Replies

1. 
   Len | Mar 12, 2003 08:57pm | #1

   Brad,

   If you place the level on a horizontal surface. It doesn't need to be perfectly level. Mark the location and turn it end for end. Just keep in the same spot on the surface. The bubble should be in the same spot within the vial. If it the isn't in the same location adjust the vial until it is. That's assuming your level vials are adjustable. You can do the same thing for the plumb vial on a vertical surface.

   Len

1. 
   mrhale | Mar 12, 2003 09:15pm | #2

   Thanks,  Great advice.

2. 
   baseboardking | Mar 13, 2003 11:19pm | #3

   I'm with you,Len. I go one step further- I don't buy levels with adjustable vials. I figure if they are accurate & fixed, there is a good chance they will stay that way. I cause quite a commotion when it's time to buy a new one, 'cause I'll pick through 20 bad ones to get 1 good one. I'm sure this is one of those things that trips up amateurs, pulling one off the rack and trusting it.Baseboard been VERRRY good to me

1. 
   scottyb | Mar 14, 2003 01:01am | #4

   So I'm not the only guy that has walked out of big box or sears 'cause I couldn't find a level that would read the same all 8 ways!

2. 
   JeffBuck | Mar 14, 2003 01:52am | #5

   Stabila.

   start by buying one that's level......and buy one that stays level.....

   then check it often...just to be sure.

   make a level line.....flip it.....make another level line...see if they match. I flip end for end...up side down.....round and round......every combination. Should read all the same.....

   now do it for plumb.

   I don't know the last time I found one good off the shelf....that wasn't Stabila.

   Jeff

   Buck Construction   Pittsburgh,PA

    Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite                  

1. 
   FrankB89 | Mar 14, 2003 02:54am | #6

   I recently bought a 2' Stabila and it's great, but I have to say I had to check three Stabilas before I found one that was dead on. 

1. 
   JeffBuck | Mar 15, 2003 04:27am | #7

   I'm surprised......but guess not too much...it's still a level!

   I have 3 Stabilas.....got one years ago..and got the door hangers set about one year ago.....all thru mail order......Tool Crib.

   All 3 dead nuts on.

   Still are....maybe I just got lucky.........'specially considering it was mail order.

   JeffBuck Construction   Pittsburgh,PA

    Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite                  

1. 
   FrankB89 | Mar 15, 2003 04:35am | #8

   I have to say I've come to trust the one I did get;  making every effort to keep it away from concrete work, though!.  Only drawback is that it doesn't work very well for a straight edge....but the little standoffs that make it that way are, otherwise a benefit. 

2. 
   jonblakemore | Mar 15, 2003 06:16pm | #14

   Jeff,

   I'm a die hard Stabila man.  Like you, they're all I buy.  If it's right at the factory (and there's no reason a factory could not get it close enough for our standards) then I want them to make the level so it will stay exactly that way.

   FWIW, I bought a used 78" jamber level from someone off Ebay.  Potentially bad idea, as the condition was much worse than expected.  Good price, though.  I used to live about 10 miles from the US distributor of Stabila, located in S. Elgin IL.  Stopped by one day after work with my old new level, and showed it to them.  A receptionist took it to the back (Stabila has a lifetime guarantee on all levels), and after about a minute a well dressed man came out to greet me.  He invited me into his office (nice cherry paneling and shelving all around BTW) and started peppering me with questions.  He was the head of the US division and was doing market research himself.  Like the guy immediately.  He asked me why I like Stablila, and I gave him the same reasons as above.  My opinion was solicited on several new ideas, including the 59" level (which I think is a good idea).  After he finished and thanked me for my time, my new level was waiting at the front.  Great experience in person, and I would like to think the same experience would be had if you sent them your old levels that were off.

   Jon Blakemore

1. 
   JeffBuck | Mar 15, 2003 11:20pm | #15

   I was kinda wondering why some dipsh!t would throw away a lifetime guaranteed level.......let alone a bunch of them.

