Make Sure to Check your Work with a Level before Fastening in in Place
By Mark J. Donovan
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When doing any type of framing or construction project it is crucial to check your work with a level. If you don’t you may end up with floors that have a slant to them or walls that tilt in or out. Levels are also used for smaller DIY projects like hanging a picture on a wall.There are a number of carpenter levels to choose from. There are metal, wood, and fiberglass levels. I recommend purchasing a fiberglass level. They will not bend, become dented, or get knocked out of calibration which can occur with metal and wood levels. |
Fiberglass levels may temporarily flex if they are dropped or banged into something but they will return to their straight state after the temporary force is removed.
Two common level lengths are two foot and four foot levels. Two foot levels are perfect for smaller construction and DIY projects, such as hanging a picture. Four foot levels, however, are preferable for construction framing projects as they allow you to check larger spans. You can also attach a two by four to a level using equal spacers on either end to make a long straight edge.
| To use a level place it onto the surface you want to check. If you are checking a horizontal surface check to see if the bubble is centered in between the graduated lines in the glass window on the level. Typically for horizontal surfaces you’ll view the center window on the level. To check vertical surfaces again check to see if the bubble is centered in between the graduated lines in the glass window on the level. For vertical surfaces you’ll want to view the windows on each edge of the level. |  |
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Related Information
Additional Framing Resources from Amazon.com
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