How to Use a Spirit Level

How to Use a Spirit Level

A spirit level can help you achieve a perfectly straight surface, making them a necessity when erecting shelving, kitchen cupboards, hanging picture frames, or similar.

They work by using a bubble of air within a tube of liquid. This bubble should be as central as possible in the tube, which shows that the level is perfectly straight.

Most of the things you hang or build in your home will need to be straight or level, so they’re a key piece of kit in any toolbox. From small DIY improvements to even laying patio slabs, a spirit level will come in handy.

They’re also perfect for builders and surveyors when bricklaying, fitting doorways, or laying flooring bases.

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You can either check something which has already been put up is straight, check whilst fitting, or draw a line pre-fitting.

Step By Step: Using a Spirit Level

1. Clear the surface

To ensure a reliable, trustworthy reading, the surface needs to be clean and clear of debris or any interference. This will help improve accuracy.

So, dust any flat surfaces such as shelves. Or if using against a wall, ensure the wall is sanded smooth and flat and no bumps will interfere with the reading.

2. Position the spirit level

Place the spirit level on the surface you want to check. Wait for the bubble to settle and take the reading.

Ideally, the bubble should be in the centre of the lines. If not, make small adjustments to the surface, by tilting one side of the spirit level. When you’re happy with the position of the bubble, mark your new positioning with a pencil.

Your eyes should be level with the spirit level to get an accurate reading. So, for tall items, use a ladder or podium.

3. Repeat vertically

You will likely also want to check whether the product is level vertically. To do this, hold the spirit level vertically against the surface.

Most spirit levels have two vial readings available, one for horizontal and one for vertical readings. Make any adjustments required for the vertical readings, and then double-check the horizontal reading is still fine after these adjustments.

How to check the accuracy of a spirit level

There is no point in using a spirit level and relying on the readings if the spirit level is not calibrated.

To do this, place the spirit level on the most flat surface you can find. Something like a coffee table or sideboard would be perfect. Place a sheet of paper underneath it.

Then, use a pen or pencil to draw where the end of the level and the side of the level are on the paper. Leave the spirit level to sit for about 15 seconds to settle. Then, check the position of the bubble; take a photo so you remember where exactly it sits.

Turn the spirit level around 180 degrees and position matching the lines that were drawn. Check the position of the bubble, using the same bubble vial you checked in the first test. Take another picture. Any difference in the positioning of the bubble is the degree of inaccuracy the spirit level gives.

If the bubble moves in the same direction (say to the left in both instances) then this indicates an issue with the surface you’re testing on, not the spirit level. Retest on another surface and repeat.

It is a good idea to check the accuracy of your spirit level before every job. Even just a knock against a surface can move the bubble out of sync.

How to calibrate a spirit level

If there is a degree of inaccuracy, you will want to recalibrate the spirit level. You can do this by locating the calibration screw.

This will be directly under the vial on one side of the level. Keeping the spirit level on the flat surface, use a screwdriver to slowly turn the screw. The bubble should start to move as the screw is turned.

Once the bubble is in the centre of the vial, repeat the accuracy checks above. Hopefully, the bubble is in the centre no matter the positioning on the original surface now.

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