Home improvement is 99 per cent about precise measurements.
There’s little winging it, especially when you’re dealing with walls, doors and floors. A wonky shelf will be unusable, badly measured doors won’t close properly and botched skirting boards risk making your home look shabby - and not in a chic way, either.
It’s why every tradesperson will tell you that when DIYing, it’s critical to measure not just once, but at least twice. Thrice is even better.
What is a spirit level?
A spirit level, or bubble level as it is sometimes known, is a simple but vital tool in finding the right angles and ensuring everything from wallpaper to framed prints is hanging straight.
There are manual and digital types, but in its simplest form, a spirit level is a long, ruler-like tube carrying a small vial with a little liquid (usually alcohol due to its low freezing point, meaning it can be used in almost any climate) inside.
How does a spirit level work?
There’s just about enough space for an air bubble, and when lined up correctly will tell you if your shelf, mirror or curtain rod is in the correct orientation.
In short, when the bubble is centred between the two lines marked on the glass tube, it is level.
Digital levels project lasers onto the wall and are more useful for helping you hang things like patterned wallpaper. Most feature an auto-adjust while others can be tweaked manually.
Are spirit levels essential?
Spirit levels are inexpensive tools but will save you a lot of effort, heartache and cash if they’re used in the first instance. It’s much better to check orientation with a level first than replace rolls of badly applied wallpaper later.
Keen DIYers will likely have a couple of spirit levels knocking about in their tool kit, but if you’re without or you’re just beginning to build your gear up, we’ve rounded up the best options for you below.
Bosch laser spirit level PLL 1 P with wall mount
Manual or digital? We say, get a tool that can do both.
From DIY king Bosch comes this 2-in-1 tool that offers a 5m laser line and 20m laser point for large jobs, like installing wall lights or wall-mounted speakers. It also has two spirit-filled vials meaning it can be used manually for smaller tasks too, like aligning a washing machine or fridge. It runs on 2 x AAA batteries.
Buy now £37.03, Amazon
Bosch Professional 25 cm spirit level with magnet system
Available in 25cm, 60cm and 120cm sizes, a spirit level is essential for all kinds of jobs: think hanging pictures and mirrors, measuring angles up stairs and putting up shelves.
The compact design, which has integrated magnets so it can hang unsupported on metal surfaces, features three vials filled with UV-resistant fluid so you can check whatever you're putting up is on straight. Shock-absorbing end caps protect the tool from accidental knocks and drops.
Buy now £24.99, Amazon
Magnusson Black & Orange Spirit level set of 4
This set of four levels comes with a continuous magnetic strip on the back so you can use them hands-free on metallic surfaces or steel studs. Each one features two solid block vials to help you determine the true horizontal and vertical angles - 90° and 180°. A light aluminium body means they won’t weigh down your tool kit or tool belt and there are end caps on long length levels to absorb shock in case they’re accidentally dropped.
Buy now £60.00, B&Q
STANLEY FATMAX XTREME Torpedo Level Heavy Duty Aluminium Body
From Stanley - yes, the makers of that viral water cup/personal reservoir - comes this heavy-duty spirit level, much more in line with the brand’s DNA.
The tool features a 180° rotating vial which is perfect for use on pipework while shock-absorbing ends mean it will be protected and continue working perfectly even after a few accidental knocks and drops. The level is also fitted with rare earth magnets, much stronger than standard strip magnets, ensuring stability when you’re trying to determine readings.
Buy now £16.95, Amazon
Xtremeauto Caravan Spirit Level
This teeny level is a camping essential for anyone with a motorhome. It’s made to work with a selection of levelling devices: think ramps, blocks and inflatable levellers. The device can be used to level caravans and motorhomes on uneven ground or adjusting on slopes.
Buy now £4.99, Amazon
WORKPRO 3-Pack Keychain Small Spirit Level
You never know when you might need a level. Make your keys work harder by adding charms that are useful like this minuscule spirit level, which comes as a pack of three.
Each one may only measure 9 x 1.5cm but they are endlessly useful for marking accurate readings on the go.
Buy now £10.99, Amazon
Stanley 042130 Magnetic Horizontal/ Vertical Pocket Level
A small level that slips easily into a pocket, Stanley’s mini and mighty tool is made for use on the move or in tight spots. It’s a great thing to have around the house, or indeed, to take when you’re house hunting to help see if the property is sound. Metals on the bottom ensure it will stick rigidly to most metal surfaces and there are two vials to enable you to measure a variety of angles.
Buy now £8.35, Amazon
RockSeed Cross Laser Level
This upgraded level device uses lasers to help you level things like wallpaper, panelling and installing bespoke cabinets. There are two modes - self-levelling and manual - which you can switch between depending on the task. The high visibility laser offers excellent accuracy, even at 110° wide angles.
It’s anti-splash and shockproof to one metre, handy if it gets knocked off a ladder or surface when you’re working.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
