Ultimate Stanley Level Thread

[stratamite]

I picked up a vintage Stanley Level today of which I have no idea what it is.
It's 42" in length, 3 1/2" wide, 1 1/4" thick, and has 3 pat'd dates.
It looks to me like it allows for a plumb-bob. I've never seen one like this. I've seen Nordic plumb-bob levels, but never a Stanley that incorporated the Nordic design.
I'm attaching photos.

 

[crguy]

I picked up a vintage Stanley Level today of which I have no idea what it is.
It's 42" in length, 3 1/2" wide, 1 1/4" thick, and has 3 pat'd dates.
It looks to me like it allows for a plumb-bob. I've never seen one like this. I've seen Nordic plumb-bob levels, but never a Stanley that incorporated the Nordic design.
I'm attaching photos.

It's a masons level, and yes you can use a plumb bob with it.

 

[stratamite]

It's a masons level, and yes you can use a plumb bob with it.

Interesting; I wouldn't have ever guessed that! I'm still happy with it for $14.
It's woodworking level now, lol.
Thanks!

 

[RTM]

I picked up a vintage Stanley Level today of which I have no idea what it is.
It's 42" in length, 3 1/2" wide, 1 1/4" thick, and has 3 pat'd dates.
It looks to me like it allows for a plumb-bob. I've never seen one like this. I've seen Nordic plumb-bob levels, but never a Stanley that incorporated the Nordic design.
I'm attaching photos.

It’s a #35, as noted above, a mason’s level. See it here.

Stanley Rule & Level Company Catalogue No. 34 : 1907 : Stanley Rule & Level Co. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

148 p., illus., 16.9 cm, trade catalog

archive.org

 

[d42jeep]

Here is a Stanley level I picked up recently. RTM kindly IDed for me. It was quite rusty but at least it is functiona.
-Don

 

[Mike777]

My brother just sent me our father's old Stanley 233-24 100 Plus double bubble aluminum level. I'm sure when he bought it new - likely sometime between 1953 - 1964/1967 - he received the little instruction manual with it; an equally sure he probably looked it over it for a few seconds and then flipped it into the trash bin.
Is there anyone on here who might have a copy of that little instructions sheet/booklet they would scan and send to me?

And FWIW - the attached photo is from an old Worthpoint.com sale of a Stanley 233-24 level with it's instruction booklet.

 

[RTM]

I don’t see it here, but a second set of eyes might be good

The Manual Library : Free Texts : Free Download, Borrow and Streaming : Internet Archive

 

[Mike777]

Thanks RTM - I didn't find a copy there either. I almost always hit Internet Archive as a first stop in this kind of treasure hunt.

 

[kwigly]

to find out things like when the grip appeared.

The grip groove along the Stanley levels was patented June 2 1891 (patent # 453452) so most regular Stanley wooden levels without the groove were made prior to 1891

One of my favorite Stanley levels is a 24" metal No.36 level with Stanley's level sights attached. It has about zero value as the level has been broken and re-welded, but I thought the sights were neat

 

[WisJim]

I have my grandfather's level sights around somewhere, still in a box I think. Most of his tools show lots of wear due to his carpenter work over 70 years.

 

[4xdog]

This one has been in our family longer than I've been around.

 

[Jacobs976]

Here's some more modern ones I just got in.

No. 31 3 inch and No. 264

 

[kwigly]

This one has been in our family longer than I've been around.

The Sands-Stevens level maybe pre-dates the Stanley box. I see ads for that Sands-Stevens 555 level in the 1930s, with the name shortened to just "Sands" shortly after WWII, whereas I think the Stanley Handyman series didn't start until the late 1950s

 

[Blue Chips]

I just came upon this thread, and I thought it would be a good time to stop lurking on the forum and join in.

I'm in the process of replacing my non-adjustable (fixed-vial) levels (which sometimes aren't quite as accurate as I'd like) with vintage adjustable levels that I can get at a reasonable price. I already have a couple of adjustable machinist levels that are very accurate, but I wouldn’t abuse them by using them for construction or remodeling.

I bought this vintage Stanley No. 237 adjustable aluminum level for $21 (plus shipping) on eBay. It was dirty and spattered with the dried remnants of ancient projects, but I didn’t see any significant damage, and all of the glass vials were intact. I’m not sure of its exact age, but I think this model was introduced ca. 1915. I decided to give it a quick tune-up, which involved a thorough cleaning, truing the top and bottom, checking the level and plumb glasses for accuracy, and adjusting if necessary. Also dabbed a bit of new paint on it here and there.

