Plumb and Level
You may be familiar with level, but probably less with plumb. Level and plumb are measurements in regard to gravity. Something level is laying perpendicular (or 90 degrees) to the downward force that is gravity. A deck surface will be level or a counter top. Whenever you are measuring level your level will be horizontal.
When measuring plumb your level will be vertical. This will be the case when you are standing a post for a fence, stick framming, or setting a new door for a few examples. In most situations you want to make sure work on your home is plumb and level. Any shelf, cabinet, or other surface needs to be level to keep things from rolling off. With plumb it's mainly for structural integrity and also visual. Remember if two surfaces are joining, and are plumb and level, the angle will be 90 degrees making them Square.
Tool Basics
When measuring plumb your level will be vertical. This will be the case when you are standing a post for a fence, stick framming, or setting a new door for a few examples. In most situations you want to make sure work on your home is plumb and level. Any shelf, cabinet, or other surface needs to be level to keep things from rolling off. With plumb it's mainly for structural integrity and also visual. Remember if two surfaces are joining, and are plumb and level, the angle will be 90 degrees making them Square.
Tool Basics