Spirit Level Oddity

[Jupiter01]

Hi,

I have a 1200mm spirit level that I brought for around £20. The brand eludes me at the moment...

I've not used it a huge amount and nor has it been knocked as far as I am aware but I noticed this weekend, that I get two different readings depending on the vertical side of the level I use.

I was building a stud wall and find that when I use one of the sides of the level, it shows level but then if I turn it around, it shows that the level is slightly out. I tried this on an existing door frame and I get the same results.

Is this shot and are there any explanations for this?

 

[^woody^]

The bubble is out.

But some levels only have one milled edge, so the bubble is set to that edge.

 

[Jupiter01]

interesting...
This is what I have:

Does that shed any light on the milled edge?

 

[Burnerman]

As with every spirit level - until you get familiar with it - check for level / plumb one way, and then reverse the level and check again.
Unfortunately not all bubbles are adjustable!
(That's bloomin' cheap for a quality level)
John

 

[footprints]

As with every spirit level - until you get familiar with it - check for level / plumb one way, and then reverse the level and check again.
Unfortunately not all bubbles are adjustable!
(That's bloomin' cheap for a quality level)
John

Yes just bought a cheapie 230mm Draper level for odd jobs in the garden and garage, load of S*** same sort of thing mine is spot on for vertical, but varies when used horizontal it's a case of turn it round and split the difference!
You get what you pay for I'm afraid.

 

[Jupiter01]

ok. What do I need to buy guys? I'm not a pro but do need to get these stud walls and in particular the door linings plumb.

FatMax and Stabila have caught my attention or are they OTT?

http://www.toolstation.com/m/part.html?p=11099

I've also seen an 80-2 on the screwfix site

 

[Burnerman]

Stabila for me.....I believe they claim to be calibrated for life. Forget about the plastic stuff!
John

 

[Jupiter01]

thanks but there are so many stabila levels. Which one do you reccomend?

 

[Jupiter01]

I've seen 70-2 and 80-2 amongst others and would appreciate some guidance before I fork out for this. Thanks

 

[Gerrydelasel]

Double check your build with a plumb line. Gravity never lies.

 

[alan333]

You can adjust the bubble on some spirit levels, so if it runs off you can fix it. This is a 4' B&Q branded metal level I bought a few years ago.

 

[Jupiter01]

My level is not adjustable unfortunately.
@Gerrydelasel the 2 walls I tested on are almost certainly straight but I have an issue nonetheless as one side of the level shows a different reading to the other side. Am I missing something?

I'm happy to purchase a "proper" level but I don't want to make the same mistake again. I would welcome some advice on which levels to purchase.

 

[alan333]

My recommendation was to buy one with an adjustable bubble.

 

[Jupiter01]

Yes, but if I brought a B&Q brand albeit adjustable, I have a feeling I am still going to be told "you get what you pay for"!
Should I not be investing in a Stabila or something of that ilk?

 

[Burnerman]

My Stabila is now obsolete I think, but the nearest seems to be Screwfix 5385K.
(Don't let it bounce around in the back of the van, and don't lend it out either )
John