Is Your Spirit Level Really Level?

[@tmwoodhams]

I like to put 2 screws on a level ish piece of wood. Adjust 1 of the screws up or down until your spirit level reads level, then turn the level around 180 degrees as per Roger's video and see if you get the same reading. You can do the same on for the plumb vials but on a wall.

[@petersmith-uh5sz]

yes my dad used to do this , 2 screws set up spot on plumb ,they were fixed to the garage wall and never moved

[@MrJFoster1984]

To get 100% accuracy across a long distance when levelling from one place to another, flip the level round like Roger has done in the video by end to end. If you do this the "inaccuracy" of the level will cancel itself out so to speak.

[@billhawk349]

I was taught to lay the level on any flat service and note the bubble position. Switch the level end for end and the bubble should be in the exact same position, if not the level is defective. Takes two seconds to check. First time I checked mine, and I have lots, Stanley’s ,Empire, Rabone etc., oddly only one of my Stabilas was out.

[@mijorchard6206]

If you know that the surface is level (you've said 'flat' when you mean 'level', I think), the bubble will, by definition, stay in the exact same place (relative to the tool itself! -- i.e. if it's slightly to the left in first position, it will be slightly to the right in second position) when you turn the level round -- the level doesn't 'know' it's been turned round because it's reference surface has remained horizontal. The level is then only defective if that 'exact same place' is anywhere other than centred between the lines on the vial. If it's off-centre, the level is reading wrong.

[@billhawk349]

Mij Orchard No the surface does not need to be level only flat.

[@J4M3Z.T]

It doesn't have to be in the middle as long as it's in the same spot after a 180° rotation. Myself I like to place it that the bubble touches one of the lines and then only rotate and if need be adjust with a Phillips head

[@mickymidnight1]

When checking your level for plumb, you just checked / used 2 different bubbles. If it was me, I would have just turned it so that the other long edge was against the wall. I have in the past had a level with one of the 2 end bubbles being ok & the other one no good.... I blanked out the bad one

[@NickBR57]

I was going to say the same but you got there first

[@SkillBuilder]

Sorry I had assumed that you would see me looking at both vials. If there is a discrepancy that alerts you to a problem. The vials are set on the milled edge on the top so your idea is not strictly accurate. I would however agree that in the majority of cases it is good enough. The long the level the more important this becomes.

[@jillthewlis7658]

mickymidnig

[@michael.schuler]

To check for plumb, you can use the same method as for checking level: set the level against the wall in a dead plumb position and make marks on the wall; then flip it end for end and see if the *same* bubble reads plumb again. Then check the second plumb bubble. Even if one is good, that's no guarantee that the other one is.

[@neilmckie2768]

What a simple tip and so effective. Thank you, mate.

[@SkillBuilder]

Glad it helped

[@disklamer]

Good points all. Plumb bobs also work a charm, I trust them more than the vertical on a spirit level.

[@tilerman]

Im a tiling contractor and about 5 years ago got a big tiling job in a sports centre. Long walls. First day setting out with the youngsters (LOL) i got my water level and string line out. One of the whipper snappers actually said, 'whats thats stuff'! I challenged him to do a level line 18 metres long with his (cheap) level, while i do mine with a water level and chalk line. Checked levels with a surveyors laser. Over 18 metres his line was 14 mm out! Mine. Yep. You got it. Perfecto!

[@garethheathcote4988]

We were taught to use and had to practically use water levels when doing my carpentry and joinery nvq,s and I'm glad that we did. The kids these days like you said havn't gota clue what they are, granted we have excellent laser levels these days bit it's still good to know the traditional methods

[@joeframer9642]

Laser or Stabila ....nothing else. Love the channel 👍

[@sw86241996]

Laser is always handy just don't drop on the floor🤣 I have laser and stabila 600mm level plus 1200mm stanley faxmax. Stabila is better, light weight, good finish. Faxmax isn't too bad just product finish not good as stabila. I believe 1200mm faxmax and Milwaukee level are made by the same factory in China. Just colour different.

[@davidbrewer7937]

A plumb bob line (string & a symmetrical weight) will always hang "plumb". 90 degrees from plumb on your framing square is level...Gravity as a calibration reference does not lie.

[@suetv7084]

I always suspected my level was off, and never thought of this....thanks!

[@MrTooTechnical]

i have stabila, so i dont have to worry. buy once cry once.

