Masonry Magazine January 2003 Page. 30
Levels in THE FIELD
LEVELS: ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW
By Jennie Farnsworth
Managing Editor, Masonry magazine
Levels are very basic tools compared to the various intricate devises that are used in the masonry arts. We've seen it all, we've heard it all, and we've done it all when it comes to levels. Well, here's a little insight into a few things that you may not know about this handy instrument.
Wooden Levels
Although the times are changing, wooden levels have always been the main instrument of choice for most masons. These levels can be formed out of most types of wood, with the majority being handcrafted out of select cuts of maple, walnut, mahogany and teak.
"The primary level of choice is generally the wood level for the brick or block mason because it's a very resilient type of material," says Sam Alford, President of Crick Tool in Athens, Texas. "If it's dropped, it doesn't bend."
"Our levels are probably the heaviest level, weight-wise, in the market," continues Alford. "Mother Nature has this thing about wood - the more durable the wood, the denser the wood, the heavier the wood. Some brick and block masons like a heavy level; others do not. So a lot of time it boils down to personal preference."
Personal preference seems to be the name of the game when it comes to wooden levels, as they can be easily tailored to any mason's taste. Masons can specify a particular type or shade of wood to distinguish themselves. Choosing finger grooves, rather than hand holes, will increase the weight of the level. In terms of utility, the vials used for measurement can be clear or a yellow/green color, which are a little easier to read in low-light conditions. Also, masons can request an exact length of their level.
"The industry standard, or at least what we're seeing, is that the most common sizes are the 24" and 48" levels," says Alford. "You can have a level made to whatever length a person wants, though. We have some people who want a level that will fit perfectly in their toolbox."
"The size of level that you need really depends on what you're working with at the time whether you're working with windows, doorways, a tight spot or a long course of block," says Kathy Reyce of Port Austin Level & Tool Mfg. Co. in Port Austin, Mich. "We have levels that go all the way up to 120 inches."
There are certain things, aside from personal preference, that masons should look for in a good, wood level. Is the level the same size from one end to the other? Are the vials reading accurately? And how are the vials seated in the level: with a stone setting that will securely hold the vials in