Plumb Bob Maintenance and Care

3rd March 2020

Plumb-bob maintenance and care
			Shop for Plumb-Bobs
			Keep your plumb-bob clean
			Plumb-bobs may become dirty or caked in mortar if used frequently on a building site. Excessive dirt or debris on a plumb-bob may make it unbalanced and less accurate, so it is recommended that you keep yours clean by wiping it down with a cloth after use.

			Handle with care
			Plumb-bobs are sturdy little tools though they may become chipped or dented by a day’s work on site. As a result, it is advisable to handle them with care, as disfigurements to the plumb-bob’s shape may make it unbalanced and therefore less accurate.

			Storing your plumb-bob
			Some plumb-bobs are sold with a special protective case in which they can be stored between uses. Though, as with many traditional tools, a worker would often make his or her own case in which to store their tool and these are sometimes highly decorative.

			How to replace the string on a plumb-bob
			From time to time, you may need to replace the string on a plumb-bob. For a long working life, choosing a synthetic string such as one made from nylon or polyethylene is advised as these are waterproof, rot-proof and will not easily stretch.

			Step 1 – Unscrew cap and feed string through hole If your plumb-bob does not have a screw cap then simply tie the string around the hole at the top. Try and get it positioned as centrally as you can. If your plumb-bob does have a screw cap then unscrew it and feed the string through the hole (from the outside).

			Step 2 – Tie knot Tie a knot in the string on the side that will sit inside the cap. The knot needs to be large enough that it will not slip back through the hole.

			Step 3 – Screw on cap Pull the excess string back through until the knot stops it going any further and then screw the cap back on. Your plumb-bob is now ready to use.