15 Plumb Bob Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for plumb bobs as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 15 plumb bob manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked plumb bob companies as of November, 2024: 1.SECO Manufacturing Co.,, 2.Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., 3.Pro-Fast.
Table of Contents
What Is a Plumb Bob?
A plumb bob is a tool used to measure the verticality of building columns and walls.
A spindle-shaped weight, called a plumb bob, is held at the end of a string, which is hung from a plumb bob holder to measure verticality.
Although a level that measures bubbles in a glass container filled with liquid can also be used to measure verticality, the primitive plumb bob, which uses gravity, is a relatively more accurate way to measure verticality.
Plumb bobs that use a laser instead of a string and weight are also available. The laser type has the advantages of not being affected by wind and not requiring rewinding of the string, but it also has the disadvantage that the laser will be tilted if the mounting surface is tilted. For precise measurement, some products are equipped with a correction function.
Uses of Plumb Bobs
Plumb bobs are used not only to measure the perpendicularity of columns and walls but also to confirm that measurement devices are installed parallel and perpendicular to each other, such as when installing a transit, and to raise the ground marker.
There are various types of plumb bobs, depending on the environment in which they are used.
Plumb Bob Installation Procedure and Precautions
- Plumb Bob Installation Method
If the wall to be installed is made of wood, use a push pin (needle). If the wall is concrete, hook the metal hook onto a nail or the like. - Wind Protection
Plumb bobs are vulnerable to wind due to their structure. In recent years, some are equipped with a standstill function that quickly reduces swaying. In environments where the wind can affect the plumb bob even if it has a standstill function, a windproof type plumb bob with a long, thin tube covering the plumb bob is suitable. - How to Retrieve the Line
There are two types of plumb bobs: one that manually winds up the thread when retrieving it, and one that automatically winds up the thread at the touch of a button.
Principle of Plumb Bobs
The plumb bob is hung down from a retainer fixed to a wall or post, and the distance from the wall or post is measured at two points: the top of the thread and the tip of the plumb bob. The vertical direction (verticality) is toward the center of the earth, and if the wall or post is vertical, the distance between these two points will be equal. Specifically, if the distance is the same at the top and bottom, the measured object is vertical. For accurate measurement, the distance should be as long as possible, but the longer the string, the harder it is for the weight to be stable.
When measuring, make sure that the plumb bob is not swaying. When the plumb bob is hanging down, it should swing in a circular motion and gradually decrease in amplitude. A plumb bob with a static function is designed to limit the direction of swaying to one direction so that the swaying will subside quickly.
The weight of the body of plumb bob is usually in the range of 100g to 1,000g. A plumb bob with a heavier weight will stop shaking faster. However, if a heavier weight is used than the weight compatible with the plumb bob retainer, the weight may fall, so the compatibility of the weight must be checked.
The swing retainer, thread, and plumb bob can each be replaced. When replacing the plumb bob, follow the manual for the plumb bob retainer or plumb bob, and make sure that the knot is securely attached so that it will not come undone.
To prevent injury from falling, it is recommended to wear a helmet, safety glasses, and safety shoes.
Structure and Function of Plumb Bobs
Plumb bobs are usually primitive, with a weight attached to the thread, but in recent years, more advanced products have been developed for the purpose of improving efficiency.
Automatic Take-up Type
In the automatic take-up type, the thread is stored inside the retainer and automatically taken up after measurement. The thread does not get tangled, allowing for quick and efficient operation. Some products are equipped with an automatic weight stop function. Normally, it takes time for the weight to stop, but the special construction allows the weight to stop quickly. This is especially useful outdoors where there is wind.
Dial Type
The dial type is a long metal plate equipped with a graduated measuring instrument. When the metal plate is aligned with the direction to be measured, the scale on the measuring instrument displays the angle.
Since the pendulum is inside the cover, it can check verticality and measure tilt without being affected by wind. To use the instrument, simply place the main unit against the object, and the needle rests more quickly and efficiently than with a typical plumb bob pendulum.
List of 15 Plumb Bob Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- China
- India
- Japan
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Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
Plumb Bob
Manufacturer Overview
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., Since 1843, is a manufacturer of hand tools such as tape measures, outdoor instruments for gardening and lawn care, power tools, storage solutions, and workplace equipment for contractors and homeowners. The Joppa Road, Towson, Maryland-based company has worked with recyclers to allow users to return end-of-life devices to be recycled. Stanley assists non-profit groups such as Habitat for Humanity, which builds houses, Skills USA, which teaches kids technical skills; and Rebuilding Together, which repairs homes and revitalizes neighborhoods. A complete lifetime warranty covers Stanley Mechanical tools.
