Bull’s Eye Level

The porthole level It is a small measuring instrument that, as its name indicates, belongs to the family of levels, many of which we have referred to in the technical article “Types of Levels and their Applications”. Its design, different from the standard levels, makes it a very useful tool for specific jobs.

So what is a bull’s-eye level?

East level type It is circular in shape and with an approximate diameter of 20 to 150 mm. It has a hollow structure and filled with a liquid, within this liquid it has a gas bubble, which is used to verify the horizontal position of an object. The location of the bubble indicates the angle and the direction of inclination of the object with respect to the horizontal plane. The bull’s eye level has a radius on its upper face which causes the gas bubble, thanks to its buoyancy, to be located at the highest point.

It generally has a flat base and a slightly convex and transparent upper face. The upper face has circular markings to clearly indicate the center. When the bubble is located exactly within the circular mark, it means that the object being checked is in a horizontal position.

The most remarkable characteristic of the bull’s-eye level is that thanks to its design, it allows a 360 ° reading of leveling measurements.

Bullseye Level Sensitivity

One of the most relevant aspects of the bull’s-eye levels is their sensitivity to perform the measurement.

In the case of these types of levels, the sensitivity is expressed as the angle of inclination. An example would be: 30 angular minutes or 0.5 degrees. This would be the angle that the level should be tilted to move your bubble 2mm. A level with higher sensitivity would be a level with 6 angular minutes.

Sensitivity can also be expressed in millimeters per meter, which is equal to the difference in height per unit length.

This characteristic of the levels is very important to consider at the time of purchase.

Bullseye Level – Sensitivity Table

Uses and functions of the porthole level

The bull’s-eye levels are implemented in a great variety of objects, which require to be aligned with the greatest precision.

They are used to measure and level a wide range of things, such as machines, tools, tables, precision instruments such as scales, balances, small devices, cameras, as well as household appliances, among others.

From a general point of view there are two types of levels, portable and those that can be installed or bolted on the object to be leveled.

The laptops are simply placed on the element to be leveled and the arrangements are made, until the gas bubble is placed centrally within the ring-shaped mark, in this way the perfect leveling is obtained.

To install a porthole level on an object, only the holes in the base of the instrument should be used to screw the instrument to the desired surface. As you screw in, make the necessary adjustments so that the bubble of the measuring device is precisely positioned within the circular mark on the upper face of the device.

Parts of a Bullseye Level

Porthole level installation

This level installation is widely used in cases where it is required to verify the constant leveling of a moving element. They are especially useful for check leveling of machinery, instruments, scales, external elevators used in construction or maintenance, lifting platforms, static and mobile cranes, truck cranes, telescopic handlers, excavators and dump trucks. The porthole level, indicates to the operator of the equipment or machine, the safety point that allows him to work in a safe range of inclination. The measurement indicated by the instrument helps to prevent the vehicle or work machine from overturning.

Types of porthole levels

In addition to the classification mentioned in the previous point, there is a wide range of level designs.

Glass level, this type of level is portable, can be used on any object and has high precision. Its circumference is made of anodized aluminum and its lens is made of frosted glass.

Bullseye Level – Glass

Container levelThis type of level has a high base or structure compared to the other porthole levels. You could say that the level is packed in this structure.

They are leveled by reference to the bottom surface of their precision machined frame, such that when placed on a level surface, the instrument bubble is within the reference mark.

They can be used independently, on a surface or inside a cavity.

Some presentations of this level typeThey have a plastic container, which saves on its price and gives it greater resistance. They can also be made of glass, which provides better appearance and precision.

Bull’s Eye Level – Container Type

Plastic level, are made of acrylic and are designed for use on balances, camera tripods and tribraches. They feature reliable bubble movement and high sensitivity. They are simple in design and very easy to transport.

Bull’s Eye Level – Plastic

Magnetized levelWith this practical level, measurement and leveling can be performed without the need to hold it, but maintaining the advantage of instrument portability. Practical and simple, it can be used on machinery, trailers, trailer houses, etc.

Bright levelAs an additional feature to all the standard features, this porthole level has the function of glowing in dark environments. To have such a useful function, the level must be charged in daylight. Perfect for work in closed or small areas, as well as for night-time work.

Surface mounted levelThis level has a circular base that is wider around its circumference, in which it has 3 holes through which it can be screwed to a surface. When installed, the level would be at a considerable height above the surface, taking its base as a reference. However, this type of level, like the type of container, is leveled by reference to the bottom surface of its precision-machined structure, such that when installed on a level surface, the bubble is precisely located within of the circular mark.

Porthole Level – Surface Mounted

Recessed level, these types of levels are designed to be recessed in a hole. Some have holes in their base to be screwed to the surface and others are designed to be attached to the installation cavity. When the instrument is installed and its screwed base is attached to a perfectly level surface, the instrument bubble indicates it, placing it within the ring-shaped mark.

The porthole levels generally have presentations in different sizes, so this aspect should be taken into account when making the selection.

Excellent and practical leveling instruments, the portholes levels they are the perfect choice for two-dimensional measurements.