The construction level is an indispensable tool for those who started repairing, doing brickwork, roofing, floors, pulling pipes or installing a kitchen set. Equipment of such a plan allows minimizing errors in vertical and horizontal directions.
There are a lot of similar devices in today's market. And if experienced specialists have long identified interesting options for themselves, then newcomers shrug their shoulders and ask questions: “What is the best construction level to buy and what to pay special attention to so that you won’t lose your purchase?” Moreover, each sphere needs its own tool. We will analyze all these problems in our article.
So, let's try to find out which construction level is better to choose in a particular case. Consider the types of devices, the scope of application, and also give an example of some of the most successful models, taking into account the reviews of professionals.
Types of levels
In repair and construction, three types of tools are used - water, bubble and laser. Each species has its own distinctive features. To find out which construction level is better, consider all of them.
Water level
Devices of such a plan are designed to work on impressive surfaces in terms of area. The water level is similar to a regular water hose, where at each end there are flasks with the corresponding markings. The length of such a tool can reach 25-30 meters.
Naturally, in an apartment, such devices are completely useless. It is also worth noting that almost all models are extremely sensitive to low temperature. The water in them freezes, and the effectiveness of the instrument is markedly reduced.
Bubble level
This is the most popular appliance in the construction market. The tool body is similar to a conventional bar made of plastic or metal. The design includes one or more flasks with liquid, where you can see small bubbles.
With the help of the latter, horizontal or vertical error is precisely determined. Such tools can be additionally equipped with specific markings, magnetic mounts and other useful functions for the builder.
Laser levels (electronic)
These are the best building levels in terms of accuracy, but at the same time the most expensive. The devices are compact in size and can cover a large area (usually up to 100 meters). Similar tools are used in professional and some specific areas where exceptional accuracy is required.
For home use, such equipment is simply impractical. To level the furniture or lay the tiles in the bathroom, the bubble model has enough capabilities. We’ll just talk about the latter, because they are the most practical.
Which building bubble level is better to choose?
Before you buy an instrument of such a plan, it is necessary to weigh a number of critical characteristics. Particular attention should be paid to the body material. Judging by the reviews of professional builders, the device should be heavy. In this case, his testimony will be much more accurate.
The best option is a metal or thick plastic. The magnetized base and rubberized handles will obviously be superfluous for greater comfort. To understand which building bubble level is better to buy, it is also worth focusing on the following parameters.
Flasks
Each bulb is responsible for one plane - vertical, horizontal and diagonal (angles). Good building levels have at least two ampoules of liquid. A more advanced tool allows you to check angles as well.
It is also worth paying attention to the fixation of the flasks. They should not walk or get out, but sit clearly in their places. Separately, mention should be made of control strips. They must be applied to the inside of the flask. Otherwise, the stripes will quickly erase.
Tool length
It all depends on the type of work performed. If you are laying tiles or installing furniture, it is better to consider options about 50 cm long. More bulky models will cling to the interior with their edges.
If we are talking about some serious work (for example, laying bricks in the country), then you need to look for good building levels with a length of 1 meter or more. It is worth noting that the longer the device, the more accurate its readings will be.
Additional features
Some models are equipped with some additional functionality. This can be a telescopic base, mounting on vertical walls, flashing lights, etc. Here you need to decide which additional features you really need. Because each such "trick" costs a lot of money.
How to test a tool?
It’s very simple to understand whether you’ve got a good construction level or its accuracy is poor. To do this, put the device on any flat surface and mark the position of the bubble with a marker (erased).
Then turn the level 180 . If it is a calibrated good building level, the bubble will be exactly on the same mark. All these actions are best performed immediately before buying in the store.
Which company building level is better?
If you look at the market for such equipment, we will see that the leading positions are occupied by three brands - Kapro (Israel), Stabila (Germany) and Stanley (USA). Decent solutions are also offered by Bosch and ADA Instruments.
In the assortment of these companies you can find devices of different price categories and for various purposes. Product reviews are mostly positive, and manufacturers do not allow any critical flaws due to serious competition.
Below we consider the most popular and the best, according to reviews, building levels.
Bosch GLM 80 + R 60 Professional
This is a laser type tool from a famous German brand. Judging by the reviews of experts, this is the best professional building level in its segment. Here we have two devices at once in the kit - a laser gadget and a classic bubble line.
The model can be called universal, because it will be useful in any construction industry. The accuracy of the device at the highest level. Moreover, it remains at the entire measurement range, and this is up to 80 meters without a reflector.
Also pleased with the build quality. The model received a durable aluminum case that meets the protection class IP54. With the ergonomic part is also a complete order. The tandem is convenient to use both together and separately. But for exceptional quality and accuracy you have to fork out well. The cost of the device varies around 12-13 thousand rubles.
