plumb—1n. A small mass or weight of lead, or any other heavy material (commonly brass), attached to a line and used by surveyors and engineers to indicate a vertical direction; a plummet; a plumb bob.
What is a plumb used for?
Plumb is the vertical equivalent to a spirit level. Plumb bob has been around for thousands of years, dating back to Ancient Egypt. The tool is also used in surveying, allowing the user to find nadir (the local vertical direction pointing towards gravity), and in tools such as steel tape and theodolites.
Why is it called a plumb line?
A plumb line is a light line with a weight (plumb bob) at one end that, when suspended next to a workpiece, defines a vertical line. Plumb comes from the Latin plumbum, or “lead,” the material that replaced stone as…
What is a plumbline in construction?
A plumb line is a piece of string with a weight attached to the end that is used to check that something such as a wall is vertical or that it slopes at the correct angle.
How do you measure plumb?
Something that is “plumb” runs perpendicular to the horizon—meaning that when it intersects the horizon, it makes a right (90 degree) angle. You can measure if something is plumb by using a plumb bob or a spirit or laser level.
What is plumb level?
Definition of plumb level
: a level with a plumbing attachment (as a horizontal arm and a plumb line at right angles to the arm)
Who uses a plumb line?
Surveyors sometimes use plumb bobs for lining up points or transferring them. Excavation and foundation contractors rely upon the plumb line, and constructing a chimney the tool can indicate whether a flue is running true vertical or veering off plumb.
What’s the difference between square and plumb?
Square means that corners are 90 degrees. Level is always gauged by a device, such as a carpenter’s level, but level does not always mean parallel to the ground. Plumb is vertical, most accurately gauged by a plumb bob. Levels can show when posts are plumb.
What is a plumb wall?
A structure is often called “plumb,” meaning it is straight up and down, like the walls of a building. When something is “level,” it’s straight from side to side, like a shelf that’s been properly installed.
How do you plumb a wall line?
To make a plumb line, rub a string with colored chalk and tack it to the top of the wall. Then attach a plumb bob (or other small weight) to the loose end. Holding the bob where it falls naturally, pull the cord taut. Then pull it and let it go, snapping it against the wall.
Who invented Plumbline?
Egyptians invented the plumb bob more than 4000 years ago. It has two unassuming parts—a string and a weight. A plumb was used to establish vertical points that were crucial in the construction of Egypt’s buildings, pyramids and canals.
How do you read plumb a level?
The bubble in the center of every vial (if there is more than one) should be centered between the two level indication line marks. If the bubble is centered, the surface you are checking is level. If the bubble is off center, then your surface will be rising up to the side that the bubble is higher on.
What is a plumb window?
Plumb and level are two important terms for anyone doing window installation. When putting in new windows, it is important to ensure they are weather tight. You achieve this by obtaining correct measurements. When measuring a window, plumb refers to the vertical planes, and level refers to the horizontal planes.
What’s the difference between Plum and plumb?
Plum: a type of fruit. Plumb: to examine (verb); upright; vertical (adjectives); totally; precisely (adverbs).
What is another word for plumb line?
The words perpendicular and vertical are common synonyms of plumb. While all three words mean “being at right angles to a base line,” plumb stresses an exact verticality determined (as with a plumb line) by earth’s gravity.
How old is the plumb line?
4000 years ago
Early use of the plumb line was recorded nearly 4000 years ago during ancient Egyptian times. The tool was in the shape of an “F,” with the plumb line suspended, from the upper outboard part of the F (Fig.
What tool is used for vertical alignment?
A plumb bob, plumb bob level, or plummet, is a weight, usually with a pointed tip on the bottom, suspended from a string and used as a vertical reference line, or plumb-line. It is a precursor to the spirit level and used to establish a vertical datum.
What is the difference between host level and plumb bob?
Levels are used to draw lines and check horizontal, vertical and even angled surfaces, while plumb bobs are handy for transferring marks and aligning elements over long vertical distances.
What is door plumb?
Doors must also be plumb, meaning straight up and down like the walls of your home. You can use the same level, turned vertically, to make sure your door is plumb. You need to check the level on two sides of the door as it might be fine on one edge, and not the other.
Why is making sure things are plumb and square important?
Installing a door or window SQUARE involves being both LEVEL & PLUMB at the same time. This is important to prevent: binding during operation, springing open on the corners and again to insure proper sealing between the sash and frame.
Where does the plumb line fall?
Plumb line: The line falls through the ear lobe to the acromion process. if The head lies anterior to the plumb line? Forward head: The head lies anterior to the plumb line. Forward posture: The plumb line is posterior to the body; body weight is carried on the metatarsal heads of the feet.