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Discussion Forum

Level with me

jjapogee | Posted in Tools for Home Building on November 14, 2008 08:13am

I’m looking for a level (or set of levels) for a range of uses: doors, checking floors, etc. The flexibility of an extendable level is appealing, but do they tend to remain accurate? I’ve looked at Stabila & Plumbit- any feedback on specific models that you’ve used?

Thanks for your thoughts.

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Replies

  1. marv | Nov 14, 2008 10:45pm | #1

    Stabila will remain accurate.  Probably for a life time of DIY use if it is not abused.

    You get out of life what you put into it......minus taxes.

    Marv

  2. Jer | Nov 14, 2008 11:22pm | #2

    Stabila is good, but look at the Johnson. They're made the same and hold up as well. They just don't have the lifetime guarantee that Stabila does, and that's a big plus. I have a full set of the Johnson, & I really like how you can remove the rubber end piece for marking into corners.

  3. User avater
    Dreamcatcher | Nov 14, 2008 11:39pm | #3

    For the price of a Stabila extendable "plate level" you could buy several sizes of other levels. Don't get me wrong here, I have only Stabilas but they are not cheap. From what I saw recently at the local HomeDepot, the new blue Empire levels look nice, are also "guaranteed", and cost a lot less than Stabilas. I see a pattern now where many level companies seem to be getting into competition with Stabila, that is producing sealed vial aluminum box beam levels.

    Note that a Stabila exentable level starts out at seven feet or so....making it quite limited since the majority of leveling tasks are 78" and under.

    GK

    1. User avater
      EricPaulson | Nov 15, 2008 01:10am | #5

      I have the Empires.

      Good level but...................

      Beveled edges= not good when marking level or plumb as pencil can wander in and out of the bevel.

      Large rubber end caps make it nearly impossible to mark around corners. 

      1. Junkman001 | Nov 15, 2008 03:25am | #6

        Empire has a life time warranty, U.S made and excellent customer service!

        MikeInsert initially amusing but ultimately annoying catch phrase here.

        1. User avater
          Ted W. | Nov 15, 2008 03:59am | #7

          Any decent quality level, if accurate when purchased, should stay that way if it's not dropped, kicked or otherwise abused. It's the lifetime waranty that cost's extra.See my work at TedsCarpentry.comBuy Cheap Tools! BuildersTools.net

          1. User avater
            BarryE | Nov 15, 2008 05:22am | #9

            <if it's not dropped, kicked or otherwise abused>I guess that could happen... if they were left in the shop and never used. :)

            Barry E-Remodeler

             

          2. User avater
            Ted W. | Nov 15, 2008 05:39am | #11

            I don't know about that. I keep my worksite clean and organized, and my 4' and 6' levels are either hanging on a nail or propped in a corner when not in use. There's a big difference between using tools and abusing them. See my work at TedsCarpentry.comBuy Cheap Tools! BuildersTools.net

          3. User avater
            BarryE | Nov 15, 2008 05:49am | #12

            <There's a big difference between using tools and abusing them>maybe, guess it depends what you do. I'm a remodeler and they get used in a lot of different situations. Also have helpers using them... Stuff happensHave a wooden jamb level that I've had for 20+ years. Still works if you know which way to hold itMy tools earn their keep..but I still tuck them in at night

            Barry E-Remodeler

             

          4. brownbagg | Nov 15, 2008 03:22pm | #13

            how much of a fall onto a concrete slab cold a level take before being abused.

          5. User avater
            BarryE | Nov 15, 2008 06:55pm | #15

            it's not the fall that's abusive, it's the sudden stop

            Barry E-Remodeler

             

          6. KenHill3 | Nov 15, 2008 07:08pm | #16

            The Stabila reps demo their levels by throwing them across the room onto a concrete floor. I like the Stabilas, never a problem. They have seen a lot of use. I think I have 5 of them.

            Edited 11/15/2008 11:09 am by kenhill3

          7. User avater
            Ted W. | Nov 16, 2008 05:57am | #24

            how much of a fall onto a concrete slab cold a level take before being abused.

