They can be used to indicate the presence of a vertical pit or wall and can also be used to detect any shifting or vertical movement of soil or rocks.Īdditionally, plumb lines are sometimes used in archaeology and paleontology to determine the fixed location of buried artifacts and fossils.

Plumb lines are even used in the mining industry and other areas to ensure workplace safety. Architects and engineers use them to ensure buildings, walls, and other structures are perfectly straight, while carpenters use them to ensure walls and shelves are perfectly vertical and level. Plumb lines are used in various industries, such as carpentry, masonry, foundation construction, and the like. This vertical line will indicate whether an object is perfectly perpendicular or not. When lowered, the weight will pull the string taut, which creates a perfectly straight, vertical line. The string is then suspended from a fixed point, allowing the weight to hang freely from the string. Typically, a plumb line consists of a weight, usually made of metal or lead, attached to a length of string or cord. It utilizes the force of gravity to determine how straight (or vertical) an object is. How do plumb lines work?Ī plumb line is used for measuring the verticality of a structure. Depending on the size of the plumb bob and your requirements, you could also consider using a wire as an alternative to string. Note that the string should be made of a material that does not stretch over time, and should be of the right length for the task. If you are using the plumb bob for more strenuous tasks with higher accuracy requirements, then you should use a thicker string that will provide more strength and be better able to withstand wear and tear. This will provide good accuracy, but may break easier. For example, if you are using the plumb bob for light purposes and will not be using it over a large distance, then you can use a thinner string. The type of string you should use for a plumb bob depends on what you are using it for. What kind of string do I use with a plumb bob? No matter how you attach the string, make sure its securely fastened to the plumb bob and surface so that it is able to hang freely and accurately. Additionally, if the surface you’re connecting the plumb bob to is thicker than the shaft of the plumb bob, you can use a heavy-duty hook or other attachment on the other end of the string for added strength and stability for the plumb bob. Once the string is securely attached to the weight, you can then attach the other end of the string to whatever surface you’re hanging the plumb bob off of by tying it or using a simple nail. You can do this by knotting the string in a loop and then wrapping it around the “sinker” or weight at the bottom of the plumb bob. How do I connect string to plumb bob?įor connecting a string to a plumb bob, the best way to proceed is to start by attaching one end of the string to the plumb bob. However, they can be pricey and require more expertise to use. Plumb bobs are more accurate than hose levels and can be used for projects such as framing or hanging doors. The string is then used as a reference to measure how plumb the object is. It is composed of a solid weight attached to a string, and is suspended from a point above the object to be tested. This tool is simple to operate, and is often used to check small horizontal or vertical spaces.Ī plumb bob, on the other hand, is a more precise and accurate tool that is used to check vertical alignment on a larger scale. It is composed of a flexible tube filled with water, some form of gauge, and a level vial. While they are both used for the same purpose, they vary in terms of accuracy and cost.Ī hose level is a simple and inexpensive tool used to check vertical alignment on a small scale. Hose level and plumb bob are both tools commonly used to check vertical alignment. Cottage meaning | Cottage in a Sentence | Most common words in English #shorts

Whats a plumb bob