Features of the building level
The bubble level is the most indispensable equipment when leveling objects during construction. He is able to very accurately determine the deviation of a particular surface from the norm. The level tool usually has a rectangular shape, into which special flasks with air bubbles and markings are built.
Before purchasing this equipment, it is very important to consider its features:
- Susceptible to impacts . Under no circumstances should the building level be dropped. Any drop may result in decreased accuracy or complete failure of the instrument.
- There are corner levels . They help measure the position of objects that are at an angle. In this case, the accuracy of the measurement also depends on how correctly the level is positioned.
- Malfunction of the newly purchased level . Even store-bought tools may initially show incorrect data. This occurs due to careless transportation. Therefore, it is recommended, at a minimum, to carry out at least an initial check of the equipment for visible deviations in the store.
Construction level device Source tdrimspb.ru
Before using the level, you need to carefully inspect it and take for comparison two other tools that are definitely in working order. You need to handle the tool very carefully, since any mechanical damage will damage the equipment and you will have to buy a new building level.
Flask
Once you have decided on the body, you next need to pay attention to the flask. The bubble should be large and have a distance between the marks of about 1mm.
This allows measurements to be taken with greater accuracy. This is not observed on cheap models, and some craftsmen use a syringe to independently increase the size of the bubble.
The flask is removed from the rack. The side plug is pierced and an insulin syringe (it has a very thin needle) is used and a certain amount of tinted alcohol-containing liquid is sucked out.
Often this is ethanol. It does not freeze at sub-zero temperatures and, due to its low viscosity, allows the air bubble to quickly move inside the level eye.
After pumping out part of the liquid, the air bubble increases in size. In this way, it can be caught up in size at the highest risk.
The resulting hole in the visor is subsequently sealed with hot-melt adhesive. If you went too far with the size, then use the same syringe to pump the liquid back into the capsule. The bubble gets smaller.
The bulb itself can be glued in or adjusted with screws. There is no clear answer as to which mounting method is better. Both fastening methods have their pros and cons.
For expensive items, the tool often comes without adjusting screws - for example Kapro. But this brand has a lifetime guarantee on the integrity of the flask, which is made of acrylic glass.
In addition, if the Kapro level begins to lie after some time, it must be replaced with a new one, of course, provided that there is no mechanical damage to the profile. Review from Youtube:
The next selection parameter is the number of flasks. In the vast majority of cases, you will only need two pieces - horizontal and vertical.
Those of them that show an angle of 45 degrees, you may never need at all during the entire cycle of repair work.
If you regularly carry out repairs, and not only at home, then taking into account all the above requirements, the cost of a level for your needs may turn out to be quite expensive.
You can get acquainted with current prices and choose a building level “to suit your taste and color” here.
The most important parameter on which the price will most depend is its permissible error.
Cheap ones have an error of up to 5mm per 1 meter, expensive ones 0.01mm per meter. And this error cannot be adjusted or corrected in any way.
When a building level is needed for one-time work, it is not at all necessary to spend several thousand rubles on it. For such purposes, it is quite possible to get by with more budget models.
Methods for checking building level
There are several ways to check the building level. This must be done in two planes: vertical and horizontal, since the instrument contains flasks with different locations. It is better to obtain several working building levels in advance in order to compare the measurement results with them. Let's look at how to adjust the level in different ways.
Checking the building level Source sense-life.com
Horizontal check
It is advisable to carry out the test itself on a flat surface. It is necessary to apply a level and check the serviceability of the frame: it should not wobble. If the bottom side of the building level does not fit tightly to the surface being measured, then the bubble in the flask will show an incorrect result. After the instrument is applied to a flat surface, it is necessary to fix the position of the bubble.
Horizontal check Source yandex.net
If at this stage everything is in order, then the tool is rotated 180 degrees and applied to the same flat surface with its working side. At this stage, it is also necessary to fix the configuration of the bubble. If the indicators differ from each other, we can conclude that the building level is faulty.
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in finishing materials and related work
Vertical check
The tool level is also checked on a vertical surface. To do this, you should also find a flat surface, otherwise the readings will be inaccurate even if the equipment is in good working order. First, the construction level is applied with the working side to a vertical surface and the position of the bubble is fixed.
