Types and Uses

TM 9-243 TYPES AND USES Levels are tools designed to prove whether a plane or surface is in the true vertical or true horizontal. All levels consist of a liquid-filled glass tube or tubes supported in a frame. MASTER PRECISION LEVEL The master precision level has a ground and graduated main vial (1). The top and bottom of the level are milled and ground to make sure both surfaces are absolutely parallel. This level is used to determine the true hori- zontal with the main vial (1). The true vertical is deter- mined by using the two smaller vials (2). STRIDING LEVEL The striding level is a machinist’s level which is mounted on a raised base. This level is used to span existing cabling, piping, or similar obstructions. It is extremely useful in a machine shop for checking the true horizontal of the flatway on a lathe. CARPENTER’S LEVEL MACHINIST’S LEVEL The carpenter’s level has three vials which are mounted horizontally (1) vertically (2) and at a 45 degree angle (3). The carpenter’s level is used in construction for checking for true vertical, true horizontal, and 45 degree angles. The machinists level has an extra large vial. This increases its accuracy and sensitivity. Some of these levels have grooved bottoms which fit over pipes and shafts. They are used in machine shops for leveling work and equipment. IRON BENCH LEVEL The iron bench level is made of a special design casting which insures its lightness, strength, and rigidity. It is used mostly in the construction industry. It may also be used in a machine shop. Some levels have a bent tube (4) which allows the bubble to settle quickly. LINE LEVEL The line level is a single vial in a metal case with a hook on each end for hanging on a cord. It is used to check whether two points are level, such as two points on a floor or in an elevation. It must be used with a tightly stretched cord. 10-2