TOP 12 Best Construction Levels

Types of levels

Building level

By design, levels can be divided into five types:

Laser . A tool for professional use with greater accuracy and minimal response time. Possible error is no more than 1 millimeter per meter of surface, usually within one tenth of a millimeter
Hydraulic level . It is made of a pair of flasks connected by a tube. Used for measuring and transferring marks between planes over long distances during the construction of buildings. Communicating vessels give an error within three millimeters
Pipe . Features magnets to attach to metal surfaces, and the Y-shaped design helps when measuring complex geometries with curves. The measurement takes place using a sealed tank with liquid and air, the accuracy varies within a millimeter per meter of plane
Electronic . Flat meter, with liquid variable resistance. The readings are displayed on a black and white screen, and the accuracy is one tenth of a degree. Allows you to measure vertically and horizontally
Bubble . A common and simple type of tool. Consists of a body with an ampoule. A liquid (alcohol, oil or distilled water) with an air bubble is placed in the vessel. The deviation is determined visually using the ampoule scale. The error does not exceed one millimeter. The popularity of the meter is due to its low price and ease of operation.

To choose the right level, you need to decide on the necessary technical characteristics, scope of work and frequency of use.

2.Pipe level

This type of level has a very narrow scope of application ; it is used for laying gas, water, sewer pipes or round profiles and beams.

Design

A pipe level is a type of bubble level. It is equipped with several flasks with liquid, in each of which an air bubble floats, which also determines the deviation from the required direction. A distinctive feature of the pipe level is the V-shaped shape of the body and the presence of magnets. Also, pipe levels can have a detachable, replaceable clamp to fit the pipe diameter.

Advantages of a pipe level

Thanks to its special design, it can be easily mounted on a round surface without fear of slipping at the most inopportune moment.
Thanks to the presence of magnets, the pipe level can be easily installed on a metal pipe or support
For ease of storage, they can be folded by connecting sections
Light weight

Flaws

Small size (up to 40 cm)
Narrow scope
Higher price compared to bubble
Shows the slope of one specific pipe, and is not suitable for assessing the overall slope

How to make a choice

Bubble level

The best option would be a bubble level. The tool is durable, does not require special care or maintenance, and can work under various conditions.

This universal solution is suitable for home and beginner craftsmen. The device will help you hang wallpaper, level walls and floors, install kitchen units or household appliances, lay tiles, and change a sewer pipe with the required slope.

For personal needs, you will need a medium-sized level of 50-100 centimeters. For regular measurements with recording of indicators, you can purchase a similar device with an electronic sensor and screen. It is better to check the accuracy of small jobs with pocket levels.

When finishing work and interior design, it is safer to use a hydraulic level. The device helps control the pouring of floors, screeds, ceiling structures, and leveling plasterboard floors.

The purchase of a laser level is justified in the case of a large volume of repair and finishing work. You need to choose a tool for specific purposes and tasks; you should not purchase a professional device for household work, nor should you trust the simplest bubble models.

Rating of manufacturers of building levels

Popular manufacturers of measuring instruments

The following brands of spirit levels have earned the support of the craftsmen:

Kapro is a company specializing exclusively in measuring instruments. The levels are produced in Israel, have increased accuracy, and a well-thought-out design. The devices are supplied from the factory with a lifetime warranty.
Stabila is a German manufacturer of construction equipment and measuring tools. It has patented technologies for engineering solutions and has been producing products since the end of the nineteenth century. One hundred and thirty years of experience in the development of building levels and related devices.
Stanley is an American company that has been developing since 1843. The company's meters were used during the design of the Apollo spacecraft for the Moon landing. Manufactures building levels for a wide range of applications.
ADA Instruments (ADA Instruments) is a young company that was founded in Ukraine in 2008. Since 2013, it has registered a trademark in the UK and the USA, and produces tools in Europe, China and Russia. Positions its measuring instruments as tools of increased accuracy

All brands of inclinometers have different price categories in terms of quality and reliability. It is worth considering the optimal models from each manufacturer.

Setting up building level flasks

The device has containers that have changed their position due to damage or other mechanical influences; they should be calibrated before using it for the first time. The same procedure should be carried out for the first measurement of an inclined surface. The verification method is described in the previous paragraph, now let's look at how to set up the building level before operation if it does not pass it:

A nail is driven into a relatively flat wall, a device with pre-set containers is placed on it and aligned with the bubble.
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A line is drawn with a pencil to mark its position, and after turning 180 degrees and re-aligning, another one is drawn.
The center point between the two lines is located and marked. A level is adjusted to the mark, and the vial is adjusted to this position and the flask is secured.