            That depends. How many minutes ago what the slab poured? heheSee my work at TedsCarpentry.comBuy Cheap Tools! BuildersTools.net

          8. User avater
            Dreamcatcher | Nov 15, 2008 04:53pm | #14

            I try to treat my Stabilas like collectors items but as hard as I try to baby them, darned if they aren't the first thing to fall when I'm working with them. Just thinking about that sound they make causes me to shiver. s......s.....s....s...s..s.s..s..s.s.s.s.s.sssssssswoosh.........DONG!Can't have a nail everywhere.GK

        2. jrnbj | Nov 16, 2008 04:54am | #22

          I second that.....I had an OLD Empire extension level that was missing it's spring foot. When Empire came back into the Big box stores I called them to see if I could get parts...they sent the foot, N.C.
          That gets my vote
          (full disclaimer, I've got Stabilas too.....)

          1. Junkman001 | Nov 16, 2008 05:13am | #23

            The only one I've had issues with is a 12" torpedo (the magnets fell off).  Emailed cust service they asked for an address to mail the new one to.  No questions asked.  Didn't even heve to send back the nold one.

             

            MikeInsert initially amusing but ultimately annoying catch phrase here.

          2. KenHill3 | Nov 16, 2008 06:18am | #25

            I also have a Stabila torpedo. The vial liquid turned from fluorescent green to clear. Wonder if they'll warranty that?

            Edited 11/15/2008 10:20 pm by kenhill3

          3. jjapogee | Nov 16, 2008 06:54am | #26

            Anybody ever use any of the Plumb-it levels?
            http://www.plumb-it.com/extendables.htmlIt sounds like they are truly extendable, and of a size that is a bit easier to store/transport.Someone recommended Kapro- anybody have any experience with them?

            Edited 11/16/2008 1:18 am by jjapogee

          4. User avater
            Dreamcatcher | Nov 16, 2008 05:55pm | #28

            I don't have a Kapro, but I did recently buy an all aluminum Husky torpedo from HomeDepot that looks exactly like the Kapro torpedo. Seems like a good level albeit heavy and a hair longer than I like my torpedos.GK

          5. MNrosewood | Nov 16, 2008 09:09pm | #34

            I have the Kapro 6' and use it all the time in new const and remodel work. It has stood up to years of riding around in my work vehicles.I like it enough I plan on replacing my 4' and 2' levels with Kapro's.

          6. danno7x | Nov 16, 2008 10:21pm | #35

            We have a kapro 4' i use at work, very nice by the way,  Husky brand in HD is exactly the same as far as I can tell a just different name.  I know for a fact it was exactly half price of the kapro, but the kapro comes in a canvas type case.  Any one else see this? For the quality of the Kapro I would pick up the husky one and skip the case.

          7. jjapogee | Nov 19, 2008 12:33am | #36

            Just talked with Kapro in WI, and they said the Husky levels at HD are Kapro's, manufactured under the HD name.I was about convinced Kapro was the way to go, but learning their levels are basically Husky/HD equivalent somehow makes them seem less attractive! I'll probably suck it up and go for it anyway, since I need a set of 'em, and plunking down $300+ for Stabilas just ain't gonna happen.

          8. danno7x | Nov 19, 2008 02:44am | #37

            I think that kapro/husky is a good way to go.  I have a husky led flashlight and its made by maglight I think, really well made. Go with your gut save some money I think its a real nice level.

    2. clinkard | Nov 19, 2008 07:39am | #38

      I bought a 5' to 7' extendable from stabila for 75 bucks (can) at Investment Hardware, and it is usually the first level i reach for. although super heavy I like the accuracy of a 7' level in a 5 foot package.

      1. User avater
        Dreamcatcher | Nov 19, 2008 06:38pm | #39

        I didn't know they made an extendable that small and I've never heard of "Investment Hardware" but for $75 i'll take two! The 6'-10' level sells for over $250.GKEDIT: I just looked up the Stabila website, the one you are talking about is actually a 5'-8' level, but a quick search online couldn't find any for sale. Did Investment Hardware buy them all? DId they buy them in such massive quantity so they could pass the savings on to you?I guess I'll take 3 now!

        Edited 11/19/2008 10:42 am ET by Dreamcatcher

        1. frammer52 | Nov 19, 2008 07:18pm | #40

          I would like one also!

