Recommend a 48" Level?

[catalytic]

I've been using the same 48" level for ages and it finally bit the dust. What should I look for in a new one? Wood with aluminum casing? Steel casing? Entirely metallic? I had never thought much about the differences until I started leaving through the Harry Epstein website.. Also, is there a good USA/GER manufacturer you would recommend?

 

[ADSR]

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

 

[bareass172]

I bought an aluminum Craftsman years ago (2' and 4') and have used them extensively with no real issues. I happened to be in Sears the other day because my store is closing and I checked out of curiosity, the 48" Cman levels I saw still said "Made in USA".

I'm turned off by Cman for a lot of reasons, but if your local store isn't closed yet I can't complain about this level.

 

[A_Pmech]

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

Agreed.

 

[Tejaas]

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

Not counting $500 engineer levels or the like, my preferences are:


1. Stabila:

The golden standard.

2. Starrett:

I like the older models, or higher-tier new stuff - my "general purpose" choice for shop projects/layout/etc.

3. Johnson/Empire:

I use an assortment of either for "double duty" scribe straightedge/saw guide/expedient compass for circle patterns/etc. Plus, I don't feel bad if it's in the truck box bouncing around or dropped from up in shed trusses, etc... They cost little enough that I don't bother buying a case for them.


~Tejaas~

WTB: Snap-On Orange Hard Handle SSDP63 in Very Good Condition!

 

[Tbirdtc]

What r u doing with it
I use a 20$ empire plastic w a alum wrap as my beater level
And a stabila for high end finish work if u can ply afford 1 good level
Buy 3 low to mid empires 2 4 and 8
Most often a level is a level

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Whichever one that shows level and plumb even when switched end for end. Sometimes I'll go through a stack of 20 or more until I find one that's good enough to buy.

Richard

 

[PugetDude]

1. Stabila
2. Anything else.

 

[sloppy]

Another vote for stabila..

 

[mjozefow]

What are you doing with it?

I use a USA made structural foam (plastic) level for tile and a series of USA made Empire levels from 8" through 8' for the rest.

Level is important for building new structures, but is superseded in retrofit and installation work by the necessity for things to be flush and flat.

Also, keep in mind that any level can be checked for accuracy by making sure it reads the same when rotated 180*.

 

[McKay]

I have quite a few but really like the stabila R-Beam line.

 

[johndeereman]

i second the choice of stabila

 

[A_Pmech]

What are you doing with it?

Mitch makes some good points.

One of them being a $100 level isn't the best tool for laying block.

 

[Big Bad Pete]

I must agree with Stabila.

 

[woody 73]

Don't get me wrong Stabila levels are fantastic...

But if you want a great level and help support an American company at the same time then look at one of my older posts:

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

Woody

 

[PugetDude]

Mitch makes some good points.

One of them being a $100 level isn't the best tool for laying block.

Reminds me of an old joke:

Q: What do you call a level that's out of whack?
A: A concrete screed.

 

[Monte]

http://www.german-hand-tools.com/BMI-levels.html

 

[tedsters]

1) Stabila=is top notch and there tough i have a 48in and a 32 don't really get any better

 

[wrenchguy]

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

+100, i have 6 sizes, had 2 go bad in 20 year and no problem exchange.

 

[Burgerkong]

Depends what you are using it for, I like 60" or longer for decks etc.

 

[rick carpenter]

What did you go with Catalytic?

I didn't want to hijack your thread... so I hope re-asking and narrowing it down to USA only isn't doing that. So what USA 4' levels? Choices are Empire and Johnson for affordable, then Smith, Port Austin, etc for more bucks. Your question about construction wasn't answered comparatively so I'll re-ask it too. I-Beam, box, wood, bamboo?

My work would be windows and doors in rehab/rebuild projects as well as homeowner stuff, and I already have several 2' levels as well as a new torpedo level. I really like the looks of the Johnson Eco-tech bamboo level but it's downside is no magnets.

 

[boiler7904]

Another vote for Stabila. No problems in 10+ years of owning a 16", 24", 48", 59", and two torpedo levels.

48" is good but not good enough for some tasks like setting doors, bathtubs, framing walls, setting large windows, etc.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

A while back I watched the "How it's made" video on Youtube for levels and was fascinated.

I'm going to need a new one soon so I guess Stabila it is. Thanks!

 

[Graham08]

If you have a Menard's nearby, they sell levels under their Masterforce name that are Made in Germany, which I'm 99% sure are made by Stabila. I have three of them (a 24", a 48", and a 96") that I really like.

I also have a Stabila torpedo level with rare earth magnets that kicks *** for metal fabrication.