spirit level
Quick Summary
A spirit level is a tool used to establish a horizontal plane. It typically consists of a sealed glass tube containing a liquid, such as alcohol, and an air bubble. The tube is slightly bowed, and when the bubble is centered within the tube, it indicates that the surface is level. The sensitivity of the level is determined by the curvature of the glass tube.1
Historically, various methods were used to determine horizontal and vertical lines. Ancient Egyptians used an A-frame with a plumb line to check for horizontality and an E-shaped tool with a plumb line to check for verticality. Later, a hose level utilizing water in connected glass tubes was developed, and the spirit level itself was invented in 1661, initially for telescopes and surveying instruments before becoming common in carpentry.2
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surveyingHeight determinationIn spirit leveling the surveyor has for centuries used a surveying level, which consists of a horizontal telescope fitted with cross hairs, rotating around a vertical axis on a tripod, with a very sensitive spirit level fixed to it; the instrument is adjusted until the bubble…
Read MoreIn spirit leveling the surveyor has for centuries used a surveying level, which consists of a horizontal telescope fitted with cross hairs, rotating around a vertical axis on a tripod, with a very sensitive spirit level fixed to it; the instrument is adjusted until the bubble…
Read More
hand toolPlumb line, level, and squareThe spirit, or bubble, level, a sealed glass tube containing alcohol and an air bubble, was invented in 1661. It was first used on telescopes and later on surveying instruments, but it did not become a carpenter’s tool until the factory-made models were introduced in the…
Read MoreThe spirit, or bubble, level, a sealed glass tube containing alcohol and an air bubble, was invented in 1661. It was first used on telescopes and later on surveying instruments, but it did not become a carpenter’s tool until the factory-made models were introduced in the…
Read More