Did you know the fundamental concept underlying the measuring tool that we still call spirit levels was first devised about 400 years ago? The “spirit” in the name is a reference to alcohol because that was precisely what protected the suspended and critical bubble from freezing.
Today, carpenters, builders, painters and dozens of other professionals and organizations still rely on the humble and accurate spirit-level concept to get those perfectly straight lines, so if it’s absent from your workshop or toolbox, or it’s been a while since yours got an update, the time is right to check out the exciting current range.
However, navigating that vast range can be difficult for such a fundamental tool that has so many sub-types and varying styles, features, materials and quality levels. Sure, any old spirit level may just get the job done, as that bubble will always behave accurately relative to the surface you’re checking relative to the earth.
But how might you start narrowing down that expansive range for your specific applications, needs and budget?
1.Readability
Nothing is more important than being able to easily read the measurement when you’re on the job, making the spirit vial easily the most important feature. The best in the non-digital range feature magnified vials that can be read at various angles, while the colour is also critical – which is why many vials are yellow-green for human vision in various light conditions. You might enjoy a special bulge in the vial barrel so the bubble can rest for dead-Centre or a level with multiple vials for different measurements perpendicular to the surface.
2.Accuracy
Once you can clearly see the vial, consider just how accurate that reading needs to be. The most accurate delivery precision is at least 0.5mm/m (millimeters per meter) or better, with this information obtainable according to the manufacturer’s packaging or documentation. At 0.5mm/m, it means the accuracy is somewhere close to the average width of a single human hair – or that for every meter measured, the level is no worse than 0.5mm from perfect. The better spirit level manufacturers achieve greater precision through:
- Precise concentricity of the vial barrel
- Precise vial filling, ensuring a perfectly consistent bubble size
- Perfect vial seal
- Perfect marking of the vial’s markings/bulges.
3.Durability
The hardest working shop floors, work sites and professionals need highly durable spirit levels so that those harsh conditions don’t affect what we’ve just talked about – accuracy. Remember, a slightly bent spirit level will give you grossly inaccurate readings, so steer clear of cheap plastic and look instead for more sophisticated materials, even if aluminum is still an extremely reliable material for strength versus weight. Your spirit level might need shock absorption features, a wider working temperature range, and other features to ensure the product can take the inevitable knocks.
Ensure you select the perfect spirit level
Are you ready to choose a new spirit level? Don’t forget, there’s still a lot more to consider – like how long your product should be, whether you need to buy more than one for different jobs, and extra features like magnetism, lights and more. Need a little extra guidance? Our experienced technical specialists would be delighted to assist.
