Decent level

[Blazinzuk]

I need a decent level. Not an expensive one. Nothing special no lasers needed ( unless the level comes with sharks). I really need to bite the bullet and get a 6 ft level. Might have to stick with a 4 ft for now though.

I rarely woodwork. It will eventually used for that purpose. But I build things in metal.

Probably around 50 bucks is the budget right now.

 

[PoorOwner]

Try this one. I have the 4 foot

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NIGG84/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[thebeekeeper1]

I bought the Harbor Freight 6' one for $17.99. It's "good 'nuff" for occasional use.

 

[Blazinzuk]

This is the reason why I need a new one.

This level has built alot of stuff with me


Tis a sad day.

 

[JonnyMac]

Stabila or empire...

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Haven't priced a Stabila, but the 4' one I have it really nice and solid. For torpedo I have an Empire "blue" from HD, which works fine too. I did pick up a 6' one from HF… but man its SUPER flimsy and not really that straight… the bubble is pretty accurate (flipping it upside down results in a slight change in level).

 

[BK13]

Damn, show me where to get a 4-6' Stabia for 50 bones....

 

[Blazinzuk]

Damn, show me where to get a 4-6' Stabia for 50 bones....

Me too those look way nice.

I'm heading into town tomorrow so I will hit the big box stores. Probably HF too. Gotta start building tomorrow night

 

[TheGrooveking]

I bought the Harbor Freight 6' one for $17.99. It's "good 'nuff" for occasional use.

Damn, show me where to get a 4-6' Stabia for 50 bones....

I doubt there are any left, but Menards Masterforce used to be made by Stabila and were very inepensive, I bought 6 of them. The key is to look for the ones made in Germany, good luck hunting.

Please give that level a proper burial, it served you well, good tools deserve respect. Maybe make some wall art out of it.

TheGrooveking

 

[AdamRos19]

Stabila or empire . Some Johnson are good. Key is check it first. Empire has a huge selection 6 foot I beam for around 50

 

[BK13]

I doubt there are any left, but Menards Masterforce used to be made by Stabila and were very inepensive, I bought 6 of them. The key is to look for the ones made in Germany, good luck hunting.

Please give that level a proper burial, it served you well, good tools deserve respect. Maybe make some wall art out of it.

TheGrooveking

Closest one is 807 miles away. Bummer.

 

[Coopduc]

If you're into the whole " made in USA" thing, I can recommend these
http://portaustinlevelandtool.com/index.html

I have the cast aluminum 4 foot model and highly recommend it.

 

[balrog]

Check out Sola brand levels.

 

[Blazinzuk]

I doubt there are any left, but Menards Masterforce used to be made by Stabila and were very inepensive, I bought 6 of them. The key is to look for the ones made in Germany, good luck hunting.

Please give that level a proper burial, it served you well, good tools deserve respect. Maybe make some wall art out of it.

TheGrooveking

Thanks for the advise. That level will be wall art when I get the big shop done.

It was a Mayes built in Johnson City Tennessee.

 

[MushCreek]

I bought a cheap HF 6 footer, and it was fine for a while, but the vials seem to have leaked somehow. Now I use it for a straight edge. You can inspect a level for accuracy. Set it on a reasonably level surface. Shim the low end until it reads level. Carefully pick it up and turn it 180 degrees. Set it back down, with the shim still in place. It should read the same. The same principle applies when checking it for plumb. You have to check all of the vials. Even good levels should be checked once in a while.

 

[gdocktor3]

Just buy a cheap HF for now. I bought a cheapo from Ocean State job lot made by Praz I think for like $20. Then if you're unsure, put a good 2' or torpedo on top and see that it also reads level. Heck you can even use your iPhone app to check that it's reading level. I have an empire 24" level I picked up at a flea market for dirt cheap. That is another option - flea markets or eBay.

 

[woody 73]

You want something that is made in America, you want to keep a small company going day after day instead of moving to china,you want to be proud of the tool and pass it down to your kids...Then look no further then the following company.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=160615

 

[HCNDM]

not made in USA but made in europe and great levels:

http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb...eld-keywords=sola+level&rh=i:aps,k:sola+level

https://www.sola.at/global/en

 

[B_Bimmer]

I have NOT had good luck with cheap Johnson levels, I have no idea why I keep getting suckered into them just cause they are cheap and they changed the plastic color. They are not accurate. I really wish I would have been aware of the masterforce ones being made by stabila, that sounds like a deal.

 

[tube_guy]

The better quality Empire levels with the True Blue vials are really decent for the money. They're not as durable and hefty as the much more expensive Stabila and Sola levels, but they're a really good value. I've never had a True Blue Empire that hasn't indicated level properly and they will take some abuse while remaining accurate. At least to my mind, that's what a level is all about.

 

[Blazinzuk]

Well I did the best I could. Bought the cheapest 4ft level I could find 15 bucks

After I get paid a Port Austin level will be on its way.

Those look way nice and are only 20 bucks more expensive than ones I was looking at. And look like they are about 50 bucks nicer. Probably more.