        2. clinkard | Nov 19, 2008 10:17pm | #42

          You are right. it is definetly 5-8'. Investment hardware is weston road and steeles (toronto ontario) very good tool/building supply store(no lumber) and the plate level 7-12'(or whatever it is) is nearly 300$. Maybey i Could ship you one?

      2. jjapogee | Nov 19, 2008 09:13pm | #41

        Sounds like this one:
        http://www.stabila.com/main.taf?p=1,1,3,1A plate level- pretty big and bulky, but the extendability is nice. Expensive, too:
        http://www.toolup.com/stabila/32508.htmlDo you have a link to 'Investment Hardware'? $75 would be killer deal...

        1. clinkard | Nov 19, 2008 10:17pm | #43

          http://investmentshardware.com/
          killer store.

  4. danno7x | Nov 15, 2008 12:31am | #4

    For my personal use I cant afford stabilas, so I have a 4' and 2' Swanson levels (lowes I think).  I got them when they first came out with the line and I bet for both it was less than 25.00, they are a little more now.  Been real good and accurate hold up to being beat up a little no problems.

    Also have a blue Empire I think its 6'6 (for door jams its over 6' but less than 80") I've only used it a few times but its real nice and I would still choose it if I was using it everyday (50.00 maybe).  You know stabilas are good and last but for someone on a budget those I listed seem to be the best for cost and value.

    edit : all three have lifetime guarantees, though I don't know what trouble it would be to use it



    Edited 11/14/2008 4:33 pm ET by danno7x

  5. User avater
    Haystax | Nov 15, 2008 04:38am | #8

    I've always had an old standby Stanley masons level, a couple 4' aluminum cheapies and a couple magnetic torpedo levels designed for metal tubing fabrication. I finally got fed up and decided I would not put up with crappy tools any longer because there are things that a laser is just not handy for and may take longer to set the laser than to use a low tech solution.

    I just purchased the Stabila "Jamber" Set from AceHardwareOutlet after doing a google search. Very good price IMO but I have yet to receive the package. 78" and 36" are good sizes to work with individually and the 5 piece sets seem overpriced and I doubt a person would use all the short levels much.

    1. JTC1 | Nov 16, 2008 04:16am | #21

      You will love the jamber set. 78" and 32".

      The 32 gets a lot of use for other projects.

      JimNever underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.

      1. brucet9 | Nov 20, 2008 01:31am | #44

        "You will love the jamber set. 78" and 32"."I've never understood why Jamber sets are 78" and 32". At least half the interior doors I see are 2-6. What good is a 32" level for checking a 2-6 head jamb, especially if the drywall is already up?BruceT

        1. JTC1 | Nov 20, 2008 02:28am | #45

          >>What good is a 32" level for checking a 2-6 head jamb, especially if the drywall is already up?<<

          I only check the side jambs and the floor for pre-hungs.  If setting my own jambs I revert to 24" level for the head jamb.  I set pre-hung head jambs by eye based on the gap above the door. 

          2-6 prehung door = 32+" RO so it will fit to do the floor, if you remove one or both end caps you can shrink it to ~ 30-1/2".

          I would be tempted to cut 1" or so off of each end of the level if I were doing a lot of non-prehung doors. Chop saw will cut that aluminum extrusion nice and clean! End caps would go in and everything.

          Warranty????? ....... oh well......

          JimNever underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.

          1. brucet9 | Nov 21, 2008 05:19am | #46

            Yeah, I use my father's 60-year old 24" level for head jambs and my 72" Johnson for side jambs.That's an interesting comment about cutting a new level on the chop saw. I'm trying to imagine how many guys would actually be able to go through with cutting a Stabila.
            BruceT

            Edited 11/20/2008 9:20 pm by brucet9

          2. User avater
            mmoogie | Nov 21, 2008 07:28am | #47

            >> I'm trying to imagine how many guys would actually be able to go through with cutting a Stabila.<<I did it to a stabilla bullet because sometimes you just need a shorter bullet...and it wasn't even mine!Steve

          3. User avater
            Ted W. | Nov 21, 2008 01:46pm | #48

            I chopped an old stabilla I found under a porch - 48" turned to a 32". One end was crushed, looked like it met with the wheel of a cement truck, so they tossed it under the porch before closing it in. It had construction adhesive all over it and beat all to h3ll, but the two surviving vials are dead accurate.See my work at TedsCarpentry.comBuy Cheap Tools! BuildersTools.net

