Sunday, February 9, 2014

Different Types Of Levels

By Carey Bourdier


Most people have some type of a basic level in their homes, and these instruments are useful for hanging pictures, shelves and ensuring that what you are mounting on the wall is on a level horizontal plane. Aside from these levels, there are many other kinds which are utilized from everything from construction to surveying.

One common category of level is the spirit level and there is a myriad of versions of this type of level, and each has been designed for a different use. The type of level we most commonly have in our homes is the standard torpedo level, which is about the width of a ruler and has a liquid-filled vial with a bubble inside of it. Another helpful household level would be the post level, which is useful in building any type of fencing and ensures that posts are level. Stonemasons typically use a mason's spirit level which ensures that brick and stone are laid properly.

When even more precise measurements and leveling are required, one can use a precision frame level, which is a type of spirit level that is built in a square shape with a vial along the bottom, prismatic sides and usually insulating handles. This level is used to adjust or check vertical and horizontal surfaces.

A bull's eye level is yet another type of spirit level, and it used by carpenters and also in compasses, tripods and surveying instruments such as theodolites. The bull's eye level allows one to level the planes in two dimensions, where your standard torpedo level works in just one dimension. One interesting face about spirit levels is the derivation of the name, as they are called "spirit" levels because the liquid in the vial generally contains ethanol.

The Abney level is a topographic tool that is used by surveyors. It includes a sighting tube and a movable spirit level, as well as a protractor. This tool is used to measure topographic elevation, the percent of grade of the landform being surveyed and to measure degrees. It is named for its inventor, Sir William de Wiveleslie Abney, who designed the level in the 1870s while working at an English military engineering school.

The laser level is used by engineers to ensure that machine parts are completely level. Even the tiniest inaccuracy in leveling can cause huge problems in large-scale equipment. Laser levels also are used in construction and even survey work. While they can be used to set up complex machinery properly, simple laser levels are helpful tools in the home, as well.




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