Best 4' level made!

[Bigwhite11]

Who makes the best 4' level? I would be getting a 2' and a 4' level and both of them need to be magnetic. I don't need lasers, digital readouts or anything fancy, just something that will work every time and isn't extremely fragile. It will be riding around in my rig. I'll be using it on metal fabrication only (pipeline welder).

 

[LXCam]

I have a 4ft Johnson I'm quite proud of. But alas it just lays there and doesn't have a mag base

 

[MaineGuide]

I really like Stabila levels. I think they're guaranteed to stay accurate. They make a ton of different sizes, not sure if they have a protective case available for all of them.

 

[92lxcoupe]

I really like my Empire levels. Made in the USA, actually in a plant about 7 miles from where I live.

 

[signcrafter]

Stabila. End of story. There are one or two other brands that are good also but stabila is the best I found and have stuck with them.

 

[Bigwhite11]

Cool. Looks like the stabila levels do have a really good warranty. I've used the empire levels before and have worked with guys that swear by them. I found a set of stabila levels (torpedo, 24 and 48) for 250 plus 20 shipping. They even come with a case. I'm going to check out the empire levels. I like that the 48" stabila level has handles on it (helpers are pretty clumsy).

 

[retfr8flyr]

Starrett, case closed if you want the best. http://www.starrett.com/saws/produc...ools/3102-Layout-Tools/310201-Levels/KLIX48-N

 

[rice rocket]

I don't know any contractor who takes themselves seriously and doesn't use a Stabila.

 

[jvitez]

I have a 4ft Johnson I'm quite proud of.

Damn. So would I.

 

[jvitez]

But seriously.........

Empire is good quality for a reasonably prices product, but Stabila are the cat's meow. Heavy, expensive, but worth it if you want top quality. I haven't seen a Starrett level, but if the quality is same as other Starrett products I'd say it would be neck and neck with Stabila.

 

[Parrothead]

Masterforce - Made by Stabila but without the silly pricing. They're discontinued now, but grab one if you see one.

I should add that I have the Masterforce, Empire, and Johnson levels. I've been pleased with each and every one.

 

[ZRH`]

Stabila

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000A9918/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[AceofSpad3s]

+1 for Stabila, I got a little torpedo level from them and it looked like it went through alot before I bought it used. I have dropped if a couple times and it has held up well. Would I personally pony up the money for a new one, no since ******** they are expensive. I don't need a level that is extremely precise since odds are I will mess something more than the level will.

 

[Bigwhite11]

Looks like I'll be buying stabila levels. I hate cheaping out on something and end up spending the big money eventually anyway. You get what you pay for.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I am an empire guy. I am a contractor so they see good use. These are a few months old. I replaced my levels this year and all my cordless stuff.

 

[tarbellb]

Stabila- and if your not able to look at the level, the audible readout is crazy convenient.

 

[ncfh]

Anybody lay hands on the new Stabila R beam levels?

http://www.stabila.com/products/levels/type-300

 

[Caman]

Surprised nobody mentioned the Stanley Fatmax. Good price, yet close to Stabila quality. I've got both in 4' and can't tell a difference. I'm looking at getting an 8' and probably get the Fatmax simply for the price.

 

[Snap_cap]

Crick

 

[Monte]

BMI

Sola

 

[xela456]

crick tool.
you CAN buy a good level.
and made right here in the USA.

 

[defektes]

Mayes wooden level is awesome, as is the Empires, I use my Mayes more at home because of the wooden construction, but when I worked construction I fielded my Aluminum empires to great effect. Both made in USA.

The Stanley is not bad many co workers had it, but they are Chinese and Taiwan, I always put them back due to that.

 

[mossyboy6]

Anybody lay hands on the new Stabila R beam levels?

http://www.stabila.com/products/levels/type-300

Yes, they are pretty beefy and heavier than the box type.

They would be super handy if you needed to lever something into plumb, or hit them.

Ill stick with my regular Stabilas.

I should add, ever since getting a 59", I very rarely use a 4' any more, 59" seems to be an incredibly convenient length for a level.

 

[motoretro]

I have the old school U.S. built 4' Johnson with plastic case, a decent level in wood w/ brass edges. It's 20 years old and still performs well.
Motoretro

 

[7echo]

My construction levels are Stabila. My precision machine set up level is a Starrett(but not 4', that would be way unaffordable).

But I want one of these ones...

https://www.cricktool.com/products.php

They will custom engrave them. I have heard of guys giving the 12" ones for wedding gifts to the men in the wedding.

 

[rick carpenter]

I have a 4ft Johnson I'm quite proud of.

Da-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-ang!

 

[dr_clyde]

Stabila for building things. Starrett for setting up machinery.

 

[boiler7904]

Yes, they are pretty beefy and heavier than the box type.

They would be super handy if you needed to lever something into plumb, or hit them.

Ill stick with my regular Stabilas.

I should add, ever since getting a 59", I very rarely use a 4' any more, 59" seems to be an incredibly convenient length for a level.

I've got Stabila levels in 16", 24", 48", and 59" plus two magnetic torpedoes. The 59" and torpedoes tend to get used the most but they all have their place.

 

[thickhead]

I like my 4' Bosch a whole lot.

 

[OkRider]

Stabila for building things. Starrett for setting up machinery.

This exactly. My Starrett levels only come to work when I need them. No one but me touches them.

 

[rice rocket]

Anyone try the Stabila XTLs yet?