Advantages of the model:
- exceptional accuracy;
- excellent build quality;
- reinforced housing protection;
- ease of use;
- long warranty period.
No flaws identified.
Stanley FatMax XL 0-43-672
This is one of the best bubble building levels in its price segment. The device copes with the measurement of deviations in three main planes - horizon, vertical and angles. 180 centimeters of length is enough for almost any type of work, from domestic household to professional measurements.
The design has a box section, which greatly increases the reliability of the level. Judging by user reviews, it can be easily dropped onto concrete. He will worthily survive all physical influences. Naturally, without fanaticism, and they should not hammer in nails.
The device received a pair of vertical and one horizontal capsule. They are firmly fixed in acrylic blocks. Ergonomics to the device add rubberized handles and a magnetized base. The cost of the construction level is around 4000 rubles.
Advantages of the model:
- maximum high (for bubble instrument) measurement accuracy;
- strong and reliable design steady against physical influences;
- reinforced acrylic blocks for flasks;
- convenient design;
- clearly distinguishable scales.
No flaws were identified.
Kapro Plumbsite Genesis 781-40-60RM
This is a professional building level of average length - 60 cm. One of the distinguishing features of the device is its built-in neodymium magnets, which allows it to be attached to any metal surface.
The model is equipped with three ampoules for working with the horizon, vertical and angles. Internal notches are quite large and clearly visible even behind a pile of dust, putty and other building mixtures. The accuracy of the device is only 0.029 degrees, which is an excellent result for a bubble instrument.
It is also worth noting that the model received good protection, and the filler of the flasks calmly undergoes a low temperature up to -20 ° C. Judging by user reviews, the device will be an excellent assistant in aligning walls, floors, wallpapering and working with engineering systems. The cost of the level is around 2500 rubles.
Advantages of the model:
- high accuracy;
- robust construction;
- perfectly distinguishable notches on the flasks;
- neodymium magnets at the base;
- rubberized sidewalls.
No flaws identified.
Stanley FatMax Level 1-43-572
The 180-cm level is equipped with three flasks, two of which are vertical. One of the remarkable features of the device is the presence of Dual View technology, which contributes to improved visibility behind the horizontal capsule.
Users respond very warmly about this model. It weighs significantly more than analogues, due to the expanded case (9 mm). This adds to the device not only stability, but also reliability. With the ergonomic part, the model is in full order. Rubberized handles and sidewalls add convenience. The model can often be seen in domestic construction stores for 2500 rubles.
Advantages of the model:
- high level accuracy;
- robust aluminum construction;
- rubberized handles;
- improved horizontal scale with excellent visibility;
- wide body and increased weight.
No serious flaws were identified.
Stabila 02290 (type 70) 150 cm
This is one of the most popular levels in the domestic market. They buy it mainly for amateur needs, but professionals also do not disdain it. The 150-centimeter device is made of high-quality aluminum alloy, so it boasts high reliability. You can drop it without fear, but you should not knock on it with a hammer.
For additional protection, the design is treated with technological powder coating. The latter avoids abrasion, and also protects the case from scratches and other environmental influences.
The level received two flasks for measuring the horizon and vertical. They are securely fixed in the housing without a hint of backlash. The only thing users sometimes complain about in their reviews is the lack of screws for calibration. The device is a frequent guest in Russian stores, where you can buy thousands for one and a half.
Advantages of the model:
- good measurement accuracy;
- high-quality powder coating;
- design reliability;
- rubberized sidewalls.
Disadvantages:
- no screws for calibration;
- light weight.
Stabila 17768
This is a pocket version of the building level. The model will come in handy for everyone. Small dimensions (70 x 20 x 40 mm) greatly simplify transportation, but most importantly, the device can be used in the most difficult places. Judging by the reviews, professionals are willing to buy a model as an auxiliary level to the main tool.
Despite its modest size, the device can not be called a toy. The local metal went through a complete hardening procedure, so the level of protection here is no worse than that of other professional models. The tool is reliably protected from physical impact and temperature extremes. Naturally, the design contains only one horizontal flask. But she is also very accurate.
The model is additionally equipped with a high-quality magnet, which allows you to safely mount it on inclined metal surfaces. Also, users were pleased with the presence of a special clip in the delivery kit for attaching the device to the belt. The tool does not have any critical flaws. The device can rarely be found in stores due to the specific dimensions, but on the web resources of the official distributors of the brand you can buy it without problems in the region of 1000 rubles.
Advantages of the model:
- small dimensions allow you to work in a very limited space;
- acceptable measurement accuracy;
- powerful magnet at the base;
- large and understandable scale;
- belt clip included.
No flaws identified.