A plumb line is a weighted string which when hung from a fixed point and allowed to become motionless, indicates perpendicular to level. Perfect for aligning vertically that first piece of wallpaper.
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It is not known who invented the plumb-line or plumb-bob; there is evidence that it has been in use since biblical times and archaeologists haveÊunearthed what they think are plumb gaugingÊtoolsÊin Ancient Egypt.
The plumb line is a vertical straight line.
A plumb line hangs straight down due to the force of gravity acting on the weight at its end. Gravity pulls the weight directly toward the center of the Earth, creating a vertical line. The tension in the string or cord ensures that it is taut, allowing the weight to align perfectly with the gravitational pull. This results in the plumb line always pointing straight down, indicating true vertical alignment.
A plumb bob is a weight on the end of a string. It usually has a pointed lower end. It is hung adjacent to or in line with building elements to check whether they are "plumb" or "true to the vertical". A weight on a string holds the string under tension in a straight line down to the ground because of gravity. A person can move so they can see whether the straight line of the string lines up against the built element, to tell whether it is vertical.
You can use plumb lines to find its center of gravity. Hold it from one point and draw vertical line in direction of gravity (plumb line). Hold it from another point and do the same, and a third point if necessary; where the lines cross is center of gravity