How to Use and Read a Level (Bubble & Laser)
What is a Level Used For?
As an important tool used as a level checker, a level is essential for ensuring accuracy, allowing you to achieve the best results for any project. It determines if your surface is perfectly aligned horizontally, referred to as level. The most commonly used option, a bubble level tool, is used in construction, home improvement, masonry, and carpentry. A bubble level, also referred to as a construction level, ensures that your project is level or pitched appropriately, ensuring stability, preventing possible structural problems, and improving overall appearance.
Different Level Options
Bubble Level
A bubble level tool usually holds one or more vials filled with liquid containing a suspended air bubble. The position of the bubble tells you whether you have a level or pitched surface.
Types of Bubble Levels: A spirit level is the most common type, with torpedo levels being a smaller version for tight areas and box levels having a slightly different appearance to protect the liquid vials. Digital levels and altimeters do the same job as this type of level, but use sensors instead of liquid vials. By comparison, post levels provide readings in three different directions simultaneously for raising posts that are both level and plumb.
Best Uses: Due to the smaller size of these levels, they are typically used to determine the best level on smaller measurements, such as shorter lengths up to 8 feet or for individual stones or sections.
Laser Level
By comparison, a laser level projects the level across an area, up to several hundred feet, using a straight and highly visible laser that creates a reference line. This is similar to a string line for a mason.
Types of Laser Levels: Dot lasers project a dot onto a surface to create a reference point, much like a laser pointer. By comparison, a line laser projects a visible line, rather than a single dot at the end, making it useful for checking the levelness of an entire project. Cross-line lasers also do this, but will also provide a vertical line, which is handy for placing posts in your installation. Finally, the rotary laser is the only kind that can be used outdoors due to it using a receiver (laser detector) mounted on a rod to detect a rotating laser beam. A rotary laser is the most reliable to be used in the field.
Best Uses: Because rotary lasers can be used outdoors, it’s the best option for checking height and elevation on an entire project. We highly recommend a dual slope laser that allows you to set your percentage of pitch and ensure your project is pitched correctly to shed water in appropriate directions.
Tools We Recommend
When you're selecting a level, you'll want a high-quality, durable tool to improve accuracy and easy usage. At Pave Tool Innovators, we recommend our digital altimeter models as the best tools for job estimation. These devices simplify obtaining accurate elevations on your job site, essential for efficient project planning.
While these altimeters are invaluable for job site applications, it's important to handle them with care. Be aware that they include a hose which must not be punctured. Additionally, consider the accuracy variance across different models to ensure you select the best one for your specific needs.
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Zip Level 2000 Pro: Measure any distance or elevation on earth to the height of a mountain with 1/8" standard accuracy or High Precision Function for accuracy within 0.005".
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Smart Level: This digital level works well in a range of difficult-to-measure areas. It provides accuracy to within 0.1" and up to 200' of diameter.
Importance of Level Accuracy
Level accuracy is vital to ensure you get superior structural integrity, project safety, and overall construction efficiency. This means that you need to have a level that is accurate across individual pavers and your entire work site. This often requires the use of a dual-slope laser or using an accurate level. Digital altimeters can also be used up to a varying degree of accuracy.
How to Use & Read a Level
How to Read a Level on Flat Surfaces
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Place your level on the surface.
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Check the position of the bubble inside the vial. If the bubble is centered, the surface is level. If the surface needs to be pitched, you’ll need to look and see how far off-center the bubble is.
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For large surfaces, check multiple points and ensure the bubble is reading the same.
How to Read a Digital Level or Level on Curved and Elevated Surfaces
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Use a level with a digital readout for an easy readout.
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For round pipes, ensure you are on the highest point of the pipe and not off-center.
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When working on elevated surfaces, ensure the level is stable before checking your reading.
How to Check Your Level's Accuracy
Even the best levels may lose calibration over time. To ensure you receive accurate readings:
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Put the level on a flat surface, noting the bubble’s position.
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Rotate the level 180°. Is the bubble still in the same position?
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If it shifts, your level won't provide accurate measurements.
Ways to Adjust for Accuracy
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Bubble Level: If reading inaccurately, it’s time to retire your level! Some levels may have a way to reset the bubble, but these are the types of levels you’ll want to purchase and replace.
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Laser Level: Check calibration settings and adjust them according to the level's manual.
Reach Out to the Pros
Need help finding the perfect level for your project or making sure you get precise measurements? Pave Tool Innovators' experts are ready to help. Contact us today to get started!