Home Repair Workshop

We all know the level--more correctly referred to as a spirit level--
is  tool used in construction to determine if a surface is horizontal.
Invented in France during the 17th century, it consists  of a transparent
tube not completely filled with alcohol so a small  air bubble develops.
The sealed tube, mounted in a rigid frame,  is calibrated so when the bubble
is centered the tube is horizontal. For carpentry and masonry use the frame
has two tubes located at right angles to each other to indicate if a surface
is horizontal and vertical.
    While electronic levels are making inroads because they can also
indicate  horizontal and vertical by emitting a sound, the spirit level
will never be replaced because of its low cost  and ability to be
incorporated into many special uses. Here are four specialty levels by The
Empire Level Manufacturing Company, the largest vial producer in the world,
to illustrate the point.
   Figure A and B- Post & Pipe Level:  No need t o hold this level against
a post or joist--merely strap it is place with the rubber band that comes
with the right angle plastic frame that has three vials molded in place. The
upper two vials will indicate when a pipe or post is vertical in both
directions and the center vial will show you if a beam is horizontal. A very
affordable and practical tool no shop should  be without.
   Figure C-Line levels: Line level and Vari-pitch Line LevelS :old as a
set of two  hang the Standard Line Level on a taut string and, when the
bubble is centered , the string will be horizontal. Great for laying out
walks, footings, etc. The Vari-pitch Line Level has the clear tube
calibrated so you can select a desired slope ranging from level up to one
half inch per foot. When the edge of the bubble touches the desired mark
that slope is achieved. Great for running drain pipe, gutters etc. Both
levels can be viewed from the top or side and also have a pocket clip.
   Figure D-Pocket level: Large vial can be view from either the top or
side. Top and bottom have a V-groove for use on pipe or conduit. Clips to
pocket. Cost is about 3 dollars.
All these levels are available from most home centers, hardware stores, etc.
For more information call Empire at 1-800-558-0722.