Can anyone recommend an inclinometer (angle gauge) TODAY?

[BigE]

I have to travel tomorrow for work on a last minute trip to troubleshoot some equipment. Part of my diagnosis will require measuring the angle of various parts relative to level. I need a gauge for this as well as personal work so I figured I'd just buy one. I may even be able to expense it. There are all types of inclinometers out there (digital, dial, bubble, etc.) so I'd like your recommendation as to which one you would purchase and why. Also, keep in mind that I'll have to find it at a brick n' mortar store this afternoon since I'm leaving tomorrow morning. If it's not possible to get a good one at store, I may borrow one and then purchase a quality piece online. Let me know what you think!

Thanks!

 

[Major Ramifications]

Sears has 'em, both the simple dial ones as well as digital. Neither are expensive.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-magn...p-00939840000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-digital-torpedo-level/p-00948295000P?prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5

I have found that most people don't call them inclinometers, but that is my preferred term as well.

 

[larry_g]

Major has pointed out a couple. A lot depends on the precision that your measurement requires. A fence post requires a lot less precision than a machine tool. If you can find a machine tool store there abouts then here are some, http://www1.mscdirect.com/eCommerce...=inclineometer&x=0&y=0&scrNtk=default&sb=true

Traveling I have had tools overnited to the hotel in a critical time.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Warrenator]

There's an app for iphone, ipad, android smartphone that measures angles. Seems to be pretty accurate.

 

[FlatHeads_Suck]

^ would not trust. I prefer digital with a zero function. But a lot of my work requires measuring angles of deflection from a given start point.

 

[markf4e]

Empire, made in the usa and only $9 bucks at home depot

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100165800/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=protractor&storeId=10051

 

[KPSquared]

that empire one is pretty cheap feeling and not very precise. Worked for me but I didn't need super accuracy.

 

[fflintstone]

Empire, made in the usa and only $9 bucks at home depot

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100165800/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=protractor&storeId=10051

I bought this one thru HJE. anyone have a better USA made alternative?

 

[tube_guy]

If markings to 2.5 degrees is acceptable, this one is pretty nice quality.

http://www.flangewizard.com/products150.html

 

[Dale B]

I have a GREENLEE 1895 google it and see if it suits your app.

 

[Sureshot]

^ would not trust. I prefer digital with a zero function. But a lot of my work requires measuring angles of deflection from a given start point.

The app I have has zero function.

 

[zakmartin]

I have an older USA one from Central Tools and love it. It's analog, so no need for batteries, and it's accurate to the degree to tell me how level my car is when it's on jack stands. It's important that the car is level when you're changing out certain fluids.

 

[PBCampbell]

http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=32584&cat=1,43513
This doesn't help you for your immediate need, but is quite nice for future applications.

 

[finley31]

I have one of these at work. It is very precise and can be used for multiple applications. Also, it's made in the USA and can be ordered from mcmaster-Carr, so you would have it tomorrow.

http://www.newmantools.com/gauge/magc900.htm#m900

 

[tkonetzke]

I have a hf($2) a bluepoint ($20-30) and a digital fowler ($70) they all work. Depends how precise you need.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I have a Johnson pitch and angle locater.....scaled in degrees and pitch : inch rise per 12" run... low cost tool that can be found near the levels and squares in a good hardware store.. OK for the money, I use mine for checking drive shaft angulation and alignment on large trucks.....

 

[coolreed]

Can you use a digital gauge? There are some neat ones used for woodworking that get to 1/100 of a degree. I don know why they would not work in other applications.

 

[JASTECH]

Maybe this one?

www.tiltmeter.com/digital.html

 

[SCAN MG]

How about this one....

http://shop.fowlercanada.com/products/216-mini-digital-protractor-level.aspx

 

[PECVD2]

We have Newman here at work and they seem to be of decent accuracy and quality.

BigE, not intended as a hijack but just a side note.

I was buying nitrile gloves at HF one day and a hear a guy who refered to himself as the "human cannonball" for the circus that was in town for the weekend.
He was asking the clerk for an inclinometer so that he could make sure he had the right cannon angle and would land on the mat and not the concrete floor...WOW.
I did check the local news the next morning to see if he made it.

 

[Glacial_Speed]

If it needs to be available in town, you might want to try Woodcraft.

IF they have it in stock.....there is a digital angle gauge that looks exactly like the Fowler mini-mag. Take a look.

http://www.woodcraft.com/product/2084785/38103/igaging-anglecube-digital-level-and-bevel-gauge.aspx

The store in Birmingham is at:

Woodcraft of Birmingham
2215B Pelham Parkway
Pelham, AL 35124
Call Us: (205) 988-3600

I have the previous model without the hold button. It's a metal box, not plastic, so it feels like a real tool instead of a toy.

Oh wait, you needed this yesterday? Oh well....hey I didn't pick the name glacial speed for nothing. LOL.

Maybe there's a store at your destination. Tell us what happens.