Not a single repair, cosmetic or major, is complete without a tool known to many - the construction level. The market is overflowing with different models, but for a newcomer to the construction industry, they differ only in price, shape, length.
Therefore, the editors of the site "Ya Nashla" have prepared detailed instructions on how to choose the right tool for you. We will tell you what characteristics are really important when choosing a device, we will give examples of the best models.
Content
Types of building levels
Let's figure out what building levels are. They are conventionally divided into two types: manual and laser. In turn, the manual ones are divided into bubble and hydro levels. And finally, bubble can be electronic, plumbing. Let's take a closer look at each type of tool, and also find out for which construction work which model is best suited.
Bubble
The body of the level is a bar made of hard material such as wood, plastic or iron. It has built-in from one to five eyes - transparent windows with well-protected ampoules. Inside the ampoules there is an alcohol-containing liquid. The cones are not completely filled, so a small air bubble can be seen when moving.
Each of the ampoules has two lines. When measuring, the air bubble should be strictly between them - this will mean that the device is level.
The most common modifications:
- Profile. Lightweight aluminum body, withstands shock, falls. Suitable for any job.
- "Rail". As the name suggests, it really looks like a rail in shape. Lightweight, comfortable, suitable for all types of construction work.
- Torpedo. Compact, often streamlined and ergonomic design. Usually one of its sides is magnetised. The main advantage of the model is the ability to work with it in a confined space.
- Shock. Reinforced body, with one side withstanding hammer blows. The main difference from the profile one is that the impact not only withstands deformation, but can itself deform.
Pros:
- most models are inexpensive;
- easy to use;
- suitable for both professionals and amateurs;
- a wide range of sizes and modifications.
Minuses:
- if the device is not made in a reinforced case, a blow or fall can permanently ruin it;
- bubble levels with the possibility of adjustment get lost more often than usual (the eyes on such are fixed with screws).
Electronic
Bubble levels of this type are considered a professional tool. They usually have two or three measuring eyes. Unlike conventional levels, they have a protractor and a display for displaying information.Most models are able not only to show the result, but also to convert degrees to percentages or millimeters. Many models can store the results of several previous measurements.
Pros:
- accurate;
- can remember intermediate results;
- easy to operate.
Minuses:
- high price;
- requires periodic calibration.
Plumbing
This highly specialized category includes less common pipe levels, folding corner levels, as well as those bubble levels that have a special notch on their body that allows the level to be attached to pipes. The latter type is usually small and most are magnetic-sided torpedoes.
The pipe level is similar to a half-coupler, the diameter of which is usually the same as the standard diameter of plastic or iron pipes. It is inconvenient in that each pipe needs its own level, therefore they are sold as a set. Equipped with one or two ampoules.
The collapsible version has many advantages over the pipe version: it can have three flasks, folds to any angle, adapting to any pipe diameter.
Pros:
- easily attaches to rounded surfaces;
- compact.
Minuses:
- narrow scope.
Hydro level
The water building level consists of two transparent graduated tubes (flasks) connected by a long flexible hose.
The tool is used for leveling surfaces with a large area, for example, when installing a stretch ceiling or plasterboard structures. It is also used to mark objects remote from each other, for example, when marking walls for sockets or switches.
Before use, it is recommended to wash the hose with soapy water, and then fill it with water to about 2/3 of the volume of the flasks.
To check the accuracy of measurements, align the flasks: the water level must be the same.
Pros:
- high accuracy;
- easy to use;
- affordable price.
Minuses:
- narrow scope;
- working hard alone;
- can only be used at positive temperatures;
- requires careful storage: the hose should not be kinked, be in direct sunlight.
Laser
There are optical, digital and laser levels. Optical and digital levels are used to determine the height difference in open areas.
Laser levels are more widely used. With their help, you can find out not only the height difference, but also the evenness of surfaces. Laser levels are divided into:
- Point. Also called "direction builder". Looks like a regular laser pointer. There are models with multiple points.
- Linear. Equipped with sweep systems for line projection.
- A rotary laser is a point laser that rotates at a given frequency.
- Combined. Can project both points and lines.
Pros:
- the most accurate among all the tools presented;
- makes it possible to work on large areas;
- easy to store, move;
- easy to operate.
Minuses:
- high price, especially for models of famous brands;
- not all manufacturers supply goods with a complete set, that is, with a tripod, bag.
How to choose a building level?
In order to avoid annoying mistakes when choosing, first decide what the tool is for, how long you plan to use it, what construction work you want to do.
