Best Spirit Levels Hints and Tips for Measuring

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 17, 2023
Are you still leveling everything at your place by eye? Stop! Add a spirit level to your collection of tools and be sure that the paintings and bookshelves hang on a level and every item in your home is aligned. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type
Size
Angle measurement
Accuracy
Extras
Warranty
 
PROS

The spirit level features audible indication that notifies a user at 0°, 45°, and 90° or any other angle you set. The tool also records up to 9 readings thanks to the onboard memory.

CONS

The display has a rather poor viewing angle.

OUR VERDICT

Owing to high a measuring accuracy, a wide range of application, and a relative ease of use, the spirit level would become an irreplaceable tool for both professional constructors and DIYers.

detailed parameters
Type

Digital / Analog

Size

10"

Angle measurement

Digital: 360°
Analog: 0°, 90°

Accuracy

0.1°
0.05° in high-accuracy mode

Extras

Magnetic base,
Laser dot projection,
Readings in degrees/percents/in/ft,
Last measurements recall,
Ruler

Warranty

2+1 year limited

PROS

The I-Beam spirit level is designed with a rotating vial that revolves about its axis and offers an ability to fix the tool at any angle from -90° and up to 90°. 

CONS

The measuring scale is incorrect unless you take off the end caps.

OUR VERDICT

If you are looking for a long, reliable, and durable spirit level that won't bend during use but will provide you with accurate readings, the Stanley model is the best option.

detailed parameters
Type

Analog

Size

24"

Angle measurement

0°, 90°
I-Beam 180°

Accuracy

0.0015 in./in

Extras

Powder coated body,
I-beam vial,
Ruler

Warranty

Limited Lifetime

PROS

The laser can be set to emit the ray in 3 different modes: horizontally, vertically, and crisscrossed. The built-in tape measure makes it easier to leave a reference mark, especially during elevated jobs.

CONS

It is really easy to hit the laser switch accidently.

OUR VERDICT

The Qooltek level combines a laser level, a bubble level, and a tape measure in one tool. That's why we recommend it for any task that requires leveling or spacing.

detailed parameters
Type

Analog

Size

7.5"

Angle measurement

0°, 45°, 90°

Accuracy

N/A

Extras

Laser dot projection,
Tape measure,
Ruler

Warranty

Amazon's 30-days return policy

PROS

This tool is made of precision-machined, solid billet aluminum that ensures an unrivaled durability of the spirit level. The patented Brightview milled vial ports let you clearly see the readings even in low-lit conditions.

CONS

The edges of the body are pretty sharp, it is recommended to grind them a bit in order to avoid accidental cuts.

OUR VERDICT

The electricians and plumbers usually work in dimly lit rooms, therefore, they will highly appreciate the spirit level that emits light thus eliminating the need for a flashlight.

detailed parameters
Type

Analog

Size

9"

Angle measurement

0°, 30°, 45°, 90°

Accuracy

 0.0005 in./in

Extras

Magnetic base,
Brightview vials,
Ruler

Warranty

Limited Lifetime

PROS

The alternate zero function is ideal for measuring angles regardless of the true horizon line. A unique handle lets you fix the level on a shoulder strap and use it with confidence during elevated jobs.

CONS

It is quite challenging to press the mode button to freeze the readings without moving the spirit level.

OUR VERDICT

This pretty compact spirit level fits in a pocket perfectly. Thus, you can always have this irreplaceable tool at hand.

detailed parameters
Type

Digital / Analog

Size

4"

Angle measurement

Digital: 360°
Analog: 0°, 90°

Accuracy

0.1° at 0° and 90°
0.2° at all other angles

Extras

Magnetic base,
Readings in degrees and percents,
Alternate zero function,
Handle-latch hook

Warranty

1 year

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Hammerhead HLLT10

Expert in Leveling

The HAMMERHEAD HLLT10 is a 2-in-1 tool that will come in handy for any measuring task you might face since the spirit level is capable of detecting angles in 2 different ways, analog and digital. If you are an old-school person you can use a bubble level for detecting 0° and 90°. Though, if you want to get the maximal accuracy of up to 0.05° and measure the angles from 0° to 360° the digital level is the best option.