The problem with vertical calibration is solved in a similar way. This sequence of actions protects against most measurement errors and helps make the process of performing work accurate and easy.

Best Capro Bubble Levels

Kapro Mini-246

Kapro Mini-246 Pocket spirit level ten centimeters long. Consists of a shock-resistant body and a polyacrylic bulb. The magnetic base allows you to control the tilt of complex metal structures. When small, it has an accuracy of 0.5 millimeters per meter, but a single capsule can only measure angles in one plane.

The end caps are made of rubberized material. Suitable for home renovations, furniture installation, framed paintings, small carpentry work. Convenient to take with you, the meter fits in your pocket. The non-freezing liquid of the flask allows operation at low temperatures.

Kapro PLUMBSITE GENESIS 781-40-60РМ

Kapro PLUMBSITE GENESIS 781-40-60РМ Medium level sixty centimeters long with built-in neodymium magnets. Includes end hand slots with rubberized surface for positioning and carrying. Side inserts made of protective material protect the device from damage when dropped or hit.

It has ampoules for measuring in three planes of inclination, eyes with a prism for precise visual recording of parameters. Allows you to measure angles over a length of up to two and a half meters with an accuracy of 0.029°. Works in cold temperatures down to minus twenty degrees Celsius.

Suitable for construction and installation work, laying flooring, leveling walls, gluing wallpaper, making furniture, and engineering systems.

Kapro PLUMBSITE HERCUKES 986-44P-2500

Kapro PLUMBSITE HERCUKES 986-44P-2500 Large building level, two and a half meters long. Milled from an aluminum body, it ends on the sides with handles for carrying. There are no magnets for fixation. Four impact-resistant bulbs are built in to measure vertical or horizontal inclination.

Allows you to work with the end and frontal planes. The capsules contain NITE-GLO fluorescent oil, so you can use the device in low light conditions. Contains two-component shock-absorbing plugs.

Suitable for professional use, working with large surface areas.

4.Electronic level

This type of level is considered professional and allows you to perform work with increased precision.

Design

The electronic level looks the same as a regular bubble level and has several eyes for assessing deviations from the vertical or horizontal plane. The difference lies in the presence of a protractor and a digital display , which displays the deviation value. It can be displayed in degrees, percentage or millimeters, your choice. The electronic level has the ability to record measured slopes, and can also signal with sound when reaching 0º or 90º.

Advantages of an electronic level

High accuracy
Ease of use
Possibility of storing measured slopes
Presence of a sound signal

Flaws

The need for periodic calibration
Just like the bubble one, it requires careful treatment
Higher cost compared to previous types

The best bubble levels of Stabil

STABILA POCKET ELECTRIC-17775

STABILA POCKET ELECTRIC-17775 Small pocket meter. With a length of about seven centimeters, it has one measuring capsule with an accuracy of one millimeter per meter of plane. Positioned as a level for electrical installation work.

The body is made of plastic, the base contains a neodymium magnet and a recess for fixation.

Allows you to align hidden and external wiring, switches, sockets, sockets. There is a hole for a screwdriver for easy adjustment of the part without having to remove the level.

STABILA 96-2M 15854-80

STABILA 96-2M 15854-80 Medium bubble level with a length of eighty centimeters. Made of aluminum profile with stiffeners. Covered with a protective layer against static electricity. Measures in two planes using one horizontal and two vertical ampoules.

Increased accuracy up to 0.75 mm/m. The base includes rare earth neodymium alloy magnets and protective rubber plugs. Suitable for measuring slopes during installation of metal structures, roofing work, and apartment redevelopment.

STABILA 80A-2 16062-200

STABILA 80A-2 16062-200 Rectangular level, two meters long, made of profiled aluminum with antistatic powder coating. At the end parts there is one ampoule for measuring vertical deviations. In the middle there is an ampoule for fixing the horizontal slope. The inclinometer is protected from impacts and mechanical damage by two-component plugs.

Suitable for construction of reinforced concrete structures, log and modular houses. Indispensable for masons, carpenters, stove makers. Can be used in garden or landscape design.

