Construction level how to choose. Which level to choose construction professional bubble What level can be

Carrying out repairs requires the technician to have a large number of different tools, including marking and measuring tools. In order to make a perfectly even screed on the floor or plaster a wall, you must use a level. In this rating we have included the best construction levels that will help you complete all the work efficiently, quickly and comfortably.

Products popular among professionals European brands, and for those who want to save money, the product will suit domestic producers. The list of leaders in this field includes the following companies:

  • Stabila– the history of the brand began in Germany in 1889, its specialization is the creation of measuring instruments for accurate, efficient and comfortable use by both novice craftsmen and professionals.
  • Bison is a leading Russian manufacturer of electrical, gasoline, auto, painting and plumbing tools, thermal and welding equipment. The company has its own testing laboratory, a well-developed dealer network and numerous user support services.
  • Matrix– produces hand and power tools since 2003. The main office is located in Germany, the brand is well represented in Europe, Asia, and America. Buyers are provided with a 1-2 year warranty on all products.
  • Kapro– the company has been on the market for more than 30 years, all its products comply with ISO9001, 14001 and SA8000 standards.
  • Stanley– the tools of this company began to be used on construction sites in the USA at the end of the 19th century. The key to the company's success is a flexible pricing policy, the use of advanced technologies and a good marketing plan.

The largest number of building levels are available in the assortment of the international company Kapro.

Rating of the best building levels

The winners were determined based on user opinions, and the length of their experience with a particular tool was taken into account. The country of production and user complaints about the price and quality of the product and its ease of use were taken into account. Also important was the frequency of breakdowns, availability of purchase and service.

The selection criteria were the following characteristics:

  • Purpose;
  • Product type (bubble, magnetic, digital, laser);
  • Dimensions and weight of the tool;
  • Design features;
  • Build quality;
  • Material (plastic or metal);
  • Length;
  • Accuracy of readings;
  • Number of capsules;
  • Presence of plugs at the ends;
  • Additional conveniences - magnetic pad, backlight, liquid color.

The popularity of the product and the number of positive reviews about it also influenced the choice.

Best building levels

Only those products that are accurate, comfortable, simple and easy to use can be called this. They should not weigh too much (no more than 400-500 g). It is very important to have a handle inside and protective rubber pads. The rating included designs of bubble, water, digital, laser and magnetic types.

Best bubble building level

Stabila Type 30 cm– this is a good choice for those who need to mark a wall; for leveling it, due to its short length, this option is not very relevant. The spirit level is very light, weighing only 100 g, so it can be easily held above your head.

The convenient thing is that with its help it is possible to record both horizontal and vertical deviations thanks to special ampoules, of which there are 2 available here.

The profile is made of aluminum, smooth and non-slip. The reading accuracy is 0.5 mm/m. Although it is metal, it is not afraid of corrosion. A nice plus is the ability to store the tool suspended due to the presence of a special hole in the body for this.

Advantages:

  • Light weight;
  • Thin;
  • Smooth surface;
  • German quality;
  • Wear-resistant.

Flaws:

  • Short length;
  • If it comes into contact with abrasive compounds, the paint may peel off;
  • The price is above average.

Before choosing a specific option, it is worth familiarizing yourself in more detail with the different types of levels and their advantages; you can do this in the following video:

The most reliable water tool

Bison “Master” 10 m long- This is a reliable hydraulic level, which has found application in laying bricks, pouring foundations, and creating floor screeds. The measurement is carried out only in the horizontal plane; it is also possible to use a tool to mark the surface.

The hose here is very thin (its diameter does not exceed 8 mm) and flexible, so it is convenient to work with. To determine the readings on the ruler, there are two special plastic flasks with five-point measurement scales.

Advantages:

  • Does not allow water to pass through;
  • You can fill in any water;
  • Does not break;
  • Reliable plugs;
  • Several areas of application.

Flaws:

  • Not very durable plastic flasks;
  • Heavy weight when filled with water.

The best laser construction level

Matrix 1 line is a compact level that will facilitate the measurement process thanks to a special design with built-in diodes. It is powered by batteries, which can simply be replaced when the charge runs out. Leveling is done manually using bubble levels.

The only disadvantage of this model is that its beam has only a horizontal direction. You should not expect too large a sweep angle here; it does not exceed 90 degrees. The body of the product is made of plastic, it is protected from dust. The accuracy class is quite high - second.

Advantages:

  • Large range of action;
  • Easy operation;
  • Low level of error;
  • Convenient to use;
  • Does not require preparation for work.

Flaws:

  • More expensive than other models in the rating;
  • Chinese production;
  • Heavy (390 g).

The best digital (electronic) building level

Kapro 985D Digiman– one of the few models available in different sizes. Devices are available for sale in three lengths - 25 cm, 60 cm and 120 cm. The product is protected from shock, dust and moisture. It is convenient to use due to the presence of handles, a backlit display and the ability to rotate the tool 180º.

When wondering how to choose a building level, any person is aware of the consequences of a wrong decision.

A common type of bubble level is its rectangular modification, which is inexpensive.

After all, any, even the slightest deviation from a flat surface can lead to the most disastrous consequences, including a complete redo of the just completed repair. Therefore, the question of how to choose a building level should be treated with the utmost care, because this tool comes in several different types, the properties, purpose and price of which can vary significantly.

Currently, the market has a fairly wide range of these construction tools. One of the most common measuring instruments of this type is the bubble level. It consists of a body and a flask filled with liquid in which an air bubble floats. This level is very simple and at the same time quite accurate and reliable.

What are the types of levels

Bubble levels. The most common type of this level is its rectangular modification. Its length varies widely and can be 2.5 meters. The minimum size is 20 cm. However, occasionally you can find devices telescopic design, the length of which reaches 4 meters. Their flasks are made of impact-resistant transparent material. Alcohol is used as a filler.

Some of these tools are equipped with magnets, which makes them much easier to use on steel surfaces. There is also a type of level that is used when working with pipes: such tools are usually small in size and have a semicircular recess running along the body. Thanks to it, the device is well held on the surface of the pipe. These tools have a low price, but versatility is not their strong point, so it is better to choose a different type of level.

Water levels. This type of measuring instrument, otherwise known as a hydraulic level, is well suited for measuring the deflection of large horizontal surfaces. It consists of two containers filled with liquid, which are connected to each other by a hose. main feature of these levels is that their length ranges from 5 to 25 meters, which makes them indispensable when working with extended surfaces and at the same time absolutely useless for use in an apartment.

They are sensitive to high temperatures, so they should be stored away from heat sources. You also need to ensure that when filling containers with water, no air bubbles get into it, as this significantly affects the readings of this measuring device.

Laser levels. Measuring instruments of this type are among the most accurate and at the same time the most expensive. Their main advantages are their small size and large range, which can reach several tens of meters. They are also best suited for measuring large and extended surfaces, since the laser beam emitted by this instrument can be turned into a plane. In addition, they perform well when laying out directions. For ease of use, such measuring instruments are equipped with tripods and magnetic suction cups.

Top tools have not one laser beam, but several. They can intersect with each other, facilitating and clarifying measurements.

This device can definitely be called the best among all levels. It is versatile, accurate, compact and practical. It has only one drawback: its high price.

Choosing a level in the store: what to look for

The type of measuring device largely depends on how large-scale problems will be solved with its help. After all, it’s one thing when a level is chosen for frequent use during large-scale construction work, and quite another when it is needed only to level the floor in an apartment.

There is no need to be influenced by the products of famous brands and choose the most famous brand, because the main thing in any thing is its quality, and this indicator often has nothing to do with a big name.

How to choose a bubble level

First of all, you need to decide for what tasks you need this measuring tool. If you are going to level the walls with it, then you need to choose the level of maximum length, but if the question is posed much more modestly and you just need to attach a bookshelf, then the tool, accordingly, should also be smaller.

The air bubble itself should be clearly visible, and the marks on the level flask should be black and there should be several of them. These marks should be very close to each other, forming something like a scale.

After this verification step, you can proceed to the next one and test the accuracy of the device. If the purchase is made in a specialized store, then it probably has special stands that are specifically designed for testing such measuring instruments.

For the test, the device should be positioned horizontally and the location of the air bubble on the flask scale should be accurately remembered, then the level should be rotated 180 degrees. If everything is in order with the device, then the bubble will not change its position relative to the scale.

After this, you need to check its operation in the vertical plane. To do this, select the appropriate stand to which the device is applied. Then everything happens as in the previous case: the location of the bubble is remembered, then a rotation of 180 degrees follows. If the bubble remains in its place in this case, it means that the level is made with high quality and you can safely buy it.

If there is no such stand in the store, when you arrive home, you need to invite a person who has a level or laser level and, using these tools, check the correct operation of what you purchased. If you are not satisfied with something, then you always have the opportunity to return the purchased device back to the store.

What to look for when buying a laser level?

If you have made a choice in favor of a laser measuring device, then when purchasing, you should first of all pay attention to its technical characteristics, the main of which are measurement error and range. The accuracy of the laser level must be at least 3 mm for every 10 meters, and the range must be at least 20 meters.

Often this device comes with special glasses that allow you to better see the laser beam.

In addition, these devices are equipped with two types of lasers, which differ in the color of the beam they emit. The most common emitters are those that produce a red color, but if possible, it is better to choose an instrument with a green beam, since this color is more noticeable and contrasting to the human eye. However, levels with a green laser are somewhat more expensive than their “red” counterparts.

It is worth looking carefully at what is included with the device.

It is often very diverse and includes many useful items, and those that you can completely do without.

If, along with the purchase of a laser level, you are going to purchase some kind of addition to it, then be sure to consult about this with sellers or with friends who understand such things, so that it does not happen that the purchased accessory does not suit your type of device.

Purchasing a level is a very important step, on which the quality of the upcoming repair directly depends.

When wondering how to choose a building level, any person is aware of the consequences of a wrong decision.

A common type of bubble level is its rectangular modification, which is inexpensive.

After all, any, even the slightest deviation from a flat surface can lead to the most disastrous consequences, including a complete redo of the just completed repair. Therefore, the question of how to choose a building level should be treated with the utmost care, because this tool comes in several different types, the properties, purpose and price of which can vary significantly.

Currently, the market has a fairly wide range of these construction tools. One of the most common measuring instruments of this type is the bubble level. It consists of a body and a flask filled with liquid in which an air bubble floats. This level is very simple and at the same time quite accurate and reliable.

What are the types of levels

The principle of operation of a water level.

Bubble levels. The most common type of this level is its rectangular modification. Its length varies widely and can be 2.5 meters. The minimum size is 20 cm. However, occasionally you can find devices of a telescopic design, the length of which reaches 4 meters. Their flasks are made of impact-resistant transparent material. Alcohol is used as a filler.

Some of these tools are equipped with magnets, which makes them much easier to use on steel surfaces. There is also a type of level that is used when working with pipes: such tools are usually small in size and have a semicircular recess running along the body. Thanks to it, the device is well held on the surface of the pipe. These tools have a low price, but versatility is not their strong point, so it is better to choose a different type of level.