Vertical check Source kraski-net.ru
Unlike the first case, the tool does not need to be rotated 180 degrees. It is turned the other side and applied to the surface in the same way, fixing the configuration of the bubble. Discrepancies in the indicators will indicate a malfunction of the device, which means it will need to be replaced.
Where is the level applied?
Various types of fixtures are used in areas where it is important to accurately position an object relative to a horizontal or vertical plane.
A level is a measuring tool necessary for a mason, carpenter, and finisher. Construction is the area where it is most often used to monitor surface conformance.
Spirit level is in demand during repair, installation, assembly of machine tools and furniture, and vehicle maintenance. It is used both in the process itself and for the final assessment of the quality of work.
How to set up a building level
Not every bubble building level can be customized. The housings, in which bubble blocks are already installed, cannot be disassembled. And those tools in which the blocks are bolted are subject to self-adjustment. Before you set up a bubble building level, you should make sure that the design will allow this. It is recommended to carry out work exclusively on a flat surface.
Setting the level Source sdelai-lesnicu.ru
Carrying out marking
First you need to make some marks. The hydraulic level is positioned so that its two ends are at the same level in order to make corresponding marks on the surface. These points should be connected using a straight line using a ruler.
The main thing is that it is not too thick, otherwise it will significantly affect the accuracy of the measurements. Then you need to set the level along this line: the degree of deflection of the bubble will indicate the side where the block should be moved.
Carrying out marking Source bosch-professional.com
Visual control methods
The simplest way to solve the problem, in which it is enough to use a standard measuring tool. Tape measures, rulers, sight glasses and other devices are used that, in principle, can be used under the given conditions of a specific production environment. The most technologically advanced means of measuring this type of level is a remote or bypass indicator. It is installed in the side of the container using threaded, flanged or welded connections. The indication process is provided by a transparent tube that fills as the liquid level in the target reservoir rises. More modern bypasses use cylindrical floats with a magnetic reading system. But even this design is considered obsolete due to significant limitations in the communication capabilities of interface with control electronics and automation equipment.
Video description
How to check the level, watch in this video:
It is important to pay attention to the following nuances when purchasing a building level:
- Frame . It is recommended to choose a cast housing that is not less than 2 mm thick. A high-quality body is determined by the weight of the tool: the equipment should not be too light. The body also plays a very important role in the operation of its subject. The protected housing is a guarantee of proper operation of the equipment. Also, a high-quality tool should contain special rubber inserts.
- Flask . The marks on this part of the building level from the edge should not be less than 1 mm, like the cone itself. If it is small, then the bubble will not accurately show the evenness of the surface, which means you will have to spend additional time on adjustments.
Bubble level flask Source goods.ru
- Number of flasks . The building level should contain several flasks at once for accurate and quick measurements. They are mainly horizontal and vertical. But there are also tools that allow you to measure a surface at an angle.
- Error . Almost any such instrument has an error. Especially inexpensive devices can distort actual measurements by several millimeters. Therefore, this indicator also needs to be taken into account, especially if the level cannot be adjusted.
These are the factors you should pay attention to when purchasing a bubble building level. This is the only way to purchase a high-quality and accurate instrument.
Frame
When choosing a level, first of all you should pay attention to its body. It must have thick walls (minimum 1.5-2mm thick) or be cast.
If there are inserts at the ends, it is difficult to determine the thickness of the metal “by eye”. Therefore, focus more on weight. Thin-walled ones are very light and can literally be pressed through with your fingers.
Even T-rails do not always have greater rigidity compared to a rectangular profile. Here a lot depends on class=”aligncenter” width=”720″ height=”322″[/img]
A defect in the form of bending of the profile may appear if you carry it not in a separate case, but in a simple bag with the rest of the tool.
It would be very good if there were shockproof rubberized inserts along the edges. It's rubber, not plastic. When dropped, the plastic simply breaks off.
For home needs, the most optimal length of the building level is 60cm.
Sometimes it is very useful if the level has magnetic inserts.
And if there are also holes for the size of the 220V socket block, then this greatly facilitates the electrician’s work.
Of course, you can have several tools of different lengths. One is small for installing a block of sockets, the other is larger for large switchboards, boxes and cable channels.
