Kapro levels: characteristics, types, tips for choosing
It is difficult to imagine a builder or repairman who would not use a building level. The modern level of Israeli production of Kapro definitely deserves attention. But we need to figure out why this product is so good, why it is better than Stabila, and what models the manufacturer can offer.
Peculiarities
In the construction, repair, reconstruction and redevelopment of buildings and premises, the role of the building level is very important. For work at home and in the country, you can do with household products. But for permanent use (for example, in the practice of a freelance electrician or bricklayer), you must immediately focus on professional equipment. This is precisely the products of the Middle Eastern company Kapro, which has proven itself from the best side.
Professionals note that the products of this brand serve stably even with very intensive use.
As befits a good instrument, these levels are highly accurate. Unlike inexpensive goods from Southeast Asia, Kapro equipment will not fail even after being dropped or bumped. Even the most careful builder or repairman will not be able to avoid such incidents. Speaking about the advantages of the levels from Israel, it is worth noting:
- lifetime corporate warranty on them;
- minimal risk of flasks discoloration;
- no risk of fading;
- reliable fastening of all main parts.
Types by method of work
No matter how solid the warranty is given on such products, it is necessary to take into account the principles of their functioning... Sometimes the device does not evoke any technical criticism, but it is simply unsuitable for certain measurements in a certain situation. Most often, a bubble level can be seen on a construction site or during a renovation. This tool has a simple structure, but at the same time it is quite functional and convenient.
Many have seen a rectangle with an inner cavity. The middle of the device is occupied by a transparent flask. In professional jargon, it is customary to call it "peephole". The name of the type of instrument is simply explained - there is technical alcohol or other liquid of low density in the flask, and an air bubble floats in the liquid, the vibrations of which are used for measurements.
In kits for professional use, so that builders do not waste time in vain, the liquid is colored. Recent developments even include the use of fluorescent additives to make it easier to work in the dark. The flask is marked with stripes perpendicular to the main part of the level. These bars indicate deviation. When the balloon is located exactly in the middle, the surface can be assumed to be perfectly aligned.
It should be borne in mind that an increase in the size of the bubble and a decrease in the distance from it to the boundary lines contributes to an increase in the accuracy of measurements. In some models, this indicator can even be customized at your discretion. Most bubble levels use two flasks at once, allowing you to track the evenness of the vertical and horizontal lines, respectively.
But you can also choose a model with 3 or more flasks - such a toolkit is needed for particularly important work.
Modern bubble equipment can be equipped with:
- stiffening ribs;
- marking one of the surfaces;
- milled surface;
- a platform for striking;
- pipe grooves;
- magnet at one end.
Besides simplicity, bubble levels are good because they can be used in everyday life and in professional practice. Even inexperienced beginners can work with such systems. Thanks to the wide range of sizes, you can choose the version with the ideal parameters for a specific task. Bubble instruments are inexpensive. but they still suffer greatly from any fall or collision, and the adjustment options often go astray.
Tubing levels from Israel are used very rarely. They are needed to lay various pipes, profiles and beams, the cross-section of which usually does not exceed 100 mm. Structurally, there are no special differences from the bubble instrument. There are several flasks with liquid, but the body is always V-shaped and equipped with magnets. Some pipe levels are complemented by a collapsible, removable clamp just for the diameter of the pipe being used.
Hydraulic levels are needed when it is required to apply horizontal markings as accurately as possible. This tool is suitable for:
- installation of ceilings;
- markings of future floors;
- construction of foundations;
- other extensive surface works.
Hydrolevels with rectangular flasks tightly fitting to the surface are the most convenient to work with. The larger the tube diameter, the faster it will fill with liquid and the flow rate. Before starting work, the level is filled with water approximately 2/3. Bending the tube is not allowed. The length of the hydraulic level is 5-25 m.
Features of hydro levels:
- are cheap;
- can be operated even without special skills;
- almost not destroyed by blows and falls;
- do not need special calibration;
- can be used only by two people and strictly at a positive temperature;
- not suitable for measuring planes and lines in a vertical plane;
- not very convenient in terms of filling with liquid.
Electronic levels are used mainly by professional builders and repairmen. They are designed for particularly precise measuring work. Outwardly, there are almost no differences from the bubble variant in nx. But there is a goniometer and a digital standard display that allows you to determine deviations. They are measured not only in degrees, but also in millimeters or in percentage terms - as the consumer wants.
Electronic levels:
- very accurate;
- used without any problems;
- can remember previously measured slopes;
- have sound signaling;
- need systematic calibration;
- require careful handling;
- are very expensive.
The laser level is another professional device. Its alternative name is level. They construct virtually planes (not only horizontal or vertical, but also inclined) at a distance of up to several tens of meters. Therefore, such devices are very valuable when you need to mark something, align walls, mount stretch or suspended ceilings, build or move partitions.
The Kapro product range includes line, point and rotary laser levels. All of them save time and achieve very high accuracy. It is very easy to store and transport such equipment. You can work over a very large area. True, the price of a laser level is very high, but the cost of purchasing it is guaranteed to pay off.
Selection recommendations
When choosing a bubble level, be sure to pay attention to its flask. Its complete transparency and the absence of the slightest defects, even scuffs, are required. Then you need to evaluate how well the bulb is secured. The more rigid the fixation, the higher the reliability of the device. It is very important that all lane markings were perfectly defined.
You should definitely find out how correct the instrument readings are... But its length (40, 60, 80 cm) is determined only by personal convenience and practicality. Novice builders and repairmen can take a level of any length. All the same, later it will have to be replaced with a more perfect product. The laser level should be equipped with a special reinforced case and a telescopic tripod; professionals prefer models with a mirror.
Series
Professional grade Kapro levels belong to the Hercules line. They are manufactured in a box (not I-beam) pattern. Comfortable handles are provided for the most comfortable work. There is an auxiliary peephole to simplify the measurement of verticals in narrow areas where it is impossible to look at the flask from the side. If the length of the level does not exceed 1500 mm, it has 3 flasks (1 vertical), and for a longer length, add 1 more vertical flask to it.
The edges of Hercules instruments are fitted with rubber inserts. Thanks to them, shocks are effectively damped. This line also includes magnetic measuring instruments. They are slightly more expensive than traditional optical ones, but they are firmly attached to any steel surface. The series includes models with dimensions (in mm):
- 400;
- 600;
- 800;
- 1000;
- 1200;
- 1500;
- 2000;
- 2500.
Kapro-862 with green beam is a great modern building level. It can measure at a distance of up to 20 m. The backlight perfectly shows the real picture even in bright light. LEDs and bearings are sourced from Japan.
If you need a self-leveling level, you should pay attention to model Kapro 895.
Measurement without a receiver is possible at a distance of up to 20 m. Powered by AA batteries. The level of electrical protection corresponds to the IP54 category. The device can emit 6 beams. Self-leveling angle - 3 degrees.
You can learn more about the Kapro levels below.
Yes, this is a wonderful tool, but I recently dropped it - it began to display incorrectly.
The comment was sent successfully.