Building level: selection, inspection and repair

Acquiring a building level, usually expect from this measuring device of ideal accuracy. It seems that there is nothing complicated in this product either: just a test tube with a liquid in an aluminum frame. But in reality everything is not so simple: a large assortment of these products, as well as a rush in prices are often puzzling. There are products branded and expensive, there is a cheap "China", there is also something mediocre.

Professionals, for whom construction is the main way to earn money, usually do not stint at a good level: mistakes can cost too much. But often this product is required for one-time work, and I do not want to overpay for the brand, and here the buyer can expect several unpleasant surprises. Then, what is worth paying attention to when choosing products such as level or rule with level indicators.

1. Correct working planes. This is especially true for products longer than a meter. It is useful even when buying in the store to attach the product measuring side to a known level surface and make sure that in the level it really is a plane, and not a propeller. In the absence of such smooth surfaces, you can simply "shoot an eye" from the end of the level. Curvature in poor-quality products, as a rule, is noticeable even by eye: it is only worth a closer look.

2. Correctly installing the level indicators. In the level or rule of such eyes there are two or three, and they are often fixed firmly, without the possibility of adjustment. Each of them should be checked by attaching the product to a known level horizontal and vertical plane. The bubble in both cases should be located strictly in the center of the indicator. If there are no reference planes, then it is possible to achieve the average position of the indicator with the lining from one side. Then turn the level the other side - the bubble should be in the middle.

3. Excessive lightness of the product indicates that the shell walls are too thin. That is, with a fall or a small non-standard load, the instrument can bend and lose its accuracy.

Then, what can be done if the marriage is seen too late, and you will not be able to exchange a substandard product. If the problem is in the incorrectness of the indicator, then it is worth paying attention to the possibility of its adjustment. Sometimes the manufacturer provides an adjusting screw for one or more eyes. Most often the head of the screw is hidden or barely visible. It is worth trying to open all the plugs of the device.

Worse, when all the eyes are glued tightly, but here a slight adjustment is possible. Most cases of similar products are made of aluminum alloys, and it is quite a soft metal, and this can be used. Putting the level on a known even and firm surface, we determine which side to dump the eye, so that the bubble in the cone becomes in the middle. Next, carefully, with a hammer and an inserted metal rod, drive a small depression near the place where the tube is pasted. The body of the level is deformed, carrying away the indicator: in fact, this is the adjustment.

Temporarily, you can use a more primitive way: paste on the work plane with one side of several layers of paint tape. Glueing will have to take into account the fact that the measuring plane must remain exactly the plane. That is, more layers are glued closer to the end, than in the middle. The layers of adhesive tape are glued with original steps.

This method of repair will partially correct the level, and it can be used to level the beams or floor lag. Nevertheless, the tool with such a label will lose much, because it can not be used on wet surfaces, when pouring screeds and leveling plaster. That is, the correct and reliable way is still in straightening the position of the indicator.

It is much more difficult to adjust the curvature of the hull. There is some probability of successful repair, but it is difficult to describe it: too individual marriages and ways of straightening out.