Replies

1. 
   fartherhome | Jan 15, 2005 10:28pm | #1

   Im sold on stabila. have you ever have one go out of wack?

    

2. 
   Shoeman | Jan 16, 2005 02:19am | #2

   I looked into the empires a little while back and decided to stick with the Stabilas

   can't remember for sure what swayed me - I think the Stabilas were a little more accurate - .029 in any direction with the newest Stabilas.  Also think that the Empires had ajustable vials - I like the fixed vial of the Stabilas

   I would stick with the Stabila and get the newest series think it is type 196 for regular or 96 for magnetic - might have those backwords but it seems they ended in 96 - these levels are equally accurate in all directions

    

3. 
   bchanson | Jan 16, 2005 05:10am | #3

   I bought an Empire True Blue several years ago and it's now my straight-edge for my skil-saw when I need one. It lasted about 6 months. I have 4 or 5 Stabila's now (different lengths) and I wouldn't change. Maybe I just got the bad exception in the True Blue, who knows? I vote Stabila.

4. 
   slykarma | Jan 16, 2005 09:16am | #4

   Stabila. Tough and accurate.

   Lignum est bonum.
1. 
   gdavis62 | Jan 16, 2005 03:56pm | #5

   This thread is going the route of the table saw threads, in which the initiator says he wants to buy something other than the Bosch, and then everyone piles on and tells him to get the Bosch.

   I'm here to say that the Israeli-made Kaypro levels are probably every bit as accurate and durable as the Stabilas, and they cost two-thirds as much.

   The problem is that the Kaypro line doesn't have a 6/6 size, only a 6/0.  While that may make you door-setters sniff, and say, "I told you so," there is a rebuttal.

   There are more doors successfully and quickly set right here in these United States, and done without the use of the Stabila 76-incher, than those set with it.

   And you can get a Kaypro with a mag edge, so you can stick it to the hinge knuckles.

1. 
   dieselpig | Jan 16, 2005 05:20pm | #6

   Gene, sounds like you're taking some of your tool purchases a little too personally.  No one has said that Stabila is the ONLY level worth consideration.... just that they seem to be the choice of many many pro's.  Myself included.  I've also heard very good things about Levolution levels.  However, Stabila is a solid choice with a great track record  and is widely available.

2. 
   woodguy99 | Jan 16, 2005 07:36pm | #7

   Gene, I set all my doors with a Stabila 72".  Never used the 76", might be nice, but I gauge the reveal by eye anyway. 

   Used other guys' KayPro stuff, seems to be the equal of Stabila.  Husky's box type level seems pretty good too.

   Whatever you do, don't by a Johnson.  Although my 4'er has been fine, I've used a bunch of other guys' Johnsons (NO pun intended!) and they have ALL been out of whack.  Probably 5 or 6 of them,  all bad.  Junk.

   I'm gonna stick with Stabila until something better comes along.

1. 
   BillHartmann | Jan 16, 2005 07:42pm | #8

   I am still trying to figure out how you are going to plumb a door or level anything with one of these.http://www.obsoletecomputermuseum.org/kaypro/

1. 
   gdavis62 | Jan 16, 2005 08:17pm | #10

   I put a "y" in the name.  It's Kapro, not Kaypro.

   Look here for the level, 72" mag, sold for less than $50.  It's got their plumb-sight feature, which is kind of nifty. http://www.toolking.com/shop/view.asp?ID=6309

   I'm here as a contrarian, sort of swimming against the Stabila tide.  I'm not promoting Kapro, I am just suggesting that it is a nice alternative to consider, at a nice savings.

   The way I figure, you can get a level made by those germans, well-known for their precision instrument making, or from those other well-known instrument makers, the israelis, many of whom were german instrument makers until about 65 years ago.

2. 
   BillHartmann | Jan 16, 2005 08:22pm | #11

   Now that makes sence. I tried googling Kaypro level and kaypro level vial and still all I got was computer hits.

