HOW FAR OUT Level Gauge makes Stabila levels even better!

[Brice Burrell]

...As a practical example: when you install a pre-hung door, you need to check the floor for level in order to know how much to trim off one of the side jambs. The HFO gauge gives this measurement directly and without calculation. In practice, the use of these two tools together is especially convenient. If you use the electronic level's audio signal, you can dial and read the HFO gauge without even having to look at the bubble or digital display. This is particularly handy, for example, if you are using your 6-footer to set a pair of French doors.

The HFO only works if your level is the exact width of the door opening.  You aren't going to have a level for more than one (or maybe two) door widths.   

 

[rst]

A little math  [scared] will give the accurate run out...ratios.  I do dozens of commercial entrance installations a year with a 32" and 72" levels.  That being said, I have a two 21', automatic sliding entrances to install next week...thank god for lasers.

 

[1-FENCE]

Brice,

I agree with you 100% in theory. In practice, if the length of level (plus HFO gauge) is fairly close to the width of the opening and the floor is not wildly out of level, the error introduced over the last couple inches becomes pretty small.

 

[deepcreek]

As a practical example: when you install a pre-hung door, you need to check the floor for level in order to know how much to trim off one of the side jambs. The HFO gauge gives this measurement directly and without calculation.

This is an interesting add-on device but there's already a time tested solution for this problem.

On single interior doors, you take a 48 inch level and place it across the opening.  Once it is level, make a mark on each side of the opening.  A couple of quick measurements up from the floor and simple mental math shows how much to cut off the jamb leg on the high side.  Yes, there is a calculation involved but you don't have to get down on your knees and tinker with a thumbscrew device.

 

[peter halle]

As a practical example: when you install a pre-hung door, you need to check the floor for level in order to know how much to trim off one of the side jambs. The HFO gauge gives this measurement directly and without calculation.

This is an interesting add-on device but there's already a time tested solution for this problem.

On single interior doors, you take a 48 inch level and place it across the opening.  Once it is level, make a mark on each side of the opening.  A couple of quick measurements up from the floor and simple mental math shows how much to cut off the jamb leg on the high side.  Yes, there is a calculation involved but you don't have to get down on your knees and tinker with a thumbscrew device.

Amen!  [thumbs up] [doh]

 

[Brice Burrell]

As a practical example: when you install a pre-hung door, you need to check the floor for level in order to know how much to trim off one of the side jambs. The HFO gauge gives this measurement directly and without calculation.

This is an interesting add-on device but there's already a time tested solution for this problem.

On single interior doors, you take a 48 inch level and place it across the opening.  Once it is level, make a mark on each side of the opening.  A couple of quick measurements up from the floor and simple mental math shows how much to cut off the jamb leg on the high side.  Yes, there is a calculation involved but you don't have to get down on your knees and tinker with a thumbscrew device.

And as rst has mentioned laser levels can do the same thing, over any distance, with a couple of quick measurements.

 

[deepcreek]

And as rst has mentioned laser levels can do the same thing, over any distance, with a couple of quick measurements.

I actually prefer using a laser level so that I can make sure the head casing for all the doors in a room or hallway are set exactly the same.

 

[1-FENCE]

Good points. I too make extensive use of lasers. I was an earlier adapter of PLS tools before Stabila and the others ever entered the laser market. For a myriad tasks, lasers are pure magic. And clearly there are many situations where other methods are good substitutes and/or eliminate the need for the How Far Out gauge, especially in new construction. These are facts we'd all agree upon.

But just as the soldier on the ground will always have use for an accurate side-arm, even though modern weaponry includes nukes and smart bombs, there will always be situations where we want to get the most from our hand levels. It's a matter of range, required accuracy, convenience, and circumstance.

The intended purpose of the How Far Out gauge is definitely not to supplant all other layout tools or methods. It's simply designed as a specialty installation and survey tool to enhance the use of your hand levels in any situation where you would otherwise have to space your level by hand and then try to simultaneously read the bubble while you eyeball the gap in order to know how far out things are. Depending on the type of work you do, this functionality may or may not justify a place in your toolbox for the How Far Out gauge.

Its primary reason for being is its ability to take any guesswork out of surveying the size and shape of existing small-scale finished openings, especially where direct scribing is not convenient or possible --- for new doors being fitted to old frames, wall-to-wall mirrors, shower enclosure glass, enclosed millwork installations, and the like. But if you start using one, you'll find that other handy uses come up as well. In particular, there are times when the simple ability to steadily and precisely position the level is useful independent of the use of its gauge.

 

[1-FENCE]

Does this fit the new Stabila extendable plate levels?

[attachimg=1]

Yes, the standard universal mount is just as simple as on fixed length levels, and the combination makes for a great result.
Adding the HOW FAR OUT gauging function to the Stabila XTL telescopic provides true point-to-point survey capability.

 

[demographic]

Bit like placky window fitters packers then.

 

[1-FENCE]

Seems to be calibrated in some ancient language. Will there be a modern version of this gizmo calibrated in metric - that the rest of the planet may show an interest in? (i.e. .. potential customer base 7 billion)

... or even a dual scale for the NA residents that plan to evolve. [wink]

Kev,

Evolution!
Here's the new combo inch/metric How Far Out gauge.
We're currently seeking international dealers.
Product will ship Q1, 2017.

View attachment 1

Mike

 

[jmbfestool]

Thats better!

 

[1-FENCE]

jmbfestool,

Can you refer us to any quality dealers on your side of the pond?

Mike

 

[Mort]

This looks extremely handy. At work we install septic systems and all the pipe has to be laid at a 2% grade (1/4"/ft). This looks like a better solution then tossing that $250 electronic Stabila into a ditch and having the other guy toss it in the dirt.

 

[jmbfestool]

jmbfestool,

Can you refer us to any quality dealers on your side of the pond?

Mike

Yeah no problem

 

[1-FENCE]

Hi Mort,

Slopes for pipe and concrete are not applications I had thought of originally, being a gentlemanly finish carpenter and all...

But guys who do these kinds of jobs and own digital levels tell me they use the digital to establish the slope they want and then set the HFO gauge installed on a regular level to match. (The correct setting obviously pends the exact length of the level you use.)

Another application dealing with slopes that can be handy comes up when doors must be hung in old existing frames in a wall that leans out of plumb. It's hard to check if the opening is in winding. By dialing in the gauge until the level reads plumb on one side of the jamb, you can use the setting to check for parallel on the other side. It's still a hinky situation to deal with, but at least you know exactly what you're dealing with when you decide how to proceed.

Mike

 

[semenza]

Is the black finish anodized, painted, powder coat?

How about the markings?

Seth

 

[1-FENCE]

Seth,

Markings are laser etched bright white onto black anodized aluminum. Reads very clearly even in less than ideal (aren't they all?) lighting conditions.

Mike

 

[Paul G]

Great concept! I'd prefer the dual scale here in the US when it becomes available.

 

[joiner1970]

We're currently seeking international dealers.
Product will ship Q1, 2017.

View attachment 1

Mike

[member=6862]Toolfest[/member] Warren ??