All the information is displayed on a large backlit screen; the figures are quite large and easily readable so that even a weak-eyed person could use it. Another benefit the spirit level offers is an audible indication that will notify you at 0°, 45°, and 90° (or any other angle you will set) so you don't need to be exactly in front of a display all the time (quite important if you are leveling something standing on a ladder, for example). Additionally, you can choose the desired unit of measurement to be displayed: degrees (°), pitch (IN/FT) or slope percent (%). Owing to this option the spirit level can be used to do various things.

Finally, we should say that the HAMMERHEAD spirit level boasts the memory that records up to 9 readings, thus, you don't need to write them down anymore, just press the M button! This spirit level is a super useful tool at a good price.

Review of Hammerhead HLLT10 Digital Level with Laser

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00OZHIGGE

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight

10" size is perfect for DIYers - I am happy I didn't purchase the 24"

Features

It has a tripod mount and a magnetic strip along the bottom edge
 

Stanley 42-324

A Tool for Large-scale Tasks

Those who have ever tried arranging bulky items using a small spirit level know for sure how difficult this task is. Small levels do not assure high accuracy as they should be repositioned several times or utilized with some long even bar in order to provide at least vague measurements. We bet you want your pictures and tiles, bookshelves and furniture aligned. To do this, we recommend you to opt for 24" Stanley 42-324 that will help you place all the items at the needed level and make both horizontal and vertical markings with 100% accuracy. For your convenience, the spirit level is designed with a rotating vial that revolves about its axis and will allow you place the tool at any angle.

Additionally, this level can be used as a large ruler thanks to the measuring scale printed on its body. In fact, the body is made of durable aluminum with shock-absorbing end caps making the level perfect for construction use. But don't hesitate to use the spirit level outdoors; the frame is covered with the special powder so it won't rust. All in all, a reliable spirit level doesn't need to cost a fortune to measure angles accurately. See it for yourself by opting for the Stanley I-Beam 180 level.

Review of Stanley 42-324 I-Beam 180 Level

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $16.24
Stock In stock
ASIN B000NIFC7K

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight

It's big, sturdy, straight and accurate at leveling. It does not feel cheap or bend easy.

Features

As advertised and expected. I like the ruler scale on top and the adjustable angle bubble vial. And I didn't see this one locally.
 

Qooltek Multipurpose Level

Three in One

The Qooltek Laser Level is not just an ordinary spirit level, it is practically a multi tool with a wide range of functions. Well, it combines a spirit level, a tape measure, and a laser level and that's why the tool is ideal for any task that requires leveling or spacing. Just imagine, with this tool you don't need to reach for a tape measure to make reference marks since you will have it always at hand. 8 feet long, the measure offers metric and imperial values and locks in place when needed, hence you will definitely have the most accurate measurements ever. Checking surfaces and lines vertically, horizontally or diagonally won't be a problem anymore owing to 3-position bubble level.  Not sure? Check them with the included laser level! It is no wonder that this pretty unusual model is highly demanded by the majority of consumers.

Additionally, the Qooltek laser level is pretty lightweight, compact, and one button operated. This easy-to-use tool will come in handy for hanging pictures, wallpapers or bookshelves as well as for hobbies and crafts use.

Review of Qooltek Multipurpose Level
Last updated price $15.98
Stock In stock
ASIN B00PQ4PJYC

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight

The smaller size makes it easy to carry and use.

Features

Built in measuring tape is convenient. The adjustments available to the laser are positive options.
 

