If the repairman says, that something needs to be measured horizontally and vertically, he means measurements carried out with the help of devices called plumbs and spirit levels, respectively. The pawn is a conical weight suspended on a rope, which, thanks to the action of gravity, indicates the geometric center of our planet. The item is vertical, when the cord is running parallel to its edge or its axis of symmetry. The verticals are mainly used to check the alignment of tall elements.
A loaded twine always marks the vertical direction, regardless of the shape of the sinker. According to the plumb line, the angles of inclination, measured in degrees, are determined.
Spirit levels, made of wood or light metal, can also be used to define vertical directions, most of all, however, as their name suggests, are used to determine the level. The main part of the spirit level is the so-called. bubble, i.e. a slightly bent glass tube filled with liquid. The air bubble enclosed in it is always positioned at the highest point of the tube. If this place is right between two lines on the glass, the spirit level is set exactly horizontally or vertically.
Standard spirit levels have two vials permanently built in (one for plumbing, the second to the level), while the angular spirit level also has a third vial, adjustable according to graduation graduated in degrees.
Electronic spirit levels are comfortable to use thanks to clear optical and acoustic signals and digital inclination indicators, which give scores in degrees or percentages. The laser level can mark horizontal lines of considerable length.
If an air bubble is caught between the lines marked on the vial, the spirit level is positioned exactly horizontally. The liquid, colored with a fluorescent agent, makes it easier to read.
Laser spirit level, adjustable with adjustable screws, is used to measure the sections up to 10 m in length. It allows you to check long horizontal lines or determine slopes in percent.
Thanks to the hose spirit level, fitted at the ends with two transparent graduated tubes, one can compare the heights of significantly distant points.
Strongly tense cords or wires (for example, during the construction of fences) difficult to level with an ordinary spirit level. The tool shown in this illustration can be hung on a leveled workpiece.
Each level, called a sound level, is equipped with a traditional bubble, and in addition, in diodes that emit specific acoustic signals then, when its position is exactly horizontal.
A marker attached to the spirit level allows you to simultaneously check and mark levels on the workpiece, e.g.. when marking holes for fastening rack rails.
With a digital inclinometer you can determine slopes with an accuracy of one degree or one percent. A spirit level with a rotating vial is also suitable for this purpose.
For columns and walls.
This specialized tool consists of two traditional spirit levels connected at right angles to each other. After placing the inside angle of the tool against the outer edge of a fence wall or pole, it is possible to check the alignment in both planes at the same time. This solution saves time wasted on alternating vertical corrections with the traditional method. After removing the plastic connector, both spirit levels can normally be used separately.