Would you buy a precision level online?

[Ruahrc]

Been wanting to pick up a long level like a 48". I hear Stabila, Starett, Sola, etc are good choices.

Anyhow, I do not know of a good local source to get a higher end level like a Stabila or a Starett. Therefore I would likely have to buy it online. I wonder though would buying a level be smart to do online given that it will need to be shipped to my house? People say once you find/get a good level treat it like a precision instrument and don't drop it, etc. I would think that having a level shipped from an online retailer would be very risky in terms of having it damaged in shipping and arriving in "defective" condition (not being perfectly level or calibrated anymore). Is this true? Are these levels actually more durable than I think them to be and they should survive a shipping without much issue?

Thanks
Ruahrc

 

[sberry]

I don't think its a problem. You are going to be its worst enemy.

 

[PelicanPines]

I have a 72 and 48 Stabila... picked them up from a hardware store going out of business. I would trust buying a quality level online... I rather like the Stabila... I have alot of Starrett rulers and assorted other measurement tools as well. I have never had the chance to touch a Starrett level tho.

 

[AndyA]

A level can be self-calibrated without any fancy equipment.

The shipping company will bang it around, but as long as they don't break the vial, or bend the frame, then you're ok.

Note, this doesn't apply to cheap levels where the vial is permanently glued in without adjustment screws.

I bought a Starrett 199 from ebay. It shipped with no problems.

 

[Rosso]

Who's to say the one you buy in store hasn't been dropped in the store or dropped during shipment to the store.....

If it's accurate then no problem.

 

[dutchgray]

Don't worry about it, it will be fine
Been using a 48" stabila at work daily for more than a decade, its only just gone slightly out on the horizontal, this is construction work, both framing and masonry.
My uncle once dropped one 10 stories through scaffolding and it was fine.

 

[dr_clyde]

I think you guys are confusing "precision level" with "nicely made carpenters level". A precision level is calibrate-able and are graduated to show deviations in the thou to 5 thou per foot range. Or even more sensitive. Typically used by machinists and millwrights to set up machinery.

A really nice framer or jamber level, while nicely made and expensive are not precision levels.

To both, I wouldn't be afraid to buy online. Especially from a reputable seller who would make it right in the case of shipping damage. Stabila is your best bet for a long life level that handles the rigors of construction.

 

[JonnyMac]

Dont forget empire. They have got a few nice levels in their pro range. Guaranteed for life too from memory..

 

[KnurledNut]

There is a reason Stabilas are called "Heavy Duty" and are expensive. They can take a beating. Ive seen them severely abused and still ticking. They will be fine in shipping. You could always request the seller to send as fragile.

 

[franzdom]

How do you think stores get them?

 

[tube_guy]

I've used a few of the Starrett Exact carpenter grade levels. Seriously, you're way better off with the Stabila or a Sola. The Empire levels with their True Blue vials are really decent too. But I was really surprised by how far off some of the Starretts I've used were. I think ordering a level online is fine, just check it to make sure it shows level and isn't bent at all when you get it.