No Shame Series #6: How to Use a Level (and Stop Hanging Crooked Frames)

Yup. A level. All my friends and family already know me as the neurotic guy who has to fix every crooked picture when he walks in a room. You do not have to be that person.

But, if you’ve never felt like it was the right time to actually ask how to use a level, I’ve got you covered here with a recommendation of what level you should add to your toolbox to get started.

I’ll be honest with you: the first time I used a level, I didn’t trust it.

I eyeballed the thing I was hanging. Thought I had a “feel” for straight.

I did not.

Turns out, that tiny bubble in the middle of a plastic tube? It’s not just for show. It’s one of the simplest tools in your toolbox, and also one of the most quietly useful. If you’ve ever hung a picture, installed shelves, or tried to mount a coat rack only to take a step back and mutter “well, hell,” then this one’s for you.

Why It Matters

You might think a crooked frame is no big deal. But once you see it, you can’t unsee it. A slanted shelf looks sloppy. A poorly aligned bracket can mess with the weight it holds. And don’t even get me started on installing cabinets without a level, that’s chaos with hinges.

Using a level is about doing things right, not perfect. It’s about bringing order to chaos one straight line at a time. And if that sounds philosophical, it kind of is.

Want to stop second-guessing and just hang it straight the first time?

👉 This compact German-made level is the one I trust — sturdy, simple, and overbuilt in the best way.

What Is a Level, Really?

A level (or spirit level) is a straight-edged tool with one or more liquid-filled vials. There’s an air bubble in each vial. When the bubble sits exactly between the two black lines, your surface is level — or plumb, depending on which way you’re holding it.

Horizontal = Level
Vertical = Plumb

That’s all it’s doing. Helping you get something straight. That’s it. No batteries. No Bluetooth. Just physics.

How to Actually Use a Level

Let’s walk through it. I’ve got you.

1. Choose the Right Type

For most homeowners, a 9-inch or 24-inch level is enough.

You don’t need the 6-foot beast contractors use.

Here’s what I keep in the drawer at home — and have dropped more times than I want to admit:

👉 Stabila 25100 10-Inch Die Cast Level

Solid aluminum body. German-made. Clear, steady vial. This thing just works.

Need something longer for shelves or wide frames?

👉 Empire EM81.24 24-Inch Magnetic Level

Tough, affordable, and surprisingly precise.

2. Mark the Spot

Wherever you’re hanging something — measure your height, find the center, and make a light pencil mark on the wall. Don’t worry, you’ll erase it later.

3. Place the Level

Set the level flat against the surface — whether that’s the top of a frame, a shelf bracket, or a pencil line on the wall.

For horizontal things: Keep the long edge flat on top.

For vertical alignment: Rotate the level so it runs straight up and down.

4. Watch the Bubble

Look directly at the vial (not at an angle).

Adjust your item until the bubble floats right between the black lines. That’s your sweet spot.

If you’re marking something, draw a line along the edge of the level while it’s in position.

5. Double-Check Your Work

Step back. Look at the object you just leveled.

Now look again from a different angle.

Still look straight? Congrats — you just used a level like a pro.

A Quick Word on Laser Levels

A laser level isn’t necessary for everyone. But since you’re looking for levels already, I want to make sure you don’t get bamboozled.

If you’re doing a whole gallery wall or anything over a wide span, you might want to try a laser level. It projects a perfectly level line across the wall, which makes lining things up easy.

Don’t get suckered by gimmicks. This is the only one I’d recommend:

👉 Huepar 621CG Self-Leveling Green Laser Level

Durable, highly rated, and not overpriced.

Wrap-Up: No Shame in the Bubble Game

Nobody’s born knowing how to use a level. But once you do, you’ll start seeing crooked stuff everywhere. You’ll want to fix it. And little by little, that’s how it starts — the mindset shift. From “I hope this looks okay” to “I know this is right.”

No shame if you’ve avoided this tool ‘til now. But if you’re ready to stop guessing and start building with confidence, just grab a solid level.

Check out my other recent articles!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting The Gentleman Fixer.