As some of you may already know, to adjust the bubbles on this level, either of the two tapered screws securing the ends of the nickel-plated brass case that contains the glass vial (for either the level glass or the plumb glasses) can be loosened, allowing a small piece of shim stock to be placed between the case and either of the two milled seats. The tapered screws are then re-tightened and the bubble re-checked for accuracy. Here is a link to a 1920 catalog showing the level at the bottom of page 40: https://archive.org/details/stanleytoolsforc00stan/page/40/mode/2up

This is how the level looked when I received it...grimy but basically serviceable.







Here's the level after removing remains of old paint with solvent and giving it a good scrubbing (no media blasting or harsh abrasives).



The top and bottom of the frame were already relatively straight/flat/square/parallel, but it needed a little touch-up by hand in some places. I checked it with Dykem Hi-Spot, a granite surface plate, and the usual measuring tools (dial gauge, machinist square, caliper, etc.). I'm not a particularly fast worker, so it took over an hour to do some lapping and true it up to my satisfaction. Probably overkill for a carpenter level, but I like playing in the shop, so time well spent, IMHO.



Here's the level after painting and reassembly. The nickel plating on the brass glass/vial holders cleaned up pretty well, while displaying a nice patina of age, which I don't mind.









All three of the vials are now spot-on as far as I can tell, and they should be quite accurate for this type of level. It's a good tool that will get used.

I've fixed up a few other vintage Stanley levels, which I may post here when I have a bit more free time.

 

[mattyc603]

I just picked this level up the other day at a yard sale. I’m looking to find more information about it. Thanks matt

 

[kwigly]

I just picked this level up the other day at a yard sale. I’m looking to find more information about it. Thanks matt

I like those old levels with the brass trim at the ends, nice find. Your Stanley logo dates to the 1860s, so your level is over 150 years old. I think the end name stamp and number are Owner's marks as I don't think Stanley ever marked levels in this location

 

[mattyc603]

I like those old levels with the brass trim at the ends, nice find. Your Stanley logo dates to the 1860s, so your level is over 150 years old. I think the end name stamp and number are Owner's marks as I don't think Stanley ever marked levels in this location

Thank you so much for the information! I should have bought the larger one that was with it lol. I’m completely shocked how old it is ..

 

[mattyc603]

Should I clean it at all ?

 

[AntiqueBen]

Nice find mattyc603! It looks just like the one I found a while back. I posted pictures of it it post #37 of this thread. Mine was in rough shape so I restored it & cleaned up the brass. It's a nice old level. There are pics of the date stamps too.

 

[mattyc603]

Nice find mattyc603! It looks just like the one I found a while back. I posted pictures of it it post #37 of this thread. Mine was in rough shape so I restored it & cleaned up the brass. It's a nice old level. There are pics of the date stamps too.

It does look like your level. The only difference. Is my end pieces are separate pieces

 

[mattyc603]

It does look like your level. The only difference. Is my end pieces are separate pieces

What did you use to clean your level up ?

 

[AntiqueBen]

I took all my brass off & lightly sanded the wood until I got all the crud off. Then I put 2 coats of Boiled Linseed oil on it. BLO brings out the original wood color real nice. You have to be careful with the brass. Try using a really fine steel wool first. Like 0000 steel wool. My brass was really bad so I used my wire wheel on my grinder to get the worst off first. Be careful using a wire wheel because if you use to much pressure you can scratch it up or get hot spots. I used my wire wheel very lightly & finished with 0000 steel wool. Your level will be a fun clean up project. Don't forget to post pics when she's finished.

 

[Mark914]

Picked up this Stanley no.25. My first 100+ year old level. It looks so nice. Only cleaned it with hot water and a rag to get some of the dirt and gunk off. All the bubbles are intact. I’ll probably sell it to buy more stuff.

 

[tom t]

I have a few Stanley levels. Not looking to sell or anything like that. Just trying to determine the ages of them. Thanks. #1 is a 24” cherry # 0 . I can’t find any dates on it. Has the Stanley logo stamped on one side and says Genuine Cherry Best wood for levels. #2 is a 3 bubble that measures approximately 29-1/2” long 3-1/2” tall and 1” thick. The plate says Stanley rule & level company. Pat’d 11-3-08 , 5-8-06 , 6-28-96 , 7-7-94 New Britain Conn. USA. The other end of the plate says to adjust remove plates. Can’t find any other numbers. Would appreciate any feedback on this. Thanks again !!!

