoirs for determining horizontal or vertical inclination with an error of half a degree.

The body is lightweight, made of aluminum box-section profile. Around the acrylic tanks and at the ends they are treated with rubber plugs that protect them from deformation upon impact.

The level can be used in finishing work, furniture production, and installation of doors or windows. It is poorly applicable for metal structures, because there are only two small magnets in the case, deeply recessed in the case.

STANLEY FATMAX XL 0-43-681

2 meter building level with three measuring capsules in three solid acrylic blocks. Larger central reservoir for accurate horizontal angle measurements. The measurement error varies within half a millimeter per meter. It has pass-through slots for hand gripping, treated with a soft sealing material. The ends are treated with a cast protective compound that increases wear resistance.

The tool can be used for carpentry, flooring, renovations, garden or landscaping improvements, and laying paving stones and paths. There are no magnets in the case, so using them on metal surfaces is not recommended.

3.Hydraulic level

This type of building level is used to apply precise horizontal markings on objects distant from each other. It is advisable to use it when it comes to installing a ceiling, marking the level of the future floor, installing a foundation or any other construction installation in one plane.

Design

The hydraulic level consists of two vessels, with a scale in centimeters printed on them, connected to each other by a transparent, flexible tube. Please note that for ease of use, it is better to choose levels with rectangular so that they fit tightly to the surface. It is better to choose a tube with a larger diameter so that the liquid fills it faster and flows through it faster. The optimal diameter is 6-8 mm .

Before work, the level must be filled with water so that it occupies approximately 2/3 of the volume of the vessels. air bubbles should be avoided . Do not bend the tube - water should flow through it freely. After filling the system with water, align the flasks with each other, the liquid level in them should be the same, this means that the level is ready for use. The length of hydraulic levels can be from 5 to 25 m.

Advantages of the hydraulic level

Low price
Does not require special skills to operate
Covers large areas
Not afraid of falls and bumps
No calibration required

Flaws

Two people are required to use this type of level.
Not a very convenient method of filling with liquid, in which it is not always possible to avoid the appearance of bubbles, which means that there may be several attempts
Work only in the horizontal plane
Possibility of use only at positive temperatures

Best ADA Bubble Levels

Titan 40 Plus

ADA Instruments Titan 40 Plus

Small but shockproof inclinometer. The forty-centimeter case is made of thick profiled aluminum with stiffening ribs and contains a number of neodymium magnets. The base is milled to provide a non-slip surface.

The measurement is carried out simultaneously in three planes. Under the capsules there is a reflective layer that allows you to see the bubble in poor lighting.

The level can be used for construction, interior and exterior finishing work, installation of metal structures, flooring or tiles.

Video: ADA Titan Construction Level

ProLevel 100 ADA A00393

Universal building level for checking slope in three planes. There are bubble capsules in the central part and on the left side; on the right side there is a digital display for accurate measurements based on the readings of gyroscope sensors with automatic calibration. The meter-long case contains magnets for working on metal surfaces.

The inclinometer is used in the construction of houses, cladding, and finishing. Suitable for carpenters, roofers and masons. The electronic components are powered by two AA batteries, providing continuous operation in measurement mode for four days. Classic bubble capsules help in operation even without batteries.

ADA Titan 2000 A00390

Two-meter protractor with protection against shock and damage. Designed for construction sites, can withstand a drop from a height of fifteen meters onto concrete. Made of thick-walled profiled aluminum with antistatic powder treatment. The ends are rubberized, and holes are cut out in the body for gripping and positioning.

Milled to work on both sides, the grooves allow you to work on difficult surfaces. There are grooves for measuring the inclination of square and cylindrical pipes. Bubble chambers measure angles in three directions.

Allows you to work during installation of communications, construction of buildings, control the installation of reinforced concrete floors and slabs. Will help with complex interior and exterior work.

Video: Checking and adjusting the level

4.Electronic level

This type of level is considered professional and allows you to perform work with increased precision.

