PLUMB VS. LEVEL VS. SQUARE...What's The Difference?! When And How To Use These Three Terms

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PLUMB VS. LEVEL VS. SQUARE...What's The Difference?! When And How To Use These Three Terms
These three terms--plumb, level and square--are often used incorrectly by carpentry and DIY newcomers. This video from The Honest Carpenter will explain in detail what they mean and how they relate to building homes and other structures!
PLUMB means truly vertical; upright; perpendicular to the horizon.
We need our framed walls to be very plumb so that they will avoid collapsing sideways or being crushed!
We find plumb using bubble levels or spirit levels, and laser levels as well.
LEVEL refers to a horizontal surface in which both ends are on the same plane.
Level floors and other surfaces are perpendicular to the force of Earth's gravity! This means that round objects sitting on them will not roll to one side or the other.
We also find level using bubble levels and spirit levels, as well as laser levels.
SQUARE means that two intersecting surfaces are positioned at exactly 90-degrees to one another.
We find square angles all over construction and carpentry, from the smaller things we build (like cabinets and drawer boxes), to the position of walls to walls, and floors to walls. Even our building materials rely on square angles.
We find "square" by using a variety of tools set at right angles, such as speed squares, try squares, framing squares, and combination squares.
Thanks for watching!
Be sure to check out our other videos on important construction concepts:
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THE MOST IMPORTANT WORD IN CARPENTRY:
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[@jefffuhr2393]

Honestly, you nailed it Ethan James. You took something I knew, explained it so fundamentally that I still learned something from it, and I now can explain it to others better than before. Not just this, but great channel overall. Thank you.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Jeff! I always shoot to dive just a little bit deeper than the fundamental explanation. I appreciate the support!

[@aanariAntabri]

I couldn't be more appropriate in sharing my thoughts!

[@iamamish]

I love this channel. Sometimes when people become experts, they forget about what they once didn't know. You do not make that mistake.

[@mischievouswoodworks2325]

I've been doing woodworking for a couple years making furniture but just a few months back bought my first house and through home improvement projects realized I really enjoy carpentry work as well. I've learned so much valuable information through your videos, even on topics such as this that I already had a decent grasp of concept. Keep up the great work!!

[@mikeneil7684]

Love watching your videos! I always learn something new.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks for watching, Mike!

[@Michael-wu4yw]

Facts

[@garyhorton6652]

I taught carpentry for years and you are absolutely correct! I happy say before the students would ask me for help they knew to check for those key words! They would often find the problem themselves!

[@argusfleibeit1165]

I like that you defined all these terms. And also that you went into the Latin origin of the word "plumb", including its meaning of "lead weight" and relation to "plummet". Not many of these DIY sites go into neat details like this.

[@winge-dogjones2492]

This video made it so easy to understand basic tool fundamentals. thankyou for making it.

[@warewolf2304]

Nothing really to add here, think ya hit the nail on the head there. I know what the differences were before I watched this video but I always like to hear what a professional has to say..good job sir

[@JD_Customs]

I honestly DO NOT understand why your channel doesn’t have millions of followers. Literally every single video is perfect and informative. I am a super DIY’er and still learn something new each and every day - your channel has helped so much! Even with things I thought I already knew. Keep up the AMAZING work. Truly an amazing teacher ✊️

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks so much, Joshua! It’s feedback like yours that keeps me going and trying to make better and better videos. Glad to have you watching. Thanks for writing in! 😄

[@melissagraham6180]

@@TheHonestCarpenter Yeah, I agree with this and was wondering the same thing. Your videos are excellent!

[@KernowEDC]

Agreed! Always on point!

[@gunnersmate623]

Once again...your a rare breed! Everyone else bypasses basics in order to show off their advanced learning in which very few are on the same page. Stay teaching basics and you will surpass others who remain blind to who needs basics. Great job!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Gunner! I think that’s the road I’m sticking to these days 😄

[@gunnersmate623]

@@TheHonestCarpenter ...then you can always count on me to follow 100%!!!

[@liamshelley]

Great video. If you're a DIYer or amateur carpenter watching this, I can't stress enough how important it is to keep your work as square as possible. Even just one degree out here or there caused a domino affect and problems down the line.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

I built an 8’x12’ floor structure for a shed years and years ago, Liam. It was an inch out of square, but I thought, “that’s not too bad.” After building the rest of the shed, I realized that square means square-even an inch turns into a nightmare real quick. Thanks for watching the show!

[@eddiew2325]

what if my spatial capability is out of whack?

[@Chobucto]

Thanks for making these videos, it’s refreshing to watch these with your delivery style. You are a natural teacher!

[@acecabezon]

These videos are awesome. Love your approach, tone, content, and respect you have for your audience -- i.e. the person you think you're talking to. One of my favorite channels now.