3. 
   Snort | Jan 16, 2005 10:31pm | #14

   As a praticing contrarian, you must appreciate the difference between lifetime and 12 month warranties, eh;-)

   About Us Links Contact
   Products Patents & TM Quality Glossary Kapro Club Innovation Corner News Warranty

   Warranty
   Warranty Policy
   Warranty Form

   Kapro Tools, Inc. ("Kapro") warrants to the original purchaser ("Purchaser") of this Kapro product ("Product") that the Product is free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12 months from date of shipment, subject to all the terms and conditions hereunder. The accuracy and quality of the solid acrylic shockproof vial is warranted for lifetime of that part. This warranty is exclusive to Purchaser and is not assignable.
   Kapro's sole obligation under this warranty is to replace or, at Kapro's option, to repair, free of charge, all defective parts for a period of 12 months from the date of shipment of the Product. This warranty applies only on the condition that the Product has been maintained and operated under conditions of normal use. This warranty shall be void if, in Kapro's judgment, the Product has been subject to misuse or neglect, damaged by an act of vandalism, or repaired or altered in any way that adversely affects its performance or reliability. To obtain warranty service, Purchaser may, upon the prior written authorization of Kapro, return the defective product to a Kapro authorized representative.All shipping and insurance charges are the sole responsibility of Purchaser and are not included in this warranty. In no event shall Kapro's liability exceed the purchase price of the defective Product. This warranty is in lieu of any other warranties, either express or implied, including but not limited to any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, all of which are expressly excluded and disclaimed. Kapro shall not be liable for loss of profits or any special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages which purchaser may sustain, directly or indirectly arrising from purchaser's use or inability to use the product, even if Kapro has been advised of the possibility of such damages.Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitationor exclusion may not apply to you.This warranty shall not be extended, altered or varied except by a written instrument duly signed by Kapro.KAPRO INDUSTRIES LTD. Kadarim 12390, Israel, Tel: (+972)-4-6986204, Fax: (+972)-4-6987228, E-mail: [email protected]
   KAPRO TOOLS INC. Tel: +1-888-4LEVELS, Fax: +1-262-522-6717, E-mail: [email protected]

   Levels Lasers Distance Measuring Layout & Marking Display, Merchandising & Promotional

   Warranty Policy Warranty Form

   Patents Trademarks
   Don't worry, we can fix that later!

4. 
   zendo | Jan 17, 2005 01:59am | #15

   Warranty aside, Ill just buy a red or blue one because the yellow just reminds me of all you yellow and black tool wielding guys. 

   Most of you guys would pay for a new level when it goes bad, why pay for a warranty. lol

5. 
   gdavis62 | Jan 17, 2005 02:04am | #16

   OK, now give me the fine print from Stabila.  I'll bet if they think you have been playing mailbox baseball with it, the deal is off.

   And maybe let's start another thread.  Let's call it, "Your lifetime warranted Stabila."  Let's hear all the stories about warranty claims, and how Stabila addressed them.

   When I was in business (at Therma-Tru Doors), I learned all about "warranty marketing," and how to claim a product was superior and worth its price premium, by stating a longer warranty period than competition.

   I've still got the first level I ever bought, and it dates back to about 1972.  A 24-incher, it doesn't even have a name on it.  It's a no-name-o. 

   I'm not a tradesman, so it hasn't seen everyday use.  But I spend enough time building and fixing things each year so it has a few miles on it.  It's had its share of drops and kicks.  And it still reads true.

6. 
   davidmeiland | Jan 17, 2005 03:32am | #17

   A guy I work with had a Stabila replaced... somehow it was off and he sent it in and got a brand new one. They won't replace it if the beam is bent.

7. 
   Snort | Jan 17, 2005 06:07am | #18

   I've used all kinds of leveling devices and brands, and I use them daily. After thirty years, I've settled on five Stabilas: box beam torpedo w/o end caps, 16" w/o end caps, 32", 48", the door mammer jammer. I noticed the 78 was reading level funny. I had gotten it from Tool Crib. Called a local dealer, said bring it in, and replaced it right away without any problem. He said Stabila was one of the best on returns.Yer mailbox baseball eg. isn't quite apropos, even though, I did have some guys use a nice cast aluminum level for a pry bar...but, would you actually expect anyone to warranty a claim like that? Hey, keep your Kapro(I'll even send you an outta whack one I have in my basement), but, I do have a good reason to use Stabilas<G> Don't worry, we can fix that later!

