Compac 4' Adjustable Level Review
The ComPac 4' is a sturdy telescoping level that can fit in a 2-ft. toolbox
I recently tried out an adjustable level that appears to be the answer to my prayers. The ComPac 4′, made by StraightWay Tools, is a sturdy telescoping level with acrylic barrel vials. The level is made of two sliding aluminum I-beams that ride in a tight-fitting, black aluminum track, so there’s no inaccuracy, even when the level’s fully extended. The sliding mechanism could be a finger pincher, but so far, no digits have been damaged on my jobs.
Acrylic barrel vials are not my favorite because they’re only as accurate as the company that makes them. But ComPac levels are inspected to be accurate within 0.014 in. over 2 ft., and the vials on my level are easy to read and correct.
The telescoping action adds a new dimension to the level’s usefulness. As I worked, I frequently changed the level’s length, stretching or shrinking the ComPac to fit the workspace. The level that I have stretches from 2 ft. to a couple of inches beyond 4 ft.
I’ve used the ComPac level on several jobs; it’s elegantly designed, handy and fun to use. Also, a 4-ft. level that fits in a 2-ft. toolbox has an obvious advantage.
