Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 03, 2000 04:01am | #1

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   http://www.taunton.com/fh/features/tools/levels/4.htm

   Here is an article with Crick levels included.

   Crick Level Co
   (800) 593-8540

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 03, 2000 04:52am | #2

   *Brad: I do not know about crick levels but if you want an excellent level check out eagle levels. The are hand made, laminated of 3 types of wood. They ae not cheap but I we think they are the best levels we have ever seen. The first one I saw was being used by a bricklayer. I took one look and ordered three of them. We have since ordered 4 more. They have an excellent warranty.Phone them @ 970 897 2326 or http://www.eaglelevel.com. Ron

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 04, 2000 02:01pm | #3

   *I understand the pride in good tools thing but do you really think there is that much difference between a $30 level and a $100 level. I mean, in how level they are? I've got a couple of levels in the $30 range, tested them all for level in the store and bought ones that were. Check them on sit every once in a while and they're still level. If they aren't I'll go get nother $30 level.I've actually got one of those cheap craftsman molded foam levels that I bought ten years ago for $11.00. It's still straight and perfectly level on one side. On the other side I just wrote in marker "use other side"

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 04, 2000 02:26pm | #4

   *The difference between the cheapies and the good ones, assuming both read level is durability and the quality of the bubble. Hold one against the other and check out the difference in when you would consider the bubble centered. Also note the speed and smoothness of bubble movement. Most cheap levels are just that. Buy a stabila. You will only buy one and it will always be right on. You can throw (not drop) it off roofs, hammer with it, and use it as a pry bar if you want. It will still read level and plumb. Cheaper in the long run than 30 dollar levels.Tom

2. 
   B_Raymer | Jun 05, 2000 04:41am | #5

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   Thanks for all the replies.I checked out the Eagle levels and will probably order one ,they are what I was looking for. I agree that some cheaper tools work as well or make more sense than their more expensive counterparts, but I want a nice, wooden level that will last many years.I do all finish work and prefere to have wooden ladders, horses ...Not really a practical decision but just another eccentric carpenter at work.To much sawdust inhaled maybe.

3. 
   Guest_ | Jun 05, 2000 05:26am | #6

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   Couldn't agree more Tom,

   One name in levels- Stabila. Once you've had one, you'll never go back.

   Sam

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 05, 2000 07:18am | #7

   *Stabila.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 06, 2000 07:20am | #8

   *I also agree with the Stabila recommendation. They will really take the abuse and stay true. I have only had one go south on me and the factory replaced it right away after a rep had looked it over. Good stuff.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 07, 2000 03:46am | #9

   *Okay, you guys convinced me. I just ordered a Stabila. I currently have a contractor grade Stanley. It still reads level after about 2 yrs. The thing I don't like about it is that when it was new the dye in the vials had a lot of tint in it so you could see the bubble real well, After several months of usage the tint has faded making it harder to read in low light conditions. Maybe this is one of the differences in a 30 dollar level compared to the high dollar ones.

4. 
   brisketbean_ | Jun 07, 2000 04:25am | #10

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   I like my digital level and different lenghths of shoot boards for leveling, about 130.00.

5. 
   Guest_ | Jun 07, 2000 06:55am | #11

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   A friend recently sent me a Sands level and I like it just fine. The thing I look for in a level is whether the bubble touches both lines at the same time.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 08, 2000 03:27am | #12

   *What digital level did you get. I've tried a couple and find them real hard to use. A bubble is an easy concept. The digital levels I've seen tell you when you are level and when you aren't but I haven't seen one that tells you when you're getting close to level. Digital displays are hard to read. I like techno toys but haven't found the right one yet.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 08, 2000 04:21am | #13

   *b TVMDCI have a 24" and 48" Smart Level which is both spirit and digital. Very easy to read and accurate to 2 decimal points. Reads in degrees, percent and pitch per foot. Up/Down arrows on either side of the display indicate which way to move the level or your work. I use it on top of my laser to set up the tripod prior to shooting a room for floors/ceilings, etc.About $100 for the 24", about $130 for the 48". Very happy with it. But I havn't found a way to use it to set my compass.b CDMVT

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 08, 2000 04:37am | #15

   *I really enjoy my Crick level. The wood level has a nice feel to it. Crick's customer service is excellent, they sent me extra safety glass to protect the bubble. They also give options on clear or green fluid for the bubble. A thing of beauty.Peace,MartinPS - Finally had the chance to make it into Seattle's famed Hardwick and Sons hardware store. What a classic place, had every tool imaginable. Bought the Japanese claw hammer that Crazy Legs uses. Can't wait to try it out.

6. 
   Brad_Raymer | Jun 08, 2000 04:37am | #14

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   Does anyone know where I can find a Crick brand level? A tile installer on the job had one that I fell for recently.The tile men are long gone and since then I have tried all my tool ads lying around(William Alden,Tool Crib....)and searched online, all to no avail. Surely some fellow tool junkie can relate and help me out.