IS YOUR LEVEL ACCURATE? Here's How To Tell...(Broken Bubble Level / Spirit Level)
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- Опубліковано 23 бер 2020
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Bubble Levels--or spirit levels--are essential tools for any DIYer. But, levels are susceptible to getting damaged and not reading accurately. This video from The Honest Carpenter will show you how to test your level to determine whether it is accurate or broken!
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IS YOUR LEVEL ACCURATE? HERE'S HOW TO TELL...
To determine if your bubble level or spirit level is accurate, you need to check each individual bubble gauge against itself.
HORIZONTAL BUBBLE LEVEL TEST:
1) Hold the tool up to the wall; make it read level
2) Place a mark above the bubble gauge; scribe lines along top of tool at each end
3) Rotate your bubble level or spirit level like a helicopter blade; line it up with your pencil marks
4) Check for level accuracy; if level bubble is not in exact same position between gauge lines, your level is most likely broken. Consider replacing it.
VERTICAL BUBBLE LEVEL TEST:
1) Hold level vertically on wall; make sure tool is reading level.
2) Scribe pencil lines along edge of tool at top and bottom.
3) Rotate tool; line up with pencil marks.
4) Check bubble level gauge for accuracy.
REMEMBER: older style mason's bubble levels used two vials for each area of the tool. Therefore, each vial needs to be tested against itself...NOT any of the other vials. Test each vial against itself with the above methods to determine accuracy!
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My first tip is never buy a level off the shelf at the big box store without stacking at least 5 levels on each other checking both vertical and horz, you will be amazed at the variations between levels, pick one from the group that reads the same as the others tossing out the ones that read out of sync, you have no idea how many times they have been dropped or banged around in a cart then thrown back on the shelf. Second is you should alway check both vertical bubbles on the same level against each other unless you always use the same end of the level which I'm guessing most don't know which end of the level they just used, if your really in need of fine tuning fix a plumb bob line just off the wall about the depth of the level and slide the level just behind the line and verify it's reading plumb, draw a long plumb (vert) line on the wall, then using a 2 foot square on the plumb line mark a 90 deg line to the plumb line and you can check that it reads perfectly level (hor)
Much easier way is to set it on a table and check the bubble, then spin it 180°, out it on the same spot on the table... the bubbles should be the same in relation to the lines. It doesn’t even matter if the table is level.
James, that might have been the simplist yet most profoundly insightful "new" information I have heard in ensuring whether a level is still good. Thank you.
This is nothing new, it is the exact same way to check a square for square.
Always love learning new things from your channel, thank you for freely sharing your knowledge. You rock!
Excellent info. I have a 2 footer that was never accurate. Thanks to adjustable bubbles I was able to correct the problem. Many thanks again!
Solid tip..
I got a laugh when you said electricians use a level. Many I’ve seen don’t even use a tape measure lol
I had an electrician ask me (customer) to borrow my tape and screw box 😂😂
I didn't mind, he was a nice bloke
I was about to say that all my plug sockets are not straight thanks
Where in Alabama 🤣🤣
All of my tools for my short setting out "career" were Stanley Fat Max. I love them. Nothing fancy but I was happy with them.
That is a fantastic idea! Equally important are your measuring tapes ( which get dropped often ) and framing squares. Who ever thinks of calibrating a mitre saw! All important items to constantly check out.
See you even taught this old dog a new trick! Keep up the great videos and thanks again for sharing!!
You have to check miter saws, daily... at least I think you do. Cuts are so important that if you're off 1/16", that makes a huge difference in woodworking
Perfect! I’m restoring my dads old craftsman I beam level (I want to actually use it) and this was what I needed! Thanks
My favourite teacher online !
Once again you taught me a great lesson. Thank you for this video.
Thanks for the update link from another video. I have 2 levels each 4', 1 of 3' & 1 of 12" plus 2 torpedos. I never questioned level but often worried about plumb. Great tips to check it out
I've been in construction for 30 years. I've never considered my bubble being out of level. Thank you for that!
Dr Me you are joking aren't you. I been in the building trade for over 50 years and replaced levels many times over.
Super great tip....we all need to check these periodically
I'd have never worked this out in a million years. Thanks
You're welcome, Freddy!
WOW - If anyone had told me I would just have spent 4min 26sec watching a video about bubble level accuracy, I would have said they were mad. What an eye opener, I have a couple of bubble levels (cheap) and have never thought to question the accuracy of a bubble level.
