I'm wanting to get some stabila levels as I get more into cabinetry and fine trim. Is there any reason not to get the Type 80 levels versus the Type 196s? From what I can tell, the 80s will give me what i need in terms of quality and accuracy. Are the 196s worth the 50% premium?
Stabila level
- Thread starter ColossusX
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waho6o9
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I'm not sure of the different model numbers but the "R" type of levels are fun to use.
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ColossusX said:
I prefer and own the Type 196 Stabila levels. The removable end caps, handle holds and size options would be my reason for choosing the 196 vs the 80 series. Consider the application you might find yourself in mostly. If you need that edge to inside corner or top edge to existing material the end cap can be an obstruction due to it being in a different plane then the aluminum frame edge. The removable end caps are a plus. The handle holds have come in handy as well. I think your size options are limited in the Type 80 series and I think they are metric lengths. Which ever type you choose the Stabila level is a good choice.
pettyconstruction
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The 196 are made heavier than the 80.
The 80 series is a home owner type level.
It depends on how long you plan on using them.
The “R” series is a bit stronger than the 196.
All have a great factory backing.
Charlie
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The 80 series is a home owner type level.
It depends on how long you plan on using them.
The “R” series is a bit stronger than the 196.
All have a great factory backing.
Charlie
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
yes depends on what you are using it for. I have a 4 foot 80 series electronic I use in the shop...it's very straight, and has a audible alarm when you hit level which is great when you are down on the floor levelling something...although I have a good quality straight edge this works well also....don't think it would survive a fall off a roof like some of the other models they sell, but I have other levels for that type of work.
I prefer and just bought the R300 series three level set. Several unique features won me over. For exmaple, ability to draw an uniterupted pencil line, wide base for no tipping over...
Type R300 series
Type R300 series
The R300 set is the same price as the t196 set. The removable caps are a feature I hadn't noticed before. I like the handholds in the t196, but I think the other features of the R series makes them very attractive. My stanley fat max 48" has served me well over the years but I think I'm ready for a quality upgrade.
Pretty well all Stabila levels are very good levels, depends what you need them for, you need to decide what quality and features level you want. I even have a four foot digital level that I just love and is especially useful working solo or in dark places.
Another brand I have some of their excellent levels that are just as good as Stabila imo that are made in Austria are SOLA levels. Harder to find, but they are excellent levels that generally cost less than their Stabila equivalents. They have homeowner/semi-pro and Pro lines. The 'Big Reds' (I think that's what they're called) are the better Pro line.
Another brand I have some of their excellent levels that are just as good as Stabila imo that are made in Austria are SOLA levels. Harder to find, but they are excellent levels that generally cost less than their Stabila equivalents. They have homeowner/semi-pro and Pro lines. The 'Big Reds' (I think that's what they're called) are the better Pro line.
Sparktrician
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Must say, as much as I like my Stabila levels, they're no more accurate or dependable than my old 4' Stanley magnesium-frame level that I bought 35 years ago.
demographic
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As a carpenter I don't have much use for four foot levels, seens a size I can do without.
Six foot levels are good for door casing legs, a two footer for door casing heads and a ten inch boat level for small stuff.
Having a four footer just takes up extra space in my van for very little benefit.
Can't say the Stabilas I've owned have been any better than the Stanley Fatmaxes and its also worth looking out for the ratings on them. More little stars on the lable means they can take a bit more hammer.
For my six foot level I have a Stanley Fatmax but I do really like my Stabila type 83 S girder level.
I don't like the idea of the R shaped levels cos I sometimes turn the level end for end when marking out long lines as it minimises error, the R shaped ones sit close to a wall on one side but not on the other so doing that wouldn't work so well.
Six foot levels are good for door casing legs, a two footer for door casing heads and a ten inch boat level for small stuff.
Having a four footer just takes up extra space in my van for very little benefit.
Can't say the Stabilas I've owned have been any better than the Stanley Fatmaxes and its also worth looking out for the ratings on them. More little stars on the lable means they can take a bit more hammer.