  6. User avater
    BarryE | Nov 15, 2008 05:30am | #10

    I have Stabilas. Good level, high price. I have used the lifetime warranty once, no problems

    I have a levelution, good level, don't believe it's made under that name anymore

    I love my Crick levels and they can be sent back and recalibrated for the price of shipping. haven't needed to

    Gene will be along to tell you not to waste money on stabila...look at Kapro


    Barry E-Remodeler

     

  7. calvin | Nov 15, 2008 11:11pm | #17

    Here's an opportunity to get a 4' level, an old but pristine Craftsman rabbit plane and bunch of metaphors.  Who knows, it might just be what you're looking for.

    The longer you wait the more that goes in the box.  Oh, and the higher the price.

    Auction

    A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

    Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

    http://www.quittintime.com/

     

    1. User avater
      EricPaulson | Nov 16, 2008 03:38am | #18

      C'mon, last I saw I was the high bidder. 

      1. calvin | Nov 16, 2008 03:40am | #19

        I'm a shill.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

        Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

        http://www.quittintime.com/

         

        1. User avater
          EricPaulson | Nov 16, 2008 03:49am | #20

          probably you that outbid me.

          I'll go check. 

  8. User avater
    mmoogie | Nov 16, 2008 07:22am | #27

    I'm on my third 6' stabila. I'm a little tough on my tools. They live in my truck with a lot of other stuff. Both times I've had my 6' stabila replaced, I've walked into the store, not the store I bought it at, and walked out with a new one no questions asked. It's the best 120 bucks I spent nearly 15 years ago.

    Also have a stabila two-footer and a bullet. I've thrown away a lot of non-stabila 4-footers. Next one's a stabila.

    Steve



    Edited 11/15/2008 11:33 pm by mmoogie

    1. wood4rd | Nov 16, 2008 06:42pm | #29

      Steve, Heres the remedy for those banged-up Stabilas. They are cases, about $35 and cheap protection for transporting.... where they get the most abuse.  The jamber case was a freebie when I bought the jamber set, from the Stabila rep at 7 Corners. I hang em high so they dont get trampled on.

      1. User avater
        mmoogie | Nov 16, 2008 07:38pm | #31

        I've thought about getting case, though I'm not sure if it would help much. To look at my levels, they don't look in bad shape. They have a fairly protected spot in the truckIn the 6-footers that have gone bad, once it was the center vial, just off by a smidge, and last time one of the plumb vials was off by a tiny smidge. They were still usable, but annoying. Seven corners was where I got the first one replaced, when I was working in St. Paul for awhile. I see you are in the twin cities. Where-abouts? I grew up in Minnetonka and in Prospect Park area of Minneapolis.Steve

        1. wood4rd | Nov 16, 2008 08:52pm | #33

            Steve,         I do remodeling and repairs, so the cases are good for carrying the levels through doorways and protecting walls, doors etc, along with the levels.    I live and grew up in the south TC metro. The Burnsville, Lakeville area.  I did some work in the Prospect Park area in sept. Nice, quiet neighborhood with lots of hills, and watch out for the bicycles. :)   Gary    

  9. Westcoast | Nov 16, 2008 06:46pm | #30

    I use these master levels as they are a bit cheaper in price than stabilas and you can recallibrate them if anything happens. I only had to recalibrate an 8' level once when it was dropped off of scaffolding. The levels are bulletproof.

    http://www.master-level.com

    1. User avater
      mmoogie | Nov 16, 2008 07:44pm | #32

      I've thought at times that it would be better to just get recallibratible units. Smart levels could be the way to go, as it's really easy to recallibrate them. The construction "smart' levels are way overpriced still. If someone would start selling them for a reasonable price, I would think that vial levels would start to fade away pretty quickly. The level makers probably don't want that to happen though. They probably count on re-sales when the vials go bad as part of the business model.I just downloaded a little application for my iPod touch that turns it into a clinometer and spirit level. You hold it on a surface, hit the calibrate button, flip 180 degress, hit it again and boom, it's callibrated. Steve

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