Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
158 Section 1 Preparing to Build
Most auto levels use a circular bulls-eye level, Figure 8‑8,
rather than a cylindrical leveling vial. The bulls-eye level
is not as precise as the cylindrical level however, the in-
ternal compensator ensures accuracy. This feature makes
auto levels easier to set up and less likely to get jarred out
of level throughout the operation.
The transit is like the builder’s level in most respects,
Figure 8‑9. However, the telescope can be pivoted up
and down 45° in each direction. The instrument has a
horizontal scale and a vertical scale that can be used to
accurately measure angles in both directions. Using this
instrument, it is possible to accurately measure verti-
cal angles. The transit can also be used to determine if
a wall is perfectly plumb (vertical) by sighting the verti-
cal crosshair while pivoting the scope up and down. Its
vertical movement also simplifies the operation of align-
ing a row of stakes, especially when they vary in height.
In use, the builder’s level, transit, and laser level are
mounted on tripods, Figure 8‑10. The lengths of the
tripod legs can be adjusted independently. This fea-
ture makes the tripod easier to level on sloping ground.
It also permits the legs to be shortened for easier han-
dling and storing.
B Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 8-8. A—Auto levels have a circular bulls-eye leveling vial, rather than a cylindrical leveling vial. During setup the user
centers the bubble in the ring by adjusting the leveling screws. B—Most auto levels are equipped with a mirror to easily check
the instrument for level from the normal user position.
A Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Eyepiece
Horizontal
clamp screw
Vertical
tangent screw
Vertical
clamp screw
Vertical arc
Focusing knob
Index vernier
Horizontal
graduated circle
Telescope lens
David White
Figure 8‑9. A transit can be used to lay out or check both
level and plumb lines. It can also be used to measure angles
in either the horizontal or vertical planes.
Tripod head
Leg
Ground spike
Tie strap
Leg clamp
David White
Figure 8‑10. Tripod legs hinge at top and are adjustable for
use on uneven terrain.
158 Section 1 Preparing to Build
Most auto levels use a circular bulls-eye level, Figure 8‑8,
rather than a cylindrical leveling vial. The bulls-eye level
is not as precise as the cylindrical level however, the in-
ternal compensator ensures accuracy. This feature makes
auto levels easier to set up and less likely to get jarred out
of level throughout the operation.
The transit is like the builder’s level in most respects,
Figure 8‑9. However, the telescope can be pivoted up
and down 45° in each direction. The instrument has a
horizontal scale and a vertical scale that can be used to
accurately measure angles in both directions. Using this
instrument, it is possible to accurately measure verti-
cal angles. The transit can also be used to determine if
a wall is perfectly plumb (vertical) by sighting the verti-
cal crosshair while pivoting the scope up and down. Its
vertical movement also simplifies the operation of align-
ing a row of stakes, especially when they vary in height.
In use, the builder’s level, transit, and laser level are
mounted on tripods, Figure 8‑10. The lengths of the
tripod legs can be adjusted independently. This fea-
ture makes the tripod easier to level on sloping ground.
It also permits the legs to be shortened for easier han-
dling and storing.
B Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 8-8. A—Auto levels have a circular bulls-eye leveling vial, rather than a cylindrical leveling vial. During setup the user
centers the bubble in the ring by adjusting the leveling screws. B—Most auto levels are equipped with a mirror to easily check
the instrument for level from the normal user position.
A Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Eyepiece
Horizontal
clamp screw
Vertical
tangent screw
Vertical
clamp screw
Vertical arc
Focusing knob
Index vernier
Horizontal
graduated circle
Telescope lens
David White
Figure 8‑9. A transit can be used to lay out or check both
level and plumb lines. It can also be used to measure angles
in either the horizontal or vertical planes.
Tripod head
Leg
Ground spike
Tie strap
Leg clamp
David White
Figure 8‑10. Tripod legs hinge at top and are adjustable for
use on uneven terrain.