Design

The electronic level looks the same as a regular bubble level and has several eyes for assessing deviations from the vertical or horizontal plane. The difference lies in the presence of a protractor and a digital display , which displays the deviation value. It can be displayed in degrees, percentage or millimeters, your choice. The electronic level has the ability to record measured slopes, and can also signal with sound when reaching 0º or 90º.

Advantages of an electronic level

High accuracy
Ease of use
Possibility of storing measured slopes
Presence of a sound signal

Flaws

The need for periodic calibration
Just like the bubble one, it requires careful treatment
Higher cost compared to previous types

Best Kapro Bubble Levels

Kapro Mini-246

Pocket spirit level ten centimeters long. It consists of a shock-resistant body and a polyacrylic bulb. The magnetic base allows you to control the slope of complex metal structures. Being small in size, it has an accuracy of 0.5 millimeters per meter, but one capsule can only measure angle in one plane.

The plugs are made of rubberized material. Suitable for home renovation, furniture installation, framed paintings, small carpentry work. The meter is convenient to carry with you and fits in your pocket. The non-freezing liquid of the flask allows operation at low temperatures.

Kapro PLUMBSITE GENESIS 781-40-60РМ

The average level is sixty centimeters with built-in neodymium magnets. Has hand slots with a rubberized surface for installation and carrying. Side inserts made of protective material protect the device from damage when dropped or hit.

It has ampoules for measuring in three planes of inclination, eyes with a prism for precise visual recording of parameters. Allows you to measure angles over a length of up to two and a half meters with an accuracy of 0.029°. Works in cold temperatures down to minus twenty degrees Celsius.

Suitable for construction and installation work, laying floors, leveling walls, wallpapering, making furniture, and engineering systems.

Kapro PLUMBSITE HERCUKES 986-44P-2500

Large level two and a half meters long. Made of aluminum body, there are handles on the sides for carrying. There are no magnets for fixation. Built-in four impact-resistant bulbs for measuring vertical or horizontal inclination.

Allows you to work with the end and front planes. The capsules contain NITE-GLO fluorescent oil so you can use the device in low light conditions. Contains two-piece shock absorbing bushings.

Suitable for professional use, working with large surfaces.

Laser level (level)

Belongs to the group of professional measuring instruments. The principle of operation is to build horizontal, vertical or inclined planes at a distance of several tens of meters from the location. This is an indispensable device when applying markings, leveling walls or ceilings, installing suspended ceilings or plasterboard ceilings, when constructing walls or interior partitions, or when tiling with ceramic tiles.

There are three main types of laser levels - point, linear, rotary . From the name it is clear that they are used to construct points, lines or planes. Some laser levels have the ability to self-level within 2÷4º.

Design

An LED is installed inside the housing , which produces the luminous flux for the laser. At the linear level, light passes through perpendicular prisms and at the output two mutually perpendicular straight lines are formed. In the rotational level, light is focused to a point at the moment it passes through the lens, and a straight line is formed by rotating the light source around its axis. Self-leveling levels are equipped with a pendulum with a copper tip-weight, which freezes in a magnetic field induced by eddy currents, thereby allowing the level to level. A regular laser level has a small built-in bubble level that must be leveled before use. Everything is quite simple, but the possibilities of using a laser level are really very extensive.

Advantages of a laser level

Easy to use
Significant savings in time spent on marking and other preparatory work
High accuracy
Easy to store and transport
Ability to cover large areas

Flaws

The main disadvantage of laser levels is their cost , but believe me, the costs will be fully justified when you appreciate all the advantages and possibilities of working with this device.
Laser levels are not always sold complete with a tripod and a storage case, which incurs additional costs for their purchase.

What type of level is best to buy?

Laser level
There are several types of construction levels:

manual;
laser

The first category includes a bubble instrument - a spirit level. Its design includes a body and flasks with liquid and a bubble fixed inside. The liquid used is industrial alcohol, which resists sub-zero temperatures.

