Hanging Paintings Properly on the Wall
When viewing paintings, we take it for granted that they are displayed horizontally and vertically to the floor. In museums and galleries, a tool called a “spirit level” is always used during installation to accurately obtain a level position.
On the other hand, there are times when we see paintings that have not been properly leveled and are hung slightly askew. When that happens, we as viewers can’t help but be bothered by it.
This article introduces an affordable spirit level that even individual collectors can purchase.
Spirit Levels
A spirit level is an inspection instrument used to check tilt or height differences during construction work, piping work, or DIY projects.
There are various types of spirit levels, including those that check the position of an air bubble in a liquid-filled capsule, high-precision digital types, and professional laser types.
Incidentally, there is also equipment called a “level gauge”.
Strictly speaking there are some minor differences, but it’s essentially accurate to consider them the same product.
A Spirit Level Available for Under 1,000 Yen
The spirit level the author purchased is a product from Shinwa Rules, a manufacturer known for precision instruments.
This product is the type that checks the position of an air bubble in a liquid-filled capsule.
As for the price, it costs only 775 yen (tax included) on Amazon. *As of March 28, 2020.
Several sizes are available, so please choose according to your usage. The price varies depending on the size.
Sometimes I noticed that works I thought I had hung perfectly straight were surprisingly off when measured with the spirit level. It also seems useful for DIY around the home.
Specifications
Blue Level without Magnet 300mm
Manufacturer: Shinwa Rules
Price: 775 yen (Amazon) *As of March 28, 2020
Length × Thickness: 58×25mm
Weight: 260g
Sensitivity: 0.5mm/m=0.0286°
Accuracy: Within ±2.5mm/m=±0.1432
Materials — Body: Aluminum ABS resin; Bubble tube: Acrylic resin; Liquid: Petroleum-based liquid
