spirit level
Sign in to saveinstrument with a sealed tube of liquid, designed to indicate whether a surface is horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb)
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A spirit level is a tool with a sealed tube containing liquid that helps you determine whether a surface is perfectly horizontal or vertical. It matters because it ensures that construction projects, shelves, and other installations are properly aligned, which is essential for both safety and functionality.
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Article
A tubular spirit level A bull's eye spirit level mounted in a camera tripod
A spirit level, bubble level, or simply a level, is an instrument designed to indicate whether a surface is horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb). It is called a "spirit level" because the liquid inside its vial is commonly alcohol, or "spirit". The name refers to this alcohol-based solution, which, along with an air bubble, indicates whether a surface is level or plumb. Alcohol was historically preferred over water because it has a wider temperature range, won't freeze, and provides less friction for the bubble, ensuring greater accuracy and longevity of the tool. Two basic designs exist: tubular (or linear) and bull's eye (or circular). Different types of spirit levels may be used by carpenters, stonemasons, bricklayers, other building trades workers, surveyors, millwrights and other metalworkers, and in some photographic and videographic work.