Sometimes fluorescent substances are added to the liquid - this helps to use the device in poor lighting conditions. To determine the evenness of an object, a level is applied to one of its planes. In this case, the bubble should be located strictly in the center of the flask.

Laser tools work differently, they are more accurate and modern. There are static (linear and point) as well as rotational models. The first type involves the radiation of a line relative to which the evenness of the surface is adjusted.

Point levels display several points in different projections, and rotational models are designed to draw several lines by rotating the laser wheel.

To achieve more accurate indicators, linear laser levels are purchased for the home. For constant use of a level when working on sites, it is better to purchase a point or rotational construction level.

6.Measurement accuracy

The most important thing you need to know when performing any work is the amount of error that building levels can produce.

The bubble level has a measurement accuracy of 0.5-1 mm/m, the longer the level, the smaller the error
The error of the pipe level depends on its length; the shorter it is, the greater the deviation
Hydraulic levels from 5 to 25 meters long have an error of 2-3 mm
The electrical level has a fairly high accuracy, the error is up to 0.1º
Laser levels are very accurate, their error is only 0.1-1 mm/m depending on the class of the device

Selection rules

It is better to choose a construction tool for small home repairs with a length of 30 cm. It will perform a variety of household tasks, such as correctly installing a washing machine or refrigerator, nailing a shelf or hanging a cabinet. As an alternative to a rack level, a flat-capsule instrument without a rack can be used. However, such a device is only capable of checking a horizontal surface, since there is an air bubble in the center of the marking.

For serious work: laying tiles, laying Armstrong-type ceilings, tiles in the courtyard of a house, installing windows, doors - you will need a tool 60 cm long. They are much easier to work with than, say, using a hydraulic level.

The most complex work: leveling plaster, wooden floor coverings, screeds, pipes will require a more accurate bubble device with a length of 80 cm to 2 m. This is the best choice, the alternative to which can only be a hydraulic level or a professional level gauge.

The maximum length of the bubble level stated by the manufacturers is 40 cm, and the minimum is 20 cm.

Additional conditions that will help you choose a building level:

To choose the right high-quality tool in the store, you need to compare it with the readings of a hydraulic or laser level. Moreover, check the accuracy of measurements not only of horizontal, but of vertical and oblique lines.
Be sure to carefully inspect the glass capsules, which must be undamaged.
The rigidity of fastening of all parts of the level, except for the diagonal alignment ampoule, is also an important indicator of choice. Although which instrument is better - with a movable capsule or not - is debatable, because due to the ability to move, it can give an incorrect result.
When examining the marks, you need to make sure that they were applied to the glass from the inside and not from the outside. Otherwise, they can quickly wear off.
Stiffening ribs are a prerequisite for a good, high-quality tool, and choosing solely by design or shape is not correct.

Thus, based on the question of which is the best construction bubble level, it is necessary, first of all, to know the tasks and goals that will have to be solved.

Which manufacturers should you prefer?

You can save on anything, but don't try to save on the cost of a building grade. It doesn’t matter what type of levels you give your preference and for what purposes you will use it - it must provide the declared accuracy . This can be achieved by purchasing products only from trusted manufacturers . According to reviews from experienced users and surveys of people who professionally engage in interior decoration and installation, the following manufacturers can be distinguished:

Stabila (Germany)

Specializes in the production of laser levels, spirit levels and levels, known all over the world. The products of this brand are supplied to all industrial countries. All measuring instruments of this brand have reliable build quality, high quality materials used and high measurement accuracy. That is why Stabila has high popularity and a high reputation.

Kapro (Israel)

One of the leading level manufacturers in the world. Kapro levels are valued for their high strength, they are the only levels whose measurement accuracy is confirmed by a certificate from the German VPA laboratory.

Bosch (Germany)

Specializes mainly in the production of laser levels. The measuring instruments of this manufacturer are distinguished by a high level of accuracy, high-quality assembly and high quality materials.

