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How to Use a Level

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Category: Home Improvement

Depending on the kind of project you're tackling, there are several different kinds of levels you can choose from to get the job done. In this video, Eric Stromer runs down the best uses for carpenter's levels, post levels, torpedo levels, square levels and laser levels. Whether you're looking to hang a photo frame or a install an upright post, there's a tool that will help you achieve perfection.

Step 1: Carpenter's Level
Nearly everyone is familiar with this level; it consists of a straight edge with a bubble. When the level rests on an even plane, the bubble will line up between two lines in the window. This level will sometimes come with additional windows for 45-degree and 90-degree angles, and is good for larger projects like framing a wall or pouring a concrete slab.

Step 2: Post Level
A post level looks like two sides of a box making a right angle. It comes with three windows and some pegs or straps so you can attach it directly to your post. This allows you to have your hands free to maneuver your post until it is plumb and level.

Step 3: Torpedo Level
This small level is great for projects around the house, like installing shelves or hanging frames. It's small and can fit right into your tool box, or even your back pocket.

Step 4: Square Angle
This level is used to measure if you have a true right angle, which is critical in woodworking or installing shelves.

Step 5: Laser Angle
This level shoots a laser along a plane to get a level reading.

Items You'll Need for this GMC Trade Secret

  • Carpenter's Level
  • Post Level
  • Torpedo Level
  • Square Level
  • Laser Level

More Trade Secrets

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9 Comments

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cromleygd

One important thing Eric does not show is how to check that a new level is actually trully level before you buy it. This applies no matter how much it cost.

January 30 2012 at 12:23 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
pslcitizen

lol If someone 'needs' to show you HOW to use a level, then just put it down & walk away... Watch the pretty bubbles!

January 29 2012 at 11:48 PM Report abuse +3 rate up rate down Reply
ringerang8

I find a good way to use a level, is when i'm working around the house and my wife or kids start bothering me, interrupting me, and annoying the crap out of me , I hit them in the head with it . That seems to level the playing field.

January 29 2012 at 8:30 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
arenadood

Never use a level while drunk. Dont ask.

January 29 2012 at 6:00 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to arenadood's comment
pslcitizen

That sure explains why it keeps sliding off the table though..

January 29 2012 at 11:50 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
hoofnwoofr

Inquire "how properly to use" rather than "how to use properly." No split infinitives, please.

January 29 2012 at 5:24 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to hoofnwoofr's comment
Hansi

tHAT IS ONLY ONE BIG MISTAKE, BUT HOW OFTEN DO WE HEAR PEOPLE USE IMPROPER GRAMMER LIKE:" THERE'S CHILDREN ON THE STREET" RATHER THAN :THERE ARE CHILDREN ON THE STREET" yOU HEAR THIS SO OFTEN EVEN FROM EDUCATED PEOPLE THAT COMPLETELY MANGLE THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND THIS IS SOMETHING FROM A PERSON THAT WAS NOT BORN IN THE U.S.A.

January 29 2012 at 7:23 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
pslcitizen

I don't even notice that stuff...must make you absolutely crazy..lol.

January 29 2012 at 11:50 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
jontrentj

people are this dumb...stupid...dense...pick one...really???? how ta use a level...really???? The Internet 90 percent garbage 10 percent useful information.

January 29 2012 at 4:04 PM Report abuse +4 rate up rate down Reply

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