Any expert working in tight spaces needs a torpedo level, which is a specific kind of spirit level. The level’s body is constructed of plastic or metal and holds 2 to 3 cylindrical vials.
The tubes, also known as vials, are used to measure the level of your object or surface. In addition to that, these vials will include additives that are yellowish-green.
These spirit levels are usually a very sought after type of spirit level to own due to being quite small.
Not only are they helpful when you are working in tighter and smaller spaces, but they are easy to read when you want to check something quickly.
As a result, a torpedo level is an important tool to have in particular jobs.
In this article, we will discuss more about the torpedo level and how you can use it.
Torpedo Levels
Small torpedo levels, which range in size from 6 to 12 inches, feature vials with markings for plumb, level, and occasionally 45 degrees.
Torpedo levels are perfect for working in cramped quarters due to their small size and shape.
Some of them include magnetic edges that can be used as a “third hand” by plumbers and other people who work with metallic items.
Torpedo levels are useful for leveling images, figuring out the slope of pipes, and leveling over short distances. They are small enough to carry in a tool belt or junk drawer.
How To Use A Torpedo Level?
If you have never used a torpedo level before, then follow these simple steps.
- Step 1 – Place your torpedo level on the surface or object that you wish to discover the level of. You want to make sure that the level vial is parallel to that object. While, the vial’s air bubble ought ideally to rise to the top of your torpedo level.
- Step 2 – Take a look at the vial’s bubble tube.
- Step 3 – Your object or surface is at a true horizontal angle if the air bubble is in the middle of the two parallel lines drawn on the vial.
- Step 4 – You may notice that the air bubble doesn’t float to the center, but instead placed nearer to the right line on the vial. Then it is clear that the object or surface is slightly slanted or higher on the right side of the object or surface. Although the same can be said when the air bubble is nearer the left side of the lines. This is showing you that the object or surface is slanted or higher on the left side than the right.
- Step 5 – If the object or surface is slightly slanted, then you will know how to fix it. You are aiming for the air bubble to be located in the center of the two lines. This way, you will know that your object or surface is completely level.
It is important to note that if you want to find the diagonal of an object or surface, then you can repeat this whole process by holding the torpedo level diagonally.
Due to the three vials on this type of level, you can easily find the correct level on the diagonal as well as in the usual ways.
Using A Magnetic Torpedo Level
A magnetic torpedo level isn’t too different to a standard torpedo level. However, if you do have a magnetic torpedo level, then you should follow these steps rather than the ones outlined above.
- Step 1 – Place your magnetic torpedo level on your chosen metal surface. As this level is magnetic, you don’t need to worry about the level falling off, it should remain where it has been put.
- Step 2 – Let go of the level and allow time for the bubble to float to the top of the vial.
- Step 3 – Once the air bubble has floated to its place, you need to take a look at where the bubble is. Just like above, if you notice that the air bubble is in between the two lines, then you can know that the object or surface is level. However, if the air bubble is slightly more to the left vial line than the surface is raised on the left side, and vice versa if the bible is high on the right side.
- Step 4 – If the air bubble isn’t in the center, then you know you have a problem. You need to level out the object or surface, until the air bubble is sitting comfortably in the center or in the middle of these two lines on the vial.
Advantages Of Having A Small Torpedo Level
There are many benefits to having a torpedo level on you at all times. We have already established that they are a really useful tool to have on you.
Especially as they have three vials, so you can find the level or surfaces and objects easily. Below are a few of the most popular advantages to carrying a torpedo level with you.
Accurate
To achieve the most precise results, torpedo levels of all sizes, even small levels, feature high accuracy tolerance levels.
Construction
A torpedo level’s body and material depend on its intended usage. This is why smaller torpedo-style levels typically have a sturdy aluminum body.
By being produced from aluminum alloys, they provide the construction added strength, so it can endure being dropped and shocks.
Portable
Small torpedo-style levels’ have built-in belt clips. These are a great feature because they make it simple to carry the tool around for spot checks.
V-Groove
A V-groove is seen in the small torpedo levels. This pipe-fitting groove on the torpedo level’s exterior fits against pipes to determine whether they are installed perpendicular or horizontally.
Magnetic Properties
Short torpedo level models with strong magnets can “stick” to metallic surfaces like scaffold poles, pipes, and other metallic objects.
Professionals may easily position the levels on magnetized objects or surfaces without being worried about it slipping off thanks to this magnetic edge’s hands-free feature.
How Do You Know If Your Torpedo Level Is Well Calibrated?
Simply place the instrument on a level, flat surface to ensure that it is calibrated appropriately.
After finishing, make a note of where the bubble lands (generally, the more bubbles there are along its length, the better). After finishing that, turn the level over and carry out the same process.
As long as the two processes are carried out in opposition to one another, the spirit will reveal the same reading after either phase is complete. You must change the level vial if the readings are not identical.
Conclusion
Torpedo levels are ideal to be used by pipefitters and plumbers. These levels are compact, light, and portable. It is quite easy to carry this level around in your pocket.
In addition to that, they work well on various surfaces due to their torpedo shape. They also come in handy for everyday tasks like leveling furniture and hanging decorations.
We hope this article has helped you learn what a torpedo level is and how to use one.