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.
How does a plumb bob tool work?
The plumb bob or plumb line employs the law of gravity to establish what is “plumb” (that is, what is exactly vertical, or true). You don’t have to be a physics whiz to understand that a string suspended with a weight at the bottom will be both vertical and perpendicular to any level plane through which it passes.
What can a plumb bob establish?
A plumb bob is a weighted object connected to a string that can be used to establish a vertical line.
Why use a plumb bob instead of a level?
A level and plumb bob are each helpful when trying to align components of a home improvement project. 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.
Is plumb bob a testing tool?
Checking for plumb
A plumb-bob is a simple tool that is used to establish whether something is “plumb” (exactly vertical).
What does it mean when a wall isn’t plumb?
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.
What is plumb bob in surveying?
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.
How level Should a wall be?
The general rule of thumb is to bury about one-eighth of the height of the wall. For example, if your wall will be three feet (36 inches) tall, the first course of blocks should start five inches below soil level.
How do I make sure a wall is flat?
Hammer a small nail into the ceiling just next to your wall. Hang your plumb bob from the small nail so that it almost reaches the floor. You will use this plumb bob to check that your wall is straight from top to bottom.
Is plumb bob a tool or material?
Being one of the oldest tools known to humankind, the plumb-bob has been made out of variety of materials over the millennia, from simple stone to hardened steel.
Who invented the 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.
Where did plumb bob originate?
ancient Egyptians
The ancient Egyptians were some of the earliest users of this tool, although there were more than likely many more before them that used some sort of leveling device. The use of the plumb bob allowed them to build structures like the Pyramids of Giza, the Temple of Horus, and the Luxor Temple.
How do you use plumb lines to measure and compare the position of objects?
Measure the distance from the vertical surface to the top of the string. Measure the distance from the vertical surface to the tip at the bottom of the weight. When the two measurements match, the surface is plumb. If not, adjust the surface until the measurements match.
Is plumb bob a testing tool?
Checking for plumb
A plumb-bob is a simple tool that is used to establish whether something is “plumb” (exactly vertical).
What kind of tool is plumb bob?
A plumb bob is a pointed weight attached to the end of the string and is used to find a vertical reference line called plumb. Plumb is the vertical equivalent to a spirit level. Plumb bob has been around for thousands of years, dating back to Ancient Egypt.