Felix Mildner

April 12, 2021, 10:40 am | Read time: 4 minutes

Karlheinz Voll is a civil engineer, master mason, and gallery owner. He is as familiar with large construction sites as he is with his own small gallery. In all these areas, a good level is indispensable. The problem: Typically, a level can only align one plane in one direction, not an entire surface. For this reason, the 67-year-old craftsman from Osthofen in Lower Bavaria developed the wing level—short “Flüwa”—which he presented on the show DHDL on April 5.

How does the “Flüwa” level from DHDL work?

This invention is designed to save time and nerves, being both well-thought-out and simple: At first glance, the level looks quite normal but has a fold-out wing. This wing is also equipped with a bubble for alignment and, when unfolded, stands at a 90-degree angle to the base. This allows for leveling in two different directions without having to reposition the device.

When laying tiles or aligning a hanging cabinet, the level can be quite useful, saving several steps. Additionally, the level is magnetic and adheres to metal surfaces. For his simple yet ingenious idea, Karlheinz Voll has already been awarded the “Honorary Prize in the Field of Invention/Innovation” by the Chamber of Crafts of Middle Franconia. But what did the Lions say about it?

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How did the Lions react to “Flüwa”?

To bring “Flüwa” to the forefront, Karlheinz Voll needed a marketing and sales budget of 60,000 euros, for which he offered 20 percent of the company shares on DHDL. “I’m here to make this level take off,” he explained to the investors. Most of the Lions politely declined the offer—except for Ralf Dümmel: “I believe in Flüwa and am convinced that this new level can truly conquer the market.” However, Dümmel wanted 30 percent instead of the original 20 percent. Voll didn’t hesitate long and agreed.

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2 Questions for the “Flüwa” Inventor

myHOMEBOOK inquired with Karlheinz Voll about what lies behind his product after he presented it on DHDL.

How did you come up with the idea?

Karlheinz Voll: “As a hobby and out of passion, I run my gallery Aurika. When hanging pictures, I sometimes use a small torpedo level. One day, this torpedo level was on my workbench next to a regular level. And at that moment, the idea was born to combine these two levels to level in two directions simultaneously. The idea for Flüwa was born.”

What are the advantages of “Flüwa”?

Voll: “My product is a level with wings—Flüwa, the wing level. It differs from the standard level with additional functions. The most important is the fold-out wing, which allows leveling in two directional planes simultaneously. This is of great use for all flat surfaces to be created, saving time and nerves. Other functions include the 45-degree and 90-degree angle function when the wing is unfolded. Additionally, the level is magnetic, which is a great advantage for metalworkers.”

“Flüwa” in the myHOMEBOOK Test

The first winged level was made by Voll four years ago. “Flüwa” currently costs 19.99 euros (60 centimeters) or 24.99 euros (80 centimeters) and is available online. Price-wise, the tool is absolutely within the range, at least for conventional levels. Digital measuring devices with lasers are significantly more expensive, usually costing 50 euros or more.

The level is designed for practical use and comes without much frills. Only a protractor for 45 and 90 degrees is printed on it. According to the manufacturer, the device has a measurement tolerance of +/- 0.057 degrees—negligible, at least for an analog level. The concept of the fold-out wing is cleverly solved and can also be operated with a push of a button. In the video above in the article, you can see the wing level in a practical test.