[@vojnikjna30]

dave daved good one lol

[@johnward182]

@@vojnikjna30 till some twat Nick's em or stands on em ahhhh 💩👍

[@tilerman]

LOL. Had my Stabila Type 83s for 25 years. Love that thing almost as much as my kids!

[@kevinhancock4064]

@@johnward182 yep thus happened to me i was fuming

[@ratchriat1716]

found this video very informative and useful thanks a gain roger for sharing this information with us

[@tullgutten]

I've been in the store for buying a level and checked all of them before buying the best one. There was 3 that was more than 1mm wrong over 1 meter brand new not a scratch on them. And also checked for straightness and some where twisted. All of them where known expensive brands

[@SkillBuilder]

Why is it so hard to make a level?

[@caskwith]

Always check levels before you buy them. I have a very small Rolson magnetic level that lives in my tool bag. It was the grand sum of £2 and I love it, comes in handy so often. However when I bought it I had to go through about 10 levels on the shelf before I found one that was spot on perfect. They were super cheap levels and though the materials were good, the quality control was poor. If you check before you buy it though it's not a problem. Do the same if you are buying from a car boot or second hand shop, takes seconds to do but saves you trouble in the long run. And of course as Roger says, keep checking your level every now and again, especially before and important job.

[@joeobrien196]

Size of vile minus size of bubble divide by 2 will give you a good mark when centering.

[@victorv9019]

few talk about their mistakes .. its a shame because you learn best from them. thanks for the material.

[@mfselectrical6370]

It always surprises me just how many people have never been taught how to check a level. So many people could have saved so much money with a decent level or at least one that’s been checked

[@umwhatthistime]

Although it might be a boring subject perhaps you could do a review of dust masks sometime. There seem to be a lot that are not so good ,even some of the dearer ones. Thanks

[@passkat]

Your level is level when only your wall is level, because if it's not level there will be no level to use your level. Job done!

[@Dang_Lin-Wang]

I'm sure my 1800mm stabila level bubble moves around on its own, just to spite me. When fitting external doors I don't worry about the odd mm of plumb cos the brickwork is usually banana shaped.

[@SkillBuilder]

Biggus Dickus The spirit moves and the wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

[@warewolf2304]

I clicked on the video because of the title( the redundancy and use of the word level sounds like something I would say). And subscribed because of how stupid smart this hack is, gotta love shit like this. Awesome video thank you sir.

[@MarcGray1990]

There’s a level I’ve just got rid of that I trust about as much as politicians! Only found out it had gone off when I checked it against my new laser level.... then I checked it against a new level and yep it was out!

[@andystephenson7102]

If it's made by Forge Steel then they make them already out of level, then you don't mind kicking it about and just using it for a saw fence 😉

[@SkillBuilder]

It is amazing just how many levels leave the factory not level. Not the case with Stabila or Hulatafors, Sola but a lot of the others are suspect.

[@Littlelamb2023]

shit i bought a set of them! dam it :-(

[@TheRealFOSFOR]

Older more experienced workers always tell me how in certain situations you should not even use a level... if there is other stuff around that is not exactly level, then you should just go with that. I usually only work with pipes in industrial environments so it's not always so critical if they are level or plum. I guess if I would install a shelf it's a bit different.

[@SkillBuilder]

There is no doubt that in a wonky building full of charm and character the eye is better than a level but placing a radiator under a window where the window board is out and the floor is level you end up having to make a decision and it could be to split the difference. I always try and involve the customer at this point.

[@steve-fx2ez]

cant believe how many people dont check there levels. Im always knocking it over or dropping it. I check it like you said but purposely put the bubble so it just touches one of the lines.

[@paulmcfadyen689]

Yep, same with squares. Need to check them regularly

[@stevenrichardson7882]

Use a plumb line and gravity, that’s the best reference and never changes.

[@jacklucas7265]

You checked for plumb on two different vials, should have checked the same vial by flipping sideways.

[@sburge1989]

If mine is out I just add a few more bubbles, you can get them in bulk to save on cost.

[@SkillBuilder]

Spence There will be a shortage after Brexit people are panic buying and stock piling them.

[@ExtremeShez]

Thank you Roger, great video.

[@olgajoachimosmundsen4647]

I don't think I would check the level weekly - I'd instead think about how I use/store it.

[@ep91monster]

Good tip this. I got caught out when i first started. Studded some rsjs out and it was only once id boarded and skimmed them, i stood back and thought hold up, this looks p.ssed lol. Over a 20foot length, it was out by 3 inches. That was a fatmax level. Fortunately i never built a wall or something with it! Always check mine once a week now, worth a quick check as you say!