8. 
   gdavis62 | Jan 17, 2005 06:37am | #19

   Ain't got no Kapros.  Other than the oldie I talked about, the others are the yellow ones like yours.

9. 
   dieselpig | Jan 16, 2005 08:50pm | #12

   Ah yes... Kapro.  You are correct, I once owned a 4' Kapro and it was a great level.  It, however, met an untimely death that no level would have survived.  It was leaning against a wall when a joist was dropped on it.  Instant boomerang.

10. 
    woodguy99 | Jan 16, 2005 09:30pm | #13

    Bill, I just tie a string around it and use it like a plumb bob!

2. 
   jerseyjeff | Jan 17, 2005 06:55am | #20

   I was jammed up and my tool store was closed so I picked up a 4ft husky level at the home despot,  turns out it seems to be IDENTICAL to the kapro 4 footer.....  hmmm in fact I wonder if Kapro is making the levels for the despot.  I must say the plumb site feature is super spiffy its like a little level periscope.   I do need a 24 incher,  and I am going to wait to get a Stabila,  I have a Stabila torpedo level,  and it is a thing of beauty....   

1. 
   woodguy99 | Jan 17, 2005 02:24pm | #22

   j, which torpedo do you have?  I have the bigger boxy one and don't like the big end caps.  Had to take them off, so now the open ends fill up with debris.  I like the little one-sided one that looks kind of like a submarine if you use your imagination....

2. 
   jerseyjeff | Jan 17, 2005 05:34pm | #23

   I think I have the submarine  http://www.stabila.com/ProductDetails.asp?C=8&P=30

   it slides into a tool pocket on Carhartts so nicely,  and it is nice and massy so it feels good to use.

   Jeff

    

3. 
   woodguy99 | Jan 17, 2005 08:40pm | #24

   That's the one I want.  I have this one:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B00002257U/ref=dp_product-image-only_0/102-0407650-1968169?%5Fencoding=UTF8&n=228013

   minus the adjustable vial.  Wanna trade?

4. 
   Westcoast | Jan 18, 2005 12:04am | #25

   I have that one and wouldn't trade it for anything. Get one soon, you won't regret it.

5. 
   zendo | Jan 18, 2005 01:56am | #26

   Mike why do you want the other one more?

6. 
   woodguy99 | Jan 18, 2005 02:26am | #27

   Zen, my brother and a couple of other guys I've worked with have the "submarine" type level, and although it's the same length as mine, it feels much smaller because of the narrower width and the tapered ends. 

   I also don't like the plastic end caps; I want to be able to mark right into the corner.  The end caps on the bigger levels are bad enough, but on this little 10" level they are something like an inch and a half long.  Too big!

   Even though I keep trying to pare it down, there is always too much stuff in my tool belt, and the extra size really makes a difference.

   You can see I've put much more thought into this than I should have. 

7. 
   skyecore | Jan 18, 2005 02:37am | #28

   yeah, I impulse bought a huskey 48" (i think it is from kypro, it says made in isreal on it) It doesent quite feel as nice in my hands as the stabilas but for 29.99 its damn close, might not last as long but i have no complaints so far______________________________________________

   --> measure once / scribble several lines / spend some time figuring out wich scribble / cut the wrong line / get mad

8. 
   zendo | Jan 18, 2005 03:56am | #29

   You can see I've put much more thought into this than I should have. 

   I feel that one, and do it for every tool.  I think its a good thing, but Im becoming quite the tool snob. 

   -zen

3. 
   davidmeiland | Jan 16, 2005 07:54pm | #9

   Maybe it's regional... out here everyone has a Stabila Jamber set with a 32" and a 76" with magnets. I'd rather go bald than give mine up. 

5. 
   Westcoast | Jan 17, 2005 09:30am | #21

   I got a couple of these levels and they are very good too:

   http://www.master-level.com/