Learning to work with a level. How to use a laser level: choose a device and find an application. How to work with a laser level. Educational program for beginners

Professional The laser level must meet higher requirements:

  • measurement accuracy ±0.1 mm/m and higher. Large distances on the ground increase the error;
  • work with a receiver to increase beam visibility, operating range from 300 meters;
  • high class of protection against dust and moisture;
  • remote control device;
  • laser plumb line.

The rotary device provides 360 degree coverage. Accordingly, professional devices also have a higher cost.

Useful videos

Preparation, bringing the device into working position:


For a training video on the construction of the N-3 level, the principle of operation and taking readings, watch:


An optical level is an indispensable assistant on a construction site, see how specialists work with it:


What is a level, how and where is it used:


The ability to work with a level increases the accuracy and quality of construction work, saves time and materials. Have questions or disagree with the author’s point of view? Have your say in the comments.

A level is a device for determining height differences, checking the evenness of a surface by determining the excess of one point over another with a horizontal beam. Levels are divided into optical, digital and laser.

How to use an optical level?

An optical level kit consists of a tripod, a staff with divisions in millimeters on one side and centimeters on the other, as well as the level itself.

  • 1 step. First you need to choose a place to install the level. The most convenient location is considered to be in the center of the measured area. A tripod is installed at the selected location. To achieve a level horizontal position, it is necessary to loosen the clamps of the tripod legs, set the tripod platform (head) to the required height and tighten the screws.
  • Step 2. The level is installed and secured with a screw on a tripod. By rotating the leveling screws, using a level, the horizontal position of the device is achieved.
  • Step 3. All that remains is to focus. To do this, the telescope must be aimed at the staff and rotating the focusing screw to obtain the sharpest image possible; the eyepiece ring adjusts the focusing of the reticle. If it is necessary to measure the distance from one point to another or to remove the axes of a building, then centering is carried out. To do this, the level is installed above the point, and a plumb line is suspended from the deadbolt. The level is moved along the head of the tripod, while the plumb line must be above the point, then the device is fixed.
  • Step 4 After installing and configuring the device, you can proceed to research. The leveling rod is installed at the starting point (or altitude reference point), and a reading is taken along the middle thread of the leveling thread grid. The count is recorded in the field journal. Next, the staff is transferred to the point being measured, and the procedure for taking and recording the reading is repeated. The difference between the readings of the initial and measured points will constitute the excess.

How to use a laser level?

Before starting work, you must check the operation of the device. To do this, you need to charge the battery or insert batteries and turn on the level. If the beam shines brightly and clearly, then the device is ready for use.

To achieve high quality markings, the following rules for positioning the device must be observed:

  1. The projection of a line or plane must occur continuously. There should be no obstacles in the path of the beam.
  2. The distance from the level to the object should not exceed the maximum allowable for the selected model. As the distance increases, the marking error increases. But the use of a special receiver allows you to increase the range of use of the device up to 2 times.
  3. The laser beam is dangerous for the eyes of animals and people, so before carrying out work it is necessary to warn others and, if possible, isolate animals from the work site.

Setting up a laser level depends on the selected model; it is important to remember that disabling unused functions allows you to save battery power and increase the operating time of the device. Basic settings:

  1. To achieve an accurate result, the device must be placed on a flat surface using a tripod, and the level must be in a stable position. Some models are designed to be mounted to the ceiling or wall; in this case, it is important to prevent the device from moving or shaking.
  2. Before starting work, it is necessary to level the device horizontally by rotating the screws. Many modern models have a self-leveling function. Such devices do not allow the device to be positioned incorrectly and sound an alarm when an error occurs.
  3. Depending on the task, you need to adjust the visibility of the vertical and horizontal axis. In some models, it is also possible to select the “line” or “dot” mode and adjust them.
  4. In rotary levels, you can adjust the beam rotation speed or angle to set the working sector.
  5. If it is necessary to measure over long distances, you should use a laser beam receiver, which must be mounted on a staff and placed on the point to be measured.