   JeffBuck Construction   Pittsburgh,PA

    Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite                  

1. 
   jsvenson | Mar 15, 2003 11:53pm | #16

   Jeff, I'm sure it must be one of those same guys that throws out their  DeWalt tools.

   JohnJohn Svenson, Builder, Remodeler, NE Ohio (Formerly posted as JRS)

3. 
   workdog | Mar 15, 2003 07:40am | #9

   Anyone ever used screws to start a level surface with your level ,than rotate your level in in all axes to check if it repeats? works for me. I hear the level companies  use a starrett leveling table for a standard what ever thats worth.

1. 
   Philter | Mar 15, 2003 08:18am | #10

   Just tossed six of our company's Stabilas,none were accurate, boss replaced two,BOTH crap, give me adjustable every time.If it is to be.... 'twil be done by me.

1. 
   junkhound | Mar 15, 2003 12:27pm | #11

   Agree with adjustable.  I buy every old stanley with the adjustable metal rings I see at an affordable price.

   BTW, anybody figure out how to adjust a "Dr Spirit" laser level? (couldn't resist trying one from HF at $10).  Good strong body and solid polycarbonate vials, but 3 degrees off!!!!, not yet figured how to open it without resortin' to the band saw.

1. 
   chucksteroo | Mar 15, 2003 01:27pm | #12

   I agree with Miles of Trim. Adustables are made by companies who can't maintain good machining tolerances. If it's worth doing, do it right the first time.

   I quit buying Stabilas. Bubbles are too small between the lines for the newbies. Leads to great inaccurracies. Rounded edges make line transfer difficult.

   Also check for straightness.

4. 
   Turtleneck | Mar 15, 2003 04:58pm | #13

   I like the draw a line method. Stand level up against a wall, mark the top and bottom level positions on the wall, flip the level so you are reading the same vial and with the bottom of the level on the same spot, mark the level point again. If the top points are the same you've got one heck of a level, if not you know how far your level is out. Repeat for each vial.

   The other thing to check for is a bow, I've run into alot of levels with a bow, mark NFG with a large black marker on the useless side. 

    Turtleneck

   I would rather go to bed with Lillian Russel stark naked. than with Ulysses S. Grant in full military regalia. - Samuel Clemens

5. 
   arcwood | Mar 16, 2003 03:27am | #17

   If you want one that is accurate and just plain beautiful and don't mind spending a bit more, buy a Smith. I've also had good service from American. My American vendor send them off if they go out or to replace a glass. Having extras helps and none are loaned.

1. 
   Philter | Mar 16, 2003 04:07am | #18

   ....because the dealer says, Stabila says, they're old and tired and USED!If it is to be.... 'twil be done by me.

1. 
   jonblakemore | Mar 16, 2003 03:49pm | #20

   You can't get much more used than the level I turned in to Stablia.  Maybe the dealer doesn't want to mess with it.

   Jon Blakemore

6. 
   Houghton123 | Mar 16, 2003 04:57am | #19

   Shim shingles.  Tack two on a sawhorse or other board the right length, narrow ends facing each other, so that the midpoint of each shingle is under the end of the level (so, if you're testing a four foot level, the midpoint of the shim shingles will be four feet apart).  Move level back and forth until bubble shows level.  Holding it still, scribe a line across the shim shingle marking where the end of the level falls.  Reverse level, see if it still reads level.

1. 
   Snort | Mar 17, 2003 01:33am | #21

   You want a pretty level that works?

   http://www.contractorstools.com/crick.html

   I've got 5 Stablias: 80", 48", 32", 16", 10", they're ok. The 4' Crick I have is excellent. EliphIno!

   Edited 3/16/2003 6:38:17 PM ET by bucksnort billy

7. 
   Bruce | Mar 17, 2003 04:22am | #22

   Buy a Stabila level.  Your questions about whether it's correct are over.

   Formerly BEMW at The High Desert Group LLC