Spirit levels

The Nivo spirit level range is used for level measurement, checking inclination and surface flatness in construction, electrical installation, mechanical work and machine inspection. The product group brings together lines from STABILA, VOGEL Germany and ELORA with accuracy from ±0.01mm/m to ±0.5mm/m, lengths from 7cm pocket size up to 200cm, and bodies in cast aluminium or special cast iron. Notable models include 70-2 and 70W with 3 vials at ±0.029 degree accuracy, 36020 inspection grade at ±0.01mm/m for shaft alignment, 81S Torpedo in one-piece cast aluminium, and 3603 with a hardened cast iron square frame. Applications range from interior fit-out, pipe installation and steel structures to motor alignment. Users can navigate by accuracy, body style, material, magnetic function or length to find the model suited to a specific need. Pocket lines such as 18115 at 7cm are convenient for installing electrical cabinets and panels, while the VOGEL Germany inspection line covers high-accuracy machine shaft checking.

Classification by accuracy

Accuracy determines the application range of each spirit level line. Inspection-grade models reaching ±0.01mm/m serve the alignment of machine shafts, motors and rotating equipment with high accuracy requirements. Basic lines at ±0.029 degree or ±0.5mm/m cover construction work, electrical installation and interior fit-out. Each accuracy class corresponds to DIN 877 or to the manufacturer's own specification.

The VOGEL Germany inspection line 36020 reaches ±0.01mm/m and is intended for inspection and machine shaft alignment. The base is machined with V-grooves in both the horizontal and vertical directions, self-aligning when placed on a shaft. Model 36028 offers two classes, ±0.02mm/m and ±0.05mm/m, suited to checking the flatness and straightness of machine surfaces. The 36023 line with 0.3mm/m accuracy meets DIN 877, for levelling flat and cylindrical surfaces. Model 36026 at ±0.5mm/m and 36025 at ±0.1mm/m add further options for shaft alignment needs at different levels.

The STABILA Type 70 line is widely used with ±0.029 degree accuracy, equivalent to ±0.5mm/m. Model 70-2 has 3 vials, a smooth cast aluminium body on 4 faces, with a powder-coated finish that resists dirt. The 70W line also has 3 vials, a lightweight design and the same accuracy. Model 14111 of the 70 MAS family is 80cm long with 2 vials and an integrated sliding bar and scale for quickly hanging shelves or pictures straight. The 02199 line at 25cm, from the 70T family, has 2 vials, a hollow cast aluminium body of 50x20mm and two symmetrical wedge-shaped hanging hooks.

Classification by body style and construction

The body style of a spirit level directly affects access to the measured surface and ease of use. The traditional straight line suits checking wide flat surfaces, walls and floors. The compact Torpedo line with an I-section is easy to hold and works in confined spaces. The cast iron square frame line is intended for machined workpieces and accurate right-angle checking.

The STABILA Torpedo line 81S is one-piece cast aluminium with a slim I-section and a milled flat contact face with anti-slip grooving. This is the simplest model in the Torpedo family, with 2 vials. Model 81SM Torpedo is intended for steel structure work and flat metal, made of high-grade aluminium alloy cast in one piece. The 81S REM line integrates a very strong rare-earth magnetic base with 2 vials, widely used in metal structures, civil construction and steel welding and cutting. Model 81SV REM W45 is designed specifically for pipework and scaffolding, with 3 vials and magnets.

The VOGEL Germany square frame line 3603 comes in sizes from 150mm to 300mm, with a special hardened cast iron frame ground flat on 4 edges. Most models have 3 edges machined with standard V-grooves for cylindrical workpieces or curved surfaces. The 3604 line has a 150-300mm scale, 22mm width, a high-grade alloy body with a stone-pattern finish, a finely ground surface, rubber end caps for impact protection, and a non-magnetic version.

Classification by magnetic function

The magnetic function lets the level grip metal surfaces firmly, freeing the worker's hands when measuring on steel structures, pipework or machinery. Magnetic lines use permanent or rare-earth magnets with different holding strengths. Non-magnetic lines suit checking non-metal surfaces or environments sensitive to magnetic fields.

STABILA model 02190 is 22cm long with 2 vials and a permanent magnetic base, belonging to the 70 TM family. The smooth aluminium alloy body has a dirt-resistant coating, is flat on 4 faces and has impact-resistant plastic end caps. The 14010 line at 26cm, from the 70 TMW family, is magnetic with 3 vials for vertical, horizontal and flexible rotating measurement, at ±0.029 degree accuracy. Model 17953 is a 7cm pocket level with a magnetic V-groove base, intended for pipe installation, Valve Skid and control Skid construction, and storage tanks in oil, gas and chemical work, widely used in confined spaces.

