Smoke and mirrors from Deutchland
Gene_Davis
| Posted in Tools for Home Building on
Some of you have chided me for the pokes I take (in jest, really) at all you proud owners of Stabila levels.
To hear it from some, their levels are indestructable, produce better work results than if using any other competing products, and may even make you your coffee in the morning.
I recently heard a nasty little rumor that at least one of their products, a laser distance measuring device, is not made by them at all, but made for them by another manufacturer.
Holy shock and awe!
Could it be that Stabila is just a three-card-monte show, all smoke and mirrors, running a fantastically successful game on US tradesman everywhere, gleefully taking their money?
The next thing we’ll hear is that Johnson makes their levels for them!
Replies
Gene,
That could be, I actually wouldn't doubt it a bit.
As for Johnson levels versus my Stabilias, Johnson was just about 10 years to late to the game. I haven't had to buy or look at a new level in that long a time.
If Johnson had had the quality that Stabilia did 10-20 years ago I probably would own some.
I'm older 'n you (my SS checks arrive each 25th or so) and my first level, a Craftsman from Sears, still gives me dead-on results.
Other than that one, a 24-incher, I've one Stabila torpedo, and my others are Israeli Kaypros. And the Israelis don't job out their manufacturing.
The handiest level one can own, IMHO, is one of those electronic smart levels. Beeps for plumb and level. How's your eyesight holding up in old age? Wear reading glasses? Work in low light?
I still think, BTW, that Stabila has run a pretty classy marketing game. I use to work for Therma-Tru doors, and I recognize the approach.
Gene, I bought the very first edition of the electronic level ( Smart Level?) Triangular wood body with the re-movable torpedo IIRC. Ended up trading it away for a brand new Stabilai 8' within a year. It had to be re-calibrated every time I went to use it it seemed. I just could never get to trust it because it was off so often.
I haven't been around one since, and at this point in my life doubt I would buy one. I ought to be selling or tradeing 1/2 the ones I own now. They just sit in my work van and gather dust.
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
Well I did wait and will tell you that Johnson has it now. I've used both and they're virtually the same.
Johnson did make a great level that I believe they no longer make. It was cast aluminum, not extruded. I have a 28" and wish I had the 4'
I had that 4' Johnson cast aluminum level, best level I ever owned, and the most durable. Haven't been able to find a replacement, now I know why...so I bought a 4' mahogany mason's level...good but not the same.Expert since 10 am.
That's a nice looking Johnson, Gene.
Gord
Showing your Johnson on the internet could get you on Dateline with Chris Hansen.
Thank you. It's a 24-incher.
compensating for something are we ;)?
I find the best way to keep my Johnson in pristine condition is to not let anyone else use it.
I did once because they were desperate and sure enough, it got a scratch.
Gord