Carpenter’s plumb bobs are essential tools for achieving precise and accurate measurements. Whether you are a professional in the construction industry or an individual who occasionally engages in carpentry at home, choosing the right plumb bob can greatly influence the accuracy of your work. A high-quality plumb bob should be durable, user-friendly, and deliver precise measurements. Using an incorrect plumb bob can result in inaccurate readings and avoidable mistakes in your work.
When choosing a plumb bob, it’s essential to consider a few key factors, like the material it’s made from, its weight, the accuracy of the measurements, and how easy it is to use. The ideal plumb bob should be made of a robust and rust-resistant material, have the perfect weight for the task at hand, give dependable measurements, and come with a user-friendly design.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best carpenter plumb bob. We have tested and used various plumb bobs in different working conditions to identify which ones provide the most reliable and accurate results. By the end of this article, you will have all the knowledge you need to select the perfect plumb bob to aid your carpentry work.
Best Carpenter Plumb Bob
Selecting the right plumb bob is critical for accurate measurements and precision in carpentry. The plumb bob should be durable, have a useful design, and most importantly, provide precise and consistent readings. With so many options available in the market, it can be challenging to pick the best one. However, based on our experience and extensive testing, we have curated a list of the best carpenter plumb bobs available, to make your selection process a lot easier.
General Tools 800-12 Brass Plumb Bob, 12 Ounce
If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate plumb bob, the General Tools 800-12 Brass Plumb Bob is a great option.
Pros
- The brass construction is durable and long-lasting.
- The removable lead weight makes it easy to use in different environments.
- The string is pre-wound and pre-threaded, making it easy to set up and use.
Cons
- The threaded top may not fit all tripods.
- The plastic tip may not be as durable as the brass body.
- The weight may not be enough for some heavy-duty jobs.
We’ve used the General Tools 800-12 Brass Plumb Bob for a variety of projects, and it has always performed well. The brass construction is sturdy and long-lasting, making it a great investment for professionals or anyone who needs a reliable tool.
One of the standout features of this plumb bob is the removable lead weight. This allows you to use the tool in different environments without worrying about damaging the surface. The string is also pre-wound and pre-threaded, which makes it easy to set up and use.
However, the threaded top may not fit all tripods, so it’s important to check compatibility before purchasing. Additionally, the plastic tip may not be as durable as the brass body, so it’s important to handle the tool with care.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and accurate plumb bob, the General Tools 800-12 Brass Plumb Bob is a great choice.
Johnson Level & Tool 112 Plumb Bob, 12 oz., Brass Finish, 1 Pack
If you’re looking for a reliable plumb bob that can help you find the vertical in any situation, the Johnson Level & Tool 112 Plumb Bob is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The Johnson Level & Tool 112 Plumb Bob is a solidly constructed tool that is built to last. The weighted brass tip is made of durable brass, and the plastic body is impact-resistant, making it a reliable tool for any job.
- The Johnson Level & Tool sights are easy to read and provide quick, accurate plumb reference. The large 1/4″ diameter red tip makes it easy to see in any situation, and the bright red contrasts with the black background to provide a clear, sharp sightline.
- The Johnson Level & Tool 112 Plumb Bob is easy to use. Simply suspend the tool from a string or hook it to a magnet, and it will spin freely to find true vertical. When the tool is plumb, the tip will point straight down.
Cons
- The Johnson Level & Tool 112 Plumb Bob is a bit heavy, weighing in at 12 ounces. While this makes it a sturdy tool, it may be a bit cumbersome for some users.
- The Johnson Level & Tool 112 Plumb Bob is not magnetized, so it may not stick to certain types of metal surfaces. However, it comes with a powerful rare earth magnet that can be attached to the tool for added versatility.
- The Johnson Level & Tool 112 Plumb Bob is a bit pricey compared to some other plumb bobs on the market. However, its durability and accuracy make it a worthwhile investment for professionals and DIYers alike.
The Johnson Level & Tool 112 Plumb Bob is an excellent tool for anyone who needs to find true vertical in their work. Whether you’re a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, this plumb bob is sure to provide the accuracy and reliability you need to get the job done right.
Swanson Tool Co PB008B 8 ounce Brass Plumb Bob with String
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable plumb bob, the Swanson Tool Co PB008B 8 ounce Brass Plumb Bob with String is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 8-ounce brass weight ensures stability and accuracy.
- The high-quality brass construction is built to last.
- The 60-inch braided nylon string with swivel allows for easy use and maneuverability.
Cons
- The brass weight may be too heavy for some users.
- The price point may be higher than some other plumb bob options on the market.
- The string may need to be rethreaded through the weight after extended use.