[@MrPaul1f]

Good post, i got showed up on some blockwork once on the one occasion i had deviated from stabila. My level was considerably out, i check mine regularly these day, its suprising how many people take levels for granted.

[@liviu2004]

When 2% on the vial is 2%? Line on bubble middle or just when bubble touches the line?

[@SteveRogers461]

Another great tip. Thank you!

[@SaintCoemgen]

Being a level headed bloke, I just put anything on my head to test level. Last night, for example, my pint was perfectly level. Yes, I am joking, while adding a bit of commentary about the too common current world trend of flawed self ideas and ideologies. Rather, what skill builder said was the *correct solution*.

[@noodles74]

How can the level be out just by turning it around?

[@benchippy8039]

When I was younger I first fixed a whole house before realising that my level weren’t plumb, luckily it was a small 2 bed and I screwed the head plates so I managed to get it just about good, door linings were a pig tho. Learnt a lesson from that.

[@finalfencing]

Skill builder....Keeping work spirits high

[@Billy_Bull_Sheeter]

It's got a little curve in the centre, but apart from that it's pretty level I'd say.

[@vistron888]

I just place the level on a flat surface/desk. Note the position of the bubble and then spin it round. If same, all good. Saves worrying about pencil lines on a wall because you can never get them spot on depending on the angle of the pencil and also your eye position. I'm watching this video because my '3 hammer' spec Stabila 1.2m level is slightly out. Noticed today. It's barely had any abuse as well. Otherwise I've always been a fan of their stuff.

[@nathapong1962]

I have the same problem. I don't know how I can trust between laser level and spirit level. But I prefer use laser level.

[@JohnDuffell]

Just wondered why it's important to get the vial on the same point, surely a horizontal line is still horizontal regardless of where it is relative to the level? Also I would say this won't spot a twisted level, as it will be out the same amount whichever way round you put it.

[@kalleklp7291]

I use to lay it on a level table...then turn it around. If there is any deviation it is out of level.

[@SkillBuilder]

You don't actually need a level table to test it. You can put it on a near level surface and just note the position of the bubble in relation to the lines.

[@UnstoppableTramp]

What are the chances you would build a whole extension and never flip your level around once? Or were you using a level that only showed plumb one side? Like a stabila with a horizotal centre bubble, vertical one end and an angle finding rotating vial the other end that no one ever uses lol?

[@ningis21]

Then there is the issue of using a level correctly....Sliding it down a will...say when tiling...sliding the level which may only be out by half a mill....but after sliding it down the wall three or four times...you will be a complete grout joint out!..So it is best to flip the level end to end each time...worst case ...you're out half a mill....Minimize the discrepancy... The same with checking for Plumb, rotate the level long side to long side. On another point...Laser Levels...when doing a vertical line...if the wall you point the laser at isn't plumb then the laser line won't be either..it will lean one way or the other.....try it and see.

[@knowitall6677]

Doesn't the measurement depend on how much spirit is within the person as well?

[@mickymidnight1]

Very good point Antonio ;-)

[@loafersheffield]

Is that a deeply philosophical/spiritual question, or something to do with vodka?

[@hughbyrnes6585]

Learned something new , thanks!

[@doronbarzilay590]

you cant flip the level that way when you check vertical axis cos its another bobble. you should flip it 180 so the bobble face the wall.

[@SkillBuilder]

You are still testing the level because a discrepancy means one or both are out. Then you have to bend down a little and check the lower bubble. I know it makes your back ache but that is the building game for you.

[@alangolez186]

Always, I used Stabila

[@owenbutcher1954]

Cheers My Good Man.

[@bobmcdonnell3783]

I personally use a fixed bubble level

[@thesleepstate]

What content in that bubble. Helium?

[@lukestraw7482]

I wonder how those tiles are fixed 😉😉

[@GhostofCTC]

Yes it is thanks for asking 👍

[@kiwdwks]

Great advice...thanks!

[@johnmontague69]

tell us... Why does a level end up not level? And how do you fix a out of level Level? 😐

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

MONTY a level goes out if level bybthe same reason a square goes out if square. They get dropped, stood on, knocked about. How do you fix it? Buy a new one!