[@felipea1844]

Thank you for this brief overview of these concepts. It aids me in learning as a dyslexic and dyscalculic learner.

[@sine125]

I’m in the trades so i am familiar with all of this. You do a very good job of explaining all these terms and their uses. I’m really glad I found your channel. I will be checking out more of your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@grat2010]

You're so good at explaining and differentiating these terms!

[@mytubebobbie06h]

I like the simplicity of the basic concept. I understand it better now. Great job in making it DIY-friendly!

[@LeslieAllen528]

Excellent explanation! Thank you!!

[@tonywilliamson1474]

It’s only recently I discovered your videos I find them so interesting and helpful Thank you Tony ☘️

[@Hvn1957]

I build large pipe organs. The trade involves many disciplines, but we deal mostly with wood, lead, leather and glue😊. The organs are often quite large, and we set them up in our erecting area. When I was an assembly foreman, we used to say “bring your square, but leave your level at the door!” When you’re assembling something that will be shipped and reassembled, it’s imperative to square things off the shippable reference surface. It will be set plumb, and leveled later on site. Great video as always. Clear and well explained.

[@inquisitive1911]

The best explanation that I have found so far, and I have watched several videos. Thanks, Love from Scotland, X

[@spritzz80]

Thanks so much! I'm going to install an interior door and it said to make sure it was plumb and level and I was concerned. I feel so much more confident moving forward as this is my first time installing anything like this.

[@DianneCarrington]

Ethan, the best explanation I've heard. This was something I knew, and I enjoyed trying to be one step ahead of you as you were talking. But like Jeff, I still learned something. Thank you for your clear explanations

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Dianne!

[@MichaelLe22]

Great explanation! Thanks for the knowledge!

[@shawnbiggins5981]

Excellent!! I learned A LOT!

[@courtneyhenry6168]

Thanks for the explanation. It was very helpful.

[@fishingblackwatersound]

I learned so much watching this video thank you so much for your knowledge

[@philg406]

I was familiar with these terms but found your explanations to be so simple to understand and relate to everyone. Nicely done and love watching your videos! Keep it up

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Phil! 😄

[@patriciaannredd2544]

Learn something every time I watch your videos. Thank you!

[@zalafinari]

True is a term Ive most often heard in relation to bike wheels. You true the wheel by adjusting the spoke tensions to ensure the wheels spins without any wobble or dish.

[@zalafinari]

Using math terms, something is square when a straight line is orthogonal or perpendicular to another.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

I get the feeling every trade might use that word in some way, Comrade. It's just the best way of saying, "Yeah, that's how it's supposed to be." :)

[@lincolndickerson1293]

Just for clarity. In terms of bike wheels I have built quite a few. True refers to wobble( left to right) or hops (up and down). Dishing refers to offsetting the hub where the spokes attach from the centerline of the rim. Front wheels are not dished ( spokes on both sides are of equal length). Rear wheels are always dished to make room for the gear or gear cluster. The spokes on the gear side are always shorter.

[@robertmcdonnold3038]

Simple stuff, but can really screw things up. Good refresher course. Thanks Bob

[@AliAbdullah-oi3wc]

Love this channel, so easy to understand him

[@lincolndickerson1293]

Great description of all these terms. Including the fact that most houses are out of true for any number of reasons that have little to do with craftsmanship I think is essential. Too many times as a helpful DIYer to my friends have I heard people complain about the builders when it is “noticed” that things are perfectly true.

[@woodlandburl6648]

Thanks for the refresher.

[@kyivstuff]

Love learning new things! Thank you!

[@georgiemae11]

Just came across this video . Great interpritation of the meanings, its good when youre training apprentices. Big thumbs up

[@debbiekerr3989]

I just learned about several types of squares I didn't know about. Thank you for sharing this.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

You're welcome, Debbie!

[@profcah]

I knew what these three terms meant but your explanation of them and their importance I construction was awesome and gave me a née angle on how to explain them.

[@nevv8581]

Thank you for taking the time, great video as always. Keep up the great work.

[@lindak8664]

I’m really enjoying your explanations. They’re so plain english, you make it so easy to grasp.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Linda! I always strive for clarity. I appreciate the feedback!🙂

[@sukoshirichisan]

Thanks for posting the tool info

[@ianesterly1466]

Straight to the point effective presentation this is the kind of video to memorialize for future generations.

[@GrantHendrick]

Very helpful even for me a dyi person. Thank you.

[@bradhaines3142]

plumbum is the original word for lead, thats why on the periodic table lead is Pb, everything in the periodic table used letters from its original name likely from latin. not necessarily named after the tool

[@charlespatt]

I was just wondering where the term "plumbing" originated. Could that be from using lead, then?