If you need an inexpensive, versatile model for minor repairs, then stop your attention at the regular bubble level. A length of 40-60 cm is enough to mark the wall for laying tiles, installing sockets. If possible, give preference to a model with a reinforced case.
Models with a digital indicator are suitable for those who want to make repairs as their hobby or profession.Higher accuracy, recording of previous values, electronic calibration, data presentation in percentages or degrees is a useful functionality, but for the sake of minor cosmetic repairs, you should not overpay for it.
Plumbing levels, due to their compactness, lightness and characteristic shape, make it possible to work where it is impossible to turn around with another tool.
The hydraulic level is applicable when marking walls for sockets, pouring a foundation, installing suspended ceilings. It is indispensable for applying markings in separate rooms, between which there is no line of sight.
The laser level will pay off in full in two cases: if you have a large amount of work, for example, the construction of your house, or you plan to engage in professional repair work. The tool is versatile, accurate, will allow you to make high-quality not only rough, but finishing work.
What else to pay attention to
In addition to the assignment of the level, the important selection criteria are the manufacturer, quality of assembly and materials, equipment, price.
When purchasing a tool, inspect it. All parts must hold tight, be tightly screwed or glued, the paintwork must not be damaged.
Pay special attention to flasks with liquid, because the performance of the instrument depends on their condition. They should be intact, without cracks, without turbidity. The eyes should fit snugly and securely in the body.
How to check the tool
Place the selected product on a horizontal plane. Press firmly: there should be no gap or gap between the device and the plane. Remember the position of the bubble. Now turn the instrument 180º, wait for the bubble to calm down and then mark its new position. If it does not match the previous one, then the device is lying.
By the way: a good hardware store should have a special stand for checking building levels.
Top manufacturers
Every detail is important in the repair, and a poor-quality tool can spoil even the best design project. Therefore, it is very important to know which company is better to give preference to and which brands should be avoided by the tenth road.
According to buyers, the best and most reliable tools are made by the following brands:
- Bort;
- Bosch;
- Elitech;
- Kapro;
- Kraftool;
- MATRIX;
- RIDGID;
- STANLEY;
- Sturm !;
- ZUBR;
- Practice;
- SIBRETECH.
Rating of quality building levels for 2020
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 this product into types. Each group contains products that are excellent not only in functionality, but also in price.
Bubble
Kraftool 34710-060_z01 60 cm
A bright slab model with two eyes will become a universal assistant in everyday life and professional activity.
Average price: 1029 rub.
Advantages:
- cost;
- milled edge;
- easy.
Disadvantages:
- not.
Sturm! 2015-04-600SL
The long-life impact tool with two eyes is highly accurate: only 1 mm per 1 m.
Average price: 850 rubles.
Advantages:
- steel body;
- bright;
- milled edge;
- ruler;
- protective plugs.
Disadvantages:
- not.
RIDGID Magnetic Torpedo 395E
The device is great for working in hard-to-reach or shaded areas. Ideal for the installation of metal structures, pipelines, minor plumbing work.
Average price: 2429 rub.
Advantages:
- high-quality assembly;
- bright body;
- convenient, compact, lightweight;
- ampoule liquid glows in the dark;
- three strong magnets;
- three eyes;
- aluminum V-shaped body with a special groove for mounting the tool on the pipe.
Disadvantages:
- high price.
MATRIX 34004, "Rail", 40 cm, 3 eyes, reinforced
The model from the I-beam aluminum profile is equipped with three flasks - vertical, horizontal, as well as one rotary one, which allows you to take measurements at any angle. There is also a ruler on the body.
Average price: 365 rubles.
Advantages:
- cost;
- bright body color;
- there are rubber protective plugs along the edges of the case.
Disadvantages:
- not.
1-42-802 STANLEY "GP" 40cm
T-shaped vial or trapezoid with a milled working surface for improved measurement accuracy. Convenient, lightweight body with epoxy coating, making it possible to quickly clean the device from contamination.
Average price: 690 rubles.
Advantages:
- cost;
- body color;
- lasting;
- build quality;
- low error within 2 mm per 1 m.
Disadvantages:
- not found.
Electronic
"FatMax" 120 cm, STANLEY, (0-42-086)
Professional model with digital display for comfortable and fast reading. The device is characterized by high accuracy: 0.10 mm by 1 m in horizontal and vertical position, 0.20 mm by 1 m at an angle. The sturdy aluminum body is finished in yellow so it won't get lost on the construction site. For convenience in work and movement, there is a comfortable wide handle.
Average price: 7040 rubles.