Which building level to choose and their types

It must be selected based on the purpose of use. All devices are divided into the following types :

Squared. Rectangular universal tool suitable for all types of construction work. It features a robust body and durability.
Rail. Lightweight, rail-shaped level.
Torpedo. Compact, most often made in a plastic case. Used for household work.
Angular. Used to perform accurate measurements, eliminating possible errors in lateral vision.
Digital. Characterized by accurate measurements displayed on the display.
Shock. Durable, equipped with an additional platform for hammer strikes.

What to look for when choosing?

Even if you listened to our advice and are not going to save on the cost of a building level, when purchasing you should conduct an external inspection of the device and pay attention to the little things that, in fact, will tell you a lot about the serviceability and accuracy of the level you have chosen.

When choosing a level with bubble elements, be sure to pay attention to its main element - the flask. Carefully inspect its surface; it should be transparent and free of abrasions or other mechanical damage. Then check the strength of its fastening. It must be motionless and securely fixed in the body of the level, unless, of course, you have chosen a level with the possibility of manual adjustment, in which case the flask will be removable. Experienced users advise giving preference to levels with rigid fixation of the flasks, since in case of falls or other mechanical damage, they are more likely to remain intact and not get knocked down. Pay attention to the stripes that are applied to the flask; they should be even and clear. It is better if they are painted from the inside, so they will not be erased with frequent use. The air bubble should also be clear and not separate at the first shake; do not buy levels with a small bubble - their error will be greater. Another important point is the material of the level. Now almost all building levels are made of aluminum; it is much lighter and more practical than wood or plastic. If you purchase a long level, then it is mandatory to have stiffening ribs, so it will be more durable and will not sag.
After a visual inspection it is necessary check level by clarity of indications. It's very easy to do. Specialty stores even have special surfaces for testing. If there is none, just use a more or less flat, horizontal surface. Place the selected level on it and mark, for example with a marker, the position of the air bubble, then turn the level 180º and place it in the same place. The bubble should be where your mark is. The bubble doesn't have to be in the center because your surface isn't perfectly flat, it just needs to return to the same position. If, after turning, the bubble is in a completely different place, you should refuse to buy this level.
When purchasing a hydraulic level, pay attention to the shape of the liquid containers; give preference to rectangular shapes. The material from which the vessels are made must be clearly visible and free from abrasions, scratches, and chips. The scale applied to the vessels must be clear, legible, and most importantly, the same on both containers. Don’t forget to look at the hose - it should be soft, flexible, able to quickly acquire the necessary bends and not break. Do not purchase a level with a hose that is too narrow, otherwise the liquid will take a long time to flow through it.
When purchasing a laser level , give preference only to well-known manufacturers, do not be tempted by a lower price, otherwise your device may quickly fail, and you will have to pay twice when purchasing another one. If you are going to use it often, or construction and repair are your way of earning money, pay attention to the number of available functions. The most popular are horizontal, vertical straight, plumb and cross. This is the minimum set for a professional level; as a rule, there are much more. It would be good if the level comes with storage case tripod . The case must be durable or shockproof, have a soft protective coating inside and special recesses for storage elements, which must fit tightly into them and not fall out when the case is turned. The telescopic tripod must be rigid, strong and stable. It is better if it has as few plastic elements as possible.

Following these simple rules, the level you choose will serve you for a very long time and will become an indispensable assistant in any of your endeavors. And most importantly, it will be convenient for you.

The article was written for the site.

Tags:Preparing for room renovation

How to check a tool

How to check the construction bubble level? Ask if the building materials store has a special stand for checking levels? If not, you will have to check on a horizontal plane. You need to place the device on the surface and press firmly. It is important that there is no gap between the level and the support. Carefully remember where the air bubble is located.

On a note! The buyer has the right to request a level check for measurement accuracy.

Now you need to turn the device 180 degrees, wait a little and check the location of the bubble. The previous and new positions of the air bubble must match. If this does not happen, then the device is defective.

Rating of quality construction levels for 2021

We offer you an overview of the most functional and popular models with comprehensive descriptions, which will help you make the right choice. The list of models is divided into five groups, which corresponds to the division of these products into types. Each group contains products that are excellent not only in functionality, but also in price.

