HAODE Wants You to Learn About Levels, Laser Levels and Measuring Tools!
How Tools Work: Levels
Box Beam Level Overview
Box beam levels or box levels are a type of spirit level and are called such because of the shape of the level frame. If you were to cut the box level in half, you would see the aluminum is formed (extruded) in the shape of a rectangle(or box)and is generally hollow in the middle. The key to a box level's strength is its shape with four points of contact to withstand an impact. Box beam levels feature block vials, solid pieces of acrylic that are machine set into the box level frame at a high degree of accuracy. The highest level of accuracy in box beam levels is 0.5mm/m in all level positions. Only a few level manufacturers can consistency meet these accuracy standards. Box beam levels are traditionally yellow in color, so they can easily be recognized on the construction jobsite, and feature a yellow-green vial, which is also the most visible color to the human eye in a variety of light conditions.
The box level is made from high grade aluminum and has two distinct features over I-beam levels:
- Frame Rigidity - due to the box (square) construction, there are four points of strength to the level. It is generally more difficult to twist and bend, and even if you could slightly, due to aluminum's muscle memory, it comes immediately back into place.
- Solid Acrylic Block Vial - which is resistant to direct impact. Traditionally, the professional contractor box beam level is yellow - this is the most recognizable on the construction site and preferred color, although today, box beam levels can be found in red, blue and gray
Another feature of box beam levels, which until recently has been unique to this level frame, is hand holes with a soft-touch grip. The holes are very generous in size, so they can accommodate a gloved hand to easily get into and out of it, and they are non-slip. For added quality, these hand grips are screwed into the frame, rather than glued, so when the levels falls to the ground, the level will stay together.
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