A good level provides an accurate reading which, not only limits mistakes, but results in a better end product. The old saying ‘measure twice, cut once’ is just as true of levelling. Failing to properly level a job can have disastrous results, it can endanger the whole project bad enough if it’s a DIY job at home but potentially life-threatening on a large-scale construction project. The reason for the spirit level’s importance is simple: errors cost money and time. It’s a stalwart of all construction sites worth their salt and most garden sheds across the nation.
If the distinctive bubble sits squarely between the two lines of the level then your line is true if not, it’s back to the drawing board.Ī tool critical in the preparation and execution of a wide range of construction-related tasks, the spirit level is used by trades as diverse as plumbers and videographers, bricklayers and surveyors, stonemasons and carpenters. The purpose of the spirit level is to confirm whether or not a surface - horizontal, vertical or angled - is level (parallel) or plumb (perpendicular). The liquid is held in a small vial containing an air bubble and it’s the position of the air bubble that determines a reading. To avoid this modern levels are filled with a mixture - water diluted with oil or alcohol - giving it the name ‘spirit level’. The spirit level we recognise today was invented by a Frenchman in the 1660’s but did not enter everyday use until the eighteenth century.Įarly levels were filled with water but variations in temperature made it unreliable and prone to error, and rendered it completely useless in cold weather. An ancient toolĪrchaeologists think a rudimentary type of spirit level was used by the ancient Egyptians and there is evidence that the Romans had their own version to aid in the construction of aqueducts. All of our spirit levels are sent out by Interlink - our chosen courier. If you'd like a delivery estimate please don't hesitate to contact us on 08.īecause of the dimensions of most spirit levels, it's simply not possible to send them out via Royal Mail. If you're looking for a specific level that we don't currently have in stock there could be a 1-2 working day delay on delivery. DeliveryĪll levels come with great value delivery by our chosen courier - Interlink - most on a next day basis if ordered by 2pm (Mon-Fri). A colouring agent is generally added to the ethanol (or similar) to make it easier for the user to see the bubble. Whilst we are able to source water levels on a special order basis, most levels sold through The Tape Store contain an alcohol-based liquid which are far less likely to freeze in extremely low temperatures and allow the bubble to travel more freely along the tube. The accuracy and length of each model on our site is clearly marked on that product's page. Hence the need to choose an accurate spirit level of the correct length and design. Once that plank, joist or board has been cut, hammered or shaped there's no going back - mistakes like this can cost you considerable amount of both time and money. The well known phrase "measure twice, cut once" has never been more true than with levelling. With levelling, errors of just a few mm can lead to pretty disastrous results. Simple in its design and application the spirit level, also called the bubble level thanks to the distinctive bubble measure, is an important tool for precision measurement jobs great and small. The humble spirit level has aided tradesmen of all descriptions from ancient times and is yet to be superseded by digital technology. When you consider that preparation and measurement is the key to a successful project, it's no wonder that (along with a quality tape measure or screwdriver), a spirit level is the essential piece of kit that should be in every toolbox. Frequently referred to as bubble levels or construction levels and used by all manner of trades from joiners and surveyors to bricklayers and plumbers, these products allow the user to determine whether a surface is level in either the horizontal or vertical plane.