 

[RTM]

Take your earliest patent date, add 17 years, that’s usually the oldest it can be.

This might help with your logos.

Stanley Trademark Stamps

Stanley Trademark Stamps Used on Bench and Block Planes

virginiatoolworks.com

You can poke around in catalogs once you get the era, figure out which features were added or change.

Internet Archive: Digital Library of Free & Borrowable Books, Movies, Music & Wayback Machine

archive.org

 

[CaptainK5]

Looking for some help here guys. I picked up what I thought was a Stanley 37 level (24 inch). The long center glass is in good shape but the two smaller glasses are broken. All of the glasses have the rotating shields. I have a couple of questions for those of you with more knowledge of these.

1. The only Stanley marking is on the rotating shield of the center glass. The level body has no markings that I can see. Is this a model 37? Does the lack of marking help to identify or date it?

2. As for the two broken smaller glasses, can they realistically be replaced in 2024? If they can, what replacement glass will fit?

3. If glasses are available, how do you get the glass out of the metal tube? Is it just a press fit?

4. On one of the smaller glasses, the screws are bound up pretty good. I have tried Kroil and some gentle heat from a propane torch. Any other good ideas? Any good cuss words that I could try?

 

[RTM]

Looking for some help here guys. I picked up what I thought was a Stanley 37 level (24 inch). The long center glass is in good shape but the two smaller glasses are broken. All of the glasses have the rotating shields. I have a couple of questions for those of you with more knowledge of these.

1. The only Stanley marking is on the rotating shield of the center glass. The level body has no markings that I can see. Is this a model 37? Does the lack of marking help to identify or date it?

Maybe poke through the vintage catalogs at ITCL, and check for feature changes? Don't trust the images.

Internet Archive: Digital Library of Free & Borrowable Texts, Movies, Music & Wayback Machine

archive.org

Typical page here

Stanley Tools for Carpenters and Mechanics : Catalogue No. 34 : 1929 : The Stanley Rule & Level Plant : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

204 p., illus., 29.6 cm, trade catalog

archive.org

2. As for the two broken smaller glasses, can they realistically be replaced in 2024? If they can, what replacement glass will fit?

I am researching glass vials, they are available, but trying to verify the quality to match is hard. The quantity required from some vendors was high.

3. If glasses are available, how do you get the glass out of the metal tube? Is it just a press fit?

I think one of the vintage catalogs says how to do it, will try to add it here shortly. They just say how its assembled here, so push out seems right.

Stanley Tools for Carpenters and Mechanics : Catalogue No. 34 : 1929 : The Stanley Rule & Level Plant : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

204 p., illus., 29.6 cm, trade catalog

archive.org

4. On one of the smaller glasses, the screws are bound up pretty good. I have tried Kroil and some gentle heat from a propane torch. Any other good ideas? Any good cuss words that I could try?

I am stuck here too. Holding your tongue just right may work, but I have not found where that is yet.

 

[CaptainK5]

RTM....Thanks for the line to the Archive. I was able to determine that my level is older than 1909 as that seems to be the first catalog that shows the level frame embossed STANLEY and the model number. So that is one question answered.

 

[crguy]

Looking for some help here guys. I picked up what I thought was a Stanley 37 level (24 inch). The long center glass is in good shape but the two smaller glasses are broken. All of the glasses have the rotating shields. I have a couple of questions for those of you with more knowledge of these.

1. The only Stanley marking is on the rotating shield of the center glass. The level body has no markings that I can see. Is this a model 37? Does the lack of marking help to identify or date it?

2. As for the two broken smaller glasses, can they realistically be replaced in 2024? If they can, what replacement glass will fit?

3. If glasses are available, how do you get the glass out of the metal tube? Is it just a press fit?

4. On one of the smaller glasses, the screws are bound up pretty good. I have tried Kroil and some gentle heat from a propane torch. Any other good ideas? Any good cuss words that I could try?

It's going to take more time and money to replace those than the level is worth. The tube the vial fits in has a metal plug in each end with a small hole that the end of the little screw fits in. That's how the assembly can be adjusted for level. The metal plugs would also have to come out to replace the glass vial, then be reinstalled correctly.

