Construction Bubble Level Ratings

A rigid monolithic, most often rectangular case with a milled bottom edge is made of light and durable materials (aluminum, polystyrene, plastic, wood) with an anti-corrosion coating. In the case, depending on the required accuracy, a certain number of transparent sealed glass flasks (level eyes) with an air bubble floating in a colored alcohol-containing liquid are securely fixed:

  • one flask - only for the horizontal rail (180 degrees);
  • two - for horizontal (180 degrees) and vertical guides (90 degrees);
  • three - for more complex work, with an additional third camera that controls the measurement of the angle of inclination (rigidly fixed at 45 degrees, or rotary - for measuring any angle of the controlled surface).

In order to minimize errors in angular vision, boundary lines are drawn on the surface of the measuring flasks - risks. Eyes for checking the position of the surfaces of the vertical plane and the angle of inclination have built-in mirrored reflectors for simultaneous control of the position of the bubbles. Plastic plugs at the ends of the level protect the structure in case of accidental drops.

The principle of operation of the bubble building level is simple: the measurement and adjustment of surfaces relative to the horizontal and vertical planes occurs due to the movement of the bubble inside a certain level eye. The correct setting will result in the bubble being exactly in the middle between the measuring risks of the flask.

Top building levels

Stanley "Fatmax Xtreme Torpedo" 250

This tool has characteristics that make it possible to consider the name of the model as an answer to the question of which building level is better. He has everything to please a huge audience of consumers.

The body of the model of complex shape is made of die-cast aluminum. It is easy to take, move it; built-in magnets made of rare earth elements are offered for attachment to metal surfaces.

Important! The level of accuracy of the device is 0.5 mm per meter, while the manufacturer gives a 10-year guarantee to maintain the stability of the indicator.

Capsules measuring horizontal and vertical are shock-resistant, in enlarged blocks for easy reading of indications. Screws are provided for calibration. The angle control flask is rotatable, with a step of 2 degrees on a clearly distinguishable scale. Additional convenience for placement on pipes is guaranteed by a milled recess on the bottom edge of the body. The device, for all its advantages, is distinguished by its affordable cost.

Pros:

  • adjustable flask blocks;
  • convenience, functionality;
  • rotation of the angle control flask with a step of 2 degrees;
  • strength;
  • magnetic mount.

Minuses:

  • length only 250 mm;
  • large air bubble in flasks;
  • it is problematic to work with a metal case in cold weather;
  • no rubber pads.

Kapro 985D 60 L

This professional meter is rightfully called the most accurate building level of the digital class. Its error is only 0.1 mm per meter. The digital angle measuring unit is equipped with a sufficiently large backlit display. For the convenience of marking, a laser beam projection system is offered.

The device is made in a rigid metal case with milled edges. Equipped with neodymium magnets, it can be easily attached to steel structures. Capsules for horizontal and vertical measurements are highly durable. The model can act as a laser level, for which there is a hole for placement on a tripod. Convenient carrying case included.

Pros:

  • 9 positions for storing measurements;
  • sound alerts;
  • accuracy;
  • laser level functionality.

Minuses:

  • price;
  • disadvantages of staining;
  • only two horizons of bubble control;
  • no capsule adjustment.

Sola MM40

Sola MM40 is the epitome of strength, convenience and reliability. The metal case of this level is profiled and has a complex shape. It is very convenient to apply and rearrange it. Attachment to metal surfaces is provided by neodymium magnets.

The device is equipped with two flasks for horizontal and vertical control. The containers are made of high strength special plastic. It is very convenient to read their data, since the vertical control unit is equipped with a magnifying lens, and the horizontal control unit is as open as possible.

Pros:

  • accuracy level 0.5 mm per meter;
  • milled, profiled robust body;
  • high-quality epoxy coating;
  • ease of use.

Minuses:

  • length only 400 mm;
  • price;
  • the paint is not resistant to aggressive chemicals;
  • only two horizons of control.

ProLevel 100 ADA А00393

This model will appeal to anyone who does not want to worry about periodic calibration. This electronic level is equipped with a system of gyroscopes that make the tuning procedure automatically. The device body length is 1000 mm, it is equipped with two capsules for horizontal and vertical control.

The tilt angle is shown on a backlit display located on the side of the level. The control buttons are large enough to appeal to people with powerful, rough fingers. The device is easily attached to metal surfaces thanks to the magnets built into the case. Two batteries provide 96 hours of continuous measurements.

Pros:

  • length convenient for builders;
  • automatic calibration system;
  • simplicity of design;
  • magnetic mounts.

Minuses:

  • powered by salt batteries;
  • the type of display does not allow you to confidently read data in the bright sun;
  • no capsule adjustment;
  • ratio of price and functionality.