Functionality check

The easiest way to determine if the level reading is correct is a method called "180 degrees". Its essence is that the quality level will show identical results, no matter which side of the body it is applied to the surface. The verification procedure is as follows:

Avoiding displacements, checking the absence of gaps and the tight fit to the surface being measured, apply a level to it and mark the position of the bubble.
We turn it over 180 degrees relative to the plane being tested and repeat the measurement. The bubble should show, with an accuracy of tenths of a millimeter, the same position as the first time.
If desired, you can check against all the walls of the case, but rarely does a level have all four surfaces completely flat.

Best Stanley Bubble Levels

Stanley Torpedo FatMax Pro Box XTHT0-42495

Stanley Torpedo FatMax Pro Box XTHT0-424

Stanley Torpedo FatMax Pro Box XTHT0-42495 Small bubble level. In a twenty-three-centimeter extruded aluminum case there is one horizontal capsule and two vertical ones. The right container has a 360 degree rotating mechanism.

The outside of the case is molded with rubberized plugs that do not leave marks upon contact with the surface. The measurement accuracy in both planes is half a millimeter.

The construction level is suitable for home renovation, window installation, consumer electronics or furniture, small-sized carpentry work.

Stanley STHT1-43111-60

Stanley STHT1-43111-60 Medium spirit level with a magnetic substrate made of a rare earth alloy. With a length of sixty centimeters, it includes two reservoirs for determining horizontal or vertical inclination with an error of half a degree.

The body is lightweight, made of aluminum box-section profile. Around the acrylic tanks and at the ends they are treated with rubber plugs that protect them from deformation upon impact.

The level can be used in finishing work, furniture production, and installation of doors or windows. It is poorly applicable for metal structures, because there are only two small magnets in the case, deeply recessed into the case.

STANLEY FATMAX XL 0-43-681

STANLEY FATMAX XL 0-43-681 Two-meter building level with three measuring capsules in three solid acrylic blocks. Larger central reservoir for accurate horizontal angle measurements. The measurement error varies within half a millimeter per meter. Has through slots for manual grip, treated with a soft sealing material. The ends are treated with a cast protective compound, which increases wear resistance.

The tool can be used for carpentry work, laying flooring, renovating premises, improving a garden plot or landscaping, laying paving stones and paths. There are no magnets in the case, so it is not practical to use on metal surfaces.

Rating of quality construction levels for 2021

We offer you an overview of the most functional and popular models with comprehensive descriptions, which will help you make the right choice. The list of models is divided into five groups, which corresponds to the division of these products into types. Each group contains products that are excellent not only in functionality, but also in price.

Bubble

Kraftool 34710-060_z01 at 60 cm

A bright block model with two eyes will become a universal assistant in everyday life and professional activities.

Kraftool 34710-060_z01 at 60 cm

Average price: 1029 rub.

Advantages:

price;
milled edge;
easy.

Flaws:

Sturm! 2015-04-600SL

The durable impact tool with two eyes is highly accurate: only 1 mm per 1 m.

Average price: 850 rub.

Sturm! 2015-04-600SL

Advantages:

steel body;
bright;
milled edge;
ruler;
protective plugs.

Flaws:

RIDGID Magnetic Torpedo 395E

The device is perfect for working in hard-to-reach or shaded areas. Ideal for installation of metal structures, pipelines, and minor plumbing work.

Average price: 2429 rub.

RIDGID Magnetic Torpedo 395E

Advantages:

high-quality assembly;
bright body;
convenient, compact, lightweight;
the ampoules liquid glows in the dark;
three strong magnets;
three eyes;
aluminum V-shaped body with a special groove for installing the tool on the pipe.

Flaws:

high price.

MATRIX 34004, “Rail”, 40 cm, 3 eyes, reinforced

The model, made of an I-beam aluminum profile, is equipped with three flasks - vertical, horizontal, and one rotating, allowing you to take measurements at any angle. There is also a ruler on the body.

Average price: 365 rub.

MATRIX 34004, “Rail”, 40 cm, 3 eyes, reinforced

Advantages:

price;
bright body color;
There are rubber protective plugs along the edges of the case.

Flaws:

1-42-802 STANLEY “GP” 40cm

T-shaped level or trapezoid with a milled working surface, increasing the accuracy of measurement results. Convenient, lightweight body with epoxy coating, which makes it possible to quickly clean the device from dirt.

Average price: 690 rub.

