An Introduction to Levels
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The level is one of the contractor’s most important tools. A carpenter could finish off a house with the utmost skill, but without a level the chair rail could be slanted or the door jamb askance. A contractor or do-it-yourselfer can only be as good as their level.
Levels are used to verify that the work is how it should be – horizontal surfaces flat and true, and vertical surfaces plumb (straight up and down). Usually, this is done with liquid-filled vials (spirit levels are still the most commonly used levels in the industry, though digital levels are making headway). When the bubble floats to the top of the liquid and settles between the reading lines on the vial, the measuring surface is level or plumb. There are usually two vials, sometimes three or four depending on the level length. One vial lays parallel with the leveling surface and is used for pinpointing perfect horizontal. A second vial, standing perpendicular to the leveling surface, locates plumb. Longer levels often feature an extra plumb vial, while some include a third vial set at a 45° angle.
Most Kapro levels incorporate the patented Plumb Site® Dual-View™ vial feature, which offers a unique front view of the plumb vial to make vertical leveling easier and more exact.
Who needs to find perfect horizontal or vertical? Levels are used by all the trades. Carpenters rely heavily on levels for framing, cabinet making, kitchen construction, doorjambs/door assembly, roof rafter construction, and deck building. General contractors base their careers on building plumb walls and level foundations. Masons and tilers will pull out a level whenever they are working with ceramic tile, concrete floors, bathrooms, or patios. Plumbers and electricians use levels on pipe and conduit. Levels are invaluable for anyone who requires absolute reference of either plumb or level in any conceivable situation (machine placement, picture hanging, work-surface calibration, etc.).
Since levels are used in almost all building applications, Kapro makes a full line of levels so that the contractor or do-it-yourselfer can match the best tool to the job at hand.
Types of Levels:
Box levels are best suited for light to medium duty applications. They are called "box levels" because of their unique design. If you cut a box level in half, you will see that the cutaway view yields several "box sections." Box levels are some of the most versatile and accurate levels available.
990 Zeus™ 990 VISION
Cast levels are best suited for heavy-duty applications. Their bodies are made of cast aluminum, so they are built to take abuse and still give a high level of accuracy.
920 Shark® Mason's Level
I-Beam levels are best suited for light to medium duty applications. They are called "I-beam levels" because of their unique shape. If you cut an I-beam level in half, the profile will look like an "I". Due to the I-Beam manufacturing process, these levels are the most cost effective to produce.
170 Samson™ I-Beam Level
Torpedo levels, often called "Toolbox" Levels, are well suited for light and heavy-duty applications alike. Because of their smaller size, they fit easily into toolboxes, drawers and pockets.
227 Toolbox Level 9" (23cm)
Post and pipe levels are designed for leveling corners, posts and pipes. When the placement of a support post or wall corner is vital, a post level is what you need. If you're working on pipes or conduit, round clip-on pipe levels are the tool of choice.
340 Postrite® Folding Post Level
Gradient Levels are designed for measuring slopes and angles. Gradient levels are essentially modified box levels with slope measuring components.
105 Topgrade™
Digital Levels are ideal for a conveniently fast and accurate measurement of the full range of inclinations through 360 degrees. The digital displays are easy to read and exceptionally accurate, ideal for setting and transferring angle measurements, as well as finding level and plumb.
985D Digiman® Digital Level
Construction Site Levels or screeds, are best suited for rough leveling on large-scale projects.
153-32 Screed Level
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