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How to level a Vintage Level.

How do you fix a level that is apparently not level? Or a plumb that is not plumb?

First off, I must add that the level in question must be the adjustable type.  I know one of the two I've purchased is adjustable because I happen to have an old 1923 Stanley catalog. Also, the inscription on the level says so:

These patented vials have the glass placed very close to the surface to allow for easy, wide angle reading. The vials are usually proved (centre curved) or, in the case of top-of-the-line models, polished inside for greater sensitivity.



Of all the tools made by Stanley I've collected over the years, it has never occured to me to buy a level. Well, Stanley Works was once known as the Stanley Rule and Level Co. in Conneticut. If any company made levels as specialty, Stanley was one of one of them.




And so I purchased a couple.


In fact I got both for less than $20. They are suprisingly abundant and cheap on ebay (at least the common ones) But the shipping costed me $60 to ship to far east.

Start off by finding a flat and LEVEL top surface. You will need another level that has been calibrated at the factory. You can shim a table with cardboards to make it level. I'm using the bottom feeder's plastique square offered by Stanley now.



Center the bubble in the vial of the calibrating level


On the vintage level to be adjusted, locate the screw cover that says "ADJ. SCREW, Patented"



Pry off the brass cap with your fingernails. Do not use a screw driver in any circumstance. Better rip your nails (They grow back) than the cap (they don't grow back)


Using a thin bladed screw driver that fits the adjusting screw (the one shown in this pic does not fit properly), attempt to turn the screw a quarter turn. Watch the bubble's movement. Adjust as required, until the level is centered.


Replace the adj screw cap carefully. You are done. The level is now ready to level a few Acres of cement floor.

WHAT ABOUT THAT PLUMB VIAL, YOU ASK?..


I troll the web, therefore I am. General concensus says:

Press the level vertically against a wall, wide side against the wall. Centre the bubble and strike a line. Flip the level so that the opposite wide side that used to face you now faces the wall. Again centre the bubble, and strike a line. If the two lines form a an angle, bisect the angle and you got the plumb line.

Enjoy.

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