I never thought of that! What a great idea. Thanks for sharing this.
You're welcome, John!
@@TheHonestCarpenter hey may i ask the tool belt you have?
Great idea senior, I also love the Fat Max levels!
Great video warning people to check their levels because they do get off. The way I check my level is simply set it on something and take note of where the bubble is. It does not need to be level just remember where the bubble is, then turn it 180 degrees and see if the bubble is in the same place. If it is you are getting a good reading, if it isn't in the same place your level if off and needs to be fixed.
That's a great option, Dewey! Then you don't even have to hold it on the wall for the horizontal reading
I was thinking the exact same thing. The key is repeatability. I use levels that are calibrated to 0.1mm/1m at work on robotics to ensure everything is handled without crashing. I always flip the level and verify I get 2 of the exact same readings in every direction. Our levels have many lines going left and right of center to count off each tenth of a millimeter from center. These levels are $$$$$!
Great video! So informative👍
I know how to square up table saws, miter saws, circular saws, etc. But I didn't know till now how to check my levels. Well this is getting added to my to do list for today.
This was helpful! thanks man!
This reminds me of a Monk episode where he took his level in for its six month calibration. I had no idea how to do that. Thanks.
Thank you I checked my spirit level using this.
Another great video for amateurs like me thank you so much
Thanks a lot! Great content as usual
Simply helpful
Good description mate. Well done
Thanks Ethan! Good information.
Thanks for the tip on checking level. Iam redoing my home after 15yrs looking at it.
My brother had helped me first time I built now he's gone now 3yrs and he was the builder. Iam just electrician lol. Thanks for all the tips
I use an antique Stanley and I love the thing.
my high-end and very expensive stabila cast aluminum level had one dry vial. no idea how that happened, the vial was perfectly intact, no damage at all. the other 2 vials were ok. stabila told me that a repair was impossible. that motivated me to repair my $130 level myself. 1. i bought a cheap level vial on amazon, drilled a hole and saved the yellow liquid. 2. i bought a length of 3mm plaxiglas round rod. 3. i tapered one end of that rod with a file. 4. i drill a 3 mm hole on the top of the dried out vial and poured the liquid into it. 5, using instant glue i plugged the hole in the vial with the plexiglas rod. i waited 10 minutes and sawed off the rod flush. total cost: $6, total time: 12 min. i saved $124,00 and felt great that i didn‘t let stabila make me buy an otherwise perfectly good level.
Lame of Stabila.
This is a great trick. Thanks
Thank you😊
I got the same fat max level it’s a good leave I like it . It feels solid and I like the holes in it for holding it .
Thank you 🙏🏽
WOW! Mind blown 🤯😮
I didn't know the vials were bulged in the middle. That is ingenious. I never even thought how the vial works upside down.
This guy seriously seems humble.
very interesting and scientific method.
Great video, thank you. Question: so if it's determined that the bubble is off, is there is fix or is the level bound for the garbage. Just seems like a waste.
I love your channel. Have you considered doing a video on laser levels?
Thanks s lot 👍
Awesome video
Also make sure the level's surfaces are clean and do not have a glob of paint or sheetrock mud stuck on them.
Very good point, Morris! They can get gunked up on job sites very easily, and you might not realize it's not sitting flat.
It's the little details like this that separate the men from the boys.
When I'm using my level I regularly flip it and double-check the line I've just drawn or the item I've levelled. It means I'm making a constant check on the level and only ever get one line wrong if my bubble goes out. I'm astounded that this tip isn't taught at college as the number of trades that don't do this is amazing. I was taught to do it as a kid working with my father.
I've been told I'm on the level because I've got the bubble in the middle.
Thank you, thank you. I'll see myself out.
Good stuff, you also can check it to another good level also and compare.
Is the horizontal vial adjustable on a FatMax? I've got a currently useless one and would like to be able to use it again
You demonstrated how see if the level is accurate, if it isn’t how do you recalibrate the Stanley level? I noticed that there was screws on some of the vials, when loosened there didn’t seem to be a way adjust them back to perfectly level again. Any Thoughts?
My dad used a bent level for years to put up all sorts of stuff when I was younger. Wasn't until I was about 18 and had my own tools and I pointed out it was bent he replaced it.
Excellent vid and explaination!
Just came across your channel and have watched 10 vids in a row. I've learned a lot! I'm a new carpenter....Can you do a vid on tool organization for a trailer or van?
