Care of Levels

An engineer’s level is a precision instrument containing many delicate and fragile parts. Handle it gently and with the greatest care at all times; never subject it to shock or jar. Movable parts, if not locked or clamped in place, should work easily and smoothly. If a movable part resists normal pressure, something is wrong. Forcing the part to move will probably damage the instrument. Tightening clamps and screws excessively will also cause wear or damage.

The only proper place to stow the instrument when it is detached from the tripod is in its own carrying box or case. The carrying case is designed to reduce the effect of jarring to a minimum. It is strongly made and well padded to protect the instrument from damage. Before stowing, slightly tighten the azimuth clamp and leveling screws to prevent movement of parts inside the box. When transporting it in a vehicle, place the case containing the instrument as near as possible midway between the front and rear wheels. This is the point where jarring of the wheels has the least effect on the chassis.

Never lift the instrument out of the case by grasping the telescope. Wrenching the telescope in this manner will damage a number of delicate parts. Lift it out by reaching down and grasping the footplate or the level bar.

When you attach the instrument to the tripod and carry it from one point to
another, set up the azimuth clamp and level screws tightly enough to prevent part motion during the transport but loosely enough to allow give in case of an accidental bump against some object. When you are carrying the instrument over terrain that is free of possible contacts, such as across an open field, you may carry it over your shoulder like a rifle. When there are obstacles around, carry it as shown in Figure 18. Carried in this manner, the instrument is always visible to you, and this makes it possible for you to avoid striking it against obstacles.