To ascertain whether a surface is horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb), spirit levels are utilized. The liquid spirit contained in the level’s vial is the source of its name. Usually, the spirit is alcohol or similar low-freezing-point liquid that produces an air bubble, the location of which tells how level or plump a surface is.
Well, in this reading, we’ll explore what spirit level is, it diagram, types & their advantages and disadvantages. We’ll also explore the guide to using a spirit level effectively.
Let’s begin!
What is Spirit Level?
Spirit levels are instruments for identifying whether a surface is vertical, or perpendicular to the ground, or horizontal, or parallel to the ground. A bubble or vial that lets the user know if the liquid in the vial is centred or off-centre is usually included with them.
Spirit levels come in a variety of forms, each intended for a particular use. We shall examine the different kinds of spirit levels in further detail in this post. An device used to determine whether a surface is horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb) is called a spirit level, bubble level, or just a level.
Carpenters, stonemasons, bricklayers, surveyors, millwrights, and other metalworkers, as well as certain graphic or photographic work, may employ several kinds of spirit levels. An instrument called a spirit level is used to show how parallel (level) or perpendicular (plumb) a surface is to the ground.
The mineral spirit solution that is contained within a spirit level is what gives it its name. The ideal spirit level is accurate to within 0.029 degrees, 0.005 inches/inch, or 0.5 millimeters/meter, plus or minus. A spirit level’s vials are usually yellowish-green in color and contain additives for UV protection and optimal performance at temperatures between -20 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
The precision level that is shown next is 0.75 mm/m, or.043 degrees. In order to calculate slope violations per foot of pitch, the vial bodies of a spirit level, also known as a bubble level, can be curved, banana-shaped, or rectangular. Originally composed of glass, they are now mostly constructed of acrylic.
Diagram
Types Of Spirit Level
These are the various types of Spirit level and their advantages and disadvantages:
1. Standard Spirit Level:
The most often used kind of level is the standard spirit level, sometimes referred to as a bubble spirit level. It typically has a vial with a horizontal or vertical bubble and is constructed of plastic or metal. Two extra vials that enable the user to measure angles in degrees are also included with the majority of regular levels. There are several uses for this kind of spirit level, including laying flooring, placing shelves, and hanging artwork.
Advantages:
- Simple to use
- Reasonably priced
- Portable and lightweight
- High accuracy in both vertical and horizontal measurements
Disadvantages:
- On uneven surfaces, it is challenging to read the bubble.
- Inaccurate angle measurements
- Accuracy in every orientation
2. Laser Spirit Level:
Using a laser beam rather than a bubble, the laser level is a contemporary kind of spirit level. With this kind of spirit level, the user may measure and level angles by projecting a visible laser beam onto a wall or other object. When accuracy is needed or setting up a typical spirit level is challenging, laser spirit levels—which can project either horizontally or vertically—are very helpful.
Advantages:
- High measurement accuracy
- Simple to use and manage
- Suitable for longer-distance use
- Beneficial for difficult applications
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than typical spirit levels
- Devices that rely on batteries may rapidly run out of power.
- Looking at laser beams directly can be dangerous.
3. Spirit Level of Digital:
Another contemporary kind of level is the digital spirit level. The angle measurement is shown on a digital screen by this kind of spirit level. Digital spirit levels can measure angles to 0.1 degrees and are generally more precise than bubble levels. A memory feature on certain digital spirit levels enables the user to save and retrieve several angle readings.
Advantages:
- High measurement accuracy
- Results are shown and read quickly.
- Multiple angle measurements using a memory function
Disadvantages:
- Devices that rely on batteries may rapidly run out of power.
- More expensive than typical spirit levels
- Not as strong as the typical spirit levels
4. Magnetic Spirit Level:
Magnetic spirit levels are a type of spirit level that uses magnets to adhere to metal objects. This type of spirit level is particularly useful for work on steel or iron structures, such as drywall or door frames. Magnetic spirit levels come in various sizes and lengths and are typically made of aluminium or plastic.
Advantages:
- Magnetic attachment allows for quick and easy installation
- High precision in measurements
- Affordable
Disadvantages:
- Limited use on non-magnetic surfaces
- Magnetic attachment may cause issues on certain surfaces
- More challenging to transport and store compared to standard spirit levels
5. Spirit Level of the Torpedo:
One kind of level that is distinguished by its form is the torpedo spirit level. They often have three vials: a vertical, a horizontal, and a 45-degree vial. They are also typically bigger and shorter than normal spirit levels. For work in confined spaces or in difficult-to-reach places, including beneath a sink, torpedo spirit levels are very helpful.
Advantages:
- Use in confined locations is made possible by its small size.
- More vials enable a wider range of measurements.
Disadvantages:
- In comparison to conventional levels, there is less accuracy in both horizontal and vertical measurements.
- Restricted reach and length in comparison to other spirit level kinds
- More difficult to utilize when a high level of accuracy is needed
How to Read a Spirit Level
- It Locate the bottom edge of the level against the surface to level.
- Check for grabbing points where the vials won’t block your hand.
- Most levels have a punched hole for hanging above your workbench.
- Its Use the tube vial in the center to find the true horizontal.
- Tube vials on the ends find the true vertical.
- An angled tube vial can find level at 45°.
- Its consult a guide on using a digital electronic level if it features an electronic display.
Spirit Level Usage Guide
- Clean the level and remove dirt.
- Mark a line along the bottom edge.
- Flip the level over, repositioning the bottom as the top.
- Check if the bubble is centred for accuracy.
- Place the level on the object’s surface to find the true horizontal.
- Place eyes at level with the spirit tube.
- Note the bubble’s position inside the spirit tube.
- If the bubble is centered, the object is level.
- If the bubble is to the right of the lines, the object slopes downward.
- Repeat the process to find the true vertical.
Checking Spirit Level Accuracy
- Place the yellow box spirit level on a flat surface.
- Mark the end and side of the level.
- Take a reading of the bubble’s position.
- Rotate the level 180° end-to-end and align with the marks.
- Take another reading.
- If level is accurate, the bubble remains in the same position.
- Test the vertical vial against a flat vertical surface.
Leveling Scope with Bubble Level
- Ensure rifle is unloaded.
- Place rifle in a secure holder.
- Place bubble level on a flat part of the gun.
- Tighten rifle in place when level.
- Place scope in rings.
- Tighten scope snugly but loose enough to shift slightly.
- Place bubble level on scope and level horizontally.
- Rotate level parallel to scope and level vertically.
FAQs
What is a spirit level used for?
Spirit levels are used to accurately align surfaces and objects horizontally or vertically. The spirit level, which is aligned parallel to the measuring surfaces, indicates whether the object in question has been accurately aligned and is in balance.
What is a sprite level?
A Spirit Level is a tool used to indicate how parallel (level) or perpendicular (plumb) a surface is relative to the earth. A spirit level gets its name from the mineral spirit solution inside the levels.
Can I use my phone as a spirit level?
Google Bubble Level is a free, built-in digital spirit level accessible through Google Search. It works by utilizing the sensors in your smartphone, like the accelerometer, to measure angles and determine if a surface is level. Best of all, there’s no need to install any apps or software.
What is the difference between the spirit level and the water level?
The spirit level is more delicate and more accurate than a water level but is used for the same purpose. It consists of a glass tube, very slightly curved, so that instead of being a true cylinder, it has its axis on the circumference of a circle of very large radius.