Water levels. This type of measuring instrument, otherwise known as a hydraulic level, is well suited for measuring the deflection of large horizontal surfaces. It consists of two containers filled with liquid, which are connected to each other by a hose. The main feature of these levels is that their length ranges from 5 to 25 meters, which makes them indispensable when working with extended surfaces and at the same time absolutely useless for use in an apartment.

Operating principle of a laser level.

They are sensitive to high temperatures, so they should be stored away from heat sources. You also need to ensure that when filling containers with water, no air bubbles get into it, as this significantly affects the readings of this measuring device.

Laser levels. Measuring instruments of this type are among the most accurate and at the same time the most expensive. Their main advantages are their small size and large range, which can reach several tens of meters. They are also best suited for measuring large and extended surfaces, since the laser beam emitted by this instrument can be turned into a plane. In addition, they perform well when laying out directions. For ease of use, such measuring instruments are equipped with tripods and magnetic suction cups.

Top tools have not one laser beam, but several. They can intersect with each other, facilitating and clarifying measurements.

This device can definitely be called the best among all levels. It is versatile, accurate, compact and practical. It has only one drawback: its high price.

Choosing a level in the store: what to look for

The type of measuring device largely depends on how large-scale problems will be solved with its help. After all, it’s one thing when a level is chosen for frequent use during large-scale construction work, and quite another when it is needed only to level the floor in an apartment.

There is no need to be influenced by the products of famous brands and choose the most famous brand, because the main thing in any thing is its quality, and this indicator often has nothing to do with a big name.

How to choose a bubble level

Bubble level diagram.

First of all, you need to decide for what tasks you need this measuring tool. If you are going to level the walls with it, then you need to choose the level of maximum length, but if the question is posed much more modestly and you just need to attach a bookshelf, then the tool, accordingly, should also be smaller.

The air bubble itself should be clearly visible, and the marks on the level flask should be black and there should be several of them. These marks should be very close to each other, forming something like a scale.

After this verification step, you can proceed to the next one and test the accuracy of the device. If the purchase is made in a specialized store, then it probably has special stands that are specifically designed for testing such measuring instruments.

For the test, the device should be positioned horizontally and the location of the air bubble on the flask scale should be accurately remembered, then the level should be rotated 180 degrees. If everything is in order with the device, then the bubble will not change its position relative to the scale.

After this, you need to check its operation in the vertical plane. To do this, select the appropriate stand to which the device is applied. Then everything happens as in the previous case: the location of the bubble is remembered, then a rotation of 180 degrees follows. If the bubble remains in its place in this case, it means that the level is made with high quality and you can safely buy it.

If there is no such stand in the store, when you arrive home, you need to invite a person who has a level or laser level and, using these tools, check the correct operation of what you purchased. If you are not satisfied with something, then you always have the opportunity to return the purchased device back to the store.

What to look for when buying a laser level?

If you have made a choice in favor of a laser measuring device, then when purchasing, you should first of all pay attention to its technical characteristics, the main of which are measurement error and range. The accuracy of the laser level must be at least 3 mm for every 10 meters, and the range must be at least 20 meters.

Often this device comes with special glasses that allow you to better see the laser beam.

In addition, these devices are equipped with two types of lasers, which differ in the color of the beam they emit. The most common emitters are those that produce a red color, but if possible, it is better to choose an instrument with a green beam, since this color is more noticeable and contrasting to the human eye. However, levels with a green laser are somewhat more expensive than their “red” counterparts.

It is worth looking carefully at what is included with the device.

It is often very diverse and includes both many useful items and those that you can completely do without.

If, along with the purchase of a laser level, you are going to purchase some kind of addition to it, then be sure to consult about this with sellers or with friends who understand such things, so that it does not happen that the purchased accessory does not suit your type of device.

Purchasing a level is a very important step, on which the quality of the upcoming repair directly depends.

masterinstrumenta.ru

Rating of the best building levels based on user reviews

You need to reliably build a house or renovate an apartment, assemble furniture smoothly or hang a picture, create a high-quality screed or hang wallpaper - of course, you cannot do without a building level. The building materials market is constantly changing, offering new models, keeping time-tested devices, and discarding uncompetitive ones. After studying the latest rating, you can find out the latest situation in the world of measuring instruments and take a closer look at the spirit level you like.

Construction level of which company to choose

List of manufacturers whose products are especially in demand among builders:

1. Stabila is a German company producing construction measuring equipment founded in 1889. Thanks to the revolutionary discoveries of its engineers, it has many patents and is one of the leaders in its industry. It is rare that an installer does not know this manufacturer, and many of them take advantage of the high-end levels offered;

2. Kapro is a modern Israeli company that, over its 30-year history, has managed to become a “top” in the measuring equipment market. The ergonomic design, high quality and manufacturability of spirit levels have been appreciated by both professional and novice builders in many countries;

3. Stanley is an American manufacturing giant with more than 170 years of experience in the manufacture of various tools. The key to success is good management, advanced technology and excellent quality. That is why the company’s building levels are in demand during the construction of important facilities and for domestic purposes;

4. Sola is a well-known Austrian company producing measuring instruments, selling its products in more than 40 countries. Since 1994, production has complied with the ISO 9001 standard, so owners of modern spirit levels have no doubt about their quality.

Rating of the best building levels

  • Experience in using tools from different manufacturers and the possibility of purchasing counterfeit ones.
  • Purpose: control of floors and walls, screeds and masonry, tension and suspended ceilings, door and window openings, as well as for the correct installation of household appliances, furniture, paintings.
  • Dimensions and weight of the level; measurement accuracy declared by the manufacturer; number, size and shock resistance of capsules.
  • Main design characteristics: box or I-beam profile, plastic or aluminum material, static or adjustable ampoules.
  • The presence of technical amenities in the form of magnets, clear markings, tinted liquid, backlight, ergonomic handle, ruler, shockproof plugs.
  • Comfort during manual fitting and during use.
  • Checked build quality is a must.
  • Cost, warranty and service.

Legend

Best small bubble levels

Pocket

Stanley 0-42-130 is a small measuring device of simple design: a molded plastic body, a magnetic V-shaped metal base and 2 (horizontal and vertical) capsules securely fixed in the holes. When transporting, the tool is placed in a pocket or attached to a belt using a clip.

Advantages:

  • L / G / α = 0.09 m / 0.1 kg / ≈0.5 mm/m;
  • price: 0.4…0.5 thousand ₽;
  • strong magnet; thanks to the groove, tight attachment to the pipes; good visibility for reading information; measurement accuracy sufficient for everyday needs;
  • compactness; convenience; mobility; practicality;
  • easy to clean from dust and dirt; with careful use it can be used for a long time; adequately priced.

Flaw:

  • sometimes the bubble “sensors” scroll.

According to reviews: the level in question is indispensable for use in hard to reach places. When purchasing, be sure to pay attention to the fastening of the flasks.

Angular

Kapro 340-08 is a professional tool that determines angular deviations using 2 horizontal and 1 vertical ampoule. Made of plastic, equipped with 4 magnets, like a book cover, it folds in half or unfolds to form a plane. For fixing to non-metallic surfaces, elastic tape is used.

Advantages:

  • L / G / α = 0.08 m / 0.2 kg / ≈0.5 mm/m;
  • cost: 0.7...0.9 thousand ₽;
  • clicks into place in 15° increments; not exposed to UV rays;
  • small dimensions; easy to carry and use; practical; dust is easily wiped off;
  • permissible error in measurements; the optimal combination of price, quality and efficiency.

Flaw:

  • During manufacturing, geometric rigor is not always maintained. This factor must be taken into account when testing.

According to reviews: the device is good and useful, since it is often used not only for its intended purpose - working with round elements, but in a wider range.

Torpedo

Stanley 0-43-511 is a small magnetic windscreen consisting of a plastic case, an aluminum base and 3 capsules - 2 perpendicular to each other and 1 at an angle of 45°. The tool with concave extruded plates is securely attached to the pipes; thanks to the end rubber plugs and the impact-resistant central ampoule, it does not fail if dropped.

Advantages:

  • L / G / α = 0.23 m / 0.13 kg / ≈0.5 mm/m;
  • price: 0.5...0.7 thousand ₽;
  • when working with metal structures, there is no need for manual support; deviations in measurements within standard limits; good visual accessibility of all scales;
  • lasting; compact; comfortable in using;
  • ergonomic design; democratic price.

Flaw:

  • in some copies the build quality is poor.

According to reviews: the operational parameters correspond to the purpose, size and price category of the device.

Best Medium Length Bubble Levels

L = 0.4 m

Sola MM40 is a trapezoidal aluminum cast device with 1 horizontal flask and 1 spirit level. Features include neodymium magnet and unbreakable acrylic sleeves. In addition, the central luminous eye has a magnifying lens.

Advantages:

  • L / G / α = 0.4 m / 2.4 kg / ≈0.5 (1.0) mm/m;
  • price: ≈2.0 thousand ₽;
  • epoxy red coating; milled working surface;
  • resistance to various influences, including bending and torsion;
  • Consistently high accuracy in measurements.

Flaw:

  • When interacting with chemically aggressive substances, the paint “releases” color.

According to reviews: the tool in question is a “thing” needed in the household: small, durable and accurate.

L = 0.8 m

Stabila 70MAS 1411 is a universal spirit level with a feature in the form of a measuring scale printed on one of the surfaces, and two sliders with the help of which it is transferred required size, for example, on a wall. The device itself is an effective bubble instrument with a box-shaped body closed at the ends with plastic plugs. It is equipped with 2 peepholes – horizontal and vertical.

Advantages:

  • L / G / α = 0.8 m / 0.4 kg / 0.5 mm/m;
  • cost: ≈1.5 thousand ₽;
  • 2 marking plastic sliders; 2 centimeter scales opposite in direction;
  • simplicity and ease of use; strength and durability of the slats; accuracy of work performed; electrostatic powder coating.

Flaw:

  • sometimes the running gears jam.

According to reviews: a very convenient and practical device - if necessary, the engines can be easily removed.

L = 1.22 m

Stabila R-300 18374 is a new R-shaped model, which is an aluminum case with 3 capsules (2 vertical, 1 horizontal) and removable end caps that can prevent slipping and absorb shock. The electrostatically painted spirit level has 5 internal chambers, 2 wide working surfaces, and a longitudinal recess for gripping. The effectiveness of removable caps is ensured by side pads.

Advantages:

  • L / G / α = 1.22 m / 0.3 kg / ≈0.5 mm/m (0.029°);
  • price: 6.2…6.4 thousand ₽;
  • accurate readings when working overhead; comfortable grip; alcohol tinted in ampoules; high-quality powder coating; rigidity and strength of the structure;
  • high marking accuracy; tightness of flasks; ergonomic contours.