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SECO Manufacturing Co.,
Plumb Bob
Manufacturer Overview
SECO Manufacturing Co., founded in 1977 and currently a subsidiary of Trimble Inc., is an American manufacturer based in Redding, California, specializing in tools and accessories geared towards industries reliant on Global Positioning System/Global Navigation Satellite System (GPS/GNSS) technology. The company offers tools and accessories catering to surveying needs. These include construction lasers, field supplies, GNSS surveying accessories, laser scanner accessories, and optical instruments. It also provides prisms and reflectors for applications in mining, tunneling, and rail monitoring, as well as prism poles, quick-release bipods, thumb-release bipods, tripods, and robotic accessories. The company also produces instrument and structural clamps and claws.
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Robinson Manufacturing
Plumb Bobs
Manufacturer Overview
Robinson Manufacturing, established in 1927 in Dayton, Tennessee, USA, is a manufacturer of apparel construction and embellishment products. The company specializes in producing a diverse range of optimal-quality garment accessories and embellishments, including buttons, zippers, threads, and embroidery products. The products are equipped with durability, aesthetic appeal, and functional benefits, adding quality to various segments of the fashion and textile industries. These products find applications across various industries, including fashion design, apparel manufacturing, and textile arts, allowing customers to enhance the creations with unique and stylish elements and helping designers, clothing manufacturers, and artisans.
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Becker Aviation
Plumb Bobs
Manufacturer Overview
Becker Aviation, founded in the year 1956, and based in Illinois, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of aviation ground fueling equipment and accessories. Their product portfolio includes a diverse range of aviation materials such as fueling nozzles, fueling couplers and adapters, fuel filtration, quality control, bonding and grounding equipment, and fuel valves. The products are used in the aviation industry to ensure clean, fuel, and safe flights. The company offers products with technical qualifications from fuel quality to testing equipment.
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Pro-Fast
Plumb Bobs
Company Overview
ProFast is headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. ProFast is a distributor for construction supplies. ProFast product categories include drill bits, dock/warehouse gates & rails, fasteners, jobsite supplies, ladders/scaffolding, light duty anchors, masonry, metal building components, roofing equipment, roofing material, safety, power tools, hand tools, generators, caulk/sealant, gas fastening tools, pneumatic tools, powder actuated tools, application tools, roof hatches, and skylight protection. ProFast also offers roofing safety supplies and custom Englert metal roofing options.
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Shinwa Rules Co., Ltd.
Handy Plumb Holder
Manufacturer Overview
Shinwa Rules Co. was founded in Niigata, Japan, in 1971. Shinwa Rules Co. develops a variety of measuring products including calipers, thermometers, hygrometers, laser optical apparatuses, and sheet heating elements. Above these, Shinwa develops metallic rulers and squares. Additionally, Shinwa operates as an OEM supplier for special calibrations and machine tools, special surface fabrication, and etching on metallic parts.
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HOVERLABS
Plumb Bob
Manufacturer Overview
HoverLabs has roots dating back to 1963 and is headquartered in Haryana, India. The company is a laboratory supplies manufacturer, exporting to over 110 countries. The company provides extensive R&D for designing, manufacturing, and packaging supplies. The company also provides customized product development, OEM support, and project management assistance. The company’s products include educational equipment, analytical lab equipment, engineering lab equipment, medical lab equipment, and other products used in the medical as well as scientific industries.
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ZHANGJIAGANG PRIMWELL IMP. & EXP. CO.,LTD.
Plumb Bob
Manufacturer Overview
ZHANGJIAGANG PRIMWELL IMP. & EXP. CO., LTD. was established in 1990 and is based in Zhangjiagang, China, as a manufacturer of precision machining tools and a provider of software solutions and services. The company delivers products encompassing precision machining tools, cutting-edge software solutions, and user-centric mobile and web applications. The company received awards such as the Tech Innovator Award in 2018 and the Digital Transformation Excellence Award in 2020. It holds quality certifications, including ISO 9001:2015, to maintain standards of quality. It serves a varied clientele spanning the manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and retail sectors.
