Starrett precision paperweight?

[grc]

I recently acquired this used Starrett level which was advertised as a 98-8 model. The only markings are the starrett brand. It does measure eight inches long but there are only two graduations on the vial. It seems rather worthless since the bubble is also wider than the graduations.

 

[cvairwerks]

2nd photo appears to show the remnants of the rest of the marks. Be worth a shot talking to Starrett about getting a new vial for it.

 

[2oolhound]

I recently acquired this used Starrett level which was advertised as a 98-8 model. The only markings are the starrett brand. It does measure eight inches long but there are only two graduations on the vial. It seems rather worthless since the bubble is also wider than the graduations.

Yep, worthless. I'll take it off your hands though. What I like about them is how sensitive they are. Can you get the bubble to sit with equal overlap on each side? Not easy because they are so sensitive to slight angles.

 

[RTM]

Flipping through. The old Starrett catalogs, the illustrations only show two lines. I have a -4 -6 and -12 I can check in a few days.

 

[kaymccampbell]

It's like $20 for a new vial. Go nuts, treat yourself.

 

[grc]

It's like $20 for a new vial. Go nuts, treat yourself.

Let me know where they're available for $20. Starrett wants $111 and amazon $131. That's for part # PT99431

 

[slowtwitch73]

Keith Rucker has a video on replacing vials.. I think he mentioned suppliers too.

 

[grc]

Flipping through. The old Starrett catalogs, the illustrations only show two lines. I have a -4 and -12 I can check in a few days.

Thanks for the info. I'm going to get a vial and do a replacement

 

[Packard V8]

Let me know where they're available for $20. Starrett wants $111 and amazon $131. That's for part # PT99431

For true. I've got a few broken-vial Starrett levels and the replacement vials cost about what a used level costs.

Then, one discovers replacing the vial and recalibrating the level is a huge PITA.

FWIW, back in the bad old days, one could send in a Starrett level and have the vial replaced at the factory. I'm on vacation just now, so perhaps someone here should research if that service is still available today and what are the costs.

jack vines

 

[Roberts210]

I have two. Both are Starrett precision machinist levels, just like yours. Yes, the bubbles are slightly longer than the 2 lines. If you think it is a paperweight, you are sadly mistaken. They are highly sensitive and used anywhere a precise level reading is needed--such as setting up a precision lathe. When not in use, rotate the cylindrical cover over the glass so it won't get broken.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Let me know where they're available for $20. Starrett wants $111 and amazon $131. That's for part # PT99431

Eh. My catalog is probably older than you. What can I say. They cost $20 the last time I bought one. And, yes they are a ***** to calibrate. It's a shafting level, that's why it has the cross bubble. Oh, have you tried rotating the brass shell? It's meant to be a guard for the main vial.

 

[grc]

Now that I've seen the process on you tube I have to admit that it looks like a challenging project. But if it were easy then just anybody could do it.

 

[larry_g]

Eh. My catalog is probably older than you. What can I say. They cost $20 the last time I bought one. And, yes they are a ***** to calibrate. It's a shafting level, that's why it has the cross bubble. Oh, have you tried rotating the brass shell? It's meant to be a guard for the main vial.

Back in the day I used to travel the world installing machines. In my tool kit I had two 98-12's. They are simple to calibrate once you understand that you don't need a perfectly level surface to calibrate on. One also has to understand that the bubble size changes with temperature.

Now that I've seen the process on you tube I have to admit that it looks like a challenging project. But if it were easy then just anybody could do it.

OP I would not change that vial. No reason to expect the bubble ends to fit perfectly within the lines. A lot of those utubers way over complicate the procedure.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[crguy]

Eh. My catalog is probably older than you. What can I say. They cost $20 the last time I bought one. And, yes they are a ***** to calibrate. It's a shafting level, that's why it has the cross bubble. Oh, have you tried rotating the brass shell? It's meant to be a guard for the main vial.

I've replaced the vial on a Starrett level like that. The hardest part is getting the ends pulled out of the tube and set back in so they are in line properly. Calibrating is the easy part. All you have to do is raise/lower one end of the assembly so the vial reads the same when the level is reversed end to end on a flat surface.

 

[crguy]

Back in the day I used to travel the world installing machines. In my tool kit I had two 98-12's. They are simple to calibrate once you understand that you don't need a perfectly level surface to calibrate on. One also has to understand that the bubble size changes with temperature.



OP I would not change that vial. No reason to expect the bubble ends to fit perfectly within the lines. A lot of those utubers way over complicate the procedure.

lg
no neat sig line

Yep, you can move the bubble by placing your finger on one end so your body heat warms it slightly.

 

[Roberts210]

If you can move the bubble with body heat from your finger, then THAT is a precision level.

 

[bwringer]

Your table is a little off... You might have half a human hair under the left end there.


And I certainly would not bother changing the vial. As remarked above, the bubble doesn't need to and never did fit perfectly inside the lines. Very cool tool; hope you can make good use of it!

 

[dutchgray]

If you really want a precision level its the Starrett 199 you want.
You use the normal levels first so as to have a chance of starting with the bubble not pegged to one end of the vial.

 

[dutchgray]

2 sheets of paper is needed under one end to get the bubble close to middle on my "level" kitchen counter.

 

[grc]

Yes thank you I have a china version of the 199. A bit less sensitivity is what I am after with the 98-8. I would like to have more hash marks for reference. So even though the advice is currently two to one in favor of not replacing the vial I plan to do so. Obviously it's a matter of opinion and I really do appreciate all of yours

 

[crguy]

Yes thank you I have a china version of the 199. A bit less sensitivity is what I am after with the 98-8. I would like to have more hash marks for reference. So even though the advice is currently two to one in favor of not replacing the vial I plan to do so. Obviously it's a matter of opinion and I really do appreciate all of yours

Those levels are fairly common. I'd rather buy another one than mess with changing the vial, and I have experience in changing one.

 

[RTM]

To clarify, my 98-6 does have multiple grid lines on the vial. Can't find my 98-12 right now, but it does too.

But here is an old image of both of them (forgot I had it) Top is
Starrett 98-12
98-6
Stanley 34 10"
36-24"
96-28"

 

[WoodenDisasterMaster]

Yes thank you I have a china version of the 199. A bit less sensitivity is what I am after with the 98-8. I would like to have more hash marks for reference. So even though the advice is currently two to one in favor of not replacing the vial I plan to do so. Obviously it's a matter of opinion and I really do appreciate all of yours

Put some hash marks on it

 

[Roberts210]

grc, have you changed it out yet?