Flaw:

According to reviews: users who have tried the new product do not regret the money spent. – The rack works properly when performing any tasks and in different conditions.

Best Long Bubble Levels

L = 1.5 m

Stabila 70 02290 is a classic aluminum model, assembled from a smooth powder-coated body, plastic opposite plugs and 2 ampoules filled with alcohol - vertical and horizontal. The first is located at the end of the rectangular profile, the second - in the middle.

Advantages:

  • L / G / α = 1.5 m / 1.0 kg / 0.5 mm/m;
  • cost: 2.3...2.4 thousand ₽;
  • ease of use; accuracy of measurements; strength; reliability;
  • is not “afraid” of falls and use in extreme conditions;
  • ascetic design; long service life.

Flaw:

  • Over time, the paint wears off.

According to reviews: the spirit level is very popular among both professionals and amateurs in the construction business. There are no complaints about the instrument - only positive words.

L = 2.0 m

Stanley FATMAX XL 0-43-681 – aluminum box-shaped model with shock absorbing plugs, through handle and 3 ampoules. The body is milled on 2 surfaces and is larger in size compared to analogues, the gripping hole is finished with double overlays, the bulbs are recessed in acrylic blocks. The central horizontal ampoule is of increased size, the side vertical ones have improved visibility.

Advantages:

  • L / G / α = 2.0 m / 2.1 kg / 0.5 mm/m;
  • cost: 5.2...6.7 thousand ₽;
  • reinforced profile; high precision and wear resistance; long service life without repairs; indelible markings;
  • spectacular appearance; affordable real price.

Flaw:

  • It is difficult to completely remove dirt from the handle pads.

According to reviews: the instrument is the heaviest in its class, and this property is highly valued by specialists. Working with him, they feel comfortable and enjoy it.

L = 2.5 m

Capro Plumbsite Hercules 986-44-250 is a professional device milled on 2 sides, in an aluminum case with 4 capsules (2 horizontal, 2 vertical), shock-absorbing end caps and an ergonomic handle in the form of a rubberized hole around the edges. Shockproof flasks mounted on epoxy adhesive are made of polyacrylic and filled with bright Nite-glo oil. The readings are easy to read even in an awkward working position and poor lighting.

Advantages:

L / G / α = 2.5 m / 2.7 kg / ≈0.029°; cost: 6.1...7.5 thousand ₽; unique Plumbsite system; box-shaped effective profile; reinforced heavy construction; minimal error in readings; resistance to sunlight, as well as torsion and bending; ease of use;

Longevity; affordability.

Flaw:

  • The horizontal end peephole is not always accessible for viewing.

According to reviews: the rail is of good quality, has an optimal weight, and does not fail when dropped.

Best electronic building levels

High precision

Kapro 985D 60 L is a professional electronic spirit level with a backlit display and 2 polyacrylic capsules Plumb Site. Effective thanks to 2 milled surfaces, built-in magnets, optimal length and calibration. Features additional practical features: comfortable grip, low battery indicator, automatically reversing dial and 9x memory. Provided: for a tripod – 1/4-inch hole, for storage and carrying – a compact case.

Advantages:

  • L / G / α = 0.6 m / 1.1 kg / 0.1 mm/m;
  • price: 6.5...8.8 thousand ₽;
  • measurement in percentage, degrees and inch/foot ratio; sound signal at an angle of 45°, as well as absolute horizontal and vertical positions;
  • function "false 0"; box profile; laser ray; side view;
  • high measurement accuracy; convenience and comfort in work; UV and shock resistance;
  • long service life; relatively low cost.

Flaw:

  • The paint is not always applied evenly.

According to reviews: this level is a real assistant, performing work of any complexity. Among the amenities, buyers especially noted the presence of a cover.

Which building level to buy

The choice of tool depends on many of the factors outlined above and may have the following options:

  • For inspection work on walls, ceilings, floors, including screed and plaster, you can use: Plumbsite Hercules 986-44-250 from Capro and FATMAX XL 0-43-681 from Stanley;
  • To check the geometry of brickwork and ceilings (tension and suspended) the following will work: Stabila 70 02290;
  • For smooth installation of furniture, windows and doors, the best option is: R-300 18374 from Stabila;
  • For driving dowels with a certain pitch, the following is suitable: 70MAS 1411 from Stabila;
  • The following has proven itself well for working with metal structures: MM40 from Sola;
  • Effective for pipe alignment: Kapro 340-08;
  • Good for performing local household tasks: Stanley 0-42-130 and Stanley 0-43-511.

When purchasing a device, you must test it - place it on a control surface in the store, read the readings on the flask, turn it 180° and place it strictly in its original place - the bottle should not change location.

If you notice an error, select a piece of text and press Ctrl+Enter

vyboroved.ru

How to choose a building level? And which one is better?

The final result of the work of a number of industrial specialists depends on the accuracy of the measuring instruments: builder, mason, carpenter, etc. The construction level of various modifications is a simple but mandatory tool for any serious team or individual craftsman, which allows identifying the accuracy of the location of horizontal and vertical surfaces. The history of the appearance of the first spirit level dates back to the second half of the 17th century, and the vertical plumb line is a well-known primitive prototype of later inventions.

Generally accepted classification for building levels:

  • Bubble (spirit level) - with flasks filled with liquid installed in a rigid body, and the presence of a floating air bubble in each flask;
  • Laser level – with fast and clear marking of working surfaces with a laser beam point;
  • Water level (hydraulic level) – the operating principle is based on Pascal’s hydrostatic law and checks the conformity of the planes of horizontal surfaces.

Despite all the obvious innovative advantages of the same laser level, skilled craftsmen never refuse to use a high-quality bubble level - this universal tool, time-tested.

Basic characteristics of the building level

  • Measurement accuracy (from 0.3 mm/m, the longer the building level and the heavier it is, the higher the accuracy of its readings);
  • Impact resistance. As a rule, levels have a hollow body, but with walls of sufficient thickness;
  • Wide resistance to the slightest bending and torsion;
  • Measuring flasks with a high degree of transparency and resistance to discoloration, clouding, cracking and leakage when exposed to low and high temperatures, as well as ultraviolet rays.

Device

A rigid monolithic, most often rectangular body with a milled bottom edge is made of light and durable materials (aluminum, polystyrene, plastic, wood) with an anti-corrosion coating. Depending on the required accuracy, a certain number of transparent sealed glass flasks (level eyes) with an air bubble floating in a colored alcohol-containing liquid are securely fixed in the body:

  • one bulb - only for the horizontal guide (180 degrees);
  • two - for horizontal (180 degrees) and vertical guides (90 degrees);
  • three - for more complex work, with an additional third camera that controls the measurement of the angle of inclination (rigidly fixed at 45 degrees, or rotating - to measure any angle of the controlled surface).

In order to minimize errors in angular vision, limiting lines - risks - are applied to the surface of the measuring flasks. Eyes for checking the position of surfaces of the vertical plane and the angle of inclination have built-in mirror reflectors for simultaneous monitoring of the position of bubbles.

Plastic plugs at the ends of the level protect the structure in case of accidental falls.

Some manufacturers of levels also provide additional amenities: for example, a built-in magnifying lens for more comfortable control of the bubble, magnetic systems or fluorescent liquid flasks for the ability to continue work even in the dark.

The principle of operation of a bubble building level is simple: measuring and adjusting surfaces relative to the horizontal and vertical planes occurs by moving the bubble inside a certain eye of the level. The result of a correct setting will be that the bubble is located exactly in the middle between the measuring marks of the flask.

Building level. Which is better?

Having decided to purchase a building level, it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with some recommendations for choosing it:

  1. The flask must be securely attached to the body. When purchasing, you should avoid the level in which the bulb is screwed on with screws, which is why it may become loose over time. You should choose flasks made of polyacrylic, which is stronger than glass and more transparent than plastic.
  2. Length of the level - it is necessary to take into account the type of work to be done, since the larger the working area, the longer the level should be chosen;
  3. Defects - the building level is a measuring device, so when buying a tool you must make sure that there are no manufacturing defects, as well as errors in the readings.
  1. Body material - the instrument can be made of plastic, metal or wood. The most reliable and durable is, of course, a metal level, inside of which there are stiffening ribs
  2. Marking - the best option is to place control strips inside the bubble itself. The divisions applied to the surface of the flask should be clear and located close to each other.

The range in cost of building levels is quite varied. At the same time, it is not worth choosing more economic models, especially if you need to use the tool repeatedly. If you have to carry out a major repair, experts strongly recommend purchasing a professional tool. Its characteristic feature is the presence of a shock-resistant case with special rubber pads, which during operation can soften impacts from falls, etc.

In operation, the construction level of the famous German brand “Stabila” has proven itself better than others. On average, you will have to pay from 700 to 1800 rubles for such a tool. This measuring device is famous for such advantages as:

  • high-quality and stable reading (high degree of measurement accuracy);
  • good ergonomic characteristics;
  • precision in the geometry of the aluminum profile body.

In addition, this brand also produces magnetic building levels, which make it possible to work with electricity and are equipped with special slots for marking for switches and sockets.

In addition to Stabila, another good option may become a construction level of the Akula company. The good thing about the levels of this brand is that they are not afraid of falls and shocks. Also, good models are produced by Ermak, Bosch or Kapro. For example, the Kapro company constantly updates its models and often introduces the latest innovative solutions, producing household and professional-type tools. Models are distinguished by high quality German company"Bosch". A similar tool to the Bosch models is also produced by the Russian company Condtrol, which is more affordable in terms of cost.

In the middle category of such instruments, it is worth highlighting the levels produced by the companies “Matrix”, “Brigadier” and “Stayer”, which are distinguished by their particular measurement accuracy and optimal cost-to-quality ratio.

However, when purchasing a builder grade, a well-known brand should not be the deciding factor. The main thing is to decide on the type of future work and the frequency of use of the tool.

180 degree method

You can check the accuracy of the level in the simplest way, called the 180 degree method:

  1. It is necessary to place the building level tightly, without gaps, on a flat horizontal surface and remember the position of the bubble relative to the marks.
  2. In the horizontal plane, turn the level 180 degrees and place it clearly on the same area.
  3. At a qualitative and accurate level, the position of the bubble should remain the same.

In the same way, you can check the accuracy of the vertical readings.

Round bubble level

This type of building level is designed to control only horizontal surfaces and is somewhat different from the usual levels in the design of the body, but the principle of operation remains unchanged. The round level is a sealed hemispherical capsule made of impact-resistant glass, with a fixed flask, inside which the position of the bubble is determined by a bounding round line.

The scope of application of the round bubble level is not only construction work and monitoring the degree of shrinkage of already rebuilt buildings. These kinds of levels are widely used in photo and video shooting to strictly adjust the horizontal position of the equipment tripod. It is very common to use round levels when installing commercial or control scales, as well as for constant monitoring of the stable horizontal position of stationary machines, industrial tools and even jewelry surfaces - for example, polishing wheels.

