How to Use a Level
Do it yourself tasks such as framing a door, hanging a picture, or installing a chair rail, will turn out great if you use a level. This handy tool makes sure that the surface you’re working on is perfectly vertical or horizontal, and that whatever you’re installing won’t turn out crooked. Working with a level isn’t a hard task, as long as you know what to do.
What You’ll Need:
Level
Surface
Procedure:
Familiarize yourself with the level. The most common type is called the spirit level, consisting of two tubes inside a casing, and appears like an oversized ruler. If you prefer an easier level tool, you can opt for a laser level.
The two tubes of the spirit level are filled with a fluid, with a bubble floating inside it. Each of these tube has two lines on them found near their center. There’s a tube positioned horizontally, and is parallel to the level’s body, while the other tube is vertical and is perpendicular to the level’s body.
Position your level on the horizontal surface, in such a way that the horizontal level tube is parallel to the surface.
Look at the horizontal tube. If you see the bubble in its center, between the two lines, then the surface is flat. If the bubble is at going to one end or the other surface, it means the surface is slanted at a certain angle. The more distant the bubble is on either side, the more angled the surface is.
Do the same for the vertical tube. If you see that the bubble is in the tube’s center, in between the two lines, it means you have a flat surface. If it’s going towards one end or to the other surface. If the bubble is very far, the surface is more slanted.
You need to adjust the surface, until you find the right position. Hold the level against it, as you adjust. If the bubble is centered between the two lines, you have a perfectly vertical or horizontal surface.
Having a level in your toolshed is a must handyman. Just learn how to use it properly, and all do-it-yourself tasks will be easy.