Levels

ToolInfoBox Level
Synonyms:	spirit level, bubble level; DE: Wasserwaage
Type:	measuring tool
Location:	wood workshop
Access Requirements:	read this page
Similar (More or Less):	inclinometer

A level uses a bubble floating in a liquid-filled tube to indicate whether something is parallel or perpendicular (or, in some models, at a 45° angle), to the ground earth's gravitational field.

When mounting something, that means if the floor or wall nearby is not perfectly straight, your measurement will be - so there could be applications where you'd rather go for a line parallel to the existing geometry than the "true" measurement obtained with a level.

Given the proper conditions you can also check squareness of pieces against each other in two dimensions, but a square is the proper tool for this kind of task.

Small magnetic or clip-on levels can be very handy if you have a straight reference (e.g. your workpiece or a tensioned string) to attach it to.