1-42-802 STANLEY “GP” 40cm

Advantages:

price;
body color;
lasting;
build quality;
low error within 2 mm per 1 m.

Flaws:

not found.

Electronic

"FatMax" 120 cm, STANLEY, (0-42-086)

Professional model with a digital indicator for comfortable and quick reading. The device is highly accurate: 0.10 mm per 1 m in horizontal and vertical positions, 0.20 mm per 1 m at an angle. The strong aluminum body is made in yellow color - it won’t get lost at a construction site. For ease of use and movement there is a comfortable wide handle.

Average price: 7040 rub.

"FatMax" 120 cm, STANLEY, (0-42-086)

Advantages:

high-quality assembly;
low battery indicator;
can display the result in both degrees and percentages;
remembers the last 9 measurement results;
recalibration function;
waterproof cover.

Flaws:

price.

KRAFTOOL aluminum electronic, 2 eyes, 80cm, (34725-080)

An accurate professional model in a reinforced case can withstand significant loads without losing performance.

Average price: 5603 rub.

KRAFTOOL aluminum electronic, 2 eyes, 80cm, (34725-080)

Advantages:

shock-resistant flasks;
two milled edges;
Made from thick four-chamber aluminum profile, which makes it resistant to bending and twisting.

Flaws:

price.

PRACTICE Expert 60 cm 242-847

Model with two vial chambers (vertical, horizontal), electronic display and ergonomic handle.

Average price: 1320 rub.

PRACTICE Expert 60 cm 242-847

Advantages:

price;
inscriptions in Russian;
error 0.5 mm per 1 m.
bright body color.

Flaws:

good device for the money.

Plumbing

Semicircular pipe level KAPRO 350

The device is used for installation of metal and plastic pipes of standard diameters. The set includes models with sizes 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/2, 2.

Average price: 1033 rub.

Semicircular pipe level KAPRO 350

Advantages:

easy;
two eyes - horizontal, vertical;
The set contains models for the most common pipe diameters.

Flaws:

not found.

Kapro POSTRITE

Angled magnetic tool is great for laying water pipes and heating systems. It will also be useful when positioning pillars and columns. When unfolded, it takes a flat shape and can replace a regular bubble level.

Average price: 804 rub.

Kapro POSTRITE

Advantages:

foldable, compact.

Flaws:

low accuracy;
poor build quality;
price.

KRAFTOOL “PRO” for “water” work, 10 cm, (1-34733-010)

The model in a reinforced aluminum profile is made specifically for the installation of plumbing systems at a given angle. The shape of the tool allows it to be installed on pipes of various diameters. The liquid in the eye contains phosphorus. Also, three additional marks are applied to the flask, allowing you to install pipes at a fixed angle (from 1/200 to 1/50 mm per 1 meter). In addition, the peephole with the bulb is attached to two screws. This means that in case of mechanical impact, deterioration of accuracy, the device can be easily repaired.

Average price: 903 rub.

KRAFTOOL “PRO” for “water” work, 10 cm, (1-34733-010)

Advantages:

milled edge;
the ability to work in a poorly lit room;
possibility of manual configuration;
You can install the pipe at a fixed angle.

Flaws:

not detected.

Hydraulic levels

SIBRTECH 8 mm 15 m with scale

A tool with a hose length of 15 m and plastic flasks is suitable for both home needs and a number of professional construction works. Measurement accuracy is achieved thanks to a large cross-sectional diameter of 8 mm.

Average price: 200 rub.

SIBRTECH 8 mm 15 m with scale

Advantages:

inexpensive;
Each flask has two loops for hanging;
the flask has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.

Flaws:

BISON MASTER 3482-08-15

A model with a hose length of 15 m, D=8 mm, unbreakable flasks, a detailed scale, is characterized by high-quality assembly and high measurement accuracy.

Average price: 366 rub.

BISON MASTER 3482-08-15

Advantages:

budget;
easy;
the flask has loops for hanging - on the top and side;
convenient flask shape.

Flaws:

not detected.

STURM 2015-04-25

A marking device consisting of a 25 m long silicone hose and strong flasks.

Average price: 540 rub.

STURM 2015-04-25

Advantages:

price;
impact-resistant flask;
tight valves that prevent liquid from leaking out.

Flaws:

cylindrical flasks are inconvenient to apply to surfaces, the accuracy of measurements decreases;
the hose is thin-walled, easily bent and broken;
The divisions on the scale and numbers are made in the form of a three-dimensional drawing, and are not applied with paint. In bright sunlight, this scale becomes invisible.

