Contractor-grade levels are expensive, compared to home-grade levels. Whether that premium cost is justified by build quality or not is a separate topic. So one way to distinguish the more-expensive ones is to have more visible features/accessories like multiple sight vials.

Why do some levels have two vials?

A5: Wood levels typically have a dual-vial system of curved vials. There are two vials so the level will work on when lying on either its top or bottom edges. Since air bubbles seek the highest point, the bottom vial (the one shaped like a rainbow) will be the working vial.

How do you read double vial levels?






Quote from Youtube video: The lower vial is curved in a way that the populism in it comes to rest in its middle.

Why are some level vials curved?

All spirit level vials and bubble vials contain this curved radius, even though it cannot always be seen. This allows the bubble to move to the highest point of the radius as gravity acts on the liquid inside the vial once it is level.

How does a level vial work?

Most levels feature a punched hole on at least one end for hanging above your workbench. The tube vial in the center of the level helps you find the true horizontal. Tube vials on the ends finds the true vertical. On many torpedo levels and other specialized levels, there is an angled tube vial to find level at 45°.

Are Longer levels more accurate?

Two things to keep in mind: the longer the level, the greater the accuracy — and that when working in cramped quarters, an overlong level is useless. So having a nine-inch torpedo level in your kit is probably a good idea. There are smaller one, too, as short as an inch in length.

What is the angle bubble on a level for?





Each vial has a bubble inside, and that bubble is what tells you whether or not something is level or plumb. The liquid is usually tinted to a yellowish-green color to make it easier to see the bubble and get an accurate reading.

How do you read a level horizontally?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: When the bubble is centered between the inner lines it indicates level if the bubble touches on one of the outer lines.

How do I know if my A level is accurate?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Make one continuous control line all the way through I want you to put a control point over the center of your vial. This is a reference point that will always return to why checking the level.

Why is it called a spirit level?

The name spirit in the spirit level comes from the use of the liquid contained inside the vial, often ethanol. Those that contain ethanol usually have yellow colored fluid in the center vial. Some prefer the intensely more accurate blue fluid filled spirit levels, which may have a slightly different shaped glass tube.

When measuring a plumb object What direction are you holding the level?



“Level” refers to straightness side to side (horizontal), whereas plumb measures straightness up and down (vertical).

What is the difference between a builders level and a transit level?

A transit level, when not locked into place, can tilt only vertically and has a very limited range of mobility. This differs from the builder’s level which can move horizontally in a complete circle. Transit levels, with their vertical movement mechanism, are great tools for measuring vertical angles.

Can you use a spirit level upside down?

Where a spirit level must also be usable upside-down or on its side, the curved constant-diameter tube is replaced by an uncurved barrel-shaped tube with a slightly larger diameter in its middle. Alcohols such as ethanol are often used rather than water.

What is the most accurate level?



Here are the best levels:

  • Best overall: DeWalt DW088LG Green Cross Line Laser Level.
  • Best on a budget: Empire True Blue Professional Torpedo Level.
  • Best beam level: Stanley FatMax 72-Inch Non-Magnetic Level.
  • Best auto-leveling: Black & Decker BullsEye Auto-Leveling Laser Level.

Why do levels have removable caps?

There are a number of reasons for having removable end caps, including, but not limited to using the inside portion of the level for storage, and the desire to have a shorter level (for instance if a user desires to mark a four foot window sill, the user could remove the end caps from a four foot level (with the end

Which is better an I-Beam or box level?

A box beam that is solid in construction and made of acrylics or aluminum will be more durable overall than an I-Beam, as the extra, solid material makes it more difficult to bend, crack, twist or break over time.

How accurate are construction levels?

We prefer to use levels with 0.0005″/1″ accuracy or better. On a 48″ level, that gives us a maximum error of +/- 0.024″, or 3/125″. However, less expensive and smaller levels like torpedo and pocket models often fall short of that mark.

Are torpedo levels accurate?



A torpedo level is a tool that is designed to do just that. It’s able to accurately measure the angle of a surface with liquid vials or precise lasers — which is why it’s such a valuable tool to have in the toolbox.

Are Johnson levels any good?

Johnson’s new Flooring Laser Level has a simple design, good accuracy, and a reasonable price that will bring a level of quality to your project, even if you are going to do a single floor.

Are Johnson levels made in America?

Most Johnson and Empire levels are now made in China. This particular level is made in Austria. The quality of build and accuracy seems identical to the American made product.

Is stabila worth the money?

Best Construction Level – Hands down we felt the Stabila Heavy Duty Level Type 196 was the best level that we tested. The quality, strength, visibility, and accuracy of this level make it easy to name as the best construction level that we tested.