It is necessary to reliably build a house or repair an apartment, build furniture exactly or hang a picture, create a screed qualitatively or stick wallpaper - without a building level, certainly not enough. The building materials market is constantly changing, offers new models, time-tested appliances leaves, non-competitive - throws out. After examining the latest rating, you can find out the latest situation in the world of measuring tools and look at your favorite level.
Content:
Construction level of which company to choose
The list of manufacturers whose products are especially in demand among builders:
1. Stabila - founded in 1889, the German company for the production of construction measuring equipment. Thanks to the revolutionary discoveries of its engineers, has many patents and is one of the leaders in its industry. A rare installer does not know this manufacturer, and many of them use the offered high-class levels;
2. Kapro is a modern Israeli company that has managed to become a “top-end” in the market of measuring equipment in the past 30 years. The ergonomic design, high quality and manufacturability of spirit 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 making various tools. Successful management, advanced technologies and excellent quality are the keys to success. That is why the construction levels of the company are in demand for the construction of important objects and for domestic purposes;
4. Sola is a well-known Austrian measuring instrument company that markets its products in more than 40 countries. Since 1994, production complies with ISO 9001, so the owners of modern spirit levels have no doubt about their quality.
Rating of the best construction levels
When making a rating, the opinions of users expressed in the reviews and the selection principles proposed by them were taken into account.
- Experience of using tools from different manufacturers and the possibility of buying counterfeit.
- Purpose: control of floors and walls, screeds and masonry, stretch and suspended ceilings, door and window openings, as well as for the correct installation of household appliances, furniture, paintings.
- Dimensions and weight level; declared measurement accuracy by the manufacturer; the number, size and shock resistance of the capsules.
- The main constructional characteristics: box or I-beam, plastic or aluminum material, static or adjustable ampoules.
- The presence of technical amenities in the form of magnets, clear marking, tinted liquid, backlight, ergonomic handle, ruler, shockproof plugs.
- Comfort for manual fitting and in use.
- Be sure to check build quality.
- Cost, warranty and service.
Legend
| Designation |
Unit | Name |
|---|---|---|
| L | m | Length |
| G | kg | Weight |
| α | mm / m (°) | Declared level of error |
Top little 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 2nd (horizontal and vertical) capsule, securely fixed in the holes. When transporting the tool is placed in a pocket or attached to the belt with 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 dense fastening to the pipes; good overview for reading information; measurement accuracy sufficient for domestic needs;
- compactness; convenience; mobility; practicality;
- easy to clean from dust and dirt; at careful use it is long exploited; adequately worth it.
Disadvantage:
- Bubble "sensors" sometimes scroll.
According to reviews: the considered level is indispensable for use in hard to reach places. When buying, be sure to pay attention to the mounting flasks.
Angular
Kapro 340-08 is a professional instrument that determines the angular deviations with the help of 2 horizontal and 1 vertical ampoule. It is made of plastic, equipped with 4 magnets, like a book cover 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;
- cost: 0.7… 0.9 thousand ₽;
- fixed with a click in increments of 15 °; not exposed to UV rays;
- small dimensions; convenient to carry and operate; practical; easy dusting;
- permissible error in measurements; optimal combination of price, quality and efficiency.
Disadvantage:
- in the manufacture is not always maintained geometric rigor. This factor must be considered when testing.
According to reviews: the device is good and useful, because it is often used not only for its intended purpose - working with round elements, but in a wider range.
Torpedo
Stanley 0-43-511 - a small magnetic vetarpas, consisting of a plastic case, an aluminum base and 3 capsules - 2 perpendicular to each other and 1st at an angle of 45 °. The tool with concave extruded plates is securely fastened to the pipes, thanks to the end-cap rubber plugs and the impact-resistant central ampoule fails 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;
- lasting; compact; comfortable in using;
- ergonomic design; democratic value.
Disadvantage:
- in some instances, the build quality is lame.
According to reviews: operational parameters correspond to the purpose, size and price category of the device.
Best Medium Length Bubble Levels
L = 0.4 m
Sola MM40 - trapezoidal shape cast aluminum device with the 1st horizontal flask and the 1st spirit level. Features include 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 canvas;
- resistance to various influences, including with a bend and torsion;
- consistently high accuracy in measurements.
Disadvantage:
- when interacting with chemically aggressive substances, "lets" color paint.
According to reviews: the instrument in question is a necessary “thing” in the household: small, durable and accurate.
L = 0.8 m
Stabila 70MAS 1411 is a universal spirit level with a feature in the form of a measuring scale applied to 1 of the surfaces and 2 sliders, with the help of which the required size is transferred, for example, to a wall. The device itself is an effective bubble tool with a box-shaped body, closed at the ends with plastic plugs. Equipped with 2 peepholes - horizontal and vertical.
Advantages:
- L / G / α = 0.8 m / 0.4 kg / 0.5 mm / m;
- cost: ≈1.5 thousand ₽;
- 2 marking plastic engines; 2nd centimeter scales opposite in direction;
- simplicity and ease of use; strength and durability of the rail; accuracy of work performed; electrostatic powder coating.