Using a laser level in construction or repair allows you to perform a large number of tasks. Methods of use depend on the specific goals set, for example:

Using a laser level when working on the floor:

  1. To determine the evenness of poured concrete. To do this, the rail must be placed against the wall anywhere in the room and marked where the red beam is located on it. After this, take several more such measurements at different points in the room and compare the deviations of the indicators.
  2. For decorative laying of floor tiles. To do this, you need to tilt the device and transfer the beam to the floor, while fixing the level. The most popular method is when the rays intersect at right angles, which allows you to carefully lay out the tiles. The presence of clamps included in the laser level allows you to project a perpendicular intersection onto any surface.

Using a laser level for wall work:

  1. To level the walls To do this, you need to direct the beam along the surface and measure the deviations.
  2. Sticking ceramic tiles and wallpaper The use of marking walls with a laser level allows you to lay out tiles or paste wallpaper quickly and perfectly evenly. Either one vertical beam is used for wallpaper or the intersection of two beams for tiles. To save power, usually only the first row is glued along the rays, the rest are aligned along the first, sometimes performing a control alignment with a level.
  3. Installation of equipment, cornices, shelves and other household uses of the level. Laser levels have replaced pencils, tape measures and bubble levels. Projecting rays onto the wall allows you to quickly and without hassle deal with a large number of everyday issues.

Finally

The level is an indispensable device both at construction sites and in everyday life. You can buy a laser or optical level in our online store. We also provide training on the use of professional geodetic and construction equipment. Contact our specialists and we will answer all your questions.

A level is a special geodetic instrument that allows you to determine both the height of the terrain and the location of objects on a flat surface. Using a level, you can establish the horizontality of a surface, which is why such a tool is used today not only in geodesy, but also in construction. We will tell you in more detail how to use the level and staff and obtain the most accurate data.

Types of levels

Currently, you can find various types of levels on sale, which differ in their characteristics. Depending on the accuracy of such devices They are usually divided into three categories:

  1. Technical, the error of which can reach 10 millimeters.
  2. Accurate - with an error of no more than 2 millimeters.
  3. Highly accurate - with a permissible error of 0.5 millimeters.

Until the recent past, optical levels were in demand, but today the most popular are measuring instruments that are built on electronic and laser technology.

Laser levels are compact in size, and using such a device does not require any professional skills. Today, such devices are most popular received in construction, where they can be used to calculate the horizontality of even small-sized surfaces. Laser models are capable of drawing a luminous, clear line, the presence of which makes it possible to visually establish existing deviations from the horizontal, which greatly simplifies the necessary calculations.

Optical instruments use a special design of numerous lenses, which allows you to build the most accurate image, obtaining data on the horizontal surface. This measuring device is simple in design and easy to use. It consists of the following elements:

  1. Telescope.
  2. Stands.
  3. Round level.
  4. Tripod or tripod.

Using the device

Initially, these measuring instruments were used in geodesy, where topographic surveys were carried out using such instruments, as well as numerous land management works. Today, these measuring instruments are used in the construction of various buildings and structures, landscaping, construction of gazebos, playgrounds, construction fences, and so on.

Operating rules

Working with the level is not particularly difficult. We offer you the simplest an algorithm for using these measuring instruments, which will allow you, even without any special experience, to obtain the most accurate data and determine even the slightest deviations from the horizontal.

Modern laser and electronic devices can significantly simplify calculations. All information and all data are calculated automatically and then provided to the user in a readable form. Each of us can handle the use of such electronic and laser devices, even if he does not have the relevant work experience.

Levels are quite simple in use instruments that allow obtaining geodetic data and determining the ideal geometry and horizontal plane. The use of such devices is not difficult, especially when used for measuring laser and electronic levels.

