Festool level problems

M

morts10n

Member
Joined
Nov 10, 2007
Messages
382
I splurged on an "Installer's Level" a couple months ago. ( I have five other Stabila levels) Right out of the package one vial light didn't work unless I apply constant pressure to the switch. I called the online retailer who offered a replacement vial. Nothing. Three weeks later I called again. Same guy on the phone said he remembered me and had it on his desk but had lost my info. Said he'd send it. Nothing. Last week while having some frustration installing cabinets. I checked the level by switching it end for end. It was off pretty far and I won't trust it or use it.  I see other guys on jobsites with  $20.00 aluminum big-box-store levels that are dead on. I guess the price for this level is used up in the fancy black paint
and the Festool logo, with nothing left in the budget for pesky correct calibration. OYE!

Dave  ( Domino, Kapex, T15+3, CT mini, CT- 22, Trion, AT55,12 sort/systainers)
 
So the level is out of level or the light is messed up?

The light just pops out of its keeper.

The light being messed up has nothing to do with the accuracy of the level.
 
Sorry to hear about the level. I looked at this level again yesterday at my local dealer. Just can't justify the price. Too many good levels for far less money. I have a few stabila's and big box levels, haven't found much accuracy difference.
Email Shane from Festool USA, he can probably get some movement on a repair/replacement. If the level is that screwed up, Lebanon may want a firsthand look at it.
I was at the dealer yesterday because the drill light I recently purchased wouldn't work. They pulled 3 new ones out of their stock room, none of them worked either. They went across the street, bought batteries and then the lights worked. I tried a new battery in mine, it still didn't work. The dealer put a new battery in and it worked. I'm thinking the cover/contactor is finicky.
 
morts10n said:
I splurged on an "Installer's Level" a couple months ago. ( I have five other Stabila levels) Right out of the package one vial light didn't work unless I apply constant pressure to the switch. I called the online retailer who offered a replacement vial. Nothing. Three weeks later I called again. Same guy on the phone said he remembered me and had it on his desk but had lost my info. Said he'd send it. Nothing. Last week while having some frustration installing cabinets. I checked the level by switching it end for end. It was off pretty far and I won't trust it or use it.  I see other guys on jobsites with  $20.00 aluminum big-box-store levels that are dead on. I guess the price for this level is used up in the fancy black paint
and the Festool logo, with nothing left in the budget for pesky correct calibration. OYE!

Dave  ( Domino, Kapex, T15+3, CT mini, CT- 22, Trion, AT55,12 sort/systainers)
Click to expand...

Dave,

I would disagree with this statement  - "I guess the price for this level is used up in the fancy black paint
and the Festool logo, with nothing left in the budget for pesky correct calibration." It is a quality made Stabila level; it should not be out of calibration and the lights should work when pressed. You should expect nothing less. Call that dealer again!

Bob
 
Hey WarnerCostCo.

Thanks for the brilliant heads up. I had no idea that the light malfunction wa unrelated to the level calibration. What are you kiddin me?
 
Hey Bob,

I was definitely being sarcastic about the paint job. I expect quality when I pay for it. Here obviously I didn't get it. I'm sure that I'll get a replacement that I will be happy with, but it's good to express frustration!

Dave
 
morts10n said:
Hey WarnerCostCo.

Thanks for the brilliant heads up. I had no idea that the light malfunction wa unrelated to the level calibration. What are you kiddin me?
Click to expand...

First you bitched about the light and then you bitched about it not being accurate.

So which is it?  If the vials are off Stabila will replace the level. 
 
Bob Marino said:
morts10n said:
I splurged on an "Installer's Level" a couple months ago. ( I have five other Stabila levels) Right out of the package one vial light didn't work unless I apply constant pressure to the switch. I called the online retailer who offered a replacement vial. Nothing. Three weeks later I called again. Same guy on the phone said he remembered me and had it on his desk but had lost my info. Said he'd send it. Nothing. Last week while having some frustration installing cabinets. I checked the level by switching it end for end. It was off pretty far and I won't trust it or use it.  I see other guys on jobsites with  $20.00 aluminum big-box-store levels that are dead on. I guess the price for this level is used up in the fancy black paint
and the Festool logo, with nothing left in the budget for pesky correct calibration. OYE!

Dave  ( Domino, Kapex, T15+3, CT mini, CT- 22, Trion, AT55,12 sort/systainers)
Click to expand...

Dave,

I would disagree with this statement  - "I guess the price for this level is used up in the fancy black paint
and the Festool logo, with nothing left in the budget for pesky correct calibration." It is a quality made Stabila level; it should not be out of calibration and the lights should work when pressed. You should expect nothing less. Call that dealer again!

Bob
Click to expand...
Bob,maybe you know.If the level is out of calibration and it is made by stabila.Does Stabila offers their warranty?
I only use Stabila,and i have a 48" level that i had for almost 10 years.Something happen with one of the vial and i called Stabila and they told me to ship the level to them.about a couple weeks later,i received a brand new 48" replacment at no cost.
 
Bob,maybe you know.If the level is out of calibration and it is made by stabila.Does Stabila offers their warranty?
I only use Stabila,and i have a 48" level that i had for almost 10 years.Something happen with one of the vial and i called Stabila and they told me to ship the level to them.about a couple weeks later,i received a brand new 48" replacment at no cost.

[/quote]

I am not sure who would do the repair/recalibration; possibly Festool would send it back to Stabila. Shane?

Bob
 
WarnerConstCo. said:
morts10n said:
Hey WarnerCostCo.

Thanks for the brilliant heads up. I had no idea that the light malfunction wa unrelated to the level calibration. What are you kiddin me?
Click to expand...

First you bitched about the light and then you bitched about it not being accurate.

So which is it?  If the vials are off Stabila will replace the level. 
Click to expand...

It sounds like he has two complaints.
 
Stabila spirit levels are guaranteed for stated accuracy as long as the frame doesn't get bent. I don't think they fix them, just replace them. I don't see how they could fix them.

I would assume, perhaps incorrectly, that the Festool Stabila level comes under the same warranty.

Tom
 
I actually sent the Festool level and two others directly to Stabila in Illinois(?) for warranty service. They replaced one with a different newer model and sent the Festool and one other back to me saying that it was " within tolerance" . For me 3/32" difference when flipping end for end in nowhere near that.
 
morts10n said:
I actually sent the Festool level and two others directly to Stabila in Illinois(?) for warranty service. They replaced one with a different newer model and sent the Festool and one other back to me saying that it was " within tolerance" . For me 3/32" difference when flipping end for end in nowhere near that.
Click to expand...

Weren't you warned that using levels in California is pointless.  If something's out now, just give it a couple of quakes to go back.  [tongue]
 
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