Replies

1. 
   Gunner | Oct 05, 2004 05:37am | #1

   Stabila.

   Who Dares Wins.

2. 
   gdavis62 | Oct 05, 2004 05:38am | #2

   Get the Tajima plumb-rite instead. 

3. 
   RW | Oct 05, 2004 06:13am | #3

   Levels used to be like tape measures and utility knives. New one every three months. Then I broke down and got the Stabilas. I've whalloped those Stabilas around on stuff I knew would break them. Didn't. I'm sold.

   "If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain

4. 
   arcticcat | Oct 05, 2004 06:20am | #4

   CrackerJacks, I added the plate level to my Stabila collection about 2 years ago.  I love it.  It beats looking for a straight 2x all the time.  It comes in handy for other things like plumbing tall gable trusses, hanging doors, leveling long runs of cabinets,etc.

   Mike

5. 
   mapleboy | Oct 05, 2004 06:40am | #5

   Buy a PLS 5 laser, set it next to the bottom plate and when you see the beam kiss the top plate, nail the brace. It also works for a ton of other things, such as plumbing a 15 foot high gable, setting can lights and pocket doors.

1. 
   DaveMason2 | Oct 05, 2004 08:20am | #6

   I would use a Hilti PM 22 laser myself.  

   If I was to use a level it would be the Stabilia.

   Dave

1. 
   Timuhler | Oct 08, 2004 11:16pm | #13

   How do you like that Hilti?  We have the PLS 5 and love it, but I'm thinking about adding another laser to the arsenal.

1. 
   encarsia2 | Oct 09, 2004 12:49am | #15

   I have used hilti and pl5 and spectra physics.  I bought the robolaser.  Smaller size and a tighter beam.  The use is for plumbing concrete columns and walls.  Also the price was better than than the others.  This laser is also rebranded portercable.

6. 
   Sasquatch | Oct 05, 2004 04:18pm | #7

   There's nothing faster or more accurate than the Stabila Plate level. This includes lasers.  If the Stabila is for you, I recommend it.  If you plan to let just about anyone use it, I recommend keeping a cheap four-foot level for those of the less intelligent variety.

   I can vouch that some folks out there can't get walls plumb, even with a plate level, because they don't understand how to read it.  When one of these folks is let loose on a plate level, they can damage even a Stabila - and that takes some really careless and stupid techniques.

   I found out that the hard way from someone I terminated after an incident with my plate level.  I'm still mad about it even months later.  Letting this guy use a plate level was like feeding truffles to a pig.  Naturally this guy would always go for the Stabila, since it was a status symbol for him.

   My SPL is still my all-time favorite framing tool, closely followed by my Max Superframer.

   Les Barrett Quality Construction

   
   

   ---

   Edited 10/5/2004 9:19 am ET by Les

1. 
   blue_eyed_devil | Oct 07, 2004 06:34am | #8

   What in the hell is a plate level.

   I've got  $14 cheap level that confirms that all our walls are plumg (they are squared while lying down). I can bat rocks with it too.

   Can your stabila hit a chunk of granite 300'?

   blueIf you want to read a fancy personal signature...  go read someone else's post.

1. 
   Framer | Oct 07, 2004 03:53pm | #9

   They have two Plate Levels one that extends from 6' - 10' and the other one extends from 7' - 12'. I have the 7' - 12' one and it's the best one I've ever used. It's great for walls especially 9' 10' or 12' because you just pull the top up and go to whatever height you want and then you can lock it into place.

   For plumbing walls you lock it at the height of the wall and then butt the level from the bottom plate to the top plates. If your in a basement for example you can slide the level up to the bottom of a beam and lock it in place.

   For me it's great.

   http://stabila.com/ProductDetails.asp?C=18&P=44

   Joe Carola

1. 
   gdavis62 | Oct 07, 2004 04:23pm | #10

   Here is an even better idea from Tajima.

   View Image

   Heavier line, and longer.  Outfit it with their 21-ounce bob (the 400 has a 14-ouncer), and you can plumb up to 23 feet.

2. 
   Timuhler | Oct 08, 2004 11:18pm | #14

   Joe,

   We have the 6-10 and the 7-11 and love both of them.  We are going to get the 6-10 replaced because it is slightly off.  It is money well spent.

2. 
   Sasquatch | Oct 09, 2004 05:47pm | #16

   http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005V5NF/qid=1097333182/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-3000922-0259952?v=glance&s=hi

   Les Barrett Quality Construction

1. 
   blue_eyed_devil | Oct 09, 2004 06:29pm | #17

   Thanks Les for the link.

   At this stage, I'm still primarily focused on rough framing. I basically plumb everything by tape measure and staying parallel. My four foot level works fine and I can hit rocks with it too (jk).

   For most of my situations, I carry a very small torpedo. That is all that is needed 90% of the time. 

   I've actually given away my longer levels and don't ever want to own another.

   blue  If you want to read a fancy personal signature...  go read someone else's post.

7. 
   gzajac | Oct 08, 2004 04:15am | #11

   I know that the Stabila is the most popular on this board, but for my money the Plumb-it is more useful.I've used the plumb-it for six years now, and it still works as promised.When we brace walls, we always have braces on our intersections which stick out 1.5 inches, which we can  jump over with the plumb-it.It'snot fine german engineering, but built by some framers from Arizona.

   How do you check a wall in the middle if it has a diagonal brace running across it? Just another alternative.

   http://www.plumb-it.com/extendables.html

   Greg in Connecticut

1. 
   Heck | Oct 08, 2004 04:49am | #12

   Another vote for the Plumb-it, I've used one for about 15 years.What the HECK was I thinking?