It is necessary to build a house reliably or to repair an apartment, to assemble furniture accurately or to hang a picture, to create a qualitative screed or to glue wallpaper - without a building level, certainly, not to manage. The construction materials market is constantly changing, offering new models, time-tested appliances, non-competitive ones - throws away. Having studied the new rating, you can find out the latest situation in the world of measuring instruments and get a good look at the level you like.
- The building level of which firm to choose
- Rating of the best building levels
- The best small bubble levels
- The best medium-long bubble levels
- The best long bubble levels
- The best electronic building levels
- What construction level to buy
The building level of which firm to choose
The list of manufacturers,whose products are especially in demand among builders:
1. Stabila - founded in 1889 by a German manufacturing companybuilding measuring equipment. Thanks to the revolutionary discoveries of its engineers, it has many patents and is one of the leaders in its industry. Rare installer does not know this manufacturer, and many of them use the proposed high-end levels;
2. Kapro is a modern Israeli company that has been in the 30-year history of becoming the "top" in the market of measuring equipment. Ergonomic design, high quality and manufacturability of the levels were appreciated by both professional and novice builders in many countries;
3. Stanley is an American manufacturing giant with more than 170 years of experience in manufacturing various tools. The key to success is successful management, advanced technology and excellent quality. That is why the building levels of the company are in demand for the construction of important facilities and for domestic purposes;
4. Sola is a well-known Austrian company for the production of measuring instruments, which sells its goods in more than 40 countries. Since 1994, production meets the ISO 9001 standard, so the owners of modern levels do not doubt their quality.
Rating of the best building levels of
The rating took into account the opinions of users expressed in the reviews, and indirectly suggested by them the selection principles.
- Experience in using tools from different manufacturers and the possibility of buying counterfeits.
- Purpose: control of floors and walls, screeds and masonry, tension and suspended ceilings, door and window openings, as well as for the correct installation of household appliances, furniture, paintings.
- Dimensions and weight;manufacturer's declared accuracy of measurement;quantity, size and shockproof capsules.
- Main structural characteristics: box or I-profile, plastic or aluminum material, static or adjustable ampoules.
- Availability of technical facilities in the form of magnets, clear markings, colored liquids, lights, ergonomic handle, ruler, anti-shock plugs.
- Comfort for manual fitting, and in use.
- The assembly quality is compulsory.
- Cost, warranty and service.
Symbols
| designation unit | | Name |
|---|---|---|
| L | m | length |
| G | kg | Weight |
| α | mm / m( °) | asserted error spirit level |
Best small bubble levels
Stanley 0-42-130 is a small measuring device of simple design: a molded plastic case, a magnetic V-shaped metal base and a second( horizontal and vertical) capsule, securely fixed in the holes. During transportation, the tool is placed in a pocket or fastened to the belt by means of a clip.
Advantages:
- L / G / α = 0.09 m / 0.1 kg / ≈0.5 mm / m;
- price: 0,4. .. 0,5 thousand ₽;
- strong magnet;thanks to the hollow, tight attachment to the pipes;A good overview for reading information;sufficient measurement accuracy for household needs;
- compactness;convenience;mobility;practicality;
- is easy to clean from dust and dirt;when used carefully, it is used for a long time;adequately worth it.
Disadvantage:
- sometimes scrolls bubble "sensors".
By reviews: the considered level is indispensable for use in hard-to-reach places. When buying, be sure to pay attention to the mounting flasks.
Corner
Kapro 340-08 is a professional tool that determines the angular deviation with the help of 2 horizontal and 1 vertical ampoules. Made of plastic, equipped with 4 magnets, like the cover of a book folds in half or unfolds, forming a plane. For fixing to non-metallic surfaces, an elastic band is used. Advantages:
- L / G / α = 0.08 m / 0.2 kg / ≈0.5 mm / m;
- value: 0,7. .. 0,9 thousand ₽;
- is fixed with a click in 15 ° increments;not exposed to UV rays;
- small dimensions;easy to carry and operate;practical;dust is easily wiped off;
- permissible error in measurements;optimal combination of price, quality and efficiency.
