Spirit Levels, Tape Measures and Laser Levels: How to Choose for Site Work

Measuring and levelling properly: which tool for which job

On site, a measuring error is expensive: a wall out of plumb, a floor with no fall or a piece cut a centimetre short. That is why it pays to be clear about which tool to use in each case. In this guide we review the spirit levels, tape measures, laser levels and laser distance meters in the Bellota range, with the real features of each family.

Spirit levels: length, accuracy and magnet

The spirit level is still the basic tool for checking horizontals and verticals. When choosing, look at three things:

• Length: long levels give you more reference when resting on uneven surfaces; short ones fit where a long level will not. The Bellota 50107 reinforced tubular level is made from 400 to 1200 mm, with an extra-wide double-rib aluminium profile, three vials and an accuracy of 0.5 mm/m. Its machined surfaces let you use it on both faces.
• Magnet: if you work on profiles, beams or metal structures, a level with a magnet stays in place and frees up your hands. The Bellota 50106 cast aluminium I-beam level has three neodymium magnets, is 600 mm long and has an accuracy of 0.5 mm/m.
• Compact size: the Bellota 50109 magnetic torpedo level is only 230 mm long, with a V-groove for reading on pipes and an accuracy of 1 mm/m, ideal for inspection chambers, shelving or installation recesses.

On the levels in the range, the vials are impact-resistant and UV-stable, which matters on a tool that gets knocked about and spends the day in the sun.

Tape measures

For everyday use, a tape measure with a tough case and a legible blade is enough. The Bellota 50014 dual-material tape measure has a shock-resistant case, a steel blade with a matt nylon coating that prevents glare, a belt clip, a wrist strap and a full lock. It comes in 3, 5 and 8 m (with blade widths of 16, 19 and 25 mm), and also in a version with millimetres and inches. Class II accuracy.

If you measure steel profiles and structures, the Bellota 50012M chrome magnetic tape measure has two ferrite magnets in the end hook, a 25 mm steel blade and a reading on both faces.

For long distances (setting out, facades, trenches), the solution is a fibreglass measuring tape such as the Bellota 50021, available in 10, 20, 30 and 50 m and graduated in millimetres. Its folding hook lets you measure without a helper.

Laser level: cross-line or 3 planes of 360º

A laser level marks horizontals and verticals at a distance, with no string lines or bubbles. There are two main types in the BePower range:

• Cross-line laser: projects one horizontal and one vertical line. The BePower NIV20 cross-line laser level reaches 20 m with an accuracy of 0.3 mm/m, self-levels on surfaces with up to 4º of slope and warns you with a visual alarm if it is out of level. It includes a magnetic bracket, a pouch and AA batteries.
• 3 planes at 360º: projects one horizontal and two vertical planes that surround the room. The BePower NIV360 laser level reaches 30 m (50 m with a receiver), keeps the 0.3 mm/m accuracy and runs on a rechargeable lithium battery. It is useful for suspended ceilings, squaring partition walls and indoor setting out.

Both models come with a red or green laser. Green is more visible in bright light; in return, the runtime given on the data sheet is shorter (for example, 12 h on the red NIV20 versus 6 h on the green). For outdoor work or longer distances, the NIVRECEP receiver for laser levels extends the range up to 50 m, and there are accessories such as a tripod, magnetic brackets and a clamp.

Laser distance meter for quick measurements

If what you need is to measure a room without a helper, the BePower MED20R laser distance meter measures from 0.15 to 20 m with an accuracy of 0.3 mm/m, has a backlit display and a USB-rechargeable battery. There is also a 50 m version, the MED50R.

Other marking-out tools

To complete your kit, the collection includes plumb bobs, chalk lines with marking powder, squares and marking pencils for wood, stone, ceramic or wet surfaces.

Tips for measuring accurately

• Check that your spirit level is true: rest it down, note the reading, turn it through 180º and check that the bubble reads the same.
• With a laser level, rest it on a stable surface or a tripod, and do not carry it without locking the pendulum.
• Choose the tape length for your usual use: 5 m is enough for most indoor work, and keep the long tapes for setting out.
• Measure twice before cutting, especially if you are cutting expensive pieces or ones with little margin.

If you are tiling, also see our guide to tile tools and tile cutters, and for working with mortar, the one on bricklayer's trowels and floats.

Frequently asked questions

Which spirit level is best for professional use?

For daily use a reinforced level with a rigid profile and impact-resistant vials is best. The Bellota 50107 is an example: extra-wide double-rib aluminium, three vials and 0.5 mm/m accuracy, in lengths from 400 to 1200 mm.

What length of tape measure do I need?

For most indoor work, a 5 m tape measure is enough; if you measure larger spaces, the 8 m one gives you more margin. The Bellota 50014 comes in 3, 5 and 8 m, and for long distances there are fibreglass tapes up to 50 m.

Is a red or green laser level better?

The green laser is easier to see in bright light, while the red offers longer runtime according to the NIV20 data sheet (12 h versus 6 h). If you mainly work indoors in moderate light, red is usually enough; if you work in bright light, green is more visible.

What is the difference between a cross-line laser level and a 3-plane one?

The cross-line laser projects one horizontal and one vertical line, and the 3-plane projects one horizontal and two vertical planes at 360º. The first is simpler for one-off tasks; the second is better for setting out a whole room.

What is a spirit level with a magnet for?

A level with a magnet stays fixed to profiles, beams and steel structures, so you can measure without holding it. The 50109 torpedo level has a magnetic V-base and the 50106 has three neodymium magnets.

Find all the products in the measuring and levelling collection.