 

[CaptainK5]

crguy....I figured that might be the case, but it never hurts to ask. I may experiment with the one I got out. I got the level for almost nothing, and I like the looks of it, even if it just hangs in my shop. We'll see.

 

[AntiqueBen]

I found a 4ft level today for $8. It didn't look so hot but all the floats worked. I could see it's potential so I couldn't pass it up. I showed it some love & cleaned up the brass. Then I took 0000 steel wool over the wood & gave it a generous coat of BLO. Turned out nice for an $8 investment. It's marked "American" 94772. I'm not sure who this maker is or how old it is? It reminded me of my Dad's Stanley 4ft'ers from back in the day. Anyone know anything about this one? Before & after pics below.

 

[RTM]

. It's marked "American" 94772. I'm not sure who this maker is or how old it is? .

Maybe these folks? American Level from Detroit

National Hardware Bulletin

books.google.com

 

[AntiqueBen]

Maybe these folks? American Level from Detroit

National Hardware Bulletin

books.google.com

Yes, your right. I figured out they are the American Level Manufacturing Company in Detroit Michigan. Surprisingly I can't find much of anything on them. I haven't seen any ads either. It would be nice to find out more about their history so I can figure out when they made levels. So far I'm coming up empty...

 

[AntiqueBen]

Maybe these folks? American Level from Detroit

National Hardware Bulletin

books.google.com

I found another American Level with a different manufacturer on the label. I've seen other labels that say American Level Mfg Co. This other label says Macklanburg Duncan Co. Looks like they got their start in 1920. Not sure what the whole story is yet, but I'm looking into it.

Here is a history on Macklanburg Duncan Co.

Macklanburg-Duncan Company | Encyclopedia

Macklanburg-Duncan Company - The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture.

www.okhistory.org

 

[RTM]

Yes, your right. I figured out they are the American Level Manufacturing Company in Detroit Michigan. Surprisingly I can't find much of anything on them. I haven't seen any ads either. It would be nice to find out more about their history so I can figure out when they made levels. So far I'm coming up empty...

If you use google books, you can look for when they are listed in trade publications, and sorta guess when they were working.

“american level Mfg” wood brass - Google Search

 

[RTM]

This other label says Macklanburg Duncan Co. Looks like they got their start in 1920. Not sure what the whole story is yet, but I'm looking into it.

Here is a history on Macklanburg Duncan Co.

Macklanburg-Duncan Company | Encyclopedia

Macklanburg-Duncan Company - The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture.

www.okhistory.org

This shows the flaw with my Google Books guessing method. Your link says 1920, but Google books only turning up back to 1943 so far. Could be they didn't get recognized by media, didn't advertise, or I'm too lazy to keep looking.

Macklanburg Duncan - Google Search

 

[AntiqueBen]

This shows the flaw with my Google Books guessing method. Your link says 1920, but Google books only turning up back to 1943 so far. Could be they didn't get recognized by media, didn't advertise, or I'm too lazy to keep looking.

Macklanburg Duncan - Google Search

Yeah, Google Books is only one of many places I use for research. It seems odd to me too RTM that they don't show up in Google Books until 20+yrs after they started. Hard to say why?

 

[d42jeep]

I found this little #259 level at yesterday’s estate sale. It doesn’t look all that old to me but I’m no expert.
-Don

 

[B Halverson]

I thought this level was special for two reasons; First it was found in a pile of trash put out to the curb two blocks from my house this summer while I was on a bicycle ride, Two it looks to have had very little use. Other than that it is not especially old or fancy, but I like how it proclaims it's use of cherry wood, and it has the sweetheart logo, which can be a help in dating it. That people are throwing old tools like this into the city dump shows how little tools are known and valued today.

 

[crguy]

I thought this level was special for two reasons; First it was found in a pile of trash put out to the curb two blocks from my house this summer while I was on a bicycle ride, Two it looks to have had very little use. Other than that it is not especially old or fancy, but I like how it proclaims it's use of cherry wood, and it has the sweetheart logo, which can be a help in dating it. That people are throwing old tools like this into the city dump shows how little tools are known and valued today.

Nice old level in fine condition, but it's the top of the line levels that collectors are more interested in. Ones made out of rosewood & brass bound, or with unusual mechanisms.