Disadvantage:
- does not always withstand geometric rigor. This factor should be taken into account in testing.
According to reviews: the device is good and useful, because it is often used not only for its intended purpose - work with round elements, but in a wider range.
Torpedo
Stanley 0-43-511 - small size magnetic windstar, consisting of a plastic casing, an aluminum base and 3 capsules - 2 perpendicular to each other and the 1st at an angle of 45 °.The tool with concave extruded plates is securely attached to the pipes, thanks to the end rubber stoppers and the impact-resistant central ampoule does not fail when dropped. Advantages:
- L / G / α = 0,23 m / 0,13 kg / ≈0,5 mm / m;
- price: 0.5. .. 0.7 thousand ₽;
- when working with metal structures there is no need for manual support;deviations in measurements within the normative;good visual accessibility of all scales;
- strong;compact;comfortable in using;
- ergonomic design;democratic value.
Disadvantage:
- in some instances "lame" the build quality.
According to reviews: performance parameters correspond to the purpose, size and price category of the device.
The best medium-length bubble levels
L = 0,4 m
Sola MM40 - trapezoidal shaped aluminum casting device with 1 horizontal bulb and 1-st level. Among the features: a neodymium magnet and unbreakable acrylic sleeves. In addition, the central luminous eye has a magnifying lens.
Advantages:
- L / G / α = 0.4 m / 2.4 kg / ≈0.5( 1.0) mm / m;
- price: ≈2,0 thousand ₽;
- epoxy red coating;milled working cloth;
- resistance to various influences, inclusive with bending and torsion;
- consistently high accuracy in measurements.
Disadvantage:
- , when interacting with chemically aggressive substances, "launches" the color of the paint.
According to the reviews: the instrument under consideration is the "thing" needed in the household: small, strong and accurate.
L = 0,8 m
Stabila 70MAS 1411 is a universal spirit level with a special feature in the form of a measuring scale applied to one of the surfaces and 2 sliders with which the necessary size is transferred, for example, to the wall. The device itself is an effective bubble tool with a box-shaped case, closed at the ends with plastic plugs. In equipment 2 eyes - horizontal and vertical.
Advantages:
- L / G / α = 0,8 m / 0,4 kg / 0,5 mm / m;
- cost: ≈1,5 thousand ₽;
- 2 marking plastic engine;2-nd opposite in the direction of centimeter scales;
- simplicity and ease of use;strength and durability of the slats;Accuracy of work performed;electrostatic powder coating.
Disadvantage: The
- sometimes jams the chassis.
By reviews: very convenient and practical device - if necessary, the engines are easily removed.
L = 1,22 m
Stabila R-300 18374 - a new R-shaped model, which is an aluminum case with 3 capsules( 2 vertical, 1 horizontal) and end removable caps capable of preventing slipping andamortize blows. The electrostatically painted water level has 5 internal chambers, 2 wide working surfaces, a longitudinal recess for gripping. The effectiveness of removable caps is provided by side plates. Advantages:
- L / G / α = 1.22 m / 0.3 kg / ≈0.5 mm / m( 0.029 °);
- price: 6,2. .. 6,4 thousand ₽;
- accurate readings when working overhead;convenient grip;colored alcohol in ampoules;high-quality powder coating;rigidity and strength of the structure;
- high marking accuracy;tightness of the flasks;ergonomics of contours.
Disadvantage:
- is a little expensive.
According to reviews: users who have experienced a novelty in the case, do not regret about the spent money.- The rake works properly when performing any tasks and under different conditions.
The best long bubble levels
L = 1,5 m
Stabila 70 02290 is a classic aluminum model, assembled from a smooth powder-coated case, plastic opposite caps and 2 alcohol-filled ampoules - vertical and horizontal. The first is located at the end of the rectangular profile, the second - in the middle.
Advantages:
- L / G / α = 1.5 m / 1.0 kg / 0.5 mm / m;
- cost: 2,3. .. 2,4 thousand ₽;
- ease of use;accuracy of measurements;strength;reliability;
- is not "afraid" of falls and exploitation under extreme conditions;
- ascetic design;long service life.