You rock. Keep the great vids coming.
If you find that a level is off, is it just garbage at that point? And great video. I just recently learned this. Had no idea I was supposed to be checking for accuracy.
I thought everyone knew how to do this, handy tip just but a stabila they will not let you down!
Stabila levels can be knocked out of whack just like any other, they're not indestructible
Reading some of the other comments, I also feel like a moron for not figuring this out...thanks for sharing!
So if you use this procedure and find the vial is not properly aligned, are levels generally adjustable? I can't see any way to adjust mine.
.... ok. So, what do you do if you find a vial that is out of adjustment? Can it be readjusted (make/model dependent, I’m sure!) or is it trash?
Simple but genius
where to send a bubble level to be repaired, I am in Indianapolis, Indiana. Thanks for your help.
A more simpler way place the level on any flat surface watch where the position of the bubble is then turn the level around if the the bubble is in the same position as then your level is perfect if it's not its not good. Do the same on a wall to check vertical level
Brilliant. Thats exactly what i sesrched for. How about 45 degree test.
Awesome trick. I've been suspecting that my cheap level might not be true, now I know how to confirm my suspicion.
Thanks!
Hi, Great video, if you find that your level is not straight is there something you can do to sort this or is it just a case of get rid and buy a new one?
I don't think you can trust a curved level. When you buy a new one, be sure to sight it to make sure it's straight.
Great video.
I have a question.
Can you please give me a link where i can build a good wood working table? Im from central América Costa Rica.
And what type of wood i need to use?
Thank you very much.
Hey Reyner, I'm afraid I don't have any good lengths. But there is an abundance of good videos like that here on youtube!
What do I do if the bubble vial has been knocked out of whack?
So how do you rectify if the level is out?
My uncle told me of a method which involved making an "X" on the wall. Back then I didn't understand what he was talking about, so that lost information since he already passed away.
So how do you fix the level? That's what I need to know. I already know it's off and not giving an accurate reading
my bubble is different each way, can I fix this or buy a new one?
I had to go back to a job the other day. i plasterboarded a room using adhesive. I had a bit of dinner came back and stuck the last 4 boards, over christmas the customer rung me saying "everwhere is level execpt these last 4 boards" so i went up put my level on the 4 and it was level but the rest of the room wasnt😂 only thing i can think is someone knocked my level over and just stood it bk up.
Or just lay it on a flat surface which doesn't need to be perfectly level. See where the bubble represents itself to the left or the right of the line and make a mark to the edge of the bubble. Reverse the level and check again. If the bubble is the same distance from the centre as before then it is true. If it isn't. Then simply mark the plastic vial with a permanent marker, spliting the difference, and then you have a functioning level.
The correct way is to screw 2 wood screws into a piece of wood just.just under level length Place level on top and adjust one screw until level is reading level then reverse level job done 👍👍
Sometimes you might need to change the bubble, if your level isn’t working take it to your local hardware store and ask if they have any spirit level bubbles.
Hope this helps
Ronan, Can you elaborate?
@@anyfoolknowthat Great tip, & don't forget there's usually special offers on tartan paint when you buy spirit level bubbles
We call them bubble sticks. Long ones are giant bubble sticks. When the wind blows it off it's a giant flying bubble stick.
how to fix the vial that is off the center?
A level no matter which end or side and vile you look at or read should be the same on all 8 side . No need to write on your walls of your home. If it is off on one end it be the same the other , same with the plumb side. And if plumbing something up look both viles to be accurate. Meaning it should read the same , top n bottom. If only using one side to plumb , anything you plumb could be off .
Do you use Stabila levels?
Is there some way to adjust the the level if it happens to be not square?
I’ve heard of methods Joe, but Ive never fully trusted them. On job sites I always had too much riding on my level accuracy to risk it 😬
Great info but what do you do if my level is off?
Some people try to fix them, James. But I just buy another one-got too much riding in accuracy in the field. If you have an older style masons level though, you can sometimes just sharpie an X on the bad vial so you know not to trust that one, then use the other vial instead
I have 2 levels with different sizes. One is 12 inches the other one is 6. Is it normal for them to have different readings in the same flat?
One of them is off , It’s probably the longer of the two , It might have a slight bend in it , Stabilla levels are expensive but have a lifetime warranty
I found that levels are often not accurate from factory. Test before buying.