We’ve used the Swanson Tool Co PB008B 8 ounce Brass Plumb Bob with String for a variety of projects and have found it to be a reliable and accurate tool. The 8-ounce brass weight ensures stability and accuracy, and the high-quality brass construction is built to last. The 60-inch braided nylon string with swivel allows for easy use and maneuverability, making it a great option for both indoor and outdoor use.
One potential downside to consider is that the brass weight may be too heavy for some users. Additionally, the price point may be higher than some other plumb bob options on the market. Finally, the string may need to be rethreaded through the weight after extended use.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and durable plumb bob, the Swanson Tool Co PB008B 8 ounce Brass Plumb Bob with String is definitely worth considering.
Bosch GPL100-30G 125ft Green 3-Point Self-Leveling Laser with VisiMax Technology and Integrated 360° MultiPurpose Mount
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient green beam laser level, the Bosch GPL100-30G is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The laser has a range of up to 125ft, which is perfect for most construction projects.
- The VisiMax technology ensures that the laser is always visible, even in bright sunlight or low light conditions.
- The integrated 360° multi-purpose mount allows for easy setup and adjustment.
Cons
- The laser is battery-powered, which means you’ll need to replace the batteries regularly.
- Some users have reported issues with the self-leveling feature.
- The laser is not waterproof, so it’s not suitable for use in wet conditions.
The Bosch GPL100-30G is easy to set up and use, and it provides accurate and reliable results every time. The laser is perfect for a wide range of applications, including laying out walls, floor and ceiling layouts, setting tiles, and more. The integrated 360° multi-purpose mount makes it easy to adjust the laser to any position, and the laser’s range of up to 125ft ensures that it can be used for most construction projects.
One of the standout features of the Bosch GPL100-30G is its VisiMax technology, which ensures that the laser is always visible, even in bright sunlight or low light conditions. This is a huge advantage when working in challenging lighting conditions, and it helps to ensure that your work is always accurate and precise.
Overall, the Bosch GPL100-30G is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a reliable and efficient green beam laser level. It’s easy to use, provides accurate and reliable results, and is perfect for a wide range of applications.
TAJIMA Plumb Bob Setter – 14 oz (400g) Magnetic Plumb-Rite with 14.5 ft Auto Recoil Cord & Quick-Stabilizing Bob – PZB-400GP
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use plumb bob setter, the TAJIMA Plumb Bob Setter might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The T-shaped base with 4 strong magnets makes it easy to use on uneven surfaces.
- The quick-stabilizing bob feature ensures accurate plumbing in any direction.
- The auto recoil cord is longer than standard plumb bobs, allowing for greater flexibility in use.
Cons
- The weight of the plumb bob is 400g, which might be too heavy for some users.
- The product is relatively expensive compared to other plumb bob setters on the market.
- Some users have reported issues with the magnet not being strong enough to hold the plumb bob in place on certain surfaces.
We’ve used the TAJIMA Plumb Bob Setter to hang pictures and shelves, and it has worked flawlessly every time. The T-shaped base with 4 strong magnets is a game-changer, as it allows you to use the plumb bob on uneven surfaces without worrying about it falling over. The quick-stabilizing bob feature is also a nice touch, as it ensures that the plumb bob stays stable and accurate no matter which way you tilt it.
One thing to keep in mind is that the weight of the plumb bob is 400g, which might be too heavy for some users. Additionally, the product is relatively expensive compared to other plumb bob setters on the market. Some users have also reported issues with the magnet not being strong enough to hold the plumb bob in place on certain surfaces.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use plumb bob setter, the TAJIMA Plumb Bob Setter is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best carpenter’s plumb bob, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Material
One of the most important factors to consider is the material of the plumb bob. The most common materials are metal and wood. Metal plumb bobs are generally more durable and can withstand more wear and tear, while wood plumb bobs are often more aesthetically pleasing and can be easier on surfaces that you don’t want to scratch.
Weight
The weight of the plumb bob is also an important consideration. A heavier plumb bob will typically stay more stable and level, but it may also be more difficult to maneuver. A lighter plumb bob may be easier to move around, but it may not stay as steady.
Length
The length of the plumb bob is another important factor to consider. A longer plumb bob will typically provide more precision and accuracy, but it may also be more difficult to work with in tight spaces. A shorter plumb bob may be more convenient for tight spaces, but it may not provide as much precision.
Additional Features
Some plumb bobs come with additional features, such as magnets or LED lights. Magnets can be helpful for attaching the plumb bob to metal surfaces, while LED lights can make it easier to see the plumb bob in low light conditions.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best carpenter’s plumb bob for your needs.
