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Torquemada
20 Dec 14 17:09
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Date Joined: 27 Apr 12
| Topic/replies: 4,760 | Blogger: Torquemada's blog
Most spirit levels are not accurate, even the good brands like Stanley or Stabila.  For this reason, never buy one online, this is where they shift the really dodgy ones.

Whenever buying a spirit level, you need to check it is accurate in the store before purchase.  All you need is a pencil and a few sheets of paper.   If anyone is interested I'll explain how it done.
Pause Switch to Standard View Some advice for buying a spirit level.
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Report boxingthefox December 20, 2014 5:16 PM GMT
Torquemada, testing is simple, lay the level on the nearest flat space in the store, have a good look at where the vial (bubble) rests spin the level around, if the bubble does not set in exactly the same place then the Vial is incorrectly set and the level is useless.
Report s.kenbo December 20, 2014 5:19 PM GMT
I use a level everyday, and I would guess I use it 80% of the time to check for plumb as opposed to level.
Report Torquemada December 20, 2014 5:23 PM GMT
Yes, boxingtheofox, that is basically correct, but you need to make sure that you put the level in exactly the same place when you turn it around, hence the pencil to mark the edges.  Also, I think it is better to level it up before you turn it around as this makes it easier to gauge if it is in exactly the same place, hence the paper to use as shims.
Report Torquemada December 20, 2014 5:24 PM GMT
I think about 70% of levels in stores are inaccurate and 100% online.
Report boxingthefox December 20, 2014 5:30 PM GMT
Fair point Torquemada, for anyone who is not familiar with them, then probably a better way to go.Happy
Report Torquemada December 20, 2014 5:33 PM GMT
Nightmare if you're doing a big tiling job and your spirit level is out.
Report Torquemada December 20, 2014 5:34 PM GMT
I've had my eye on one of those Stabila electronic levels, but can't afford one.  I wonder how accurate there are?  Have you any experience of them, boxingthefox?
Report s.kenbo December 20, 2014 5:36 PM GMT
I use the FAT MAX levels, and I order them online!
Report boxingthefox December 20, 2014 5:39 PM GMT
If the wall or floor is not boarded and you have to "butter" some tiles then, nightmare.Shocked
Report Torquemada December 20, 2014 5:40 PM GMT
Are they okay, kenbo?  Have you checked them?  Sometimes, you can make do with an inaccurate spirit level for certain jobs, but other times it will make it a nightmare for you and the job will be a bad 'un.
Report seaview December 20, 2014 5:41 PM GMT
s.kenbo

checking plums everyday is a good habit to have taken onboard.An early diagnosis is always best.
Report boxingthefox December 20, 2014 5:42 PM GMT
Torquemada, Ive been out of the game 20 years now so no experience of the electronic levels.
Report boxingthefox December 20, 2014 5:44 PM GMT
seaview, you're not wrong. Laugh
Report s.kenbo December 20, 2014 5:44 PM GMT
I only really check a level against another level. The chances of them both being out to the same degree is very slim imo.

I'm certainly a very good plum checker. The footy's on now so it's time to check again!
Report s.kenbo December 20, 2014 5:47 PM GMT
FAT MAX levels are pretty good.
Report seaview December 20, 2014 5:49 PM GMT
just rechecked.  plumb seems out of alignment,defo not level.
Report boxingthefox December 20, 2014 5:55 PM GMT
Just checked mine seaview and one is well out kinell!!, going to make a temp sling until I can get it sorted.
Report Smar Tarse December 20, 2014 6:11 PM GMT
I use my mobile phone and one of the many Bubble apps. Hold it on a cheap level and use the Audio level indicator instead of my poor eyesight Happy
Report johnizere December 20, 2014 6:31 PM GMT
There used to be a little screw adjuster in spirit levels some time ago, where you could adjust the bubble using the method
described by boxingtheox. Instead of just testing, you could actually remove the error.
Anyone remember these?
Report Foinavon December 20, 2014 8:10 PM GMT
Don't need one if you have a plumb line and a set square. Good enough for putting up shelves.
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