[@joeframer9642]

gbwildlife uk exactly

[@johnmontague69]

Who drops a £150 stabila? Or trods on it??? You gotta be a total plank of wood to allow your level to get out of level by your explanations! Oi... fling your level down for a sec... dang!!! Missed..! Omg look at the level it's out of level! Let's jump on it see if we can make it level again! It's only a hundred & fifty quid for a replacement, ok I'll just jump in the van and go get another one at tools.R.us yeah? Back in time to pack the tools away buddy! You'd be aswell packin up and going with him cause your level is not level and your stuck until you get a new level! Nobody drops a £150 tool. ONLY COWBOYS DO THAT SHIT. I'll ask again... How does a level get out of level? And how do you FIX IT?? Your explanation is PANTS!

[@CooCuMbEr]

The best way to fix an out of level spirit level is chuck it i the skip

[@MrShinta786]

great tip! got tips for square angles?

[@SkillBuilder]

3 4 5 is the only tip you need for squares.

[@muzikman2008]

Great tip!.. I always question my levels accuracy. Its not an accurate way of making something level by any means. Think I'm gonna invest in some stabila levels.

[@gezmonder]

Did you knock down the extension and rebuild?

[@bfflorida2311]

Great job👍👍👍

[@darranowen9704]

Hi I am looking for a spirit level what is the best make as there are so many out there please help.

[@SkillBuilder]

stabilla is the one most people go for

[@petersmith-uh5sz]

I bought Stanley fat max 2 foot and 4 foot about 4 years ago never abused im a bricklayer , when I used them recently to fit my kitchen out by a mile total shite , gone back to stabila best level ever , thing is if a level is out you cant adjust it

[@TheTraditionalGolfer]

I'm bricklayer and after following on some of my mates blockwork which is normally Bob on....it was out of plumb by a fair bit!! I picked his level up and checked it and it was way out...that was a fat max. Garbage mate I will stick to my stabila you can't wrong with them 👍

[@covingtonrace1]

Use a Lazer or water

[@pacman2326]

Brilliant 👏 👏 👏

[@LordZeko1994]

Thank you Roger, I am going to check mine that way! A tiling work can be slightly uneven as well, doesn't happen often with rectified tiles like in this video, but I've seen some of those uneven as well, which leaves the tiler to do the magic 😁! Great advice tho!

[@e.collins2768]

People always wonder why I cus so much when I drop my level. They don't seem to realize you only got about 2 or 3 good drops before that thing is a paper weight.

[@wildtwindad]

Laser level checks and balances....period. will confirm good vs shite any day especially if you need 1mm or less tolerances.

[@aaahillshandyman..bellavis864]

You can get away with some cheap tools but not a cheap level. I will only use a stabila and look after it like it's one of my family. If anyone wants to use it, they get the stink eye.

[@masherco]

Roger, just before you marked the wall I noticed you put the pencil in your mouth as if you moistened the tip. Was that intentional?

[@thesleepstate]

😂

[@foehammerxl2468]

I havent seen somebody do that since I used to watch my grandad in his workshop as a nipper

[@SkillBuilder]

Masherco I looked at the tip and it was barely poking through so I knew it needed sharpening. A little twist in my incredibly sharp beaver like front teeth produced a bit more graphite. I thought everyone did that. I put everything in my mouth. It is a tool.

[@masherco]

The old guy I trained under used to test my new levels against his stabila box level. One day I noticed his level was bent, when I asked him why he said it got driven over by a roofer. I bet he’s still got it

[@ShadowzGSD]

If it is a Milwaukee level chances are it is not level, if it is level then you have beaten the milwaukee odds on getting something that works.

[@shaftwood]

Milwaukee = Chinese junk now.

[@alext9067]

Really? I don't have a Milwaukee level. I buy cheap ones that I check first. PS. I've dropped them and they stay true but don't do it.

[@vojnikjna30]

What lol? They make great levels. I got both stabila and Milwaukee and are both equally amazing.

[@vojnikjna30]

shaftwood nope

[@TheTraditionalGolfer]

Wouldn't buy anything other than a stabila....the best money can buy been using them for 20yrs as a bricklayer there fantastic never had one go out of level or plumb.

