Stabila 96M magnetic for general

[nastorino]

Morning all, I'm in the market to replace my older bubble levels with Stabila's. While I'm a DIY homeowner I do get sufficient use out of my levels to justify the elevated price point. I'm willing to spend a little more and purchase the stones 96M Magnetic kit for general all the time use. I however wasn't sure if there was a disadvantage to using the 96m magnetic ones all the time for general use where I won't have anything metal to hang them from, such as doing framing for a shed, leveling bluestone walkway stones, hanging shelves, etc. If I don't acquire the 96M kit with the 6 levels, I would at lease procure the magnetic jamber set for use correcting doorframes/ hinges.

Is keeping the magnets clean (so they don't scuff sensitive surfaces) a challenge?
Do the 96M units have a downside for general use (non-metal stud, non-hanging door use)?

 

[acer66]

The only real disadvantage I have found is that I have to check the magnets if they have picked anything up before using.

Otherwise it is one of those tools I wish I have bought sooner.

 

[nastorino]

The only real disadvantage I have found is that I have to check the magnets if they have picked anything up before using.

Otherwise it is one of those tools I wish I have bought sooner

Do the magnets sit flush with the bottom of the level or are they recessed? I can't find them in-stock locally to answer my question :/

My older levels have magnets on a few and due to the recessed setting of the magnet, it makes it miserable to clean off well.

 

[AEAdam]

Hate the magnets. If you are building with steel studs I’d have one. For wood, hard no.
I do have a couple of the digital models and like them. Advantage is not having to see the bubble. And I’m in reading glasses years, further complicating bubble reading.

Also like the digitals for setting sills (I set them at 5 degrees).

one word of caution. The digital thing isnt perfect and can go out of calibration. The calibration process is easy and doesn’t require a surface plate or a perfectly level surface, tho another longer level helps.

I‘d almost recommed starting with the 6’ R shaped (non digital) level, then one smaller digital.

 

[acer66]

Do the magnets sit flush with the bottom of the level or are they recessed? I can't find them in-stock locally to answer my question :/

My older levels have magnets on a few and due to the recessed setting of the magnet, it makes it miserable to clean off well.

They are a shy 1/16“ recessed.
Never had a problem just to wipe things off with my fingers.

 

[tarbellb]

Id maybe grab one mag level, save your money

Better spent money would be on 96" or a digital, both of which are crucial in some circumstances.

If mag set vs non mag is just a few more $ id pop for the mag

 

[AEAdam]

The magnets on my tools all collect ****. Just one more thing to think about. And my other tools stick to them, which is annoying. Magnetic levels are really only for steel stud construction. It won’t stay on a nail head.

Steel studs where I live are still more expensive than wood. If you were doing a basement refinish, I could see using steel studs and wanting a magnetic level.

I’m not a pro mechanic or a pro carpenter, but I do almost all my own repairs on my aging fleet of family cars and I’m converting a barn into a house in my spare time.

 

[RTM]

Buddy of mine who bought a 96” as his primary level regretted it. Bought @48” next, was much happier for general use. Don’t know anyone with magnetic anymore, since I got away from guys setting doors in office bldgs.

 

[AEAdam]

Buddy of mine who bought a 96” as his primary level regretted it. Bought @48” next, was much happier for general use. Don’t know anyone with magnetic anymore, since I got away from guys setting doors in office bldgs.

Especially when most doors are 78”. How would even transport an 8’ level. Won’t fit behind the seats in an F150. Throw it in the back? That’s an enormous level. And with laser levels unnecessary.

Btw, just upgraded my laser to the Bosch gll3-330cg. It’s pretty nice. I have it on a camera tripod. Really recommend these things if you are building almost anything. I think I’d buy a cheaper 6’ and 1 smaller and save for a laser.

 

[nastorino]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'll take a harder look at the 196 set that is non-magnetic. If/ when I buy the next house and have to redo all the doors I'll consider the jamber set otherwise no rush for it. I don't believe I'll o digital but the lighted option is pretty cool for those evening jobs that run a little late.

My 3ft, 4ft, and torpedo get the most use of all my current levels.