

Excavation and foundation contractors rely upon the plumb line, and constructing a chimney the tool can indicate whether a flue is running true vertical or veering off plumb. Surveyors sometimes use plumb bobs for lining up points or transferring them. The plumb line in one place can be used to sight an object in another - a pipe, for example - for plumb. Once it is hung and still, the top and bottom points can be marked and used as guides. For example, you can locate fixtures or decorations in relation to an object or surface below (or above) using the plumb line. When the plumb bob is hanging free and not moving, the cord is vertical. A plumb bob consists of a piece of metal (called a bob) pointing downwards, which is attached to a cord (see Fig. A spirit level will also accomplish those tasks, but some jobs are much more easily done using the tool. A plumb bob is used to check if objects are vertical. The plumb bob is useful in establishing vertical for a wall in construction or a doorjamb when hanging a door. (Note that the line must be hanging free to get an accurate reading.)

Using a plumb bob full#
The weight, or bob, is then allowed to swing freely when it stops, the point of the bob is precisely below the point at which the string is fixed above. Hang your Swanson Plum Bob on the nail letting the full string play out so that the tip of the plumb bob hovers just above the floor - and note that a little motion is normal as the plumb bob settles. To use the tool, the string is fixed at the point to be plumbed. The first and foremost application for a plumb-bob is to check that a surface or object is plumb (exactly vertical).