A round bubble level often has the ability to be locally attached to the surface being tested and is very low in cost with high measurement accuracy. A knowledgeable person will appreciate this simple and necessary tool.

Ubiquitous use of levels

Whatever work you have to do (check the vertical and horizontal consistency of the surface of the walls, floor and ceiling; install a washing machine without distortions, hang a bookshelf or a picture) - the simplicity and ease of using a bubble building level will help you do it quickly and with the highest quality. Even if there is a laser level or plane builder that is more complex in design and principle of operation, the construction level, which is unchanged in the arsenal of any master, will not remain idle.

proinstrumentinfo.ru

A building level is a tool that reveals the slope of surfaces. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

How they work

The operating algorithm of any of them comes down to choosing the installation point and the location for level measurement. Other options depend on the specific type of tool and can be combined.

Construction level helps:

  1. Determine the verticality or horizontality of a given surface - in order to establish further scope of work and its necessity.
  2. Find out in which direction the tilt occurred; in some models its exact size is also available.
  3. Set clear guidelines when marking surfaces - before installing frames or furniture.
  4. Calculate the volume of materials - for this, the arithmetic average of the levels is used different points one surface.
  5. Determining a single level in different rooms is often required when installing ceilings or windows.

In low-rise construction or apartment renovation, manual variations of the tool are more often used. These are devices without complex electronics and do not require special skills. Professionals use several types at the same time.

Types and functions of building levels

Hydraulic levels

The functioning of this type of instrument is based on the law of physics about communicating vessels. Structurally, hydraulic levels are two flasks connected by a transparent tube.

Peculiarities:

  • This exact view levels, but it is important to ensure there are no kinks in the hose and have good vision.
  • Suitable for checking slopes simultaneously in different rooms.
  • As a rule, they require pair work.

To put the device into working condition, it is enough to fill it with water so that the upper meniscus of the liquid reaches the middle of both flasks, and there are no air bubbles left in the tube.

Bubble building levels

Regardless of the size and design features, the principle of the device is the same. At least two flasks are built into the body of the level, where small air bubbles “float” in the liquid. Based on them, they check whether there is a slope of the planes.

Peculiarities:

  • The liquid in most cases will be technical alcohol. Allows you to take measurements with an error of 1 mm/m - this is the industry standard.
  • The "air" bubbles made from solid acrylic suggest greater precision. Error 0.5 mm/m.

Some models of bubble levels are equipped with flasks on a rotating base. This allows you to work with inclined planes. Profile shapes come in the form of a box, trapezoid and with one measuring plane cast Shark (shark). Part of the tool is equipped with end elements that prevent breakage during falls.

Laser building levels

The convenience of this equipment lies in its non-contact use and large surface coverage with markings.

Peculiarities:

  • The pendulum of devices is leveled after unlocking. It is advisable to set the base plane horizontally.
  • Manufacturers offer an additional mounting tripod, but its dimensions are not enough for marking at height. In this case, a rod is used, which is fixed between the floor and another horizontal surface. The platform on which the tool is installed moves along it.
  • In bright light, the laser beam is not visible to the naked eye. To solve the problem, glasses with lenses in the red color range are used.

Some laser levels produce static vertical and horizontal lines in a limited sector. An alternative option using a dot running in a circle allows you to mark simultaneously on all sides.

Magnetic building levels

Magnetic levels are visually indistinguishable from bubble levels. The difference is noticeable only at the lower ends. This option is equipped with magnets for ease of working with metal surfaces.

Peculiarities:

  • Strip magnets are more commonly used in resin levels, combined with a V-groove for ease of use on pipelines.
  • Ceramic magnets or ferrites have been the industry standard in levels until recent years.
  • Rare earth - most aluminum models now come with this type of magnet. They are up to 10 times stronger than ceramic ones.

This type of level is more often used for work related to the installation of frames under drywall, as it is conveniently mounted on ceiling and rack profiles, leaving your hands free.

Optical building levels

An optical level or level is used at industrial sites or in the construction of houses. The kit includes a special tripod, without which the use of the tool is unproductive. Installation comes down to mounting, focusing and centering.

Peculiarities:

  • Centering is necessary for point-to-point measurements. This is done using a plumb line attached to the bottom of the tripod.
  • Focusing - the telescope is aimed at the staff, and the clarity is adjusted using the adjusting screw. The eyepiece ring defines the reticle.

After setting, the elevation marks are taken. The collected data are summed up and their arithmetic mean is calculated. This will be the mark of the base from the horizon of the instrument.

Advantages

Each type has its own set of advantages:

  • Hydraulic levels . They support measurements in different rooms when the original level is hidden by partitions or heavy structures. This functionality is not provided in other models.
  • Bubble . Easy to install and use, light weight and dimensions. Can be used to measure the level and simultaneously check the plane of a wall or floor.
  • Magnetic . They do not require additional fixation when working with metal. They have a full range of advantages of bubble models.
  • Laser . Supports simultaneous vertical and horizontal measurements. Coverage range is greater than any manual model. Automation of routine processes.
  • Optical . Applicability in open spaces, during the construction of roads and large objects. Functionality, saving time and labor costs. When taking measurements at a distance, the accuracy does not decrease.

Problems

Disadvantages and inconveniences also depend on the type of tool:

  • Hydro. M unclear and difficult to use. The routine processes of filling, draining, unwinding and expelling bubbles are time-consuming. Not suitable for vertical planes.
  • Bubble . It often gets confused, adjustment is often unavailable. Not suitable for working over large distances and areas. It will not be possible to determine the correct level in adjacent rooms.
  • Magnetic . The same disadvantages as the bubble one. Magnets often stick out from the plane of the edge - during measurements, fresh paint or putty can be damaged. Some models are less stable than bubble models. Frequent failure of magnets is also a disadvantage.
  • Laser . Requires a flat surface. The pendulum often breaks down during transportation. The beam diameter increases with distance, which affects accuracy. Plane measurements can only be carried out using additional accessories.
  • Optic . Adjustment is time consuming and requires skill. For domestic purposes, the functionality is redundant - neither the time nor the expenses are justified.

How to choose a building level

For most level types, accuracy will be the determining factor, so checking that it is correct is important.

Bubble and Magnetic

The same design also implies uniform methods for assessing the correctness of evidence.

To check a horizontal flask, you need:

  1. Place the tool on a flat surface.
  2. Make two marks: at the end of the level and along it - near the horizontal ampoule.
  3. Remember the position of the air bubble.
  4. Turn the level 180° and install it in the same place in accordance with the previously made marks.
  5. Check the position of the air bubble. Any differences in its position before and after the level inversion indicate the inaccuracy of the instrument.
  6. Repeat the test even if the readings are the same.

To check the vertical flask, place a level on a door frame or a flat wall; further actions are similar to horizontal measurements.



Hydro

This type of measuring instruments does not have structural parts responsible for the accuracy of measurements, but there are nuances that should be taken into account when choosing:

  • The length of the hose - you should not choose it in reserve, because expelling air bubbles and straightening the tubes can turn this advantage into a problem.
  • Pay attention to the tightness of the protective caps. Water should not pour out - this will interfere with work.
  • It is worth checking the integrity of the tube and connections to the flasks.

An additional parameter is the flexibility of the hose, but it is difficult to assess without experience with this type of level.

Laser

Choosing a laser level involves checking a number of indicators:

  • The measurement error should not exceed 3 mm per 10 meters.
  • Self-leveling - test several models. The preferred option is one whose pendulum aligns faster than its analogues.
  • Range - marked as a radius or diameter. To avoid misconceptions, clarify what type of distance is indicated. The laser is also responsible for this parameter. The green beam with a wavelength of 532 nM is suitable for most measurements.

Additionally, the integrity of the instrument and the absence of mechanical damage are checked.

Optic

You need to choose a level taking into account the tasks at hand and the characteristics of future use. They are divided into three classes: high-precision, basic and technical.

Peculiarities:

  • An air damper is suitable for outdoor conditions, but operation in vibration mode requires the use of a magnetic option.
  • To perform tasks in a confined space, the determining parameter should be the shortest sighting distance. For large objects, models with the maximum magnification range of the telescope are preferable.
  • Class I or II leveling is usually not required on construction sites, but it is worth considering that only high-precision instruments can perform it.
  • It is easier to prepare a tool with a compensator for work due to the self-installation of the sighting axis.

Which is better

The answers to these questions will help you choose the best type of tool for your current needs.

What basic functions should the level perform?

  • The functionality of the bubble level will cover all the problems of household tile laying, but it is impossible for them to correctly measure the level of ceilings in different rooms.
  • Laser - will save hours of work on marking walls for frames and wallpaper, but is not suitable for determining the correct level of planes.
  • Optical - will support accurate calculations for laying routes and leveling surfaces, but it will not be possible to hang shelves inside a kitchen cabinet with its help.
  • Hydro - will help to perform a uniform marking of ceilings, but it is useless for installing wall frames.

Where will it be used? Indoors, outdoors or both?

  • Most electronic models are not designed for use outdoors or in aggressive environments (rain, snow).
  • Please note that in addition to the laser level, you will need a detector to work on outdoors, since the rays will be invisible in daylight.

What is the required measurement accuracy?

Industrial lasers and levels have mechanical or digital counters; there is support for recording the inclination angle in 0.01% increments. For less accurate measurements, basic models of hand tools are selected.

Are additional features needed?

Professional-grade tools and accessories necessary for comfortable work. But the functionality of household and industrial models may not differ significantly.

How to use a building level

Features of use depend on the type of tool. There are no uniform operating methods.

How to use a hydraulic level

  1. Carefully unroll the tubes and fill the instrument with clean running water through one of the flasks, while holding the second one higher. Try to fill without stopping to avoid unnecessary air gaps.
  2. Check that the filling is correct - the tubes should be evenly convex. Drive the remaining air bubbles to the flasks with light clicks until they are completely released. If done correctly, the risks will be at the same height when measuring. This can be checked by placing the flasks close to each other.
  3. Secure the lids.
  4. Next, it is assumed that the two of you will work together. One person holds the flask, and the second goes with a hose to the place or room whose level needs to be compared with the current one.
  5. When both are in place, the lids are removed from the flasks. It is important to do everything at the same time and at approximately the same height - otherwise there will be overflow.
  6. One person holds the flask against a pre-made mark, making sure that the center of the meniscus of water corresponds to it.
  7. The partner carefully raises or lowers the flask, thereby adjusting the level of water filling.
  8. When everything is level, the second participant makes a level mark.

Precautionary measures: avoid kinks and mechanical damage to the hose.



How to use a bubble and magnetic level

  • Place the tool on the surface of the object whose horizontalness you want to check.
  • If the air bubble is to the right of the line, the object is slanted down to the left.
  • If the bubble is to the left of the line, the object is slanted down to the right.

The vertical level is found by analogy.

Maintenance and care include timely cleaning of the instrument, especially after taking measurements on wet plaster surfaces.

Precautionary measures are limited to protecting the device from shocks and falls.