Disadvantage:
- sometimes stuck chassis.
According to reviews: a very convenient and practical device - if necessary, the engines can be easily removed.
L = 1.22 m
Stabila R-300 18374 is a new R-shaped model, which is an aluminum case with 3 capsules (2 vertical, 1st horizontal) and removable end caps that can prevent slipping and absorb shocks. The electrostatic painted spirit level has 5 internal chambers, 2 wide working surfaces, and a longitudinal recess for gripping. The effectiveness of removable caps is provided by the 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 on your head; comfortable grip; tinted alcohol in ampoules; high-quality powder coating; rigidity and strength of the structure;
- high marking accuracy; tightness of the flasks; ergonomic contours.
Disadvantage:
- expensive.
According to reviews: users who have experienced a novelty in the case, do not regret the money spent. - Rake works properly when performing any tasks and in different conditions.
Top Long Bubble Levels
L = 1.5 m
Stabila 70 02290 is a classic aluminum model, assembled together from a smooth powder-coated case, plastic oppositely located plugs and 2 vials filled with alcohol - vertical and horizontal. The first is located at the end of a 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;
- not "afraid" of falls and operation in extreme conditions;
- ascetic design; long service life.
Disadvantage:
- over time, the paint is erased.
According to reviews: the spirit level enjoys increased popularity both among professionals and amateurs in the construction business. There are no complaints about the instrument - only positive words.
L = 2.0 m
Stanley FATMAX XL 0-43-681 is an aluminum box-shaped model with blanking plugs, a through handle and 3 ampoules. The body on 2 surfaces is milled and, in comparison with analogs, is more dimensional, the opening for grip is trimmed with double plates, the flasks are recessed in acrylic blocks. The central horizontal ampoule of the increased size, lateral vertical - with the improved review.
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 wear resistance; long service life without repair; indelible markup;
- spectacular appearance; affordable real price.
Disadvantage:
- it is difficult to completely remove the dirt from the handle linings.
According to reviews: the tool in its class is the most difficult, and this property is highly appreciated by experts. Working with him, they feel comfort and enjoy.
L = 2.5 m
Capro Plumbsite Hercules 986-44-250 is a professional device milled from 2 sides, in the aluminum case of which 4 capsules (2nd horizontal, 2 vertical) are installed, shock absorbing end caps and an ergonomic handle in the form of a rubberized hole along the edges. Impact resistant flasks made of epoxy adhesive are made of polyacryl and filled with bright Nite-glo oil. The readings are easy to 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 ₽;
• unique Plumbsite system; box effective profile; reinforced weighty design;
• minimum error in testimony; resistance to sunlight, as well as torsion and bending; ease of use;
• longevity; availability in price.
Disadvantage:
- not always reach for viewing horizontal end eye.
According to reviews: rake - good quality, has an optimal weight, does not fail when it falls.
Top electronic building levels
High precision
Kapro 985D 60 L is a professional electronic spirit level with a backlit display and 2 Plumb Site polyacrylic capsules.It is effective thanks to the 2nd milled surfaces, the built-in magnets, optimum length and calibration.
It has additional practical options: convenient grip, battery discharge indicator, automatically reversible dial and 9-fold memory. Provided: under the tripod - 1/4-inch hole for storage and carrying - compact case.
Advantages:
- L / G / α = 0.6 m / 1.1 kg / 0.1 mm / m;
- price: 6.5… 8.8 thousand rubles;
- measurement in percent, degrees, and the ratio of "inch / foot"; sound signal at an angle of 45 °, as well as absolute horizontal and vertical position;
- false 0 function; box profile; laser ray; side view;
- high measurement accuracy; convenience and comfort in work; resistance to UV light and impact;
- long service life; relatively low cost.
Disadvantage:
- not always uniformly applied paint.
According to reviews: this level is a real assistant, performing work of any complexity. Among the amenities, buyers especially noted the presence of a cover.
What level of construction to buy
The choice of instrument depends on many factors outlined above and may have the following options:
- For tests with walls, ceilings, floors, including with screed and plaster, you can use: Plumbsite Hercules 986-44-250 from Capro and FATMAX XL 0-43-681 from Stanley;
- To check the geometry of brickwork and ceilings (stretch and suspended) will fit: Stabila 70 02290;
- For an even installation of furniture, windows and doors the best option: R-300 18374 from Stabila;
- For blocking dowels with a certain step will suit: 70MAS 1411 from Stabila;
- For working with metal structures, he has worked well: MM40 from Sola;
- Effective for leveling pipes: Kapro 340-08;
- To perform local household tasks are good: Stanley 0-42-130 and Stanley 0-43-511.
When buying a device, it is imperative to test it - put it in the store on the control surface, read the figures on the flask, turn it 180 ° and set exactly in the same place - the bottle should not change its location.
It will be interesting to friends too
