Graphical Construction Glossary >> Tools. >> Hand Tools >> Auto Level

Auto Level

A tripod mounted optical instrument that is used for obtaining levels in construction work. It's use require one person to read the instrument and on person to hold a staff that readings are taken from.

Dumpy Level

An early form of optical leveling instrument. It is a commonly misused term when referring to a Builder's Automatic Level. The dumpy has a leveling tube that has to be set at each swing of the instrument. Further it gives an upside down reading in the view finder. It has no auto features.

Leveling Staff

A surveyors and builders aid in leveling. Most commonly an extendable aluminium rod with checkered painted graduations on the face. In close work it could just as easily be a simple board with pencil marking on it.

The Builder's Automatic Level as it is correctly called is an instrument that is easy to set up as it only has a simple circular leveling bubble glass. As long as the level is set with the bubble centered in the glass, then the inner hanging prism will automatically compensate for further differences.

In the photo here two men are using a level while laying a concrete slab. The guy on the staff will receive hand signals form the foreman telling him to raise or lower the particular patch of concrete. The concretors will then screed between the patches to create a level slab.

Go to this page to learn how to check a level for true and to set it.

• Go To Top : auto level
•  
• << BACK: auger bit
• ball peen hammer : NEXT >>

If you didn't find exactly what you are looking for try this search tool that will search the site and the web.

"What can be added to the happiness of a man who is in health, out of debt, and has a clear conscience?
Adam Smith 1723-1790

"When we build, let us think that we build for ever."John Ruskin 1819-1900