How to use a laser level

  • Place the instrument on a tripod or flat surface.
  • If the model is manual, make sure the bubbles show the level. Otherwise, find the screws on the side and adjust them to the required correctness. Self-Leveling - After installation, allow time for the tool to self-level, usually 30 seconds.
  • Turn on the device. The device will release a beam that is reflected on surfaces. Depending on the type of laser level, this may be a point, a line, or several intersections horizontally or vertically.

If the device has not been used for a long time or has been dropped, calibration will be required. Installation on a rail or tripod occurs using a clamp or clamps included in the kit.

Precautionary measures:

  • do not look at the beam itself, do not point it at children or animals;
  • do not use the tool in the rain;
  • Do not carry it with an unlocked pendulum - many models warn about this with a sound signal or laser blinking.

How to use an optical level

Before use, check the stability of the tripod. Tighten the fastener with the tool. Make sure the lifting screws are not too tight on the support pad.

Alignment:

  • Hold the adjustment screws between your thumb and forefinger and turn them simultaneously in opposite directions. Observe the movement in the graduated flask.
  • The air bubble should be centered on the window with a round level.
  • Centering on a point is performed with a plumb line mounted on the tripod screw. Then the level moves along the head.
  • Centering is complete when the plumb line is above the specified point.

Focusing:

  • Point the telescope at a piece of paper or other light object.
  • Tighten the eyepiece until the desired sharpness appears - the viewfinder should be clear.
  • Pointing the tube at the included rail, adjust the focus using the knob.
  • When set correctly, the leveling rod scale and the crosshair of the sighting device do not move one after another.
  • After focusing, keep the level on a specific target.

Use the focus knob to add sharpness.

Precautions are similar to those given for laser models, but additional care will be required when handling the lens.

Guarantee

Standard warranties exclude cases of mechanical damage.

Bubble, magnetic and hydro - refer to hand tools. They rarely have a warranty of more than 12 months. Most manufacturers do not provide detailed conditions for these types of tools.

Laser - depending on the manufacturer and category of the tool (household or professional), a warranty of 1 to 3 years is provided.

Optical - standard warranty period of one year. But the narrowness of the niche forces manufacturers to resort to tricks. Some provide a tool warranty of up to 25 years.

The warranty period can begin from the date of purchase or shipment. In the second case, it is appropriate to clarify how much time the tool spent in the warehouse.

Malfunctions and repairs

The weak links are different parts - their set depends on the type of tool.

Bubble and magnetic

The main problem is related to the loss of correctness of measurements.

  1. Flask with bubble knocked down - the readings will no longer be accurate; the error can reach several cm per meter. In budget models, bulb adjustment is not provided - the tool is unsuitable for use with this malfunction. In other cases, tightening the screw fasteners or fixing clamps will return the level to correct readings. During setup, calibration is performed in the same way as when selecting a tool.
  2. Profile bent - this happens with impacts and falls. The instrument cannot be repaired; it will no longer give accurate readings.
  3. Crack in protective glass flasks - in collapsible models, the part is replaced with an analogue one. In this case, solid cast levels cannot be repaired.

Minor problems: broken protective pads and handles, falling off magnets are corrected by replacing the obsolete part with a new one.

Hydraulic levels

Malfunctions of hydraulic levels come down to three types:

  1. Hose burst or cracked . Occurs as a result of mechanical damage or freezing of an instrument filled with water. As a temporary measure, you can seal it with a layer of nail polish and wrap it with electrical tape. Complete repairs and replacement of the hose are often unprofitable - the costs are comparable to purchasing a new hydraulic level.
  2. Cracks in flasks - temporary measures are similar to those presented in the previous paragraph, but instead of electrical tape there should be transparent material to see the rizqs. Replacement may not be necessary in mild cases. In serious cases, it is necessary to change it, since the defect will affect the accuracy of the instrument.
  3. Broken or lost protective caps - the simplest case. They can be replaced with plastic soda caps.

Laser

The fix is ​​often impossible to do on your own due to the need for special tools.

  1. Pendulum shift - the instrument does not work correctly, with deviations in horizontal and vertical measurements. This happens after the device is dropped or carried with an unlocked pendulum. Restoration will require offset adjustment. The warranty does not cover such damage.
  2. The beam does not light - the malfunction is caused by a break in the wiring or incorrect operation of the batteries. In the first case, you will need to remove the cover of the device and replace the flexible wiring going to the pendulum. In the second case, it is often enough to unclench and strip the contacts or change the batteries. Both options are self-repairable.
  3. Instability of readings - As a rule, you will need to change the suspension bearing. This is a rare case, but is guaranteed if there are no mechanical damages.
  4. Buttons don't work - there are several possible breakdowns, of which only clogged contacts can be repaired independently. The keyboard may not function as a result of frequent use in dusty areas. Clogged contacts will need to be cleaned mechanically. The procedure can be done at home.

In difficult cases, the keyboard will need to be replaced. When the coating is membrane, it is impossible to repair the device without special skills.

Optical

Problems with optical levels are solved systematically or by replacing parts. Repairs with improvised tools are often inapplicable.

  • Compensator sticking - to solve the problem, the standard calibration procedure is performed several times. In case of serious errors, the instrument will require service.
  • Cracked lens or mirror . You need to purchase a similar part. The optical lens can be replaced by yourself.
  • The adjustment is out of order - the device will need to be adjusted. The screw fastener is loosened, the plate with the mesh is aligned. To do this, the horizontal thread is placed perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the tool, and the vertical thread is aligned plumb.

Problems in the operation of electronics, serious mechanical damage, repair of the site or re-tensioning of torsion bars will require the intervention of specialists.

Manufacturers

Manufacturers are represented in different price categories. The correlation between prices and quality is often insignificant.

ADA - manufacturer of diagnostic and measuring equipment. The company is multinational. Digital and shockproof level types, professional tool. Warranties are not specified. Website: rus.adainstruments.com.

Bosch - German manufacturer of equipment. Rotary, linear and point laser levels, digital levels. The tool is presented in professional (blue) and household format (green). Standard warranty. Valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Additionally, a long-term promotion is taking place, within the framework of which cases with mechanical confirmation of the instrument are recognized as warranty. Website: www.bosch-professional.com.

FIT - budget manufacturer of power tools. Torpedo and laser levels available in minimum configuration. The tool is certified, a network of service centers. Warranty terms have not been announced. Website: www.fit-instrument.ru.

Kapro - an international manufacturer from Israel specializing in measuring instruments. Digital, magnetic, aluminum levels with ergonomic design, compliant Russian standards, certified. The warranty period is 12 months. Website: kapro.com.

KRAFTOOL - manufacturer of professional hand tools. Available in magnetic, digital, clamshell and box models. No warranty or certification declared. Website: kraftool-instrument.ru.

Stabila - manufacturer from Germany. The company specializes in measuring instruments. The range includes 120 construction products, including telescopic and special models. No warranty provided. Website: www.stabila.com.

Stanley - hand and power tools, including measuring ones. Average price category. Certification available. Plain and magnetic models available. No warranty specified. Website: www.stanleyrussia.com.

Zubr - budget manufacturer of household and professional tool, but the measuring instruments are presented in the middle price category. Basic and enhanced models. No warranty stated. Website: zubr-instrument.ru.


Sometimes it is quite difficult to understand a conversation between two gamers, since the slang contains a huge number of incomprehensible words.

On this page you can find the most common gaming words and their brief definitions. To quickly navigate through the dictionary and find the desired word, you can use the general search on the site.

If you think that the dictionary is missing some gaming word, you can give it to us. After checking by a moderator, the definition of the word will appear in the dictionary.


Submit a word to be added to the dictionary

A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P R S T U V
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Agro (short for English aggression - hostility)- a characteristic of enemies in games that determines who they will attack. In MMOs, for example, when many players hit a monster, they increase its aggro. Whichever player generates the most aggro is the one the monster hits.

Agronub- a player who longs for reprisals against other players in PvP, but at the same time can do little due to the lack of familiarity with the mechanics of the project. An Agronub is born when an ordinary noob begins to think that he is a GM (not to be confused with crayfish: every Agronub is a cancer, but not every crayfish is an Agronub).

Hell– 1) English add (add) – an enemy joining the battle. When a lonely boss calls for help out of nowhere, they are called hell; 2) hell itself - a place where sinners are boiled in cauldrons. In the gaming industry, it is often used as a name for difficulty level.

Add-on, add-on, add-on– additional material for a specific game. Typically, an add-on includes new levels, modes, weapons, skills, skins for heroes, continuation of the plot, etc. In most cases, installing an add-on requires having the original game, although sometimes developers release add-ons as stand-alone products. For some time after the game's release, the developers maintain the gaming community's interest in it by releasing add-ons. Usually an addon costs significantly less than the game itself.

Account, account– a special entry in the database that correlates a real person with the virtual property that belongs to him - characters, equipment, subscriptions to additional services, etc.

Alpha tester– a user taking part in alpha testing of the game.

Alpha testing, alpha test– one of the first stages of testing the game, at which a large number of errors are caught. At this stage, a relatively small number of people are involved, and in most cases these are special employees, or the developers themselves. After alpha testing is complete, developers work to fix all bugs found by alpha test participants. After making changes, the project moves to the stage of beta testing or repeated alpha testing.

Anon- An anonymous member of the gaming community.

Antag (English untag - unmarked)– in an MMO, a character without a clan sign.

Antagonist- usually this is one of the main plot characters in the game, who is actively fighting with the main character - the protagonist. Often the antagonist is the game's main villain, although this is not always the case.

Up, Up, AP– 1) Up (up) – character transition to new level. To fall down - to survive a level increase; 2) AP (short for attribute points) – points that are spent on improving the character’s characteristics; 3) AP (short for action points) – action points in turn-based games; 4) AP (short for arena point) – points awarded for victory in the arena (in MMOs); 5) AP (short for attack/ability power) – attack/ability power.

Art (eng. art - art)- an image created by artists in the early stages of game project developers. This is usually a conceptual look at the game world and the characters that inhabit it, which may change significantly towards the final game. Art also includes artwork created based on a finished game (most often this is fan art).

AFK (eng. Away From Keyboard, AFK)– an abbreviation often used in chat. Literally translated as “left the keyboard” and means that the user will be away from the computer for a while.

Achievement (eng. achievement - achievement)– a reward for fulfilling a certain condition in the game. In most projects, achievements are given for completing certain stages storyline, and performing special actions - for example, finding all the hidden treasures, or killing several opponents with one shot.
Achievements serve to compare the skill of players and raise interest in the game - all modern gaming services provide the opportunity to compare your achievements with the achievements of friends.

Bug, glitch (English bug - beetle)– an error in the operation of the game or any other program. A bug can be either completely harmless and does not interfere with the gameplay, or completely make passing the game impossible. Glitches can occur either due to an error in writing the code or due to incompatibility of the hardware or installed software with the program or game being used.