Swanson TL043M

Ideal in Dimly Lit Basements

The Swanson torpedo level couldn't go unnoticed by our team since it has a number of unique and innovative features that will definitely win the hearts of plumbers, electricians, and DIYers. This spirit level is made of precision-machined, solid billet aluminum that ensures unmatched durability and guarantees that the level won't bend when you are measuring angles. What's more, the 9" spirit level is ideal for application in some narrow and hard-to-reach places such as beam pockets or framed walls. It means that plumbers and electricians who constantly level wirings and piping would highly appreciate this spirit level for its handiness. However, what stands this spirit level apart from the competition is the patented Brightview milled vial ports. They capture and reflect the light in low lit rooms like attics and basements and let you clearly see the readings. All in all, the Swanson spirit level would come in handy for professional constructors or plumbers as well as for home improvement enthusiasts who want to have every item in his home balanced and aligned. 

Review of Swanson TL043M Savage Magnetic Torpedo Level
Last updated price $21.62
Stock In stock
ASIN B002C2SUHY

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight

The color is cool and it is a perfect size to fit in my tool pouch. I would buy this again if I lost this one.

Features

There is even a 7" ruler on one side of the base and it's metric equivalent on the other. So that's a nice touch that's come in handy a few times now as well.
 

Digi-Pas DWL80E

Always at Hand

The Digi-Pas DWL80E is the "smallest" spirit level we've come across in search of the best models for our review. To specify, this pocket-sized tool is only 4" long, yet it's is on par with other spirit levels when it comes to functionality and quality. But the main benefit here is that you can have the tool always at hand!

We'd like to point out that the level offers you an ability to measure the angles with 0.1 degrees accuracy at 0° and 90° and 0.2 degrees at all other angles. However, you can also set the tool to alternate zero. It means that you can set the readout to 0° when the tool is in any position you like and measure the angles or difference of surface levels with the touch of a button. Having completed some special measurements, you can perform a factory reset and return to default values. What's more, the spirit level features the hold function that "freezes" the reading on the LCD display, thus you don't have to stand right in front of the level to see the figures it shows.

The manufacturer has also designed the tool with a pretty innovative handle that serves as a latch hook and can be fixed to a waistband or a shoulder strap for elevated jobs. Finally, the inbuilt magnets would be of service when you have to run steelworks—you will have your hands free and will be aware of a surface level. Quite handy, isn't it?

Review of Digi-Pas DWL80E Pocket Size Digital Level

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $25.90
Stock In stock
ASIN B001NPJGL0

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight

The small size is perfect for my pockets, which can be difficult when using a 9 inch level.

Features

The calibration process was simple and straightforward, with the cal button accessible but well protected.In short, a great value for the dollar.
 

What a Spirit Level

It is pretty hard to hang a picture or put up a shelf by sight since this task requires holding an item against the wall in order to make reference marks and aligning it again and again until you are fully satisfied with the end result and certain that the item hangs straight. It's a blue hell! But, there is a special tool that will turn this meticulous process into a child's play and will help you level every item in your home in seconds.

We're talking about a spirit level - a rectangular bar with a vial partially filled with some liquid leaving an air bubble in it. A position of a bubble inside a bulb is what determines whether a surface is level or askew. You will find a variety of spirit levels on the market but you should know that they are not all the same and some models might not be 100% accurate. We've picked out 5 best spirit levels available at the market in an attempt to simplify a difficult choice, so you will definitely find the right model on our shortlist.

If you are a professional constructor or maybe an avid DIYer you will definitely need a laser level that will create visible projection on any surface you need, be it indoors and outdoors. Having bought this tool you will forget about moving a level around and realigning it all the time. We also recommend you to consider a laser measurer that will come in handy for measuring not only the length or height of the premises but also its area and volume.
Best Spirit Levels

Sources:

1. How to use a spirit level, Property24. June 4, 2013.

2. Linda Cottin How to use a spirit level, Lawrence Journal-World. April 30, 2016.

3. Lauren Piek Level Buying Guide, Blain's Farm & Fleet. July 23, 2015.

4. Spirit level, Wikipedia. March 7, 2017.

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