When we talk of quick and accurate measurements, digital and electronic levels are the best tools for it. Whether we need to to-the-point measurements of slopes or grades or you are looking for an instrument that can precisely indicate angular deviations, digital and electronic levels are the most practical devices for such measurements. They are easy to set up and operation of these instruments is not very difficult either.
You do not have to worry about time consuming alignments and turbulent environments when choosing digital electronic levels. You will find most of the digital electronic levels to be similar to the traditional levels that you may be using, the only difference is that they come with an LCD display and an inclinometer. Many of these digital electronic levels come with angle finders as well as lasers which help you extend a line or an angle.
How to choose a Digital Electronic Level
Let us look at some of the important factors that we must keep in mind when choosing a digital electronic level:
- If you are working on a project that deals with tight spaces you may need a level which can do the job without requiring a lot of space. Consider portable inclinometers for such projects because they do not require a lot of space and can be easily fit in tight spaces as well.
- Projects that use long metals or if you are working with vertical magnetic surfaces then you may as well consider a laser level that is magnetic and can stick to the surface. This will allow you to work easily without you having to use your hands for holding the level.
- At times, you may end up working in places that do not allow a lot of light or you may have to work when it is dark. There is a solution for that too. When choosing digital and electronic level look for those that have LCD screens which can light up. You can also consider digitals levels that have vials which can glow in the dark.
- A digital angle locator is exactly what you need if your job requires you to measure accurate angles in walls and ceilings.
- For projects where you are working on the installation of machinery, it is best to choose a digital level that can be easily mounted on the machine. When choosing a digital and electronic level, check if it also has Bluetooth capability because that will make things a lot easier for you.
How to use a Digital Electronic Level ?
Once you have selected a digital electronic level such as Bosch laser level or Dewalt laser level that meets your requirements, you must understand how to use the digital electronic levels appropriately. Let us check some basic steps that will help you use your digital electronic level:
- If you are working on a project that deals with tight spaces you may need a level.
- To begin with, you must place the level on the surface that you would like to measure.
- Once you place it on the surface, the level will stop on a degree reading after some time.
- After the level is settled on a degree reading, begin adjusting the level so that you can bring it to 0.0 degrees or level.
- Take the help of the bubbles vials to ensure that your digital electronic level is showing the correct reading. The bubbles vials can be checked only if they are present in your level – some levels do not have them. If the vials do not match the reading on your LCD screen then you must calibrate it once again.
- Projects that use long metals or if you are working with vertical magnetic surfaces then you may as well consider a laser level that is magnetic and can stick to the surface. This will allow you to work easily without you having to use your hands for holding the level.
- At times, you may end up working in places that do not allow a lot of light or you may have to work when it is dark. There is a solution for that too. When choosing digital and electronic level look for those that have LCD screens which can light up. You can also consider digitals levels that have vials which can glow in the dark.
- A digital angle locator is exactly what you need if your job requires you to measure accurate angles in walls and ceilings.
- For projects where you are working on the installation of machinery, it is best to choose a digital level that can be easily mounted on the machine. When choosing a digital and electronic level, check if it also has Bluetooth capability because that will make things a lot easier for you.
How to calibrate a digital electronic level ?
Calibrating a digital electronic level is an important part of using the instrument. If it is not calibrated correctly then you may end up with the wrong measurements. Follow these steps to calibrate the level properly:
- Begin with a table or a flat surface and allow the level to stabilize.
- Digital electronic levels may come with or without degree display. If yours does not show the degree then you can skip the steps that help in the calibration of such levels.
- For levels that display degrees, record the degree rating displayed on your level. Then record the reading once again after rotating the level 180 degrees.
- Now turn it over and record the reading once again then rotate the level 180 degrees for the final time to record the last reading.
- The readings that you have noted should not have a difference of more than 0.2 degrees. If it is more than that then you will have to recalibrate the level. It is always advised to consult the user manual while calibrating the level for instructions specific to the model that you have bought.
- If your level does not display degrees, then you can come to this step directly after your level is stabilized. To activate the calibration function in your level, you must follow the instructions in the user’s manual for your level.
- While the user’s manual will contain specific instructions for activating the calibration function, you will have to align the bubble vials accurately in a lot of positions so that you can find level vertically as well as horizontally.
Recommended Models
Let us take a look at some of the digital electronic levels that can be ideal for you.
- Johnson Levels 40-6028 digital levels –
This 28 inch digital level is a great instrument for those working in low light. The LCD can be rotated so that you can check the readings even when it has to be placed at awkward angles.
- Johnson Levels 40-6060 electronic level inclinometer –
This digital level has some of the best laser level reviews because of its size. It is portable and the small size makes it easy to fit in tight spaces. It also has a backlight which allows you to read the LCD in low light.
- Johnson Levels 40-6080 electronic level inclinometer with rotating display–
You will like this model because of its ability to transfer the reference points with the help of the laser beam. Other features remain the same.
- Johnson Levels 40-6065 digital laser level and angle locator –
This 23 inch model is preferred by those who like to use the magnetic surface of this device to hold on to the surface you are working on. Additionally, it is perfect for measuring angles and it has a dot laser that allows you to transfer reference points too.
- Johnson Levels 40-6064 digital angle locator –
It is a good angle locator with the working range of angle measurement being 0 degrees to 222 degrees.
Key Features
Some of the most prominent features of all these displays are:
- The LCD display can be read in dimly lit areas and has the ability to display the readings in 5 different construction languages.
- The digits are automatically inversed for ease of reading for the users when using it to overhead measurements.
- An audible indicator helps in accurate measurements.
Common end user applications
- Contractors
- For proper installation of the machines for level as well as plumb.
- For the installation of handicap ramp.
- To get accurate measurements of slopes and inclinations.
- The 40-6065 (Digital Laser and Angle Locator) and 40-6064 (Digital Angle Locator) are also used for the following:
- Precise angle measurements
- They can be used for bending pipe and sheet metal at specific angles
- They are very handy for proper installation of doors and windows
- Counter top installations can be made easy with these digital electronic levels
Accessories
At this time, these digital levels do not have any additional accessories.