Bubble

Kraftool 34710-060_z01 at 60 cm

A bright block model with two eyes will become a universal assistant in everyday life and professional activities.

Kraftool 34710-060_z01 at 60 cm

Average price: 1029 rub.

Advantages:

price;
milled edge;
easy.

Flaws:

Sturm! 2015-04-600SL

The durable impact tool with two eyes is highly accurate: only 1 mm per 1 m.

Average price: 850 rub.

Sturm! 2015-04-600SL

Advantages:

steel body;
bright;
milled edge;
ruler;
protective plugs.

Flaws:

RIDGID Magnetic Torpedo 395E

The device is perfect for working in hard-to-reach or shaded areas. Ideal for installation of metal structures, pipelines, and minor plumbing work.

Average price: 2429 rub.

RIDGID Magnetic Torpedo 395E

Advantages:

high-quality assembly;
bright body;
convenient, compact, lightweight;
the ampoules liquid glows in the dark;
three strong magnets;
three eyes;
aluminum V-shaped body with a special groove for installing the tool on the pipe.

Flaws:

high price.

MATRIX 34004, “Rail”, 40 cm, 3 eyes, reinforced

The model, made of an I-beam aluminum profile, is equipped with three flasks - vertical, horizontal, and one rotating, allowing you to take measurements at any angle. There is also a ruler on the body.

Average price: 365 rub.

MATRIX 34004, “Rail”, 40 cm, 3 eyes, reinforced

Advantages:

price;
bright body color;
There are rubber protective plugs along the edges of the case.

Flaws:

1-42-802 STANLEY “GP” 40cm

T-shaped level or trapezoid with a milled working surface, increasing the accuracy of measurement results. Convenient, lightweight body with epoxy coating, which makes it possible to quickly clean the device from dirt.

Average price: 690 rub.

1-42-802 STANLEY “GP” 40cm

Advantages:

price;
body color;
lasting;
build quality;
low error within 2 mm per 1 m.

Flaws:

not found.

Electronic

"FatMax" 120 cm, STANLEY, (0-42-086)

Professional model with a digital indicator for comfortable and quick reading. The device is highly accurate: 0.10 mm per 1 m in horizontal and vertical positions, 0.20 mm per 1 m at an angle. The strong aluminum body is made in yellow color - it won’t get lost at a construction site. For ease of use and movement there is a comfortable wide handle.

Average price: 7040 rub.

"FatMax" 120 cm, STANLEY, (0-42-086)

Advantages:

high-quality assembly;
low battery indicator;
can display the result in both degrees and percentages;
remembers the last 9 measurement results;
recalibration function;
waterproof cover.

Flaws:

price.

KRAFTOOL aluminum electronic, 2 eyes, 80cm, (34725-080)

An accurate professional model in a reinforced case can withstand significant loads without losing performance.

Average price: 5603 rub.

KRAFTOOL aluminum electronic, 2 eyes, 80cm, (34725-080)

Advantages:

shock-resistant flasks;
two milled edges;
Made from thick four-chamber aluminum profile, which makes it resistant to bending and twisting.

Flaws:

price.

PRACTICE Expert 60 cm 242-847

Model with two vial chambers (vertical, horizontal), electronic display and ergonomic handle.

Average price: 1320 rub.

PRACTICE Expert 60 cm 242-847

Advantages:

price;
inscriptions in Russian;
error 0.5 mm per 1 m.
bright body color.

Flaws:

good device for the money.

Plumbing

Semicircular pipe level KAPRO 350

The device is used for installation of metal and plastic pipes of standard diameters. The set includes models with sizes 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/2, 2.

Average price: 1033 rub.

Semicircular pipe level KAPRO 350

Advantages:

easy;
two eyes - horizontal, vertical;
The set contains models for the most common pipe diameters.

Flaws:

not found.

