GeoMax Grade Rods

Also called a “level rod,” a grade rod is an important tool for land measurement, construction, and farming. It can help you to determine elevation differences of almost any surface, and it’s often used with an optical or laser level. When they’re used together, they can provide an efficient and accurate system of measurement. A survey grade rod comes in three different types, which include:

Engineer’s rod — This grade rod has graduations that are measured in feet, as well as in tenths and hundredth of a foot. Because it uses a decimal system, it’s much easier to use for calculations. The numbers can add up neatly in columns and can be easily converted at the end of every calculation.
Builder’s rod — Also called an “architect’s rod,” this grade rod is similar to an engineer’s rod. But the main difference is that it’s divided into inches and fractions of an inch instead of in decimals. The measuring system on a builder’s rod is similar to that of a tape measure, which makes it more familiar to builders.
Direct elevation rod — This grade rod is more efficient than an engineer’s level for recording elevations, because it allows you to take these measurements without having to add or subtract previous rod readings. Unlike other grade rods (which read numbers upwards), it has numbers that read down the rod. And it will have two sections. The upper section has a movable loop of steel measuring tape, while the lower section can be shortened or lengthened to make the marked area more visible.

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GeoMax Grade Rods

A grade rod can have elevations on one or both sides, and they may have a height or measuring stick. It’s a great tool for measuring taller heights quickly and accurately. The graduations on Geomax grade rods are easy to read, with the height measurements located at eye level. This makes a grade rod easier to read, which is why it’s a great tool for measuring heights that are too high to reach by hand.

The Geomax Engineer’s Rod has graduations in tenths and hundredths of a foot, and it can make it easier for engineers and surveyors to make calculations. The numbers are marked very clearly and in high contrast. Full-foot numbers are marked in red, while tenths are marked in black. Hundredths are shown as tick marks between the numbers, so you can get the precise measurements you need. A grade rod from Geomax will be either made of aluminum or fiberglass, and they can come in several lengths. They will also have telescoping sections that can extend to 25 feet.

Engineer supply has large selection of engineer’s rods, builder’s rods, and direct elevation rods. So if you need a grade rod that you can use on your next project, be sure to look at what we have in stock.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a grade rod?

Also called a “leveling rod,” a grade rod can help you to determine elevation differences and can be used with surveyor, optical, and laser levels. A survey grade rod can be made out of several different materials, but the most common include:

Wood
Plastic
Fiberglass

It can have adjustable segments, or it can be made out of a single piece of material. Aluminum grade rods may allow you to adjust their lengths with telescoping sections, while wooden grade rods may have sections that are attached to each other with slip joints.

How do I use a grade rod?

GeoMax Grade Rods

For a survey grade rod to work, it must be extended to its full length and should be used with another instrument (such as an auto or transit level). You will also have to determine the points of measurement you need. Have someone else hold the rod vertically, because it needs to be plumb if you want to get a precise measurement. And once you use the instrument to focus on the grade rod, the person holding it will record the measurement.

Why are grade rods in tenths?

Tenths on a survey grade rod are equal to 1 3/16 inches, which allows for a simpler conversion while you’re out on the field. Converting surveying tenths to inches is a matter of multiplying them by a factor of 1 3/16, but there’s another convenient rule to remember. A single inch is equal to 0.0833 tenths of a foot. This will allow you to convert imperial measurements to decimal feet when it’s needed. But if working with hundredths of a foot is too difficult, you can convert 10 inches to 0.0833 tenths and divide the result by 10.

What kind of products are made by Geomax?

Geomax has a comprehensive selection of construction and surveying instruments for both professionals and occasional users. Some of their products include but may not be limited to:

Total stations.
GPS/GNSS instruments.
Software.
Laser levels.
Optical levels.
Digital levels.

They also offer a variety of accessories that can be used with all their instruments.

Where can I buy a quality grade rod?

If you’re looking for a survey grade rod or any other tool made by Geomax, you can find what you need at Engineer Supply. We have a variety of tools from many top-rated manufacturers. So if you’re ready to pick up your next grade rod, be sure to look at what we have in stock.