Stabila level

[demographic]

Just in case anyone missed it, Stabila make some very light duty levels that are often on sale in the UK.
They cost around forty pounds for a six footer, a two footer, a small boat level, a silly vial on a keyring and a pencil. Check out the ratings on the lables and you see they only have one star next to the hammer symbol.
The two short levels are ok but the six footer doesn't last long and I really do baby my six foot levels.

You cant just say that Stabila are bestest levels blah blah blah cos they have their homeowner range just like everyone else.
Personally I would say avoid their light duty six footer like the plague if you fit many door casings and then fit the doors afterwards.
If you don't then its likely ok and you dont need that level of accuracy or if you only fit the casings but not the doors you might not give a toss cos its someone else's problem. Mentioning no names but a bloke I used to work for did that trick. Git.

 

[aloysius]

Although I've used 'em, I'm personally not a huge fan of Stabila levels.  I still have a few, but some things I don't like are that the yellow vial fluid eventually becomes transparent after extended sunlight exposure, the vials have square outers, introducing parallax difficulties, and they tend to be a bit weak in terms of bend resistance.

Plus, 9/10 of their levels are inaccurate from new!  Each new level should be checked for consistency in both horizontal & vertical planes in the store prior to purchase, irrespective of manufacturer.

Having said that, my personal preference is for Germany's "other" domestic manufacturer, Bayerische MassIndustrie (BMI).  Of these, my particular favourites are the 25cm super torpedo (3 magnified vials, one angle-adjustable, magnets),  80cm leveltronic (magnified quick action vials, magnets, different beeps for left & right adjustment), & the 200cm High Precision, with no magnets, heavy multi-chamber profile extrusion & 5 x "normal" precision.

Long magnetic levels will distort construction steel door & window frame profiles.  This becomes an issue with the longer levels in particular that have multiple powerful magnets.  For accurately finding roof pitch angles, it's best to use a shorter electronic level (the 80cm magnetic) held onto the longer 2000mm levels or a straight framing timber.

Torpedos, being pocketable are great for repetitive alignment & installation of multiple power outlets, longer levels can be marked off for regulation 300mm & 1200mm outlet & switch heights, and 2m levels are indispensible for general construction work.  I suppose a single level for general purpose use is feasible, but would personally drive me nuts.  Maybe a 600mm (2') cheapie?  I love the digitals, as they're quick, accurate, easy to calibrate or reset, measures angles as well as plumb & level, and can be sed safely, securely & accurately in low or no light, perfect for my own less-than-perfect eyesight.

For alignment work over longer distances, a line laser is useful, & getting cheaper every day.  Great for creating uniform window alignment, picture rails, skirtings etc.  For downlight layout on sloping ceilings, an initial layout on a horizontal floor surface can be quickly & accurately transferred to the ceiling with a plumb point laser.  For all these tasks, plus a whole lot more (roof drainage, horizontal & vertical alignment, drainage & landscaping slope measurement & layout +++), a ubiquitous rotating indoor/outdoor laser, detector & staff is all but indispensible in construction these days.  Virtually all tasks can now be accomplished solo.

The ultimate horizontal distance level, however, is still the water level:  a garden hose of any length with transparent lengths of tubing @ each end.  Just as accurate today as it was for the Egyptians of 5000 years ago (they used water channels) when they aligned their pyramid & temple bases & plinths to 0.5mm tolerances!

I've used dozens of different levels over the years from many manufacturers, but have found the BMI range to be consistently superior performers to all others apart from their rotating lasers, which seem to be a little dated in comparison to the best from the likes of Hedue, Imex et al.

 

[Cheese]

My largest complaint with the 80 series is they're less accurate when used upside down. The 196 series maintains the same accuracy right side up or upside down.

My 2nd complaint with the 80 series is the lack of hand holes in the longer length levels. Sometimes that hand hole is what allows you to hold up a 6 foot level with one hand while making pencil marks with the other hand.

Also don't forget to look at the 196 electronic series. They are extremely useful for many applications. I have the 14" & 48" models but am looking at the 6 footer.

 

[RKA]

That’s a great point!  I bought one 24” electronic level and just stack it over the longer level when needed.  They are too expensive to buy a full set.  The consistent milling on both edges of the longer levels is helpful here if I’m stacking the levels. 

 

[Lettusbee]

I bought the Stabila jamber set about 20 yrs ago and still use it.  It still reads true, despite living in pickup beds and tool trailers that entire time.  Yes the vials have gone clear in those two levels. 

I've added 7 more over the years in various lengths.  The digital 4 footer lives in the crossover box in a padded case and is mostly used for estimating and checking pitches on wheelchair ramps. 

All others have lived in the tool trailer, and all still read true. 

I'm planning on getting a 6' 196 series, and a 8 ft Rbeam.  Also need to add a 36"

 

[Cheese]

That’s a great point!  I bought one 24” electronic level and just stack it over the longer level when needed.  They are too expensive to buy a full set.  The consistent milling on both edges of the longer levels is helpful here if I’m stacking the levels.

I've done the same thing.  [smile]  I've stacked the 196 electronic 4 footer on an 8 foot 196 level when doing some grade work. The audible warning indicator on the electronic allows me to just use the level without having to look at it. [cool]

 

[ColossusX]

That's a good tip about stacking a small electronic one on a larger one. 

I've been really looking into the jamber set.  I'm most likely going to order either the 196 3pc set or the R set or the jamber.  I should add a 6ft and maybe the 24" electronic to have a nice range.

 

[rst]

I still have the original two foot electronic level that came out and it still functions perfectly.  I installed dozens of automatic sliding doors over the years with it clamped to a 6' extruded track for the doors.  The new Stabilas can be read from above making it a no brainer for my 66 year old knees.

 

[ColossusX]

Ended up getting the 3 piece R beam set with bag.  Only $199 on Amazon vs $250 everywhere else.  Should arrive in a couple days

 

[Michael Kellough]

Don’t think anyone has mentioned the end caps. Stabilla end caps are the best I’ve seen. Just the right amount of grip to keep the far end of a 4 foot or longer level against the wall while you’re holding/adjusting the other end. That’s also a good time to have a small level sitting on top (or the electric level).

 

[lerabotperche]

I own the type 80 T and I'm very happy with it
https://www.stabila.com/fr/produits/details/niveau-a-bulle-telescopique-type-80-t.html

I might add a Type 106 T in case I've more buildt structures to do than today.

I own the LAX 50 G Laser too. Nice but batteries do not last very long. I might built something to plug it on AC/DC  [cool]

 

[Kevin D.]

I own the LAX 50 G Laser too. Nice but batteries do not last very long. I might built something to plug it on AC/DC  [cool]

I assume that's a green laser.  Green lasers eat a lot more juice than red lasers.

 

[lerabotperche]

it is  [smile]