The 81S REM Torpedo line has a very strong rare-earth magnetic base, 2 vials and a one-piece cast aluminium I-beam construction. Model 81SV REM W45 is a torpedo level with 3 vials and strong magnets, designed specifically for pipework and scaffolding. Non-magnetic lines such as 3604 in high-grade alloy with impact-resistant rubber ends suit checking non-metal workpieces or environments where no magnetic field is required.

Classification by length

The length of a spirit level determines its ability to check wide surfaces or long spans. Pocket lines of 7-10cm are easy to carry for quick checks in confined spaces. The 20-30cm lines balance accuracy and mobility and are common in electrical installation and interior work. Lines of 60-200cm serve checks on walls, floors and long structures.

The STABILA pocket line 18115 at 7cm is intended for installing electrical control cabinets and panels, with a compact design that fits in a pocket or tool box. Model 17953 at 7cm with a magnetic V-groove base is intended for pipe installation, Valve Skid and control Skid construction, and storage tanks in oil, gas and chemical work, widely used in confined, restricted spaces.

The 20-30cm range includes 02190 at 22cm, 02199 at 25cm and 14010 at 26cm. These models balance accuracy with portability, suiting electrical installation, interior fit-out and checking small structures. Longer models such as 14111 at 80cm from the 70 MAS family integrate a sliding bar and scale, helping to hang shelves and pictures straight quickly. VOGEL Germany shaft alignment models are usually 150-300mm long, suited to being placed on machine shafts, motors and rotating equipment.

Applications by field

Nivo spirit levels serve many fields, from civil construction, electrical installation and mechanical manufacturing to machine inspection. Each field calls for different accuracy, body style and features. Choosing the right model helps increase productivity and ensure work quality.

In civil construction and interior fit-out, the STABILA Type 70 line such as 70-2 and 70W with ±0.029 degree accuracy covers checking walls, floors and ceilings and installing shelves and cabinets. Model 14111 at 80cm has a sliding bar and scale for quickly hanging shelves and pictures straight. The Torpedo line 81S and 81SM is compact and easy to hold for work in confined spaces, checking steel structures and flat metal.

In electrical and control installation, the pocket line 18115 at 7cm is convenient for checking electrical cabinets, panels and control equipment. Models 02190 at 22cm and 14010 at 26cm are magnetic and grip metal cabinets firmly, freeing the worker's hands during installation. The 17953 line at 7cm with a magnetic V-groove base is intended for pipe installation, Valve Skid and control Skid construction, and storage tanks in oil, gas and chemical work.

In mechanical manufacturing and machine inspection, the VOGEL Germany line 36020 at ±0.01mm/m and 36028 at ±0.02mm/m and ±0.05mm/m covers high-accuracy alignment of machine shafts, motors and rotating equipment. Models 36023 at 0.3mm/m, 36026 at ±0.5mm/m and 36025 at ±0.1mm/m provide options for alignment needs at different levels. The square frame line 3603 in hardened cast iron, ground flat on 4 edges and machined with V-grooves, suits checking machined workpieces and accurate right angles.

Notes on selection

Selecting a Nivo spirit level calls for considering the accuracy required, the working environment, the size of the measured surface and additional features. Higher accuracy is not always necessary and can add unwarranted cost. Damp, dusty environments with impact risk require better protective housings. For metal surfaces, a magnetic line increases efficiency.

For civil construction, interior fit-out and electrical installation, the ±0.029 degree or ±0.5mm/m accuracy of the STABILA Type 70 line is sufficient. A length of 20-30cm balances accuracy and mobility. The magnetic function is useful when working with steel structures and metal cabinets. The 7cm pocket line is easy to carry for quick checks in confined spaces.

For mechanical manufacturing and machine inspection, accuracy from ±0.01mm/m to ±0.1mm/m of the VOGEL Germany line is required. The V-grooved base helps the level sit straight on shafts and cylindrical workpieces. Lengths of 150-300mm suit placement on machine shafts, motors and rotating equipment. The hardened cast iron square frame line serves the checking of machined workpieces and accurate right angles. For environments sensitive to magnetic fields, choose a non-magnetic line.

The Nivo spirit level product group offers a wide range of options, from the 7cm pocket line to inspection grades at ±0.01mm/m, covering level measurement, inclination checking and surface flatness across many fields. Choosing the right model based on accuracy, body style, length and features helps increase productivity and ensure work quality.