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Spirit Levels: Which one should I buy?
- Claudette B.
- Jul 28, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 14, 2022
Call it what you will - a spirit level, bubble level, or even just a level - this tool is as handy as they come. Used to keep photo frames, paintings, shelves, bricks, and other surfaces well... level, our homes would look pretty topsy-turvy without them.
Invented by French scientist Melchisédech Thévenot in the 1660s, the spirit level can now be found in every professional tradesperson's toolkit, from surveyors to construction workers, to general handypeople, bricklayers, and more; and is used commonly in households, too. |  |
But how exactly do they work, and which one should you buy? That's where we come in. At UK Planet Tools, we have an extensive range of spirit levels, from the 20cm (4ft) Stabila level, to the protractor level and torpedo level, all the way to the 25cm Scaffolder's level, so we can help you decide which one is best for you.
Read our guide to find out more...
What exactly is a Spirit Level?
A spirit level is a long device that is used to measure a horizontal plane. It is almost (aesthetically) like a long, thick ruler, but it does not measure in metric or imperial measurements as a ruler would. Instead, it uses a bubble vial to determine how straight a surface is.
With some spirit levels, measurements can also be made vertically (called plumb in the trade), or at 45° angles. Levels like this will have additional vials for these specific measurements.
It is common for some levels to have 2 to 3 vials - these are usually the most accurate, as they can check both ends of the surface and often make plumb measurements, too. The more angles you can check, the better the result.
How does a Spirit Level work?
Inside the vials (small glass tubes; often in green), there is a mineral spirit solution. This solution has a bubble of air that moves from left to right as you tilt the level. The bubble will move exactly to the centre of the guide lines when a surface is level, thanks to the vial's slightly bowed shape.
If you have horizontal/plumb vials on either end, the bubbles will both need to be centered to determine that the surface is level.
An example of using a spirit level when putting up a shelf:
1. Position the spirit level horizontally against the wall, roughly in the middle of where the shelf will go. It should be held completely still so that the surface is flat and the level is not wobbling
2. Move the level until the vial(s) are centered. This might mean tilting it ever so slightly if you've not got it straight
3. Once your level is in the correct position, mark a horizontal plane using a pencil
4. If you want to, you can turn it around at 180° to check the bubbles line up upside down, too. Mark similarly with a pencil and your markings should be in line with each other
5. Put up your shelf
6. Test the surface of the shelf by popping the level on top. The bubble(s) should be right in the middle of the guide lines. If they are too far left or right, you need to adjust the shelf placement
Testing for accuracy
Before any real work is done, it is always best to test the accuracy of your level. Both new and old levels will need to be tested, as newer levels could have been dropped and damaged in transit, whereas older levels may have defects from casual wear and tear.
To avoid ending up with crooked pictures or uneven tiling, do the following with your level to test it out. This can be done using both vertical and horizontal vials:
1. Place the level on a flat surface. This could be a tabletop, door frame or desk - whatever is convenient
2. Check that the bubble is perfectly centered. If it is not, try another surface
3. Mark the end of the level and the side of the level on your surface using a pencil
4. Turn the level 180° to the same position but reversed, using the marks as a guide. The bubble should be centered again
5. If the bubble is not centered, there may be an issue with your level. Use a different level if the degree of inaccuracy (the difference between the first bubble position and the reversed) is too great
Which one should I buy?
You'll want to purchase a spirit level that gives you the most accuracy for your task. To do this, you'll need to understand the differences between types of spirit levels, and know what's on the market.
Is it for indoor or outdoor use?
This is the first question you should ask yourself before buying a level. Should it be for indoor use, durability will be of less importance; but if you're using it outdoors, you'll want something that is magnetised and made from a durable metal, like aluminium. This will help to protect your level from harmful UV rays and rust corrosion.
 | For outdoor use, we recommend the TM-SL120V TOUGH MASTER 1200mm I-Beam Spirit Level. This level is great for large jobs such as decking and can check both horizontal and vertical measurements. It is made from sturdy aluminium and has a powder-coated finish for corrosion resistance, so it won't rust in the rain. It can take a mighty impact, too, so is perfect for construction sites and other tough environments.
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£26.99
Inc VAT each. Price subject to change.
 | Indoors, especially for small household projects, go for a smaller option like the TM-SL25 TOUGH MASTER 250mm Scaffolder's Spirit Level. This level has 3 vials for 45°, 90° and 180° measurements, giving you more accurate results than a level with just 2 vials. Its compact size is small enough to pack away in any toolbag or storage cupboard, and can be held up easily thanks to its light weight. Made of aluminium, this is also a durable option.
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£10.99
Inc VAT each. Price subject to change.
Does reputation matter?
It is best not to get too hung up on reputation if pricing is an issue, since going for the bigger brands will often come at a cost. However, if you do have the means to splurge, go for a Stabila spirit level. These levels are considered the best in the industry by many professionals, and offer the best accuracy, too.
 | The STB962120 is a great choice for a Stabila level. Its long length of 120cm and gripping ridges make this ideal for outdoor use, but you can also use it for indoor tasks like measuring curtain poles or door frames. Having multiple vials on a long spirit level ensures you can check that the levels match from top to bottom or side to side without having to measure the different parts separately, as you would with a smaller level.
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£59.95
Inc VAT each. Price subject to change.
What are the different types of levels?
There are myriad types of levels on the market, but here are some of the most common:
Mason's Level
The job of a mason involves using dangerous, hefty tools to build brick walls and create structures from the base up. Levels are very important in the trade but often cannot handle the tough environment. That's why a Mason's Level was invented: to increase the durability of the level. A heavy-duty one from Stabila will do the trick, ensuring the glass of the vial does not get damaged and the level remains in ship-shape day after day.
Protractor Level
When you need to check a level at an angle, go for a protractor level. These tools have a dial that sets the pitch so that you can measure how far a surface slopes. This is great for laying patios or using soil in landscaping, as the ground needs to slope away from the house so that water does not get in (you don't want flooding, after all). The Stanley STA043609 FatMax Torpedo Level is a fantastic choice, coming with a 10-year accuracy warranty.
Torpedo Level
If you're putting in a new floor, re-tiling your old floors, or simply checking the level of your current floor, you'll need a torpedo level. These levels are exceptional for the fact that they can fit into tight spaces, e.g. under doors or cabinets, allowing you to check the level of the entire floor. The Stabila STB81SREM is even magnetised underneath, so you can stick it to magnetic surfaces to check the level without holding it in place. Lovely stuff.
Final tips
Now you have a better idea of what spirit levels are about, we'll leave you with some final tips to help you decide what to buy:
Think about what you need the level for, and buy one according to your needs
What about pricing? Set a budget and stick to it, watching out for the latest deals
Consider a set of levels - like the TOUGH MASTER 3-Piece PRO Spirit Level Set - if you need a level for multiple purposes
Go for a more compact level like the torpedo level if you need it to fit into tight spaces - their accuracy will be just as reliable as a longer level
Pick the most sensitive model as this will be the most accurate. Good spirit levels are accurate to half a mm per metre
Happy shopping! From UK Planet Tools.
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