For my six foot level I have a Stanley Fatmax but I do really like my Stabila type 83 S girder level.
I don't like the idea of the R shaped levels cos I sometimes turn the level end for end when marking out long lines as it minimises error, the R shaped ones sit close to a wall on one side but not on the other so doing that wouldn't work so well.
Sparktrician said:
You likely don't abuse them like tradespersons do.
That's the diff with levels that are from Stabila or SOLA, they can take abuse and stay true a lot better and have really nearly indestructilble vials that are super well set. When they don't, they have a lifetime guarantee.
You get what you pay for.
Sparktrician
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Kevin D. said:
In my world, there are craftsmen and there are hacks. The real craftsmen take very good care of their tools because they make their living using them, while the hacks abuse their tools, then bytch and whine about the fact that their much-abused tools are crap. The work of both is quite evident, either in its quiet excellence or in its sloppiness and inconsistency.
I've worked with a lot of people who treat their tools like crap on my job sites and they complain because they're always replacing them. I take care of my tools because they make me money and they cost money to replace. But I see a lot of guys treat their stuff as disposable. I dont know how they make money. I'm willing to invest in higher quality tools but I also dont want to throw my money away at a name like Stabila or Festool or whatever if they're not worth the price premium.
Also I've found I use a 4 foot level frequently, never really like the 6 footers, just too cumbersome for me, but I do plan to eventually invest in a good one. I mostly use 2 and 4 foot levels and just looking for a quality replacement for the ones I have. Nearly every review I've read has stated Stabila are one of the best and worth the investment. I'm just trying to figure out which series is best for me to purchase.
Also I've found I use a 4 foot level frequently, never really like the 6 footers, just too cumbersome for me, but I do plan to eventually invest in a good one. I mostly use 2 and 4 foot levels and just looking for a quality replacement for the ones I have. Nearly every review I've read has stated Stabila are one of the best and worth the investment. I'm just trying to figure out which series is best for me to purchase.
It seems like the 80 series would be fine, especially on the shorter lengths. Where I might be inclined to pay more for the 196 is for a 72/78" level, where I could see one end accidentally dropping to the floor while the other end is still hung up in your hand or on a shelf/counter/whatever. I would speculate the weight and length might put enough stress on the box construction to cause it to bend and the added stiffness in the 196 might be worth paying for. In my use (as a homeowner), it's rare that I will drop a level, but sometimes with the longer ones, one end might drop if I'm not paying attention (still rare).
That said, I got the entire set of 196's and use them with this accessory...(I don't think it will work with the 80 series), but I'm not sure.
https://www.howfarout.com/
Edit...I see they have a few versions that will allow this to work on different levels. I just have a direct mount. There isn't a lot of detail on this page, so you might need to talk to the owner if you think this might be useful for your work.
https://www.howfarout.com/installations
That said, I got the entire set of 196's and use them with this accessory...(I don't think it will work with the 80 series), but I'm not sure.
https://www.howfarout.com/
Edit...I see they have a few versions that will allow this to work on different levels. I just have a direct mount. There isn't a lot of detail on this page, so you might need to talk to the owner if you think this might be useful for your work.
https://www.howfarout.com/installations
Sparktrician
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ChuckM said:
You illustrate my point for me. At the other end of the spectrum are those hacks that don't treat tools and equipment well because they don't own them or take pride in their workmanship. One place I worked provided one and only one set of tools to the installers. If they lost or damaged them, the company would immediately replace them, but the installer involved would find the cost taken out of his next paycheck. That drives the point home more directly than a lecture.
I invested in three of the electronic Stabilas this spring. Managed to get 2', 4' and 6' on sale. I often am hanging mirrors and glass low to the floor level. The electronics are visible from the top and also have audibles that let you know when low, high and level. there also is a display that tells exactly how far out of level. This function is especially valuable when I am replacing glass storefronts that are out of square.
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