Construction tools for performing measuring operations have undergone significant changes in recent years. Traditional levels and slats are fading into the background, giving way to more functional and technologically advanced electronic analogues. Optical and laser instruments for determining the position of construction objects provide high-precision results, while also performing complex mathematical calculations based on the data obtained. And it is quite logical that as the devices become more complex, questions arise about how to work with the level? Educational program for beginners, presented below, will allow you to master the basic rules for using such devices. Despite their physical ergonomics, the process of operation involves performing a number of procedures, on which the correctness of the result will depend.

Device of optical levels

The basis of the device is formed by a tribrach - this is a metal circle, the position of which is fixed by three supports with regulatory elements. Lifting screws allow the structure to be optimally positioned on the site, minimizing the risk of deviations. The device also includes a horizontal dial, a telescope, cylindrical levels and a compensator in the form of a magnetic or air damper. with a level of this type? Initially, the adjustment is made using the above-mentioned screws, and the measurement itself is carried out through a telescope. Depending on the configuration, optical devices may have several lenses in a set that allow measurements to be taken under different conditions. To correct the clarity of the device, the head part with optics also includes adjusting screws, which reduce the risk of a large error. Using such equipment, you can determine the height of the structure, differences in the position of individual objects, fix angles of inclination, etc.

Laser level device

Models of this kind do not include a telescope, which saves the user from independently determining the geometric parameters of the object. The working basis is a laser emitter that projects a beam onto the target area. The design also provides for the presence of control fittings, but in this case the margin of error is eliminated, since most models, regardless of position, can automatically adjust the beam direction angle relative to the horizontal.

How does a laser level work? The device prepared for the operation is oriented with optics towards the object, as a result of which a point is reflected on the surface, by which the height can be estimated and measurements can be taken. Such equipment is good because it reduces the risk of error due to the human factor. Its advantages also include a wide range of additional options related to the processing of received information.

Features of rotary models

These are the most technologically advanced devices designed for marking on a construction site. The key feature of such models is the presence of a rotating detector, which contains two lasers. They can move at speeds of about 600 rpm, projecting a beam over a 360° range. How to work with a rotary type level? The technique for handling such devices generally corresponds to standard laser devices, and the difference lies only in the organization of the final markings. That is, if the beam in conventional models provides information about one characteristic, after which it needs to be moved, then the rotary technique allows complex calculations to be carried out from one position. This approach is especially effective when installing windows, performing surface finishing, and in other operations where it is necessary to obtain data about the position of different objects within the same room or construction site. But in open areas there may be restrictions associated with reaching the target object.

Before you begin the main work activities, you should consider measures to ensure the safety of the device. First of all, the case must be protected from water, dirt, dust and physical shock. As a rule, the design of construction levels has multi-level dust and waterproof insulation, but this may not be enough. For example, even models with a protection class higher than IP54 cannot be used in heavy rain without an additional shell. The same applies to the threat of direct sunlight. Temporary overheating of the equipment may not damage it, but it will certainly affect the accuracy of the measurements.

How to work with a level if it is frosty or hot outside and surface cover will not help? Initially, you should make sure that the device is, in principle, suitable for operation at a particular temperature condition. As a rule, models from major manufacturers can be used in the average range of -10 to 25 °C. But even in this case, it is necessary to adhere to certain operating rules. For example, optical models are sensitive to temperature changes. After taking the measurement, the device should be brought into a warm room and warmed up in the supplied case for 30 minutes.

What will you need for the job?

A tripod should be used to ensure the correct position of the device. You can do without it in a room with a flat base, but if it comes to working on a construction site on bare ground, then adjustable equipment will not be superfluous. But even indoors without special load-bearing devices will be inconvenient to work with the device. For such purposes, ergonomic holders are provided. They can be attached to walls, floor coverings and even to the ceiling.

A special rail will also be required. Its scale will allow you to mark divisions on the target surface, along which the required readings will be recorded. How to work with a level and staff? Traditional methods assume that two people will be involved in the process - one is directly responsible for recording the data, and the second holds the staff. However, the latest models of laser electronic devices automatically process the data, taking into account special bar codes of the strips. In this case, the user only needs to activate the corresponding function and set the scale position correctly.

