Finding an accurate level

Daox · 07-30-14, 07:54 AM

I never really thought about it, but with as much chinese junk tools that are out there this might be an issue... Has anyone ever had an issue with bad levels? Other tools?

Finding an Accurate Level | Fix.com

Ryland · 07-30-14, 08:24 AM

The worst part of a cheap level is that it falls apart, we have one at work that went out of plumb without warning.

I have a nice Stabila level that was well worth the money.

stevehull · 07-30-14, 09:27 AM

Easy way to check levels (in winter). Put the level on an area of water that has frozen. I learned years ago that many cheap levels are NOT level and one of my projects is not "on the level".

I also like levels that have a resolution of < 0.01 degree. These are not found at Lowes/HD/Menards, etc. These higher resolution levels have two bubbles - a coarse one and one that has a tiny curve - and that tiny curve gives you accuracy and precision.

Yeah they cost a bit more, but a good level lasts.

Steve

pinballlooking · 07-30-14, 09:59 AM

I use this level
Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more
It will beep when you are level. it is very useful leveling pinball machines.

ICanHas · 08-27-14, 06:56 AM

Float a foam board on water.... then check with the level placed on it differently.

where2 · 08-27-14, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daox

I never really thought about it, but with as much chinese junk tools that are out there this might be an issue... Has anyone ever had an issue with bad levels? Other tools?

Bad levels certainly do exist. I usually don't have an issue, but I always check my levels, no matter how seemingly insignificant the project. The difference between what most people consider level, and what I consider level becomes apparent the further the level line is run from the origin. I've used specialized tools to carry level lines miles from the point where the measurement originated. South Florida is so pancake flat that moving water down a simple neighborhood curb becomes an expensive disaster when you don't check your tools. Not setting the finish floor grade properly on a multi-million dollar mansion is a liability expense I never intend to eat. I was taught to check my tools every time I take them out of the box.

07-30-14, 07:54 AM	#1
Daox Administrator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 5,525 Thanks: 1,162 Thanked 374 Times in 305 Posts	Finding an accurate level I never really thought about it, but with as much chinese junk tools that are out there this might be an issue... Has anyone ever had an issue with bad levels? Other tools? Finding an Accurate Level \| Fix.com Attached Thumbnails __________________ Current project - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. & To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Last edited by Daox; 07-30-14 at 07:58 AM..

07-30-14, 09:27 AM	#3
stevehull Steve Hull Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: hilly, tree covered Arcadia, OK USA Posts: 826 Thanks: 241 Thanked 165 Times in 123 Posts	Easy way to check levels (in winter). Put the level on an area of water that has frozen. I learned years ago that many cheap levels are NOT level and one of my projects is not "on the level". I also like levels that have a resolution of < 0.01 degree. These are not found at Lowes/HD/Menards, etc. These higher resolution levels have two bubbles - a coarse one and one that has a tiny curve - and that tiny curve gives you accuracy and precision. Yeah they cost a bit more, but a good level lasts. Steve __________________ consulting on geothermal heating/cooling & rational energy use since 1990

07-30-14, 09:59 AM	#4
pinballlooking Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: SC Posts: 2,923 Thanks: 172 Thanked 564 Times in 463 Posts	I use this level Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more It will beep when you are level. it is very useful leveling pinball machines. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Daox; 07-30-14 at 10:17 AM..

07-30-14, 08:24 AM	#2
Ryland Master EcoRenovator Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Western Wisconsin. Posts: 913 Thanks: 127 Thanked 82 Times in 71 Posts	The worst part of a cheap level is that it falls apart, we have one at work that went out of plumb without warning. I have a nice Stabila level that was well worth the money.

08-27-14, 06:56 AM	#5
ICanHas Banned Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: US Posts: 150 Thanks: 7 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Float a foam board on water.... then check with the level placed on it differently.