Description
The Schwan plumb bob 500 g is a turned metal plumb bob that sets out a vertical line using gravity. The bob weighs 500 g and its body is conical and tapers to a point, so the tip settles precisely over the point being measured and the bob comes to rest quickly after swinging.
At the top is a screw-on brass knob to which the plumb line is tied. The fixing centres the line on the axis of the bob, which keeps the tip directly below the suspension point.
The body is turned and polished metal. The turned surface and symmetrical shape ensure that the mass is distributed evenly around the axis and the bob does not tilt as it hangs. The polished surface is easy to wipe clean of mortar and dust.
The heavy bob is particularly suited to outdoor work and high suspension points, where a lighter bob swings in air currents. The plumb line is not included, so the length and thickness of the line can be chosen to suit the job.
Intended use and suitability:
A plumb bob is used to transfer a vertical line from top to bottom or to check that a structure is plumb.
- Masonry: checking walls and pillars for plumb course by course over the full height.
- Framing work: transferring a point on the ceiling battens or an overhead structure down to floor level.
- Frame and partition wall installation: aligning vertical frames and studs before fixing.
- Measuring and marking: transferring a point between levels when a laser cannot be used.
The 500 gram mass steadies the bob in wind and on long lines, so it is suitable for exterior walls and suspension heights of several metres.
Package contents:
- Plumb bob 500 g, turned metal
- Screw-on brass knob for attaching the line
The plumb line is not included.
Features:
- Mass 500 g: steady line in wind and on a long line, settles quickly.
- Conical tip: marks a single point precisely on the measuring surface.
- Turned body: the mass is distributed symmetrically around the axis, the bob does not tilt as it hangs.
- Screw-on brass knob: the line is tied on and changed without tools.
- Polished metal surface: wipes clean of mortar and dust.
- Without line: the length and thickness of the line are chosen to suit the job.
Technical specifications:
- Mass: 500 g.
- Shape: cone, tapered tip.
- Body material: metal, turned and polished.
- Line attachment: screw-on brass knob.
- Line: not included.
Schwan plumb bob 500 g instructions for use:
Attaching the line: Unscrew the brass knob, thread the plumb line through the hole in the knob and tie it. Screw the knob back into place and check that the line leaves from the centre of the bob.
Measuring: Fix the top end of the line at the top point of the line being measured. Lower the bob so that the tip stays a few millimetres from the surface below and does not touch it. Let the swinging settle and measure only when the bob has stopped.
Reading the result: Measure the distance from the line to the structure at the top and at the bottom. Equal distances mean the structure is plumb; any difference gives the lean directly in millimetres.
Maintenance: Wipe the bob dry after use and check the condition of the tip. Store the bob separately from other tools so that the tip does not get damaged.
Warnings:
- A falling 500 gram bob can cause injury, so make sure it is securely suspended and keep the area below clear.
- Wear a safety helmet when the bob is suspended high up.
- The tip is sharp: protect the tip during transport and storage.
- Do not use the bob as a hammer or a lever.
- Keep out of the reach of children.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ):
Is a plumb line included in the Schwan plumb bob 500 g package? No. The line is attached to the screw-on brass knob at the top and chosen to suit the job.
Why choose a 500 gram bob instead of a lighter one? The greater mass steadies the bob in wind and on a long line, so the swinging dies down faster and measuring outdoors works.
How is the line changed? Unscrew the brass knob, remove the old line, thread the new one through the hole in the knob, tie it and screw the knob back on.
Can the tip of the bob touch the floor during measuring? No. The tip is kept a few millimetres from the surface, otherwise contact distorts the position of the line.
Can the bob be used indoors instead of a laser? Yes. The bob gives a vertical line without a power source and also works in bright light, where a laser line cannot be seen.
Recycling instructions:
Take a plumb bob that is no longer in use to metal collection; the brass knob can go in the same fraction. Sort cardboard and plastic packaging into their own fractions. Protect the sharp tip before disposal.