Ban (English ban - prohibit)– one of the methods of punishing users for violation established rules. Typically, a ban is issued by the game administrator for rude communication with other users, bot breeding, intentional use of bugs or hacks, unauthorized purchase of in-game goods or currency for real money, as well as other serious violations. A ban can be permanent or temporary, and a ban does not always completely block an account - sometimes it simply imposes restrictions on the use of certain services.

Buffing, buff (English buffing)– imposing characteristics on the game character, which can be both positive and negative.
Positive buffs are often used before significant battles to increase the group's combat capabilities. Sometimes in MMO projects they buff other users to express their sympathy.
During organized combat in MMO projects, one or more squad members are usually responsible for buffing the group. This allows the group to fight more effectively even during long battles. A person who can apply buffs is called a buffer.

BB (abbreviated English: Bye Bye - bye [farewell])– saying goodbye to your interlocutor in any network game.

Beta tester– a user taking part in beta testing of the game.

Beta testing, beta testing– the stage of game development, at which the project is almost ready, but additional bug catching is required before sales or commercial launch begins. During the beta test, developers try to attract a large number of users who will be able to recreate as many game situations as possible.
Beta testing is carried out by the developers themselves, or ordinary gamers are involved, who are ready to report bugs found during the testing process. A beta test can take place in several stages, after which the game is allowed to be sold or commercially launched.

Bizha– abbr. from "costume jewelry". Bracelets, rings, earrings, etc.

Build (English build - style)– customizing the character’s characteristics to suit a certain style of play, or to achieve a certain goal. Because Since a character's characteristics are often influenced by the things he wears, a certain set of things that serve certain purposes is also called a build.

Bind (eng. bind - bind)– 1) Assigning a number key to a group of troops, items or skills in strategies and RPGs, after which they can be accessed by pressing this key. “Bind” – assign a key to a group, skill or ability, item, etc.; 2) Selecting a location to which the character is attached, with the ability to quickly return to it; 3) Linking an item to a player, after which it cannot be sold for money or given to another user.

Bum– a player who does not belong to any alliance or clan. Typically used in multiplayer games where it is possible to wage clan wars.

Boss- a very strong opponent, usually encountered by the hero after completing a level or at the very end of the storyline. Usually, defeating a boss requires a lot of effort and finding it weak sides, Although Lately the latter is not so common in modern, more casual projects. Often, defeating a boss requires completing one or more QTE sequences. If, as you progress through the game, you encounter several bosses, then each next one, as a rule, becomes stronger than the previous one.

Bot– a special program that controls the actions of the game character. Bots can be divided into two types: 1) a bot that acts as an opponent in a network game, on which you can train without the presence of real opponents; 2) a program that simulates the actions of a real player, used to automate the processes of pumping and farming. Such bots are prohibited in almost all multiplayer games.

Boost (eng. boost - increase)- a phenomenon in which any characteristics increase. Using a boost in races, a damage buff, or using a potion of strength are all examples of boosts. Something that can produce these kinds of effects is called a booster.

Railway carriage- a low-level character who teams up with a high-level character and gains experience from killings without doing anything. Used for overleveling.

Wipe (eng. wipe - destroy)– 1) a fatal set of circumstances in an MMO, in which the entire group is sent to the cemetery in the status of the dead; 2) chat spam in order to hide an unwanted message outside its frame (each new message moves the target of the wipe one line, and with repeated repetition it is completely hidden from view).

One shot (English: one shot)– death from one blow/shot/skill.

Var, Holivar (English war - war, holy - holy)– the term has wide application: battle of clan against clan, battle of teams in MOBA or opponents in multiplayer, the main condition is duration. Be it a long game, or its reflection in real life: the eternal confrontation between two players or other parties. More often than not, the activity is more than useless.

Warlock (English warlock - warlock)- in RPG games, a character who specializes in dark sorcery.

Wartag (eng. war tag - war mark)– a member of the opposing guild. In MMOs, tagging takes place directly: guild members tag hated rivals.

Video review– a review of the game, made in the form of a short video. In it, the author talks about the main features of the project, and the video sequence at this time demonstrates the gameplay. In well-made video reviews, the gameplay shown will most of the time demonstrate what the announcer is talking about.

Virtual reality, VR (English virtual reality, VR)– a fictional world created by technical and software systems. A person’s perception of this world occurs through various human sensations: vision, hearing, smell, touch and others. Virtual reality simulates both exposure and reactions to exposure. To create a convincing set of sensations of reality, computer synthesis of the properties and reactions of virtual reality is carried out in real time.
To achieve greater realism, when creating virtual reality, the goal is often to recreate as many laws of material reality as possible. At the same time, in games for entertainment purposes, users of virtual worlds are allowed more than is possible in real life (for example: fly, create any objects, etc.).
At the same time, virtual reality should not be confused with augmented reality, because the goal of virtual reality is to create new world, and augmented - only add new objects to the existing one.

Age rating– legal age restrictions for various works of mass culture and games, among others. This restriction is intended to limit the impact on the not yet fully formed consciousness of a minor. Different regions have their own content rating systems.

take out, take out, pick up- to liquidate something. You can take out the opposing team, enemy hero, etc.

Cutting– knocking a player out of some location or zone of the level. Very often, working as a team, players cut out campers. In other words, sawing can be described as knocking out an opponent from a certain location on the map, depriving him of a tactical advantage.

Guide, guide– a game guide that contains tips to help you better master the gameplay. Often the guide includes a step-by-step walkthrough of the game.

Game (English game - play)– play any computer or video game.

Gang, Gank (eng. gang kill - murder by a crowd)- killing an opponent by a crowd. The term is widely used in MOBAs and MMOs.

Garena– a network service designed for online gaming. The service allows you to create a virtual local network between players connected by the global Internet in just a few clicks and does not require additional configuration to start using. Since this service allows you to play many pirated versions of games online, it is very common among younger audiences of gamers.

GG, GG (abbreviated English good game - good game) – 1) a statement of fact in a collective game: the game [game], according to the writer, is good. Nowadays, the abbreviation has practically lost its original meaning, and is used as a synonym for the end of the game [game]; 2) abbr. from G nice G hero, protagonist.

Game over, gamover (eng. game over - game over)– end of the game. In modern games, this phrase usually ends the loss of the game, but previously such an ending meant the general end of the game, regardless of whether the gamer won or not.

Gamer (English gamer - player)- a person who plays games. Although the term includes people who do not consider themselves full-fledged gamers, they are often used to describe those who spend a lot of time playing or are interested in gaming.

Gameplay– the gameplay of a computer game from the player’s point of view. The concept of gameplay is very general and usually expresses the experience of the gameplay, which is influenced by various factors such as story, sound and graphics. Thus, one and the same set of gameplay factors can lead to different, sometimes even completely opposite, assessments of it by two different people.

Gimp (eng. gimp - cripple)- a useless character in PvP. Gimps can become victims of improper promotion or purchasing.

GM– 1) abbr. English game master - a respectable title for a regular, a master of a particular game. In domestic realities, players call themselves GMs; 2) abbr. English guild master - owner [founder or manager] of the guild.

Gosu, goser– synonymous with GM or Pope. A very experienced player.

Grenade, crouton (English grenade - grenade)– a commonly used name for grenades in shooters. This term refers to both ordinary grenades and any other explosive devices.

Grind (eng. grind - grind)- gameplay consisting of a tedious action of the same type. Killing an endless number of weak mobs for experience or loot is a classic example of grinding.

Griefer (English: griefer - making one suffer)– a player who enjoys ruining the game for other people.

GFSh, FS, Frishard, Frishka, Frikha, Shard– abbr. from "shit frishard". Free pirate game server. There are no good examples.

Damage (English: damage)– damage, or damage, caused by the hero to other game characters and vice versa. This value has a numerical representation, which is subtracted from the current amount of health of the character who was damaged. Often the amount of damage is affected by the weapon used, the skill and other characteristics of the character's characters, as well as the armor used.

Dungeon (eng. dungeon)- a location limited by a boundary (material, for example, in the form of mountains, or logical in the form of invisible walls) - a cave, dungeon, ruins, etc. Usually the hero goes to a dungeon to perform a specific task - to find something, or kill someone.
In multiplayer games, group dungeons are common, designed to be played in the company of friends. At the same time, the mobs in such locations are much stronger than usual, and at the end of the day the group will face a battle with one or even several bosses.

Engine (English engine - motor, engine)– a complex set of programs designed for creating computer and video games. Modern engines include a lot of modules - rendering, physics, sound, scripts, animation, artificial intelligence, network communication, multi-threaded computing, memory management, etc. All this allows you to significantly reduce the time and resource costs of creating and porting games.
Games of completely different genres and settings can be created on the same engine.

Debuff– any negative impact on a player or mob that does not cause direct damage. Typically, for every stat that can be improved by a buff, there is a debuff that lowers the value of that stat. Typical examples of a debuff include reducing base stats, slowing or stopping a character, blindness, silence, and reducing resistance. a certain type damage

Device- device, device, mechanism. The word has both an in-game display (a gravity gun is a device) and an out-of-game display: mice, gamepads, etc. are called devices.

Grandfather- an old-timer and regular at the game. Extremely experienced user.

Demo, demo, demo– a demo version of the game that is distributed free of charge (although there are a few exceptions where the demo version of the game was sold). Demos are released so that a potential user can make sure in advance that they are buying a game of appropriate quality that interests them.
Demo versions are usually limited to a few initial levels that take no more than a couple of hours to complete.

Ding- onomatopoeia of the moment of transition to a new level, which has come to mean this phenomenon.

Disconnect– disconnection from the server.

DLC, DLS (English downloadable content, DLC)– additional downloadable content for games distributed online through various digital distribution services. DLC can be either paid or distributed absolutely free. To install the DLC, you must have the original game.

Donat (eng. donate - donate)– one of the ways for developers to receive money from players. Usually present in “free” projects, where it is possible to play without paying for the game itself. At the same time, it is possible to get some benefits for a relatively small amount of money. Usually, by donating you can upgrade your character faster or get unique items and abilities.
Recently, developers have been trying to maintain a balance between paying and free-playing users - the donation system is being developed in such a way as to reduce the time required for the user to achieve certain results. At the same time, a user who plays absolutely free can achieve the same results, having spent a significant amount of gaming time on it.

Addition (English expansion pack - expansion pack)– additional content for a game. Unlike DLC, it can be distributed not only through digital distribution services, but also on separate discs.
Typically, an add-on includes new levels, weapons, characters, continuation of the plot, etc. Most often, installing an add-on requires the presence of the original game, but there are also stand-alone add-ons released in the form of full-fledged games.

Augmented reality (AR) is a term that describes all projects that seek to supplement the real world with any kind of virtual elements.
Augmented reality in games is achieved using a camera and other additional sensors. The information received is processed and on the screen a person can see the image captured by the camera, supplemented with virtual objects.

