Levels

Levels

From putting up shelves to aligning cupboards, a spirit level is one of the most useful and important tools in any toolbox. It is used to indicate how parallel or perpendicular a surface is relative to the earth, which is a critical part of any professional construction or home DIY project. Spirit levels use a small glass tube or vial containing alcohol (from where it gets its name) with a little bubble sealed inside. When the surface under the level is perfectly horizontal the bubble will come to rest exactly in the middle, which is usually marked with guidelines to make it easier to see.

All levels will have an accuracy tolerance, usually stated as “+ or – 0.Xmm per metre” so ensure you choose a spirit level with the accuracy you require. Lookout for levels with magnets in their bodies. These can be stuck to scaffold poles, metal pipes and other metallic surfaces so that you can be hands-free.

Whether you’re a professional builder or an occasional DIYer, having a reliable level in your tool bag is a must. Fortunately, we have a range of products available from leading manufacturers such as Stanley, Stabila and Milwaukee. Featuring multiple windows, die-cast aluminium frames, magnified vials and pipe grooves for use on rounded surfaces, these accurate and robust spirit levels won’t let you down.

How to use a spirit level

1. Remove any dust or debris from the surface that you want to make level.
2. Place the spirit level against the surface. Ideally this will be flat and smooth so that the level doesn’t move or wobble.
3. Look at the bubble in the tube or vial. If the bubble is to the left of the lines, your object slopes downward left-to-right. If the bubble is to the right of the lines, your object slopes downward right-to-left. You’ll want the bubble in the vial or tube to sit centrally, in the middle of the guidelines. Depending on what you are trying to achieve this might mean moving the level itself to make a mark, against a wall for example, or moving the object the spirit level is on to get it horizontal, such as a shelf or patio slab.
4. Check the bubble again, before making the marking or adjusting the surface that requires levelling.

What are the different types of spirit level?

Torpedo levels

Perfect for keeping in the toolbox, torpedo spirit levels are generally multi-purpose all-rounders designed for use in tighter spaces. They are usually around 6 to 12 inches.

I-Beam levels

Also called a girder level, an I-Beam level’s frame makes an ‘i’ shape when looking at it from its end. They tend to be a slightly less sturdy, but a cost-effective alternative to a box level.

Box beam levels

Box beam levels, also known as box levels due to the frame is a box shape, are generally stronger than I-Beam levels but also slightly heavier.

Line levels

With a hook that can be attached to a string (hence their alternative name ‘string levels’), line levels are good for levelling across long distances. The string method has been used for years, long before laser levels were invented.

Magnetic levels

These are spirit levels that have one or more magnets fitted to the underside. This allows them to stick easily to metallic surfaces allowing you to work hands-free.