[@bradhaines3142]

@@charlespatt yeah it was lead pipes after concrete, great idea at the time.

[@cattigereyes1]

Interesting glad you make these videos!

[@Herbsters702]

Thank you for educating me

[@brettAnichols]

Plummet was a new one for me, what a great way to remember for those of us that trip up!

[@jeanettecook1088]

Nice review. Thanks! 👏

[@shanesmaineshop]

Lots of great info for new people trying to learn.

[@catfishmudflap]

Excellent video and excellent explanation. Thank you.

[@donald5704]

Excellent video as per usual. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@beverleythomas5708]

Perfect explanation. Thank you.

[@christineguillotin8582]

As always, so informative. Thank you.

[@LightBulbAlley]

Great videos! All the time. I am learning a lot. You make concepts sound simple and show practicality

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Light Bulb! I’m really glad they’re helpful 😄

[@DaveDoesCarpentry]

You make really engaging videos!! I’ve subbed!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you Dave! 🙂

[@craigbuckley4832]

Very good video, I learned alot from this, many thanks for time 👍👍

[@gregbrandes3579]

Great video, I always learn something from your videos keepem comin.

[@SteveSaltar-ud9bw]

I just viewed this video and you for the first time. Immediately subscribed. Wow, so helpful, easy to understand and not a lot of superfluous information. Thank you sir!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Steve! I’m about to start offering online courses too that will really deep dive the basics. Should have some available this summer on my website! 🙂

[@conregan7351]

Many thanks for your excellent videos. ...always informative & never patronising .. keep up the work!!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Con! Plenty more coming in 2021 😀

[@isabelstaples198]

Great explanation for sure!

[@gsf67]

Like the way you describe these concepts, so many people don't understand the concept of plumb as they should. It's great that you mentioned the plumb bob, which goes back to Roman times, even Egyptian times. Another, method not often used these days in to fill a plastic transparent tube with water, and hold it until water finds its own level. Also, as a house gets older, it settles, sometimes water runoff and geophysical activity cause a house to shfit out of sqaure because the ground can be become a little unstable waterlogged etc...

[@stephanieprice5780]

Thank you for the info!!

[@gvsobhanadri1596]

Thanks a lot for your excellent explanation.

[@stevekiss616]

Every DIYer should sub to your channel. Thanks.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Steve! They’re all welcome here 🙂

[@robbennett2829]

I love the shelving in the background! Show us how you built them.

[@KA-pq3yz]

Basic but very important. Thanks

[@duaneshort186]

Good stuff. Keep the basics straight (lol), and other things fall into place and make sense as you go.

[@ivayloivanov7539]

Thank you for the nice explanation!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Your welcome, Ivaylo!

[@RobbyStamenkov]

I don't usually comment below the videos I watch, but after watching almost all of your videos I feel the need to comment. First of all, I LOVE your videos. That's why I would like to give you a suggestion: Make a video of yourself building/constructing something. Maybe a chest of drawers or a cabinet, or even something smaller. I would like to watch you build something. I watched all your videos where you explain how things are done and how the tools are used, but I would like to see YOU (as a professional) using them in the field to get a better idea. That's my only suggestion and again, great channel and awesome videos, keep up the good work!!!

[@meesacreef]

Very good, thank you!

[@christianresurreccion6617]

Super informative videos, Sir. Please make one discussing combination, fixed and quick squares. Thanks and more power.

[@mikec2810]

Good info...thanks for sharing!

[@kateshawk5141]

Thanks - clear explanation!

[@rk5941]

Very interesting and informative

[@chefspenser1480]

Excellent! Thank you sir...cheers!

[@hassanal-mosawi4235]

Thanks for sharing that!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

You're welcome, Hassan!

[@baciliosilva8673]

Great video, I’m glad I knew this one buddy!

[@edrudolph1]

Excellent video thanks

[@surajitbiswas6292]

You've explained the concepts so well. Such details really come in handy in ensuring standards in any job be it woodworking or building constructions. Thanks.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you Surajit! As I write these videos, I sometimes think, “this is harder to explain than I thought...” So I’m really glad when I get positive feedback 🙂

[@surajitbiswas6292]

@@TheHonestCarpenter Ikr. And it takes a lot of effort in creating and presenting content the way you do. As a DIY Woodworker, I really learn a lot from your videos. I really appreciate your precise definitions and the way you highlight the important details with clean graphic content when necessary.