DoT (abbreviated as Damage Over Time - damage over time)– damage that is inflicted over a period of time. One enemy can have several DoTs.

DPS (abbreviated English: Damage Per Second - damage per second)– the amount of damage a character can inflict in one second.

Drop (eng. drop - fall, drop)– items that fall from an enemy when you defeat him.

Drul– Druid. Character class in MMO and MOBA games.

Dupe– creating a duplicate of an item or amount of money in the game through the use of mistakes made by the developers.

Close Beta Testing (CBT)– closed beta testing of the game. Individually selected players from all those who apply to participate are accepted into the beta test. Typically, selection criteria include both social parameters and computer characteristics of a potential candidate. This method allows you to recruit the widest range of audiences and test the stability of the game on a large number of different configurations.
You can also participate in closed beta testing by receiving a special code, often called an “invite.” You can often get invites on various game portals with which the game developers have agreed to hold special promotions.

Zerg– 1) a large crowd of people or units. The common form of this word comes from 2) the name of a race in Starcraft.

Zerg rush– blitzkrieg of the game world: a quick attack with a huge number of units.

Event, event, event (English event - event)- a non-standard event for gameplay, expressed in the form of a special competition, a fair of special goods, or the appearance of special mobs in places where they were not previously present. Typically, events are organized by the project administration for holidays or other significant dates, although they can be held by the players themselves - for example, an unofficial tournament or an organized mass attack on enemy positions.

Game studio– a group of people involved in the development and creation of games. Sometimes several studios can be combined to work on a larger project. After the release of the game, the studio continues to work on the project for some time, releasing patches and additions.
Game studios can create projects either under the guidance of a game publisher or completely independently. In the second case, the studios are called independent.

Game world– a world that is embodied in the game thanks to the plot implementation and gameplay. Speaking about the game world, they mean immersing the user in the plot of the project with a presentation of the history of the game world, a description of its laws and events. The game world tells about heroes and anti-heroes who produce some significant event that develops the action before the eyes of the player.

Gamer– a person addicted to computer and video games. On this moment There are clinics specializing in the treatment of gambling addiction.

gambling addiction– addiction, as a result of which a person cannot lead a normal life, since a gambling addict tends to spend all his time playing games.

AI (artificial intelligence, AI)– a special part of the game’s program code, responsible for the actions of game characters under computer control.

Imb, imba (English imbalance - imbalance)– definition refers to something very cool in the project that does not fit into the game balance. It could be some class, character, incredibly cool skill or item.

Instance, insta (English instance - case)– in an MMO, a location that is loaded personally for the group.

Instant kill- instant kill. Any one-shot is an instant kill, but not every instant kill is a one-shot - death can also occur as a result of a gank.

Kite (English kite - [air, paper] kite)– the process of attacking an enemy when the enemy cannot fight back (this can happen either when using a ranged attack, with impenetrable armor, or with 100% evasion of attacks). When kiting, the enemy's aggro should be on the attacker (the kiter), while the rest of the group can calmly destroy him without taking damage. The kite can also be used as a locomotive vehicle.

Cartridge, karik (English cartridge - cartridge)– an electronic device based on ROM chips that contains a game for the corresponding gaming console. In addition to a number of advantages (good copy protection, expanded console capabilities, quick console access to game content), cartridges have several big disadvantages - production cost and rapid mechanical wear of both the cartridge when the game is frequently replaced, and the console connector for cartridges itself. In this regard, console manufacturers abandoned this format back in the late 80s.

Caster (English cast - cast [enchantment])- a character capable of conjuring and casting spells.

Quest (eng. quest - search)– 1) a genre of games in which the main task of the player is to solve logical problems and puzzles, often associated with the need to initially find objects in accessible locations and then come up with a use for them; 2) a task given to the player.

Quick Time Events (QTE)- one of the gameplay elements in games. The idea is that buttons appear on the screen, and the player must manage to press them in time. Sometimes you need to quickly press one button multiple times, or even press several buttons at the same time, which sometimes turns QTE into a “twister” for your fingers.

Camper (eng. to camp - to set up camp)– a player in the network shooter mode, holed up in hard-to-reach and hard-to-detect places with a good overview of the map location. From this position the player launches surprise attacks. Such players are very often perceived as professionals or cheaters, which they are called by inept and ignorant players who lose the match.

QC– 1) abbr. eng. ok, ok - okay, okay. An affirmative answer to the interlocutor’s remarks, which excludes further discussion of the issue; 2) pair abbr. from English kilo - thousand. That is, a thousand thousand, a million.

Clan War, Clan War, CW (English Clan War, CW - clan war)- a competition between two clans or alliances in a multiplayer game, which are often expressed in armed confrontation. Typically, clan wars are held by prior agreement or as part of a tournament held by the administration of the game project.

Console– 1) game console connected to the TV. Consoles also refer to portable gaming devices that have their own display; 2) a command interpreter, through the line of which you can directly enter commands for execution by the system. In games, the console is most often used to enter special cheat codes or directly interact with the engine to make changes to the gameplay.

Controller, manipulator– an information input device through which the player interacts with the virtual world. There are many types of controllers - keyboard and mouse (standard for PC users), gamepad (used by most consoles), motion sensors (for example, PS Move and Kinect), touch screen (common in mobile devices), etc. The variety of controllers increases every year, giving players easier and more intuitive ways to interact with games.

Check point, check point (English: Check Point, CP - control point)– a special point (often not marked visually) on the map, specified during game development. When such a point is reached, automatic saving usually occurs, although sometimes check points are used for other purposes (for example, marking the successful completion of a section of the track in a race). Usually, when a hero dies and there are checkpoints in the game, the game automatically loads at the time of passing the last checkpoint. In some games where full gameplay saving is not provided, the checkpoint may be the hero's respawn point.

Config (abbreviated as configuration)– 1) personal settings of the user; 2) PC technical parameters.

Crack, tablet, crack– a special file or program that allows you to run an unlicensed version of the game. The use of such programs is illegal in most countries.

Q– 1) A short form of online greeting; 2) abbr. English quest - quest.

Cooldown (eng. cooldown - cooling)– cooldown time for an ability, item or spell. There are also cooldowns for game events.

Lag (eng. lag - delay, delay)– a delay in the operation of the game, manifested in the form of temporary freezing of the game process. Often, lags occur either due to insufficient computer performance or due to communication problems with the server. Constant lags in online games may be due to the low speed of data exchange between the user’s computer or the server, or the regional distance of the player from the server, which causes the ping value to increase.

Lacker (from the English luck - luck)- a player who achieves success purely due to a random coincidence of circumstances.

Lamer (English lame - lame)– novice user. Unlike noobs, lamers, as a rule, claim to be a good player/user.

Level Cap– character development limit, maximum level.

Level, lvl (English level, lvl)– level of character or account upgrade. Level is a numerical characteristic that increases with time spent in the game or with increasing skill. Often, reaching the next level requires gaining a certain number of experience points (or a similar parameter), and most leveling systems are designed so that significantly more experience is required to achieve each subsequent level.

Liv, Liver (eng. leave - to leave)– user leaving the server during the game. This care is usually voluntary. At the same time, they say about the player that he “lived”, and the player himself is called “Leaver”. As a rule, users then become leavers when the game goes against them.

Lich (English leech - leech)- a player who enters into a partnership solely for his own benefit, without helping the team. When such cooperation occurs by mutual consent (locomotive power leveling), the more polite definition of “Wagon” is adopted.

Location- a part of the game world, geographically separated from its other parts.

Loot (eng. loot - rob)– a general name for items remaining after killing a mob or character that the hero can pick up. In addition, loot includes items found in chests and similar containers, as well as items simply lying on the floor in any game location. In other words, loot is items that can be picked up and then used or sold/exchanged.

Laith, leith (English late - late)– late stage of the game. The term is used mainly in MOBA arenas, where the importance of heroes either increases or decreases over the course of the game, thereby changing the parity of the parties in the late game.

Mana, MP (eng. Mana)- one of the character characteristics often used in RPG projects with a fantasy setting. The mana reserve determines how many spells a hero can cast, or how many times he can use special skills. Typically, mana appears as another bar next to your life bar.

Mount (eng. to mount - sit on (in) a vehicle)– an object that you can ride on, increasing your movement speed. A car, a horse, a lizard, an ostrich, a flying boss's head - mounts can be very diverse.

Machinima (eng. Machinima, from machine - machine and cinema - cinema)- a film created using a game engine. In this case, game characters, models, textures, locations and other resources are used. Machinima is often created by fans, so most of the resulting work is of a very mediocre level. Machinima is essentially a subtype of cinema that takes inspiration from the gaming subculture.

Media franchiseintellectual property, which includes the characters, setting, and brand of the original media work. Typically, franchises arise when a project appears in another form - for example, a game is made into a movie, or a game is created based on a television series.

Mob (English Mob, abbreviation for English mobile object, moving object)- a type of NPC that is characterized by a certain property - to be destroyed by the player to gain experience, money or various items. To make the process more interesting, mobs often try to kill the player at this time. Sometimes mobs act as a complicating factor when completing quests - in this case, killing them may not bring anything to the player.

Mod, mod (English modification - modification)– a modification of the game that makes minor changes to the gameplay or complements it. Most often, mods are made by users, although sometimes developers provide post-release support for their projects by releasing official mods. Often, project creators themselves release tools for modding, but sometimes mods are also created through hacking game resources.

MT (abbr. main tank)- the main tank of the group.

Mule– a character on an MMO or other online game account that is created solely for storing things.

Garbage, Trash– slang term for weak mobs, hells or loot.

Mutator- an analogue of a mod, but introducing only minor changes to the gameplay. Unlike large-scale mods, which cannot always work in parallel, mutators can be used simultaneously in large numbers. The order in which they are activated is very important. For example, if the "no sniper rifle" mutator is followed by the "turn all weapons into sniper rifles" mutator, the sniper rifles disappear and all other weapons turn into rifles. If you use the mutators in the reverse order, all weapons disappear.

Nerf (jarg. English nerf - weaken)– deterioration of any characteristics in the new version of the game. Reducing tank damage, boss health, or armor stats are all nerfs.

Nickname, nickname (English nickname - nickname)– a nickname that is used by users on the Internet and games. A nickname can reflect a real name, or it can designate an object, an animal, some kind of phenomenon, it can be written with various symbols and combine letters. Used as a name for game characters, or when creating accounts in various services.

Ninja- a player who, in the thick of battle, collects loot, opens chests, picks up quest items, etc. Also called ninjas are those users who, when distributing loot to a team, claim all things, even those not of their class.

NP, NP (abbreviated English: no problem)– an abbreviation for replica, meaning “no problem.”

NPK, NPC (eng. Non-Player Character, NPC)- a non-player character controlled by a special program - AI. Usually the NPC can communicate with the hero and is one of the main opportunities for the user to interact with the virtual world. NPCs are often asked to complete tasks or provide trade/exchange services.

Noob hunt- hunting for noobs.