Kapro 985D Digiman

This model is a device with an electronic unit, the most accurate building level with an angle measurement error of 0.1 degrees. The product is offered in several sizes. Available in 120 cm, 600 and 250 mm cases.

Important! The level is completely protected from dust, water, shock. This is a great advantage for professional builders.

The product has only two vials for horizontal and vertical measurement. It is proposed to control the angle of rotation using an electronic display with backlight. The system can store measurement results, automatically beeps on horizontal, vertical, 45 degree surface. There is a simple calibration mechanic. The device can be quickly turned 180 degrees, there are rubber pads on the ends to damp shocks.

Pros:

  • comfortable;
  • accuracy of electronic changes;
  • protected durable case;
  • storage of results, sound notifications.

Minuses:

  • price;
  • complex functionality for beginners;
  • small buttons recessed into the body;
  • no flask adjustment.

Stanley 0-43-511

The length of the device is only 23 cm. But at the same time, the widest horizons of its application are opened to the user. The meter is equipped with concave metal plates with magnetic properties on the long edges of the case. It attaches easily to pipes. The measurement functionality is standard for this class of device. There are three flasks to control horizontal, vertical, 45 degree angle.

Thanks to the pads on the ends, the level easily withstands falls from a great height. The rigid metal frame of the case allows it to remain operational at the same time. The accuracy level of the device is 0.5 mm per meter.

Pros:

  • accuracy;
  • magnetic mount;
  • good view of the flasks;
  • convenience, durability.

Minuses:

  • sometimes the build quality is lame;
  • the risks on the flasks are not colored, it is difficult to use with insufficient illumination;
  • no flask adjustment;
  • there is no rotation of the corner flask.

Kapro 340-08

An angular level can change the opening angle of the faces, work both on pipes, surface connection lines, and on a plane.

The device is capable of controlling horizontal and vertical, and is equipped with three flasks.The body is made of plastic and has two hinged wings. For the convenience of fastening, not only four powerful magnets are offered, but also a belt threaded through the holes in the case.

Pros:

  • horizontal and vertical control with an accuracy of 0.5 mm per meter;
  • comfortable design;
  • fixing the step of rotation of 15 degrees in the hinge;
  • compact and functional.

Minuses:

  • when buying, you need to check the geometry;
  • flasks are not regulated;
  • over time, the hinge loosens, the fixing force deteriorates;
  • plastic body.

Stanley 0-42-130

The popularity of this model among users is simply enormous. This meter can be positioned as the most accurate building level in the compact class with an error of 0.5 mm per meter.

Important! A huge advantage is the functionality of the model. With its help, you can control the horizontal and vertical (two flasks), there are magnets in the case, located along the corner edges.

The device is extremely compact and easy to carry. In addition to the fact that Stanley 0-42-130 fits easily into a pocket, it can be attached to a belt with a clip. In addition, there is a groove in the long body line for easy placement of the meter on metal pipes.

Pros:

  • functionality;
  • accuracy;
  • magnetic mount;
  • easy to clean.

Minuses:

  • accuracy level for domestic use only;
  • flasks are often scrolled in fasteners, accuracy is necessary;
  • the magnets are powerful, cannot be used near sensitive devices;
  • the flasks are not adjustable; accuracy must be checked upon purchase.

STABILA POCKET ELECTRIC-17775

The model has basic, initial functionality. Equipped with one bulb, it can only control the horizontal of the placement line.

However, the convenience of using the product should be noted. Extremely compact, about 70 mm long, the level has a recess. The product placed to control the line or position of the instrument allows for easy operation with a screwdriver to fasten the elements. The error level of the model with a small length is only 1 mm per meter of measurement.

Pros:

  • very compact;
  • the flask can be displaced if necessary for calibration;
  • ease of use with a screwdriver;
  • powerful neodymium magnet for attaching to metal surfaces.

Minuses:

  • horizontal control only;
  • large air bubble;
  • plastic case;
  • error.

Kapro Mini-246

The Kapro Mini-246 is about 100 mm long and fits easily into the pocket of a work overalls. The level has only one capsule for horizontal measurement. Therefore, the functionality of the device is limited only by this possibility, but it is very convenient to use the level. The magnets located inside the case make it easy to attach the meter to metal structures.

Rubberized edge pads give the device the ability to withstand drops, and a robust bulb ensures that it remains operational. The error indicator of the device is only 0.5 mm per linear meter of the measured structure.

Pros:

  • small size;
  • accuracy;
  • non-freezing liquid of the flask;
  • magnets in the case.

Minuses:

  • measurement of horizontal surfaces only;
  • no flask adjustment;
  • lining becomes fragile over time;
  • large air bubble in the flask.

 



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