Laser

Bort BLN-15-K (98296808)

Linear laser level with a measuring range of up to 15 m, accuracy of 0.2±mm per 1 meter.

Average price: 2263 rub.

Bort BLN-15-K (98296808)

Advantages:

budget;
you can adjust the brightness of the beam;
with automatic leveler, can be switched off;
sound, light indication;
there is a bubble level;
small self-leveling angle of 3º.

Flaws:

heavy weight - about two kg.

BOSCH GPL 5 Professional (0601066200)

Five-point laser device with a measurement range of up to 30 m, accuracy of 0.3 ± mm per 1 meter.

Average price: 7509 rub.

BOSCH GPL 5 Professional (0601066200)

Advantages:

easy;
beam thickness 5 mm;
with automatic leveler, also has an auto shut-off function;
24 hours of continuous operation;
build quality;
The kit includes a holder, a case, and three batteries.

Flaws:

price;
large self-leveling angle - 5º.

ELITECH LN 360/1

A rotating laser level equipped with two emitters with a maximum measurement range (without a receiver) is 30 m, and with a receiver the distance increases to 80 m. Declared accuracy: 0.2 ± mm per 1 meter.

Average price: 2999 rub.

ELITECH LN 360/1

Advantages:

inexpensive;
bright, thin lines;
high-quality assembly;
long operating time - up to 12 hours;
with automatic leveler, can be switched off;
well equipped with additional accessories: clothespin holder, set of batteries, bag.

Flaws:

The self-leveling angle is too large at 4º.

Best ADA Bubble Levels

Titan 40 Plus

ADA Instruments Titan 40 Plus

Titan 40 Plus Small but shockproof inclinometer. The forty-centimeter case made of thick profiled aluminum with stiffening ribs contains a number of neodymium magnets. The base is milled for a non-slip surface.

Measurement is carried out simultaneously in three planes. There is a reflective layer under the capsules to make the bubble visible in low light.

The level can be used during construction, interior and exterior finishing work, installation of metal structures, floor coverings or tiles.

Video: ADA Titan Construction Level

Construction grade ADA Titan

Construction bubble level | TOP 12 Best: current rating + Reviews

ProLevel 100 ADA A00393

ProLevel 100 ADA A00393 Universal construction level for controlling slope in three planes. There are bubble capsules in the central part and on the left side; on the right side there is a digital display for accurate measurements based on the readings of gyroscope sensors with automatic calibration. The meter-long case contains magnets for working on metal surfaces.

The inclinometer is used in the construction of houses, cladding, and finishing. Suitable for carpenters, roofers and masons. The electronic components are powered by two AA batteries, providing continuous operation in measurement mode for four days. Classic bubble capsules help in operation even without batteries.

ADA Titan 2000 A00390

ADA Titan 2000 A00390 Two-meter protractor with protection from shock and damage. Designed for construction sites, can withstand a drop from a height of fifteen meters onto concrete. Made of thick-walled profiled aluminum with antistatic powder treatment. The ends are rubberized, and holes are cut out in the body for gripping and positioning.

Milled to work on both sides, the grooves allow you to work on difficult surfaces. There are grooves for measuring the inclination of square and cylindrical pipes. Bubble chambers measure angles in three directions.

Allows you to work during installation of communications, construction of buildings, control the installation of reinforced concrete floors and slabs. Will help with complex interior and exterior work.

Video: Checking and adjusting the level

Checking and adjusting the level

Construction bubble level | TOP 12 Best: current rating + Reviews

How to do without buying building levels

When you urgently need to hang a frame, a mirror on the wall, or install furniture and household appliances straight, but you don’t have a construction angle gauge at hand, a smartphone will help. Apple devices or Android phones have built-in spatial position sensors, gyroscopes, and geomagnetic sensors. This functionality can be used instead of a small construction level.

iPhone owners will not need to install additional programs. The built-in Compass application has a tilt measurement mode. To get into protractor mode, you need to open the compass and swipe the screen to the left:

iPhone instead of building level

If you want the familiar visual style of a bubble spirit level, you can download a third-party program:

Visual style of a bubble spirit level

For Android smartphones, you need to install software from the GooglePlay application store. You can choose a simple application that measures plumb, inclination and angles. The free program is called "Building Level".

program menu