Advantages:
- high-quality assembly;
- low battery indicator;
- can display the result both in degrees and in percent;
- remembers the last 9 measurement results;
- recalibration function;
- waterproof cover.
Disadvantages:
- cost.
KRAFTOOL aluminum electronic, 2 eyes, 80cm, (34725-080)
Precision professional model in a reinforced case is able to withstand significant loads without losing performance.
Average price: 5603 rub.
Advantages:
- shockproof flasks;
- two milled edges;
- made of a thick four-chamber aluminum profile, which makes it resistant to bending and twisting deformations.
Disadvantages:
- cost.
PRACTICE Expert 60 cm 242-847
Model with two vials (vertical, horizontal), electronic display and ergonomic handle.
Average price: 1320 rub.
Advantages:
- cost;
- inscriptions in Russian;
- error 0.5 mm per 1 m.
- bright body color.
Disadvantages:
- good device for the money.
Plumbing
Semicircular pipe level KAPRO 350
The device is used when installing metal, plastic pipes of standard diameters. The set includes models with sizes 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1 / 2, 2.
Average price: 1033 rub.
Advantages:
- easy;
- two eyes - horizontal, vertical;
- the set contains models for the most common pipe diameters.
Disadvantages:
- not found.
Kapro POSTRITE
Angle magnetic tool is great for laying water pipes, heating systems. Will also be useful for positioning posts and columns. When unfolded, it becomes flat and can replace a conventional bubble level.
Average price: 804 rubles.
Advantages:
- foldable, compact.
Disadvantages:
- low accuracy;
- poor build quality;
- cost.
KRAFTOOL "PRO" for "water" works, 10 cm, (1-34733-010)
The model in a reinforced aluminum profile is made specially 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 the installation of pipes at a fixed inclination (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 stress, deterioration of accuracy, it will be possible to easily repair the device.
Average price: 903 rubles.
Advantages:
- milled edge;
- the ability to work in a poorly lit room;
- the ability to manually configure;
- you can install the pipe at a fixed slope.
Disadvantages:
- not found.
Hydro levels
SIBRTECH 8 mm 15 m with scale
The tool with a hose length of 15 m, plastic flasks is suitable for both domestic needs and for a number of professional construction work. The accuracy of the measurement is achieved due to the large cross-sectional diameter of 8 mm.
Average price: 200 rubles.
Advantages:
- inexpensive;
- each flask has two hanging loops;
- the flask has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.
Disadvantages:
- not.
BISON MASTER 3482-08-15
The 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 r.
Advantages:
- budgetary;
- easy;
- the flask has loops for hanging - from above and from the side;
- convenient shape of flasks.
Disadvantages:
- not found.
STURM 2015-04-25
Striping device consisting of 25 m silicone hose and sturdy flasks.
Average price: 540 r.
Advantages:
- cost;
- shockproof flask;
- tight valves that prevent fluid from flowing out.
Disadvantages:
- cylindrical flasks are inconvenient to apply to surfaces, the measurement accuracy decreases;
- the hose is thin-walled, easily bends, breaks;
- graduations on the scale and numbers are made in the form of a volumetric drawing, and not applied with paint. In bright sunlight, this scale becomes invisible.
Laser
Bort BLN-15-K (98296808)
Linear laser level with a measurement range of up to 15 m, an accuracy of 0.2 ± mm per 1 meter.
Average price: 2263 rub.
Advantages:
- budgetary;
- 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.
Disadvantages:
- heavy weight - about two kg.
BOSCH GPL 5 Professional (0601066200)
Five-point laser device with a measurement range of up to 30 m, an accuracy of 0.3 ± mm per 1 meter.
Average price: 7509 rub.
Advantages:
- easy;
- beam thickness 5 mm;
- with automatic leveler, there is also an auto-off function;
- 24 hours of continuous work;
- build quality;
- the set includes a holder, a case, three batteries.
Disadvantages:
- cost;
- large self-leveling angle - 5º.
ELITECH LN 360/1
A rotary laser level equipped with two emitters with a maximum measuring range (without a receiver) - 30 m, and with a receiver the distance increases to 80 m. Declared accuracy: 0.2 ± mm per 1 meter.
Average price: 2999 rub.
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: a clothespin holder, a set of batteries, a bag.
Disadvantages:
- too large a self-leveling angle of 4º.
Conclusion
We hope our recommendations will help you purchase a high-quality and durable device that will help you with work or home repairs.
If you have experience using one of the construction tools described in this review, or you know a more convenient and practical model, share your impressions in the comments.