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Yes , I keep it in the freezer 🤨😂😂🧱👍🏼

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Ross Male 😂🧱👍🏽

[@ron1martens]

Are you on the level Robin? Oh wait it's not Robin it's batman! Great video as usual. I'm pretty sure the Milwaukee make a good level. I own some electronic levels and would have liked to have the stabila opppsed to the Bosch levels I have. I used to buy stabila levels and got sick of people always stealing my levels. You buy good tools and people steal them. Same with gold shovels. As a plasterer in time the window gets dirty it builds a film of dirt that is hard to see. I think the cement etches the Perspex which if you look under the microscope has small indents. You can use clean water and in time it still builds a film. I would like to see some technology to overcome this. I work with an industrial chemist and done away from using any lime in mortar and plaster. Best thing I ever done. The cheaper levels in time they no longer remain level. I'm not sure why. It's something to do with the spirit or how the sprit level has been encased. Since people keep stealing my stabilas I started buying high end Stanley levels. Fatmax etc. The Milwaukie I haven't seen any here I must have a look. Does milwaulkie also do a electronic level? I did buy an Imex. Wasn't happy with it as I found it difficult to calibrate so gave it to my friend.

[@stephencarlisle3743]

Impressed you didn’t need glasses to see the vial .

[@SkillBuilder]

I do. I squint like Clint.

[@allroofingsolutions2275]

Roger I hope when the punter sits in the bath he don’t see your pencil marks 😬

[@SkillBuilder]

Those tiles are covered in pencil marks. I give all my customers a complimentary bath rubber.

[@allroofingsolutions2275]

Skill Builder 😂😂

[@markrowland5393]

@@SkillBuilder Is that some sort of new fetish favoured by plumbers? 😉

[@SkillBuilder]

@@markrowland5393 Bath rubber? Don't knock it 'til you try it.

[@peterfitzpatrick7032]

@@markrowland5393 a rubber ducky !! 🐤🐤🐤🐤 😎👍☘🍺

[@Abid.Z77]

Omgg I'm sure I seen u somewhere I think it was Bristan kitchen tap installation BTW they not good taps mine blew up

[@SkillBuilder]

The head blew off because the grub screw was loose. I have a set in my house and they are fine.

[@randomtask9029]

Le Vel is a good French brand.

[@gadjules7334]

That's really clever!

[@thesleepstate]

Clevert, is my new preferred term for superior intelligenc e - in acknolwedgement of Robin.

[@CooCuMbEr]

I have a fixed bubble in my stabila's Solves everything

[@kcryptouk8124]

9 people aren't thinking straight.

[@colincroft334]

Put ya specs on

[@johnleura909]

I did not know Gordon ramsay did contractor work too?

[@amoreyjones565]

Lost two days because of a faulty level.

[@stevendouglas3860]

Good tip thanks Roger. Can i ask , are Ox tools a OK brand .

[@dermotmckee1418]

Hi i bought ox professional levels as a set an the 600 level vial was off

[@masherco]

Stabilia every time

[@gospelman7222]

@@masherco The fluorescent die in the vials in my Stabila level has faded so that now the liquid is transparent, whereas the liquid in my cheapie level from Wickes is still good and strong.

[@dermotmckee1418]

Yes i wouldnt buy ox again

[@stevendouglas3860]

@@gospelman7222 really .

[@jak8759]

You guys have some lovely tools on this channel but it looks like Roger needs to buy himself some glasses!

[@MrChrisd73]

Sqwint eastwood

[@bainsk8]

Had this before myself, I bought one that had taken a knock. Unfortunately it cost me time and money to correct the mistake it created. Great tip for checking, thanks Roger. :)

[@vikingofengland]

Given the curvature of the earth, nothing is truly level anyway ;)

[@Phenrica]

Get a Superior Level, job done 😉

[@rustyrebar9647]

That's why i prefer to use a plumbob!

[@BinarySecond]

Gravity will never treat you wrong

[@josebi8865]

Stabila our sola the best. Milwaukee is ok only

[@MMG_MoonManGuitar]

Laser all the way.

[@johnward182]

Well blow me we always put 2 strips of masking tape on a wall 900mm apart use laser lever ' mark bottom of line and check our levels once a month ' great idea # learning something every day ? 👍 Top man

[@MartinLV.]

no, my spirit level must be topped up every evening🍹

[@haroon420]

Wow. I was expecting a full on Milwaukee sales pitch. Very classy Roger. Btw, I’ve ordered a Milwaukee level. Should be arriving in a couple of days time. 🤗

[@covcarpenter9158]

Yes roger if you buy a stabila and look after it it is level 😂😂😂🤮

[@thesleepstate]

Just use gut instinct. 😂

[@michaelmoran1794]

Suck it up spend the money and buy a Johnson!!!

[@Gixer750pilot]

I’m first roger !!!!