I just put some IKEA kitchen shelves up and took a lot of time to make sure everything was true and plumb, but once up, they were not true, re-did the whole thing and still the end result was the same. Tried this method to check my spirit level and WTF, its incorrect, it's off by a mile.................. thanks a million, time to buy a new one, thought I was going crazy!!
Sorry to hear that, jack! I’ve been there before too. I’m the video helps though, and I hope the new level gets you right back in track!
So what are my options if the
Vials are out??
Reminds me of my younger days,thinking I was going to be clever asking the man behind the hardware counter for a bubble for a spirit level, had to say nothing when he duly returned with the small tube of liquid containing said ‘bubble’ and having to save face and buy it… wasn’t going to be the same laugh as asking for a glass hammer, a long weight or a can of tartan paint, I’m sure there are plenty more !
I put my level on a bench or table and slide a shim under one end till it’s perfectly level, then turn it end to end. Works better and more accurate than a pencil line on a wall.?
Yep. Much easier
I had this problem with a homeowner back in the 90's, she was running around with her level complaining that everything was off
I showed her that her level was not accurate, man was she pissed hahahaha
Was her name Karen ?
@@Fifty8day LOL, no but that's my ex's name :)
LEVELS ARE CREATURES OF GOD HE HAS PUT LEVELS IN PLACE TO BE NOTICED AND PUT TO WORK MY DAD GOT ME STARTED WITH LIFELINE LEVELS MANY YEARS AGO I STILL HAVE LIFELINE LEVELS TO THIS DAY
How does one correct the situation when one finds that the spirit level is faulty? Thanks for this simple tip to check for accuracy.
Buy a new one
Buy one that is fully adjustable.
If only the builders of the leaning tower of Pisa knew.
I just offer it up to my laser level line can’t get more accurate than that
Your laser could be out 😉
They should all be accurate
Great tip and very overlooked even by tradespeople. For jobs where level or plumb is critical I will rotate the level on the piece I'm working on to be sure that it is level/ plumb.
And also don't buy a cheap spirit level, they might be out of wack from the get go.
it amazes me that something as simple as building a level is so difficult. its about perfectly aligning the vial to the body. assuming the lines on the vial are PERFECTLY spaced. the only way the level can get out of level is if the vial was shifted. How can that be? if the vial is solidly mounted to the body this should never happen. Its not like the black lines are going to move. also note that the top and bottom bubbles are plum are not always perfectly parallel. that's the annoying part.
Simple enough. So how do you correct for out of level or plumb tool? Tape a shim to an end or discard all together? New levels can be inaccurate too. Checking a new one at a store can be managed I guess by using your tape method without making a scene. Lol
Hey brian, I mentioned this in my original cut of the video but had to edit it out because of sound quality. People have modified tricks for repairing them, but I don't bother with it. I just toss them. The accuracy is too important to me. Fortunately, I've never had one go out of whack that fast, so I haven't spent much on levels
@@TheHonestCarpenter I don't know if Stabila still does it or not anymore,you could just send them in and they'd make it right,I don't know mine's 20 years old and still reads true so I've never had to worry about it
I just binned a 600mm fatmax because I discovered it had a bend in it, and the brand new 250mm fatmax I bought was inaccurate.
Probably wont ever buy fatmax again.
I bought a Mayes drywall square once. It was out of square by about 1/4" over 4'. I returned it and checked the rest on the shelf against factory edges of drywall while in the store. They were ALL out of square by 1/4" over 4' or even more. The worker told me that "they are all like this because it's just drywall". Ok... what if I'm using it on plywood? Miraculously, other brands of drywall squares were PERFECTLY square. I'll never buy a Mayes drywall square again, ever.
Shouldn't you check each bubble against itself to make sure they are all correct and accurate because, when you are doing the wirk, you don't have any idea as to which bubbles you have checked and which you have not? Check all your bubbles on your level.
If the level is off how do you correct it?
You buy a new level usually.
My grandfather showed this to me with the level his grandfather brought over from England and showed him, I still have the level
Amazing, Allen! That mason's level you see in the video is my father's. It was custom-built for him in the 90s by a craftsman down in Texas--has his name engraved in the storage hook. Good tools live on 🙂
A guy I work with was showing me this trick once in Home Depot and was drawing all over the shelves to see if the levels were accurate 😂
I check them in the store too, but instead of making marks, I just set it down on a sturdy stretch of shelf that's straight enough that the level doesn't rock, and I check to see exactly where the bubble is. Then I flip it end for end, place in the same spot, and see if the bubble sits in the same spot.