\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. An inclinometer or clinometer is an instrument used for measuring angles of slope, elevation, or depression of an object with respect to gravity 's direction. Spirit Levels are a vital part of any toolkit but it is important to know how to use them and which type of level you should use. To test the vertical vial, follow the same procedure against a flat vertical surface. However, if you want to confirm the tripod whether is level or not, please, use the bulls eye spirit level. This is a quick step by step process for how to use a spirit level: Place the level against the surface where you want to find the level. A way around this is to create flat terraces held in place by retaining walls. To find the percentage of slope simply divide the rise (the measured height) by the run (the measured length) and multiply by 100. If you are working outdoors or in a bright space, you may need to wear red laser glasses, which will allow you to see the beam more clearly. Place a bubble level on a flat part of the gun. If you have a second spirit level, use it on another flat part, such as the action, above the chamber or on the rib. If the bubble slides up toward the left, it shows that the left surface is higher than the level state. surveyor's level, instrument used in surveying to measure the height of distant points in relation to a bench mark (a point for which the height above sea level is accurately known). Shown: Stanley 24-inch FatMax level; $26 Amazon. from publication: Farmer-friendly erosion control measures in maize-based systems of the northern mountainous region of Vietnam . The aim of this project is to explain which type of level you should use for different types of jobs and how to use a level effectively. 6. The sales patter will be about the liquids expansion confident and the guaranteed working temperatures. Chat with uson the forum! If the tool is accurate, the bubble should fall in exactly the same place. If you have an assistant they can walk to the bottom of the slope with the remainder of the string. This level is ideal for hanging pictures. 1. Here's a great tip for obtaining the proper angle to set your miter saw so that the top of your post is level. How to calculate grade percentage of a slope - Slope percentage is calculated in much the same way as the gradient. Now, these are the steps: 2. "This is a very helpful and very informative article about leveling. Clean the level, removing all buildup and dirt from the edges. You have questions, we have answers. Adjust the builder's level until the air bubble of the horizontal level vial rests perfectly in the center of the two marks on the vial and stretch the tape measure down to the surface of the roof, while keeping the tape measure aligned with the 12-inch mark you placed on the builder's level in step three. It is best for smaller projects like hanging curtains or checking that a group of pictures is in line. A clinometer or inclinometer is an instrument for measuring angles of slope (or tilt), elevation or depression of an object with respect to gravity. A level is a vital part of any tool kit, but there are lots of different types. Pencil the height of the wall ledger onto each deck post. An inclinometer sometimes known as clinometer is used for measuring the angles of slope or elevation, similar to a spirit level they can use various methods to measure and can be both analogue and digital read outs. Plastic models are suitable for rougher work on gutters, drains, concrete slabs, and masonry walls. A spirit level gets its name from the mineral spirit solution inside the levels. Step 1 Set the extension ladder against the side of your house. The issue is that the bubble size is determined by properties of the liquid, which will expand and contract as it get hot and cold which affects the size of the bubble. It consists of a telescope fitted with a spirit level and, generally, mounted on a tripod. Is It Cheaper to Run Space Heaters or Central Heating? If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. As an angle, the standard units are degrees (), minutes () and seconds (). If you are buying a level these are the features you should look out for: All levels should have an accuracy tolerance which will be published for you to check before purchase. Keep in mind that it throws an even line of light in one plane at a time, and often in one direction (unless you purchase a multi-point level). We describe how to make a Water Level in a separate project, and this is a very useful way to transfer levels. Small jobs like hanging pictures and shelves, or working in tight spaces, as when doing plumbing installations. 7. On many torpedo levels and other specialized levels, there is an angled tube vial to find level at 45. Don't want to do this job yourself? Photo 1: Extend the 2 foot level. Depending on where you will be using your spirit level, you need the most robust body that you can get but will not damage the materials you are working with. For: Precision carpentry across a long expanse, as when installing cabinets, trim, doors, or floors. Can You Iron Your Clothes With a Hair Straightener? We work with the industries best to ensure that we recommend only reliable and trustworthy tradesmen. Tan 38o = 0.7813. Level rests on piece; adjust legs or sides of piece until bubble is centered. 4 Mark the level line with a pencil before you start working. For accuracy, some aluminium levels will have one or more milled surface, which is a precision machined surface to ensure that the surface is absolutely flat and horizontal. It is also known as a tilt indicator, tilt sensor, tilt meter, slope alert, slope gauge, gradient meter, gradiometer, level gauge, level meter, declinometer, and pitch & roll indicator. Estimating Distances with a Sight Level. It is worth double checking your measurements twice so that you are sure of the accuracy. Typically, the vials in a spirit level are a yellowish-green color with additives for UV protection and maximum performance in temperatures ranging from -20 degrees F to 130 degrees F. The best spirit level is accurate to within plus or minus 0.5 millimeters/meter, or 0.005 inches/inch or .029 degrees. When the bubble is centered between the inside pair, it indicates level.But when it touches one of the outer lines, it means the level is pitched at a 2-percent grade (about inch per foot of run), the slope required for waste lines, sidewalks, and rain gutters to drain properly. Home > DIY How To Projects and Tutorial Guides > How to Use a Level Including the Types of Levels. However, its more expensive than the other methods and can take a while to measure the slope accurately. Rest on the end of your spirit level at the top of the steepest part. ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.allenprecision.com/page/10-types-of-levels/, https://www.actavodirect.com/blog/how-to-use-spirit-levels/, https://www.keson.com/how-to-read-a-spirit-level/, http://www.johnsonlevel.com/News/SpiritLevelInformation, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygxPWzCiVNU, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVsSswu6g7o, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/choosing-and-using-levels, https://www.laserlevelhub.net/how-to-use-laser-level/, https://laserlevels.org/how-to-use-a-laser-level/, https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/using_a_laser_level.htm, https://www.wonkeedonkeetools.co.uk/plumb-bobs/a-brief-history-of-the-plumb-bob/. Shown: Stanley lighted 9-inch torpedo level, $20 Amazon. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Woodworking Tool Slope Meter Protractor Digital Inclinometer Level Angle Gauge at the best online prices at eBay! This method will give a more accurate reading of level. Curved vials are more accurate, but only the bottom one in the pair indicates level at any given time. The key to using and reading the spirit level lies on the levels vial. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, I expect his method involves placing the level on the sloped drainage pipe, raising the lower end until the level reads horizontal and measuring the height needed to achieve that. Match the slope: Tap the screen to capture the slope of the first object. However, the measurement is not exact, but it should be close enough for most purposes. Another option is to rest the level on top of a long or tall straightedge during your measurement. This is exactly the way a level often is used. It is usually stated as + or 0.Xmm per meter so you can ensure you get the accuracy that you require. Mark where it lands with a piece of chalk or any non-permanent marker. References. How to measure the angle or slope on your driveway with Calculate the slope by dividing the drop by the distance, both in centimeters. The vial or tube is actually quite delicate and as such needs to be protected, however the level will be dropped and have a touch life especially if on a building site. At this point the level is at the required angle.An adjustable vial in a box level. Shown: Topcon RL-H5A Self Leveling Horizontal Rotary Laser; $600 Amazon. How to use other levels and slope measuring devices for contouring will be explained in Sections 6.6-6.8. A range of different types of level made by Stabila. Attach a string to either a stake or a screwdriver. YouTuber .css-3wjtm9{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.125rem;text-decoration-color:#1c6a65;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-3wjtm9:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}See Jane Drill uses a scrap piece of 4x4, carpenter's pencil, and a high-quality level to get the angle. This process works for all types of spirit levels, but you will need to check each vial or tube individually. Try a cross line laser if you want a smaller device for home use that can measure both the horizontal and vertical plane at once. These are lines inserted into the tube or vial or in some cases they are painted. Open Measure. It's difficult, though, to tell exactly how much drop because of uneven terrain. These can be used in the same way to establish the angle whether it is 45o or another angle set in the adjustable vial; you need to move the spirit level until the bubble is in the centre of the vial. Then, measure down from each mark the required distance to establish a 1/8 inch per foot slope. So, you can't use the level even to confirm the slope you have is correct. Here are the most common types of spirit levels that you are likely to come across: An Girder or I-Beam Level Browse here now. calculator (optional). wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Let us help you find a tradesman local to you. This level can allow you to center tiles much more easily, keeping them in perfect line with other tiles. Place the line level in the center of the string. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Slope is calculated using the following formula:. If you need a spirit level for general use to measure a variety of object sizes, a Carpenters Level is probably the one for you. Measuring slope with a clinometer A clinometer used in forestry The clinometer, known in many fields as an inclinometer, is a common tool used in forestry to measure slope, vertical angles, and - in combination with distance measurements - elevation change or tree heights. First, measure 12 inches from one end of the level and make a Get Homework Help Now My father and I just put some corregated metal under our deck (two story house). You might be surprised by how many changes you can make to improve safety, comfort, and overall quality of life for everyone who lives there! The result, divided by four, is the slope in inches per foot. Enjoy! If you have a second spirit level, use it on another flat part, such as the action, above the chamber or on the rib. How it works: Held up to a wall or fixed in place, tool projects level or plumb laser lines (or both); some units are self-leveling, and some include a stud finder. More ways to get app. After using the spirit level, put it in the right place. Read the measurement on the tape measure at the location that the level and tape measure meet, this will be the slope or pitch of your roof. Handyman. 2 July 2020. from here. We also show you how to check the accuracy of your level so that you can have complete confidence that it is giving you an accurate level. If it is over 10% you can show this on your design plan by shading it in with diagonal lines. Builders will use robust aluminium levels, however if working with more delicate materials such as a work top you might consider a softerbody made of something like plastic. We will give you tips for using all types of bubble levels including box levels, scaffold levels and torpedo levels. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. this gave me 1/4" per foot drop for my grey and black water drin line and 28 years with no problem.