Levels

[wow]

My SmartLevel oldie but goodie:

[attachthumb=#]

I have the 2', 4' and 6' rails for it. I've owned it since the early 90's I think. Still very accurate and does everything I've ever asked of it!

 

[rst]

I also have the old Smartlevel.  I have the 36" but use hand spring clamps to attach up to 8' extrusions to level automatic sliding doors.  The last one was 14' wide and 11' high.  Checked the unit after installation with laser for level and plumb- perfect.

 

[Jonhilgen]

Since we're throwing out favorites 

Stabila IP65 electronic level. 

I'm in the midst of a kitchen remodel, doing everything but the cabinets and countertops and it's been indispensable. I've even been able to find a few places where the cabinet installer didn't do such a great job and have been able tell the cabinet company owner specifically, in degrees, how far off level he was.   

As a kitchen installer,  I'd crack that thing over your head if you came behind me double checking my work.  Not that I install cabinets out of level, mind you.  But if I heard that thing beep after I spent my time setting cabinets in someone's home...I'd void that things warranty real quick.  [tongue]

Jon

 

[tbellemare]

But you use level levels, Jon...

Tom

 

[tjbnwi]

I set my cabinets with a laser.

Tom

 

[tiralie]

I have several Stabila's but my next level will be a Smith.

www.smithlevelcompany.com

Why? What's so good about them?
Tim

Looks to me like a brick layer level

Ya, they are cool looking in a retro way but are they better technically?
Tim

 

[tbellemare]

No clue what fluid is in them.

It used to be alcohol. That's why they're called "spirit" levels.

I think most modern ones are proprietary mixtures.

Tom

 

[sessler2013]

Stabila all the way

 

[briankb]

I just got a 24" and 48" Stabila Measuring Stick from Tom at Tool-Home.com and so far I really like them. I do mostly hobby work and home remodeling and these are perfect for my use. Before these I started with the Stabila torpeedo with the adjustable angle bubble which is very nice and the magnet is insanely strong!

 

[armmim]

Stabila is the way to go

 

[DaveZ]

As a kitchen installer,  I'd crack that thing over your head if you came behind me double checking my work.  Not that I install cabinets out of level, mind you.  But if I heard that thing beep after I spent my time setting cabinets in someone's home...I'd void that things warranty real quick.   [tongue]

Jon

If the work is done correctly, then you should not have any issue with someone checking.  In fact, I think you'd be happy to have your customer know for certain that a skilled craftsman had worked on the project.  And if I was doing some work for someone and did something not-quite-right, I'd want them to tell me so that I didn't keep repeating the same issue down the road.  But hey, i guess we all have our own approach to things. 

 

[bryan1982]

I set my cabinets with a laser.

Tom

I set everything with a line laser as well,
I bet all you guys still using normal levels try use your normal level and then check it with a laser and you will be out.
Laser are a lot faster and more accurate

Bryan

 

[jonny round boy]

I set my cabinets with a laser.

Tom

I set everything with a line laser as well,
I bet all you guys still using normal levels try use your normal level and then check it with a laser and you will be out.
Laser are a lot faster and more accurate

Bryan

I use a laser level too. Unfortunately, mine has developed an annoying 'glitch', in that it doesn't always self-level (the pendulum seems to stick somehow).

So now I have to set the level up & then check the line with a spirit level to make sure it actually *is* level! [mad]

 

[Wuffles]

I set my cabinets with a laser.

Tom

I set everything with a line laser as well,
I bet all you guys still using normal levels try use your normal level and then check it with a laser and you will be out.
Laser are a lot faster and more accurate

Bryan

But not right for every situation. There's level, then there's laser level.

I've used one for years, tiling, shelves around a room, spots in a ceiling, all sort of things. But for some things, it's just not worth that extra micron.

 

[waltwood]

I really glad to see so many folks like the Stabila. I own 5 of them and can not do without the 6' to 10' adjustable one. They used to call me that "guy who still uses a plumb bob" until I bought this. It is very well designed and accurate.
I own one of their 3' levels and it comes in handy more often than you would think. Just got a 4' R-Beam and I am still admiring it in the the shop and am not ready to take it on the job and get it scratched. It is too pretty.

 

[Holz-Her]

BMI
www.bmi.de

 

[LostInTheWood]

Someone tell me if I'm wrong, but I thought I saw BMI at a Tague Lumber one day.  All I remember is that all the Stabila was cleared out and the new stuff was red. 

I'm a Stabila fan.  Don't have any of the new ones yet (seem bulky to me).  I do need a new one though. My 4' is out a smidge and the vials have lost their color, but with over a decade of heavy use I'm not complaining.

Yep, its a laser for me and cabinets too.  Just so much easier to reference the whole room when finding your high and low spots.  However, I finish up the base cabs using my 6' Stabila.

 

[Oldwood]

Stabila levels are guaranteed accurate for life as long as they don't get bent.

Tom

I ran over a 4 ft with a forklift [eek] That is the only one I have had in 25 years that did not tell the truth [big grin]

Gerry

 

[Luzzy]

Stabila. I have a 16" magnetic for metal framing(headers etc) ,a 4' and the "jamb kit". That being said, we do a lot of retail construction and over the past ten years have switched to using Hilti Lasers - the combo line lasers,spot, and spinning lasers so the levels see very little use. The line lasers and our more expensive PR26 spinning lasers, in cabinet installs ,are indispensible as they can find the high point both along the wall and 2' out for several hundred feet very quickly and accurately. They are simply more accurate over greater distance and eliminate the human error part of leveling. I wouldn't start a kitchen without one.

 

[carlb40]

Used to be stabila. Now i use BMI super robust levels  [smile]