[@heathworsley8347]

I just subscribed seems like I learn something new every time. My little brother is what I consider an experienced DIY person but I am not so much

[@9brian9871]

Thank you for the way you teach. I hate to click on a video that claims to be about a certain subject, only to have to sit through the teacher’s 15 minute long “personal interest” story before ever getting to the reason I clicked to begin with. Granted, occasionally a very quick personal example can be helpful...the key words being “very quick”. You are very precise & quick to get to the point of the video...which is why I appreciate your teaching style. So far, you have never wasted my time, which is why I normally watch at least 3 or 4, sometimes more, before logging out. Even things I had a general grasp of have been made more clear by watching your channel. Again, thanks & keep up the good work.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, hairsaviour! I really appreciate the positive feedback 🙂

[@antoniothompson4751]

Love it send some more please 🤩

[@25-8]

Always look forward to watching your videos. Can you make a video about affordable tool belts or tools?

[@QuantumMechanic_88.9]

Great question and my favorite tool belt is a military pistol belt with modified 20 & 30 round magazine carriers for screwdrivers , pliers , screws , nails etc. All the best .

[@r.mercado9737]

Outstanding!

[@lcook0825]

Great video. Thanks.

[@BobRoberts-yd3wm]

Thank you for this vid

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

You're welcome, Jecse! Thanks for watching :)

[@ronh9384]

A friend had a house built 4-5 years ago. They did a “Level 5” finish on his kitchen walls as som walls had floor to ceiling cabinets. If I remember correctly they used man man studs and used plywood on the studs and then drywalled over the plywood and then the drywall finish was made as flat as possible. I remember the cabinet installer was very happy with the walls.

[@jzmmm]

Was at a tool shop with my son the other day. I was telling him the names of various tools. Got to the speed square, and he goes, no that's a triangle. Fair point.

[@lindathrall5133]

I LOVE LEVELS THEY HAVE SAVED MY LIFE MY DAD GOT ME STARTED ON THE LEVEL LIFELINE TO HELP ME TO CONTROL MY PTSD AND KEEP IT QUIET

[@SithLandlord]

School's in session! Thanks for this.

[@nailbender6884]

As Finish Carpenter I admit that I do in fact curse the framers (and drywallers) that came before me, regularly (almost daily).

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

It was always doors and windows for me, Nail Bender. Spent so much time bashing drywall and putting rabbets in trim, trying to make it just reach.

[@nailbender6884]

@@TheHonestCarpenter I crush drywall like you wouldn't believe. But the worst is when the drywallers scrape their knives on the inside of a door opening and leave clump of mud... That... That makes me say not nice things. Framers, I've gotten called back to reframe door openings and entire walls because they had no concept of plumb, or square. Some crews just have higher standards than others, and it's quite sad to see as a professional that's dedicated his life to all aspects of carpentry.

[@itaintrocketscience]

That’s why the coping saw was invented. I don’t even bother with inside corners anymore.

[@sergiodelvalle4903]

THANKS !!!Honest Carpenter. I'm learning !!! Yaaaay

[@Escko]

Learned something new😊

[@V21IC]

Well explained!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Ian!

[@richardstrada212]

Great explanations!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks Richard!

[@tpctrash]

Love your channel. So much useful information. And some of it is stuff I knew and you have reminded me. My dad was a carpenter. He always reminded me. Lol and he used string in so many ways it boggled my mind. One that sticks in my head usa long board like say a ridge board he would stretch a string end to end to make sure it was straight when things were attached to it. I think you do a great job giving us your on the job experiences of what you learned hands on. One term you didn’t mention in your video which I think would have fit in was “flush”. Dad used that a lot too. Lol Keep up the good work.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you,TPC! I love hearing about the older generation of carpenters. I promise I’ll get to “flush” soon! 😁

[@tpctrash]

My dad was an amazing carpenter. Everyone said so. I’ll get off the box after this. I was adding on to my house and was trying to get the corners of the vinyl siding up. They were always twisted. So he came over and said a good carpenter always has to be able to adjust to what is there. He said what you have to do is make sure the trim corner is in the same plane as the walls and that you don’t push too hard on the corner trim and make it flair. He made this simple jig (he was a master of those) in like 10 minutes that I put up the corner set this jig on it and presto it lined it up perfectly. Nailed it moved it up. I was amazed. I showed it to a guy that did siding. He made one for himself. Lol

[@Vinolovesliv]

Thank you for that I was afraid to ask for clarification too😕

[@araceliadams34]

Thank you

[@vernedudeman]

God bless you bro. 💯💯

[@QuantumMechanic_88.9]

Science is sooo inconvenient . Cool video & THX .

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks Quantum! I understand just enough of the science to get me in trouble 😆

[@QuantumMechanic_88.9]

@@TheHonestCarpenter I spent 2 days working with an honest to goodness carpenter building stairs / stringers in my cabin in AK . The man knows every trick using a speed square and after 2 days , I thought my head was going to explode from trying to remember everything he taught . A machinist by trade and math is a big part of machining , but this guy could calculate math and trigonometry in his head faster than I could with a calculator and I had no idea how complex a speed square actually is . ATB