Spirit levels are used for checking if a surface is perfectly vertical or horizontal. Or in some cases (such as laying a patio or decking that requires adequate drainage), making sure they’re not.
And as with most tools, avoiding the cheap crap and buying a good quality product from a well-known manufacturer and looking after it, will go a long way to making it for years and years.
Experts and manufacturers advise against using spirit levels for anything other than performing the job they’re designed to do. They also advise owners to handle the equipment carefully and avoid dropping it on the floor. They advise this because misuse and mishandling can result in unreliable readings.
Another piece of advice from experts and manufacturers is to keep the base surface clean and dirt-free. Simply because dirt and obstructions can affect a spirit level’s ability to accurately measure surfaces.
Spirit levels tend to come in the following lengths (although you can find shorter and longer ones if you shop around):
- 250mm / 10 inch / 0.25 metres
- 600mm / 2 foot / 0.6 metres
- 900mm / 3 foot / 0.9 metres
- 1200mm / 4 foot / 1.2 metres
Perhaps the most useful size for the home DIY toolkit is the 600mm version.
To check the quality and reliability of a spirit level, examine the bubble inside the vial. Ideally, the bubble should sit tightly between the two lines when it’s sitting on a perfectly flat surface. If it isn’t, the readings will be wrong.
Below you’ll find a 5 of the best selling spirit levels on Amazon right now. This list automatically updates.
- High impact shock proof level
- Aluminium frame and shock resistant rubber ends
- V-shaped metal groove ideal on cylindrical surfaces
- 600mm (24") Alloy spirit level
- Manufactured from lightweight aluminium
- Three vials that measure both horizontally and vertically
- 900mm (36") Alloy Spirit Level
- Manufactured from lightweight aluminium
- Three vials that measure both horizontally and vertically
- Designed for easy readability
- Made from high impact ABS plastic
- Designed to be easy-to-handle
- Protective end caps
- Hanging holes for storage
- 45 degrees, 90 degrees and 180 degrees vials