Disadvantage: The
- is lost with time.
According to reviews: vaterpas enjoys increased popularity both among professionals and amateurs in the construction industry. There are no complaints about the instrument, only positive words.
L = 2.0 m
Stanley FATMAX XL 0-43-681 - aluminum box-type model with blow-off plugs, through handle and 3 ampoules. The case on 2 surfaces is milled and in comparison with analogues more dimensional, the hole for grasping is finished by double overlays, flasks recessed in acrylic blocks. The central horizontal ampoule is enlarged, lateral vertical - with an improved view.
Advantages:
- L / G / α = 2.0 m / 2.1 kg / 0.5 mm / m;
- cost: 5.2. .. 6.7 thousand ₽;
- reinforced profile;high accuracy and durability;long lifetime without repair;indelible markup;
- spectacular appearance;affordable real price.
Disadvantage:
- is hard to completely remove dirt from the handle pads.
According to reviews: the tool in its class is the heaviest, and this property is highly appreciated by specialists. Working with him, they feel comfort and have fun.
L = 2,5 m
Capro Plumbsite Hercules 986-44-250 - milled from 2 sides professional device, in an aluminum case of which there are 4 capsules( 2 horizontal, 2 vertical), cushioning end caps and an ergonomic handlein the form of a rubberized edge around the edges. Planted on epoxy adhesive shockproof flasks are made of polyacryl and filled with bright Nite-glo oil. Indications are easily read with an uncomfortable working posture and poor lighting.
Advantages:
• L / G / α = 2,5 m / 2,7 kg / ≈0,029 °;
• cost: 6.1. .. 7.5 thousand ₽;
• a unique Plumbsite system;box effective profile;strengthened heavy construction;
• the minimum error in the readings;resistance to sunlight, as well as torsion and bending;convenience in operation;
• longevity;availability in price.
Disadvantage:
- is not always reachable for viewing a horizontal end-hole.
According to reviews: rake - good, has the optimal weight, does not fail when falling.
The best electronic building levels
High-precision
Kapro 985D 60 L is a professional electronic spirit level with an illuminated display and 2 polyacrylic capsules Plumb Site. Effective due to 2 milled surfaces, built-in magnets, optimal length and calibration. It has additional practical options: convenient grip, battery discharge indicator, automatically reversed dial and 9-fold memory. Provided: for a tripod - 1/4-inch hole, for storage and carrying - a compact cover.
Advantages:
- L / G / α = 0.6 m / 1.1 kg / 0.1 mm / m;
- price: 6,5. .. 8,8 thousand ₽;
- measurement in percent, degrees and "inches / foot" ratio;sound signal at an angle of 45 °, as well as absolute horizontal and vertical position;
- function "false 0";box-shaped profile;laser ray;lateral review;
- high measurement accuracy;Comfort and comfort in work;resistance to ultraviolet and shock;
- long service life;relatively low cost.
Disadvantage:
- is not always evenly applied to the paint.
According to reviews: this level is a real assistant, performing work of any complexity. Among the amenities, buyers especially noted the presence of the boot.
Which building level to buy
The choice of tool depends on many of the above factors and can have the following options:
- For testing works with walls, ceilings, floors, including screed and plaster, you can use: Plumbsite Hercules 986-44-250 from Caproand FATMAX XL 0-43-681 from Stanley;
- For testing on the geometry of masonry and ceilings( tension and hanging), it will fit: Stabila 70 02290;
- For an even installation of furniture, windows and doors, the best option: R-300 18374 from Stabila;
- For clogging dowels with a certain step is suitable: 70MAS 1411 from Stabila;
- For work with metal structures it has well proved itself: MM40 from Sola;
- For pipe alignment is effective: Kapro 340-08;
- To perform local household tasks are good: Stanley 0-42-130 and Stanley 0-43-511.
When buying the device, it is necessary to test it - put it in the store on the control surface, count the indicators on the flask, turn it 180 ° and set it exactly back to its original position - the bubble should not change its location.
