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A 'plumb-bob' or a 'plummet' is a weight with a pointed tip on the bottom that is suspended from a string and used as a vertical reference line.
This instrument has been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians by bricklayers, masons, and carpenters to ensure that their constructions are "plumb", or perfectly upright. It may also be used in surveying to sight a point on the ground that is not readily visible. Small plumb bobs are included in the kits of various instruments such as levels and theodolites. They are used to set the instrument exactly over a fixed datum marker, prior to taking fresh readings.

Contents

Etymology of the name

Use

References

Etymology of the name

The ''plumb'' in the name ''plumb-bob'' comes from the fact that such tools were archetypically made of lead (Latin ''). The adjective ''plumb'' developed by extension.

Use

Up until the modern age, on most tall structures, plumb-bobs were used to provide vertical datum lines for the building measurements. A section of the scaffolding would hold a plumb line that was centered over a datum mark on the floor. As the building proceeded upwards the plumb line would also be taken higher, still centered on the datum. Many cathedral spires, domes and towers still have brass datum marks inlaid into their floors, that signify the center of the structure above.
The early skyscrapers used heavy plumb-bobs hung on wire in their lift wells. The weight would hang in a container of oil to dampen any swinging movement.

References

★ 60 oz. Plumb Bob.

★ String Line and Plumb Bob.