What Is Plumb?
Construction and do-it-yourself terms can be confusing and overwhelming, especially when they sound the same as other objects. Plumb, or plumb line, is a term often used in building, redecorating and remodeling. It doesn't refer to fruit or to the plumbing, and used in relation to homes, it has nothing to do with the depth of water. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Definition
-
Plumb, or a plumb line, is simply a straight vertical line. When carpenters and construction workers refer to an object as being plumb, they are referring to it being perfectly straight. A plumb line on a wall is a line that is completely straight from ceiling to floor, regardless of whether the ceiling is angled or the floor slopes. This straight vertical line on a wall is how the term plumb, or plumb line, is most commonly used among homeowners and do-it-yourself enthusiasts.
Uses
-
A plumb line is often used in redecorating to hang wallpaper or paint certain patterns, such as stripes. In these cases, it's important to have a perfectly straight line from floor to ceiling so that the pattern doesn't end up "leaning" or angled as it progresses around the room. Plumb lines can also be used for hanging large paintings or artwork. Construction workers use plumb lines for installing windows and doors, as well as for stonework and tiling.
-
Plumb Line with String
-
The traditional way to find a plumb line is to use a piece of string or twine with a weight at the bottom. There are weights made for this purpose, but a metal washer or any other object that weighs the bottom of the string down works. The string is attached to the top of the wall with a pin and the weight allowed to dangle at the bottom. The weight pulls the string perfectly straight. Chalk is used to mark the position of the string.
Plumb Line with Carpenter's Level
-
A carpenter's level, when available, is more commonly used to find the plumb line along a wall than a weighted string. Starting at the top of the wall, the level is held vertically against the wall until the bubbles indicate it is straight, and a few marks are made along its length with a pencil or chalk to mark the line. The level is moved down, and the process repeated until an entire plumb line is marked on the wall.
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
