Spirit Levels

Level - Your partner in construction projects

Here on the page, you will be able to see our selection of the many different levels.

Levels are designed to indicate whether a surface is perfectly straight, and have gradually become a staple in the workplaces of bricklayers and engineers.

However, that doesn't mean you won't also benefit greatly from having them at home; are you going to hang pictures or shelves, for example? Then the level will often be the only tool that can help you see if it hangs straight.

Levels are often an indispensable tool for do-it-yourself enthusiasts.

3 things you should consider before buying a level

The traditional levels are relatively easy to use.

You should always ensure to place them in the center of the unit you are measuring, and if the unit is straight, the bubble inside the vial will be right between the two lines.

If, on the other hand, the bubble leans too much to the left or right, it means that your unit is not entirely straight, and you will need to adjust it depending on which part leans the most.

Finding the ideal level doesn't always have to challenge your patience, despite the multitude of different options and features available on the market.

On the contrary, there are many quite reasonable choices, and often you can get far by investigating what professionals use.

#1 - The different types of levels

There are many different forms of levels, and it can gradually be difficult to figure out which one you need.

In addition to the more commonly known levels, there are also more specialized types of levels.

Torpedo levels work well for small jobs, such as hanging pictures and shelves, or working in small areas, for example, related to plumbing work.

There are several vials here that show both horizontal and vertical, and some models are even equipped with magnets, so you can attach the level to metal pipes; the built-in lights also make it easier for you to read the bubble's position in the vials.

Carpenter levels are used to ensure that your furniture is even.

You place the carpenter level on a piece of furniture or a unit and adjust the unit itself until the bubble is centered in the middle of your level.

The carpenter level thus assists you in ensuring that your oven, refrigerator, or furniture is perfectly aligned, helping you avoid major accidents; this also applies in the workplace, where you can use the level to prevent accidents.

Plumb levels are used to help you find the correct point vertically above or below another point, such as when positioning columns or building stairs or terraces.

This works via gravity; when you have attached it to a point, the pointed plumb will hang perfectly vertical on the string.

You can easily attach the level to the wall, with the built-in pin, and thus have your hands free to focus on your work.

Post levels are used, as the name suggests, to show whether posts or columns stand straight.

This works by the sides of the level bending around the corners of your post, showing whether your post is standing evenly both horizontally and vertically.

This variant is also available with magnets, allowing you to use it for plumbing work or similar tasks that require you to work with metal pipes, for example.

Laser levels use clearly colored laser lights that provide a visible marking, even at long distances, and are perfect for, for example, installing kitchens, hanging shelves, and lights, leveling pipe installations, and similar tasks.

The laser levels show both horizontal, vertical, and cross lines, with a spread of nearly 180 degrees.

Much like with the plumb level, you also have both hands free to work here, as all you need to do is place the laser and turn it on.

The laser level is self-leveling, but if the deviation is too great for the laser to self-level, it will alert you to avoid major mistakes.

This type of level is suitable for creating both vertical and horizontal lines, and can also provide straight lines at diagonal angles, for example, if you are measuring on stairs.

#2 - Necessary features

Precision is of course the most necessary feature that your level must have, and a level is only as good as its ability to give you a completely precise measurement.

You are generally encouraged to look for levels that can guarantee precise measurements, as cheaper models often can be subpar.

Clarity is another necessary requirement, as even the most accurate level in the world doesn’t matter if you cannot see the bubble.

Here, different colors and high contrast help a lot, and some levels even ensure to light up the bubble, allowing you to easily read the measurement even in dimmed lighting.

Durability is very important for levels since they are often used on construction sites, where the surroundings are not as gentle as the living room at home.

Therefore, it is important that you do your best to avoid the cheaper levels, as the vials can often be more fragile, and in the worst-case scenario, break, rendering the level unusable.

#3 - Optional features

Magnets are not always necessary, but they can often be a great help, as they give you a free hand.

Levels with magnets are particularly popular among plumbing workers, as it helps ensure they have both hands free for their work while being able to easily read the vials and adjust accordingly.

This guarantees good quality work, without any accidents and damage to either the building materials or the tools.

LED lights can help immensely, especially if you work a lot in environments that do not allow much light, or where the light level is very variable.

The lights in these levels often run on batteries, which can mean that sometimes you need to have extra batteries on you, but these batteries often have a long lifespan.

With LED lights in your level, you will also be able to read the vials more easily, and thus more often achieve a more accurate reading.

Digital levels have become more popular over the years, and many professionals enjoy the practicality of a digital level over vials, as you get a faster and much more precise measurement.

This is particularly practical and ideal when you are working with something that requires more specific measurements and angles, such as wheelchair ramps.

Digital levels are also a good alternative for those who are more visually impaired.

The small bubbles in the vials can often be difficult to read, and sometimes you do not have the freedom to take the time to ensure you have a completely precise measurement; digital levels take over here and guarantee that you get an easily readable and precise measurement.