Noob (eng. newbie - newbie)– a beginner, inexperienced player. Most often, noobs give themselves away by playing ineptly, or by asking stupid and simple questions. Sometimes the term "noob" is used to insult someone after the latter has made some ridiculous mistake.

Nubyatnya, Nubland, Nubzone– the location of the characters is much weaker than the player’s level.

Nuke (eng. nuke - use of nuclear weapons)– use of all combat abilities in a short period of time. Used when finishing off bosses, ganking or focusing to get rid of the enemy as quickly as possible.

Area of ​​Effect (AoE)– a phenomenon in which the effect of a spell or ability spreads to an area. Whether the hero waves a sword, whether he throws a grenade, or waters the lawn with a hail of ice - all these are examples of AoE.

OBT (Open Beta Testing, OBT)– open beta testing of the game. Any player can take part in this testing stage without any restrictions.

Overbuff– a situation in which one buff is replaced by another.

Old gamer– a gamer who prefers to play old games. Typically, old gamers use additional programs and emulators to run old games on modern PCs.

OOM (abbr. English out of mana)– an expression for depleted mana – “no mana.” Relevant for healers in MMOs and MOBAs.

Offtopic (off topic - “off topic”)– a network message that goes beyond the pre-established topic of communication. For example, a message, comment or post that does not correspond to the topic of the news/topic within which the entry was left. In other words, in a topic or news about Battlefield, a discussion of new pets in the Sims will be off-topic.

Dad Father– a very experienced player. Synonyms: GM or Goser.

Steam locomotive or Train (English train - train)– 1) a type of kite in which several opponents are collected for further elimination through AoE attacks; 2) the process of playing a game together with a team of low- and high-level characters, in which the latter kills all opponents, while the first (he is called the Carriage) gains experience.

Easter eggs, easter eggs– secrets left by the game developers that do not fit into the overall concept of the game. Usually, to activate Easter eggs in games, you need to perform completely non-obvious actions. Easter eggs play the role of peculiar jokes for attentive players or spectators.

Party (English party - squad)– a group of players united by a common goal.

Patch, update (English patch - patch)– a file that makes updates to the game. The update most often includes corrections to errors found after the game's release. In addition, the patch often contains minor balance and interface tweaks, and sometimes even new gameplay elements and additional content.

PvE (abbreviated English: player vs environment - player against the environment)– gaming content based on the confrontation between users and virtual enemies.

PvP (abbreviated English: player vs player – player against player)– unlike PvE, such game content, on the contrary, is based on confrontation between players: guilds, factions or groups.

Rechipovka– replacing a chip in a device. As a result, the performance of the device can be improved or its functionality expanded. In the gaming field, it usually refers to the re-chip of consoles, after which it becomes possible to play pirated content, or use content designed for another region.

Perk- a character ability acquired as the hero develops. Typically, perks are present in RPG projects and the player has the opportunity to choose the perk they want to receive when moving to a new level. Perks help to achieve the individuality of each hero, allowing you to upgrade your character to suit the style of play.

Permanent death- or death forever, an extremely popular feature in roguelike games and various RPGs. Its essence lies in the fact that after the death of the character, the game ends, and its passage must be started over.

Persian (English personage)- game character. Gamers use this abbreviation regardless of the genre of the project.

Pet– the player’s animal that travels with him.

Pickup (eng. pickup - casual acquaintance)– in MMO games, gathering a group of strangers.

Ping– server response time to the sent command. Ping is very important in multiplayer games and characterizes the speed with which information transmitted to the server affects the game world. Measured in milliseconds. The lower the value, the more enjoyable the gameplay will be. If the ping value is too high, it is almost impossible to enjoy the gameplay. Ping is affected by both the quality of the channel and its congestion, as well as the speed of the server with the current number of active players.

PC– 1) abbr. from Personal Computer; 2) abbr. English player killer – player killer. In an MMO, a member of an opposing faction who hunts down enemies that are significantly weaker than him.

Platformer- a game whose gameplay consists of the frequent need to move a hero or heroes from one platform to another. Often unsuccessful jumps between platforms lead to falling into the abyss and the instant loss of the hero’s life.

Power leveling– quick leveling of a character, in which this same leveling is the only goal. For power leveling, special gaming techniques are used, such as a locomotive or a grind.

Prime– the best time to play. Some guilds in MMOs assign their own prime, and by joining them, the user undertakes to be present in the game at a given time.

Prequel- a new part in the series of games, telling about events that preceded the previously released part. Thus, the developers can talk in more detail about the virtual world and answer the plot questions that players have after completing a previously released game in the series.

Game console– a special device designed for video games. Typically, a game console does not have its own information output device and must be connected to a TV or a special monitor - it is from this need that the name “console” originated. Modern game consoles can also play a variety of media content, including the ability to access the Internet using a browser integrated into the software.

Pumping, quality, leveling– the process of increasing the level or any skills of a character. For pumping, special techniques are usually used, and sometimes special programs (bots). It is also possible in some game projects to upgrade your account for a donation. The most legal and free method of leveling up your account in any game is to complete available quests and other actions that reward experience.

Protagonist, main character- the main character of a computer or video game. Typically, the main character, the protagonist, is confronted throughout the game by the main villain, the antagonist.

Profa– can be a synonym for a class in some MMO projects (warlock, paladin, Sith, etc.), or the name of a specialization (herbalist, blacksmith, seamstress, etc.).

Firmware (eng. firmware - firmware, microprogram)– in the gaming sense, firmware is the console software. Firmware updates can be both official and pirated. The official update allows you to use new features, and sometimes it is impossible to launch newer games without it. If a game requires a newer version of firmware, it is usually included with the game.
Using pirated firmware violates the license agreement, but allows you to run pirated versions of games and additional software on the game console that have not been certified by the console developers. Warranty repairs are not provided for consoles that have ever had pirated firmware installed.

Game developer– a studio, a group of people or, less commonly, one person. The developer creates computer and video games. The developer’s task is to create a virtual game world that exists according to established laws. After the game is released, the developer spends some time releasing patches that correct errors, as well as additions.

Cancer– in online communication, and in particular in a gaming environment, a person is clearly not a guest of this topic. Unlike noobism, crayfishing is very shameful, since crayfish do not consider themselves new to the field, trying to get used to the gaming environment, often ineptly using its terminology and functionality.

Rush, rush (English rush - hurry up)– quick completion of the mission, without any stops. The rush technique is very common in strategies, when an attack on the enemy is carried out at the very beginning of the match with a group of cheap units available for construction almost immediately.

Reir (English: rare)– an extremely rare item dropped by enemies. Reir usually drops from bosses.

Reconnect– restoring a connection to the server after it is lost. Reconnecting to the server.

Remake (eng. remake - remake)– an updated version of the game, created on the basis of an older project. Typically, a remake has more modern graphics, but the gameplay and plot itself remain virtually untouched.

Repop (abbreviated English: repopulation)– restoration of already killed opponents. Regular monsters respawn in a few minutes; bosses in many games do not repop at all.

Res– 1) abbr. English resource - resource; 2) abbr. English resurrection - resurrection. Restoring a player from death with the help of another player.

Respawn, respawn, respawn (English respawn - rebirth)– the process of restoring a game character after death. Depending on the game settings, after respawning the character’s health, mana, ammunition, etc. are restored. Also in RPG projects, respawning in the form of a fine can take away part of the previously earned experience or in-game currency. Typically, respawn occurs at certain points on the map, pre-designated by the location designer.

Rest (English rest - rest)– restoration of health and mana, requiring interruption of the game process.

Reuse– reuse.

Roll (English roll - dice throw)– a well-known DnD system in which in-game events occur according to the randomness of the die roll: what damage will be dealt, what loot will be received, etc.

Rotat, Rotation (English rotation - sequence)– a certain alternation when using skills or spells. The correct use of this or that rotat is a very controversial issue, because often characterizes only the user's playing style. But there are also completely obvious rotations, for example, using a water spell before a burning one, and not vice versa.

RPG, RPG (abbreviated English: Role-Playing Game)– a genre of computer games based on board games. Offers character leveling, skills, experience and quests, as well as other elements of classic board games.

Raid (eng. raid - raid, raid)– in an MMO, passing an instance by a group of players. A raid can also be called a collection of several united instances.

Salo, Silence, Silence (English silence - silence)– a debuff that prevents the player or enemy from casting spells.

Summon (English summon - call)– the character’s ability to summon a creature or other object to help him or her for company (pet). You can also summon living players by teleporting them to you from another location/zone/level. A character who can cast such spells is called a summoner.

Saport (English support - support)– 1) legal entity or individual providing customer support; 2) a character whose role is to help in combat. Healers and buffers are classic supports.

Set (English set - set)- a set of things that gives some effect. If you collect all the items in a set, its overall effect is usually stronger than the sum of the effects of all the items individually.

Setting (from the English setting - furnishings, room, installation, frame)- a specific environment within which the action of a game or any other work of art takes place. Typically, the setting describes the time and place of action, the laws of the world, the creatures inhabiting it, etc.

Sequel (eng. sequel - continuation)– continuation of a project. A sequel means a continuation of the storyline, and the events of the new game develop immediately or after a certain time from the moment where the events of the previous game ended.

Simulator– a virtual simulator of real-life algorithms and processes. The simulator can act within the genre of computer and video games, for example, a car racing simulator, a pilot, a farmer or a policeman.

Single– a game without collective support, be it solo completion of a raid in an MMO or a story campaign in non-network games. Modern projects often provide both single and multiplayer.

System requirements– requirements for hardware and software for the normal functioning of the game. If your PC's specifications are below the minimum required, the game may not start at all or may not work correctly. System requirements are often divided into minimum and recommended. The former indicate the minimum required parameters to run the game, and the latter describe the parameters required to play at high quality settings.

Skill, ability, ability (eng. skill, ability)- the ability of the game hero to do something. Healing, collecting herbs, repairing plumbing - all these are abilities. Such skills can be either passive or active. They can evolve with the hero or be unchanged in strength.

Screenshot, screenshot– a screenshot from a game or some other application. Screenshots can be created both by external applications (for example, FRAPS), and in some cases by tools of the game itself.

Slacker (English slacker - lazy)– a player who minds his own business during an important game event. Slackers can be MOBA users who shop at their base during an important battle, or MMO players who forge armor or brew medicine during a castle siege.

Spawnkill (eng. spawnkill - killing a spawn)– killing a character who has just appeared at the spawn point. In most cases, such an action is not welcomed in the gaming community, since the killer has a significant advantage due to better equipment and the readiness to launch a surprise attack. Most modern projects have protection against such actions, making the appearing character invulnerable for a short period of time after respawning.

SS (abbreviated English miss [mi] ss] - lose)– lack of an enemy hero in the lane in DotA and other MOBA games.

Stack (English stack - pack) - several similar items in the inventory that take the place of one item. If this happens, it is customary to say that such an item is stacked. Buffs of the same type can also be stacked on a character, having a cumulative effect.