Stabila plate level for hangin doors?
m2akita
| Posted in Tools for Home Building on
Its getting time to replace the level I use for hanging doors. One of the contractor yards by me has the Stabila plate levels on sale for $200 ( both the 6′-10′ and the 7′-12′). Was wondering if anyone who has one of these guys think they would be practical for hanging doors.
Live by the sword, die by the sword….choose your sword wisely.
Replies
Although I have and use the Jambers set of levels by Stabila, I also have the plate level and have used it on occassion for hanging doors.
The advantage to the plate level is that it has steel pads on the bottom and top portion of one edge, so it is held off the jambs when against them. So it's not affected by jamb deflection in the middle.
The only draw back that I can think of is that there could be some minor deflection in the top part of the level when extended out of the main body. Otherwise it's been fine by me.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
Save yourself some $ and get the jambers set by Empire, on sale at Amazon for about $130, with freight free.
Detail for detail, heft for heft, wall thickness of member, quality, and comparison of warranty details, it meets or exceeds anything you will see from Stabila.
http://www.amazon.com/Empire-Level-EM71JAMB-32-Inch-Magnetic/dp/B000ENETK0/ref=sr_1_44/103-3551517-7219002?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1189965551&sr=1-44
And this set, the non-mag version, will save you even more.
Geez, how do you use a 6'-10" plate level to set jambs for a 6'-8" door.? Oh, I see, you're hangin' 7ft. doors...... :o)
>>how do you use a 6'-10' plate level <<
The Stabila plate levels extend within the length range stated.
A 6' minimum and a 10' maximum for this model.
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
I think he means 6' - 10', meaning that it telescopes out to 10' but retracts to 6'.
They are a little heavy for hanging doors but would work.
"The Stabila plate levels extend within the length range stated.""I think he means 6' - 10', meaning that it telescopes out to 10' but retracts to 6'." Thanks for the info, guys. My bad, I read '6ft.10inches'. I have the Stabila jambers. I also like using the straight continuous edge to shim the whole length of jamb.
Edited 9/16/2007 6:49 pm by kenhill3
I've got two plate levels and a Jamber set. When I hang doors, I like the Jamber. It's got magnets that line up with the hinges and I like having the full straight edge for shimming jambs before the door is hung. The plate level is an awesome tool.... but it's best used for what it's designed for... point to point plumbing. The plate levels are also a fair amount bulkier and heavier.
If I were buying only once and planned on hanging more doors than plumbing walls... I'd get the Jamber... just my two cents.
WHO, in thier right mind, lets a FRAMER hang doors!!!???!!!???;).
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I have Transcended the need for Pants....oooohhhhmmmmmm......
Another framer. ;)View Image
Who better!!?? After all, they're the ones that most likely will have a lift or a crane. Makes it much easier to string up them there doors!! :) Live by the sword, die by the sword....choose your sword wisely.
every builder in FL or they won't get a pass on windload inspection
Yeah, I figure its best to let the plate level do what its meant to do........plumb walls. Just trying to find a reason to buy one. I might have to buy a plate level and a new jamb level. Better to have both just in case..... :)Live by the sword, die by the sword....choose your sword wisely.