Spirit levels are typically made from durable polypropylene or reinforced aluminium. Longer spirit levels are often used on-site and tend to be made from aluminium with reinforced ribs to stand up to everyday wear and tear. Aluminium spirit levels often have a powder coating to protect them from corrosion and make them easy to clean.
Smaller spirit levels tend to be made from durable plastics which make them lightweight and robust.
Many spirit levels have shock absorbing end caps that help protect the level if it gets dropped or knocked. These also help to hold the spirit level against surfaces to make one-handed use easier. The end caps are often removable to allow flush fitting. Some companies manufacture replacement shock absorbing end caps.
Top quality spirit levels have a milled surface for maximum accuracy and a groove in the bottom to allow levelling on pipes or other curved surfaces.
To ensure that the bubbles are easy to read, some spirit levels have magnified centre vials. Others use mirrors to ensure that you can read the level from a variety of angles. Some spirit levels have LED lights to illuminate the bubbles in dimly lit locations.
Vials
Longer spirit levels usually have one horizontal vial and two vertical ones. The two horizontal vials help you to achieve a more accurate result over longer distances.
Smaller spirit levels have two vials, one for vertical and one for horizontal levelling, whilst pocket levels tend to have just one vial for both vertical and horizontal use. These small spirit levels are ideal for levelling plugs and sockets.
The vials are the most important element of your spirit level.
Additional Features
Spirit levels often come with some additional features to make them useful in a range of scenarios. These include the following…
Integrated Steel Ruler
An integrated steel ruler makes it easy to measure, level, and mark up in one simple step. Look for one that is clear and easy to read.
Magnets
Some spirit levels include magnets for attaching to pipework, back boxes, appliances, and the like. These are a great feature as they enable you to work hands-free.
Integrated Laser
To enhance the levelling process, some levels also include a simple laser feature for projecting a red line onto a wall in front of you. This is particularly handy if you want to hang long items such as shelves or curtains poles.
Usage
A spirit level is an essential measuring tool for every home even if you just want to hang a picture. Using a spirit level allows you to achieve a perfect line when assembling pictures, shelves, cabinets, and curtain poles.
Spirit levels are also an essential tool in garden landscaping for attaining level patios and decks, fences, and garden features.
Of course, spirit levels are also essential for many tradesmen, from bricklayers to electricians and plumbers to window fitters.
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