Kapro POSTRITE

Angled magnetic tool is great for laying water pipes and heating systems. It will also be useful when positioning pillars and columns. When unfolded, it takes a flat shape and can replace a regular bubble level.

Average price: 804 rub.

Kapro POSTRITE

Advantages:

foldable, compact.

Flaws:

low accuracy;
poor build quality;
price.

KRAFTOOL “PRO” for “water” work, 10 cm, (1-34733-010)

The model in a reinforced aluminum profile is made specifically for the installation of plumbing systems at a given angle. The shape of the tool allows it to be installed on pipes of various diameters. The liquid in the eye contains phosphorus. Also, three additional marks are applied to the flask, allowing you to install pipes at a fixed angle (from 1/200 to 1/50 mm per 1 meter). In addition, the peephole with the bulb is attached to two screws. This means that in case of mechanical impact, deterioration of accuracy, the device can be easily repaired.

Average price: 903 rub.

KRAFTOOL “PRO” for “water” work, 10 cm, (1-34733-010)

Advantages:

milled edge;
the ability to work in a poorly lit room;
possibility of manual configuration;
You can install the pipe at a fixed angle.

Flaws:

not detected.

Hydraulic levels

SIBRTECH 8 mm 15 m with scale

A tool with a hose length of 15 m and plastic flasks is suitable for both home needs and a number of professional construction works. Measurement accuracy is achieved thanks to a large cross-sectional diameter of 8 mm.

Average price: 200 rub.

SIBRTECH 8 mm 15 m with scale

Advantages:

inexpensive;
Each flask has two loops for hanging;
the flask has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.

Flaws:

BISON MASTER 3482-08-15

A model with a hose length of 15 m, D=8 mm, unbreakable flasks, a detailed scale, is characterized by high-quality assembly and high measurement accuracy.

Average price: 366 rub.

BISON MASTER 3482-08-15

Advantages:

budget;
easy;
the flask has loops for hanging - on the top and side;
convenient flask shape.

Flaws:

not detected.

STURM 2015-04-25

A marking device consisting of a 25 m long silicone hose and strong flasks.

Average price: 540 rub.

STURM 2015-04-25

Advantages:

price;
impact-resistant flask;
tight valves that prevent liquid from leaking out.

Flaws:

cylindrical flasks are inconvenient to apply to surfaces, the accuracy of measurements decreases;
the hose is thin-walled, easily bent and broken;
The divisions on the scale and numbers are made in the form of a three-dimensional drawing, and are not applied with paint. In bright sunlight, this scale becomes invisible.

Laser

Bort BLN-15-K (98296808)

Linear laser level with a measuring range of up to 15 m, accuracy of 0.2±mm per 1 meter.

Average price: 2263 rub.

Bort BLN-15-K (98296808)

Advantages:

budget;
you can adjust the brightness of the beam;
with automatic leveler, can be switched off;
sound, light indication;
there is a bubble level;
small self-leveling angle of 3º.

Flaws:

heavy weight - about two kg.

BOSCH GPL 5 Professional (0601066200)

Five-point laser device with a measurement range of up to 30 m, accuracy of 0.3 ± mm per 1 meter.

Average price: 7509 rub.

BOSCH GPL 5 Professional (0601066200)

Advantages:

easy;
beam thickness 5 mm;
with automatic leveler, also has an auto shut-off function;
24 hours of continuous operation;
build quality;
The kit includes a holder, a case, and three batteries.

Flaws:

price;
large self-leveling angle - 5º.

ELITECH LN 360/1

A rotating laser level equipped with two emitters with a maximum measurement range (without a receiver) is 30 m, and with a receiver the distance increases to 80 m. Declared accuracy: 0.2 ± mm per 1 meter.

Average price: 2999 rub.

ELITECH LN 360/1

Advantages:

inexpensive;
bright, thin lines;
high-quality assembly;
long operating time - up to 12 hours;
with automatic leveler, can be switched off;
well equipped with additional accessories: clothespin holder, set of batteries, bag.

Flaws:

The self-leveling angle is too large at 4º.