Operation of optical instruments

As already mentioned, work begins with setting up the telescope. The main task at this stage is to achieve extreme clarity of the image of the object. Adjustment is made using screws, and correctness is assessed by looking through the eyepiece.

Further work, unlike laser models, is carried out by two people. One worker sets the staff perpendicular to the ground, and the second takes readings using the image of an optical level. How to work with it so that the correctness of the data does not decrease during the operation? Firstly, much will depend on the reliability of the position of the device. Therefore, special attention is initially paid to the stability of fixation of the legs. Secondly, professional surveyors use spirit levels. These are devices with bubble levels, thanks to which both the position of the tripod and the position of the level are adjusted. When the device is ready for use, the pipe sight is aimed at the divisions of the staff. Then all that remains is to record the readings in the technical journal.

How to work with a laser type level?

The device is also fixed using a tripod or special holders. After making sure that the installation is secure, you can begin work activities. After pressing a special button, a beam is sent to the target surface. Lines can be projected horizontally or vertically, and some models also provide the possibility of cross-radiation. After this, the device automatically takes readings from the prepared staff with divisions. If you plan to mark over long distances, then you cannot do without a special receiver that will separately record the position of the beam. a level supplemented with such a device? Basic operations are also taken over by automation. The operator only needs to monitor the readings on the display of the receiver, which can record the position of points at distances of the order of 80-100 m. At the moment the beam is registered, the device will give an appropriate signal and display the received information on the screen, which is recorded in the log.

Instrument Maintenance

Optical devices require the most maintenance. Therefore, after each use, it is necessary to wipe the eyepieces, lenses and surfaces of the telescope. The slightest contamination can affect the accuracy of the data reflection. For example, the Control company has a wide range of devices of this type, and also recommends regular verification. In reviews of this product, there is often criticism that notes that clarity does not work on the Sokia level. The reasons for the decrease in image quality of models in this series may include dust in the optics and structural defects. For example, if the same lenses were not installed tightly. In this case, verification procedures should be carried out using a white sheet of paper. It is located at a predetermined distance near the marking strip. Correction of the optical equipment is carried out until the measurement results coincide with the previously known actual data.


To work with a level, you must have certain skills and knowledge. This device is indispensable during the construction of objects of varying degrees of complexity. It ensures the accuracy of the placement of all objects in space and prevents irreparable errors.

Level - device features, scope of application

A level at a construction site is an indispensable device. With its help, you can find the level of location of certain points relative to a specific base. Before any construction begins, site planning is carried out, which involves eliminating unevenness. The easiest way to do this is to use a level. You cannot do without this device when performing many other works - when arranging a foundation, pouring floors, installing formwork.

Design features

The main structural element of the level is called the telescope. It is equipped with a lens system that can magnify the image twenty times or more. This element is mounted on a special stand – a tribrach. It has three lifting screws, with which the device can be adjusted exactly to the level. To facilitate this process, there is a bubble level on the stand.

The design of the unit also includes a tripod. It is better to choose aluminum options, which are lightweight and durable. Some devices have a dial with which you can measure or construct angles.

The telescope contains a flywheel. With it you can adjust the sharpness of the image. To adjust the device to the visual acuity of a particular person, a regulator is used on the eyepiece.

Additional equipment and inventory

To work with a level, you need to purchase not only the device itself with a tripod, but also some additional equipment. You need to have a special ruler with divisions and numbers printed on its surface, which will make it easier to take the appropriate measurements. The scale is presented in the form of red and black stripes, 1 cm wide.

On the bar there are numbers in increments of 10 cm. The measured value is decimeters, and all numbers are written in two-digit form. 60 cm is designated as 06, 120 cm - 12, etc. For ease of use, each of the five stripes is united by a vertical line. Therefore, the entire bar is covered with peculiar letters E - in the usual and mirror form.