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Eastman IMPEX
Plumb Bob
Manufacturer Overview
Eastman Impex, established in 1996, and based in Ludhiana, India, is a manufacturer and supplier of industrial-engineered tools, auto components, and constructional materials. Their product portfolio includes a diverse range of automotive tools, spanners, wrenches, lubrication tools, pliers, pincers, building tools, and vices. The products are used in many industries which include agriculture, automotive, transportation, and architectural sectors. The products are ISO-certified. The company also offers services, and technical support with high-quality performance tools and materials globally.
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PENSLA IMPEX
Plumb Bob
Manufacturer Overview
PENSLA IMPEX, established in 1963, is a manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer and exporter of a wide range of scaffolding products, based in India. The company offers an extensive product line that includes scaffold coupler, joint and spigot pin, scaffold clamp, top cup, industrial jack, water stopper and etc. With a modern infrastructure facility and an ISO 9001:2008 certified operation, it continues to fulfill the market demands. It has a strong global presence and exports its products to many countries in Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the U.S and more.
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EMPIRE
Plumb Bobs
Manufacturer Overview
EMPIRE is a designer and manufacturer of levels, squares, layout tools, and safety and utility tape products, founded in 1919 and headquartered in Mukwonago, Wisconsin. Some of the products offered by the company include box levels, I-Beam levels, torpedo levels, wood levels, combination squares, as well as measuring wheels and marking products. These tools are commonly used by professional contractors, builders, carpenters, and do-it-yourself enthusiasts for tasks such as measuring, leveling, squaring, layout work, and marking.
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Cullen-Legois Manufacturing, Inc.
Plumb Bobs
Manufacturer Overview
Cullen-Legois Manufacturing Inc. (CLM) is a Sturtevant, Wisconsin-based manufacturer of industrial tools and magnets founded in 1951. The company serves clients in construction, mass manufacturing, and metal fabrication. The company offers various products including magnetic bases used for machining and welding, centering tools, indicator holders for precision measurements, and industrial grade alnico magnets. CLM stocks materials such as flexible magnetic sheeting, ceramic 5 and 8, and three types of neodymium for custom-made products.
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Wharton Hardware and Supply
Plumb Bobs
Company Overview
Wharton Hardware and Supply is a family-operated business that was founded in 1948 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and has branched to several locations across the United States. Wharton operates in 3 segments: products, sales & rental, and services. The products segment includes road & bridge concrete accessories, safety equipment, abrasives and cutting tool products, plumbing-related products, topological products, fasteners, bits and drill equipment, as well as power tools. The sales & rental segment offers heavy duty construction equipment from major brands. The services segment includes repair and testing for tools and equipment.
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MSI-Viking Gage, LLC
Plumb Bobs
Distributor Overview
MSI-Viking Gage, LLC was founded over 50 years ago and is headquartered in Duncan, South Carolina. MSI-Viking provides manufacturing support to the automotive, aerospace, metals, plastics, medical, energy, food & beverage, and machining industries. MSI-Viking product offerings include 3D scanning systems, 3D additive manufacturing, air gages, bore & hole gages, calipers, CMMs, computed tomography, data collection, depth gages, fixture systems, indicators, laboratory equipment, vision systems, and thread gages among others. Services include calibration, metrology, repair, embedded services, training, and metrology pre-op services.
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Plumb Bob Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SECO Manufacturing Co., |
16.1%
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| 2 | Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. |
12.5%
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| 3 | Pro-Fast |
9.4%
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| 4 | Robinson Manufacturing |
8.9%
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| 5 | Becker Aviation |
6.8%
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| 6 | Crescent Tool Company |
6.8%
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| 7 | ZHANGJIAGANG PRIMWELL IMP. & EXP. CO.,LTD. |
6.3%
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| 8 | Eastman IMPEX |
5.7%
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| 9 | MSI-Viking Gage, LLC |
4.7%
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| 10 | Shinwa Rules Co., Ltd. |
4.7%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the plumb bob page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
- Eastman IMPEX: 1996 (28 years ago)
- Shinwa Rules Co., Ltd.: 1971 (53 years ago)
- HOVERLABS: 1963 (61 years ago)
Company with a History
- Crescent Tool Company: 1907 (117 years ago)
- HOVERLABS: 1963 (61 years ago)
- Shinwa Rules Co., Ltd.: 1971 (53 years ago)
Plumb Bob Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
- Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
- SECO Manufacturing Co.,
- Robinson Manufacturing
- Becker Aviation
- Pro-Fast
- Crescent Tool Company
Global Distribution of Plumb Bob Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
|
6 | 54.5% |
India
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3 | 27.3% |
Japan
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1 | 9.1% |
China
|
1 | 9.1% |
