Spirit Level Question

[branimal]

Im doing a gut renovation of my bathroom and then my kitchen.

I have a 48" $10 level I bought from lowes. Any reason to go out and buy a longer (72") or more expensive $50+ level?

B/c I am doing the renovation myself, I'm willing to spend on tools if then can help me work faster and more efficiently.

 

[Zeke]

If you need a longer level for door jambs, etc., get a straight edge and use the level you have next to it. Check your level by drawing both level and plumb lines on a wall and flip the level both ways one at a time and check that if still follows the line. If not, get better one.

There are many times you might like a shorter level and you can make a level longer with a straight edge, but never shorter. Most have at least 2 levels, one being a 2' so you can level a counter top both ways w/o moving your levels. And so on.

 

[jimreed2160]

The 48" will be nice for cabinets and countertops but once they are done, you are probably going to get more use from a little torpedo level.

 

[Dave455]

I'd check it (level something, then turn the level 180 edge and check it still shows level) and if it's o.k. I'd stick with it!

You might find you prefer a better quality level of the same length rather than a longer one!

You will certainly want a short level though, and maybe a little 4 inch spirit level too for stuff like power sockets etc!

 

[Socket Pounder]

I bought a 48" to do my bathroom remodel and it got the job done but I also used a 24", a torpedo and a laser level (for plate rail trim). There were times I could have used a 72" but not enough to buy one.

 

[southalabama]

You need all of the above. 48" 24" and torpedo.

 

[hefnerconstructionlc]

I have a 72" level, I wish I had purchased it sooner. It is great for hanging doors, long straight lines, the edge of the shower for tile, or tile vertical grid lines. If you have one, you will be surprised how much you use it. I also have the other sizes as well and use the 48" most often, then 72" right behind followed by 24" and torpedo last. I am a contractor, so my needs will differ, but it is very handy.

 

[skruft]

If you use a long level it is best if it has an attachment or method that will tell you the plumb between the ends of the level and not ride on any bump that happens to be on the surface in between. For this reason some long levels have pieces that raise the ends an equal distance off the surface. I think this was more of a real issue when people made their own door jambs.

 

[bczygan]

72
48
24
Torpedo
Done
Laser optional