recommend a level...

[matthew]

So I'm looking for about a 48" long level, for general household use. Any half decent but not too expensive ones? I've seen Empire at my local hardware store, how do they stack up?

 

[JASTECH]

I have 2' to 4' levels by Empire, the 4' is a 25th anerversity edition. Also if there is a Menards they have a house brand Master Force, I have seen Made in Germany on these and they have impressed me. I do have old wooden levels that are still accurate.

Thanks, JASTECH

 

[blue dog]

Stabila, check amazon.

 

[canuckian]

I like my Johnson levels. there's lots of models to choose from and they're not too expensive. The ones I have are made in the US but IIRC most of them these days only say that the vials are made in the US.

 

[pipsters]

Craftsman heavy duty is US and I just bought mine for $18.**

 

[RivennHewn]

Blue dog is right.

Stick with Stabila

 

[Monte]

Festool www.Festool.de

BMI www.bmi.de

Stabila www.Stabila.de

Sola www.Sola.at

 

[Joe B.]

Even though I'm sure everyone here will say it is junk, I have a Craftsman digital level that has worked great for me. I find the digital gauge to be much more accurate than a bubble in liquid. I like to be able to see exact degrees. Bad for someone with OCD because you can never get things perfect.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00948293000P
I believe there is also a 48" version also.

 

[5lima30]

I've got a Mayes or Mayhew?? that was reasonably priced and made in USA. If I was a tradesman I'd probably pony up and get a Stabilla though. YMMV.

 

[ecotec]

i have an older made in usa johnson 4' mahogany level. it has served me well so far. if a 4' level were on my work tool list, i would buy a stabila. i use a stabila torpedo level with a 360 degree vial for work, and i love it.

 

[flyingvette]

I just spit on whatever it is I'm working on. Spit stays still? Level. Spit dribbles? Get out of the way.

 

[GarageEnvy]

+ another for Stabila

I do own a couple of Empires and they're good. Stabila is better but you pay for it.

 

[BQuicksilver]

Even though I'm sure everyone here will say it is junk, I have a Craftsman digital level that has worked great for me. I find the digital gauge to be much more accurate than a bubble in liquid. I like to be able to see exact degrees. Bad for someone with OCD because you can never get things perfect.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00948293000P
I believe there is also a 48" version also.

Amen to this. It drives my dad nuts that I won't trust a bubble without quantifying just how close we are via a digital level.

 

[Treorp55]

Empire true blue.....not the cheaper empire ones...or Stabila

 

[JeremyManning]

stanley fat max

 

[demographic]

Stanley Fatmax levels are good and well priced, Stabila girder levels are good also but I'm less keen on their box levels.

 

[Mike83]

When you buy it, stick it against the steel column in the store aisle and note how out of plumb the column is. Turn the level around and see if the bubble is in the same spot. If is the same, then the level is good. If not, the vial is off.

 

[saturdaymechanic]

+1 on the FatMax level. It works well for my DIY projects and it is tough.

 

[WVBrady]

When you buy it, stick it against the steel column in the store aisle and note how out of plumb the column is. Turn the level around and see if the bubble is in the same spot. If is the same, then the level is good. If not, the vial is off.

Ditto! Beat me to it!

 

[skruft]

Carpenters in my area tend to use Stabila. I have many levels and no real preference - I enjoy using antiques sometimes.

 

[metal1313]

i have some smaller stabilas and a few 4ft levels from empire, stanley and husky? i do have a 6ft and 8ft empire. along with an 8ft stabila...i like levels. as long as you check it, take care of it, and buy a higher end model they are all pretty good. the stanley has a wedge set on the end to give 1/4in slope over 4 ft

 

[BigAl62]

I have a 4' level from Craftsman (it's 15 years old) and I haven't used it in a while, but the other day I had to move it to get to something and the fluid in the vials has gone clear! WTF! Now I have to see if Sears will warranty it for this as it would be a ***** to use like it is.

 

[plinker]

I have mostly Empire with a Stanley and a older inhertted Craftsman.

Some Masterforce is relabled Empire, Craftsman Relabels some Empire too.

I have gotten quite a bit of Empire stuff in the last few years, mainly as it's very commly sold here (and made in the same state), and Menards carrys the line.