Some old models of levels reverse the image, so all the numbers on the staff are in the same unusual form. Each level must be accompanied by a passport and instructions for use. The documentation for the device indicates the date of the last verification, which guarantees its operating efficiency.

Other equipment included as standard for each model:

  • protective case for storing the telescope;
  • maintenance key;
  • a plumb line for installing the device strictly at the specified point;
  • soft cloth for cleaning lenses.

Step-by-step instructions for working with the level

How to use a level without the necessary experience? Beginners should follow simple instructions while working.

Step 1 – Tripod Installation

  • the fastening screws on the legs are relaxed as much as possible;
  • the supports of the device extend to the required length;
  • the tripod is set in the desired position, taking into account the horizontal level;
  • screws on the tripod are secured on all sides.

Step 2 - installation of the level

The leveling tube is secured to a mounted tripod using several mounting screws. Using level sensors (by rotating them) a strictly horizontal position of the device is achieved. It is necessary that the bubbles on the scale be in the area of ​​​​the indicated marks.

First, it is advisable to accurately set the first of them. Only after this do they proceed to adjusting the second screw, focusing on the previous one. Only such a step-by-step adjustment of the level will help achieve good results in your work. The optical axis of the device must be strictly horizontal.

Step 3 – focusing the optical assembly

After installing the level in the desired position, they proceed to adjusting its telescope, focusing on the operator’s visual acuity. To do this, you need to move the device to a well-lit object, and turn the regulator until the marking grid is displayed as clearly as possible.

The same work must be done on other objects that are illuminated less well. Focus adjustments are carried out as long as necessary.

How to determine the excess of points?

Working with an optical level involves determining the difference in height of several points on the surface. To do this, you need to have a special measuring rod and an assistant who will transfer it from one place to another.

To perform the work, you must adhere to the following instructions:

  • Select the first point at which the rail is installed in a vertical position.
  • In order for the bar to stand as level as possible, it is necessary to adjust its position, focusing on the reticle on the device.
  • The level is pointed at the staff. By rotating the eyepiece, maximum image clarity is achieved.
  • The values ​​of the measuring rod where the horizontal line of the reticle is located are written down in a notebook.
  • The bar is moved to another point and all the work is carried out first according to a similar scheme.
  • The level is positioned motionless. Therefore, the higher the measured value on the staff, the lower the specific point is.

Rules for transferring marks to the surface

A level at a construction site is an indispensable thing, since it can be used to determine the depth of digging a pit in each specific case. Let's consider a situation where it is necessary to obtain a recess with the bottom at a level of -2.000 relative to the floor of the building. To do this, the excavator operator must indicate his mark.

To perform this work correctly, set the rail at a point that corresponds to the floor of the building - at the design zero. At a construction site, such benchmarks are usually set up by a surveyor.

Let us assume that at this point it was possible to measure the value of 153. At the location of the future pit, a peg is installed and a rod is attached to it. Take the value that came out, for example, 168. A difference of 15 cm is set aside from the bottom of the peg upward. Next to it you can hammer another column. Its top should correspond to the mark made, which will provide the excavator with a more reliable reference point.

Instrument maintenance rules

It is necessary to work with the level carefully, which is explained by the sensitivity of this device to any damage.

After each work performed, it is recommended to wipe the eyepiece and lenses with soft flannel, which is usually provided by the manufacturer as part of the standard package for each model. The slightest contamination on the surface of the optical system leads to inaccurate measurements, which negatively affects the results of the work performed.

To ensure high accuracy of the equipment, it is regularly calibrated. It is done once every three years, about which a corresponding note is made in the passport for the device.

This should be left to professionals, but in some cases you can do it yourself. A regular sheet of paper is used, which is placed at a known distance from the marking strip. The optical system of the level is adjusted until the measured values ​​coincide with the actual ones.