Every time you want “plumb” an element, that is, give it the condition of verticality, verification instruments are used. Both the spirit level and the plumb They fulfill this function, and have wide application in construction, carpentry, blacksmithing and surveying.
The plumb -not to be confused with those used in fishing- it is one of the oldest tools in construction. Evidence suggests that Egyptian architects used plumb lines to establish verticals in the construction of the pyramids. Not only plumb bobs have survived to this day, but their employment is vital and although technology has advanced with the sophisticated laser plummet available today, the instrument as it is known in its primitive form is a must on any construction site.
The plumb it uses the law of gravity to establish what is truly “vertical.” The underlying principle is easy to understand: a suspended rope containing a weight at the bottom will be vertical and perpendicular to whatever level plane it passes through. In fact, it can be considered plumb as the vertical equivalent of the spirit level.
Parts that make up a plumb bob
The basic tool consists of:
TO. A weight made of lead (or aluminum, steel, brass, other metal, or even plastic) that is cylindrical, conical, or a combination of both. The plumb bobs Machined and balanced, they have a tapered or pointed end.
B. A spool-like piece called nut, which can be made of wood, metal or magnetized metal, which is the same thickness as the weight TO and that has a hole in the center.
C. A rope, string or thread made of cotton or nylon that, passing through the hole in the nut, joins both pieces. Nylon ropes are preferred for masonry because they have greater resistance to moisture.
In addition to its application in the construction industry and others, the plumb it is also useful in the home. When a door is installed it is used to check the verticality of the frame. If you want to place accessories or decorative items in relation to a surface or other object, insert a tube into another, or establish the verticality of a chimney or a storm drain, the plumb line it will be of great help.
Parts of a plumb bob
How to use a plumb bob
For the correct use of the plumb and obtaining accurate readings should be followed these simple steps:
- Unwind the rope C of the walnut B.
- Support the nut on the surface of the element to plumb (wall, frame, etc.)
- Slide the rope so that it weighs it TO Lower yourself to the lowest part of the element without touching the ground and let the weight swing freely. The greater the distance between the nut and the weight, the greater the precision obtained.
- Once the weight stops, observe its position to check the plumb:
- If the weight is practically resting on the element but not touching it (a light of approximately 1 mm should be allowed), the plumb is correct and the element is well vertical.
- If the weight is separated from the element, the verticality must be corrected by moving the element in the direction of the weight.
- If the weight is resting on the element, the verticality must be corrected by moving the element in the opposite direction to that of the weight.
Depending on the application and the material in which they are built, there are plumb bobs small that do not weigh more than 30 grams and other more robust that oscillate between 400 and 600 grams. In all cases, its cost is extremely affordable. In models with pointed ends, it must be checked that said point is not bent or misaligned due to use. If so, the plumb it will need to be replaced.
Laser plummet
Today the laser plummet They have become popular, although they cost almost 10 times more than conventional ones. They are small, common battery-powered, tape-measure-like instruments that project a laser beam in the spectral region around 600 nm, directed vertically and also (on some models) horizontally. The advantages over plumb bobs Common are the high precision and speed of the measurement, as well as the versatility, since they are not affected by environmental conditions such as wind and can be mounted on the ground, on the wall or on a tripod for easy use, freeing both hands from the operator.
PLUMBED-LASER-
The following video shows some applications of a plumb provided with both vertical and horizontal projection of the laser beam.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnBt7Nmh1_g
