Tool Tuesday Levels Part 2, The Long Levels, With Bonus on How to Check Your Level For Accuracy!

This week we look at the long levels that I have and discuss some of the features and drawbacks. I also talk about some of the other specialty levels out there like concrete screeds, extendable and digital models. At the end, I give a quick tutorial on how to check a level for accuracy!

[@ralphfrench3899]

Hey, cracking video, I must have at least 30 + levels, some dating back to the 1940`s, I am a stonemason, bricklayer, builder, paving etc.. I have a bit of a passion for for tools too.
I have just invested in a r type stabila 244cm, and what a beauty she is, I think I have just about all I need now, still a fan of stabila box levels, love your humour at the end of your vid, lend me your tools, I will abuse them and hand them back, F**ked, hence why I never lend my best tools to anyone, be carful not to knock your levels over, great vid.

[@TheSavagederek]

I really like Stabila levels . My 6 ft is 12 years old and still bang on , but my 1 mtr heavy I beam one is around 17 yrs old . It's heavy but fantastic quality .

[@michael.schuler]

Stabila fans, check out the How Far Out tm level gauge at www.howfarout.com. Our Stabila Plug-n-Play model mounts instantly to any Stabila 96/196 or Tech series level to give quick precise surveys of out-of-level/plumb conditions. As a millwork installation specialist, I invented it for close-quarters work in older structures, such as fitting new doors to existing frames. For Stabila Tech levels, the gauge can be used to calibrate the digital module with absolute precision. With the level resting on any horizontal surface, just use the gauge's level adjustment screw to dial the bubble into perfect position, then press the calibrate button.
A single HFO Plug-n-Play gauge can be used with multiple Stabila levels. It simply snaps on and off by taking the place of the Stabila removable end cap. We also offer a Universal model that includes a magnetic adapter. It can be used with Stabila XTL, 108T, and 80T, as well as other premium brands.

[@ibrazeau3044]

Lolll... you can pronounce my name "I brazzo"... zeau pronounces like zzo. No worries if you can't get it right. I'm a French Canadian from Montreal, Canada.
Good video on the longer levels. I have the extendable plate Stabila and love it. That with a Tajima plumb bob will often save the day especially while checking or adjusting long wall racking. Stabs are the best imo and I think homeowners should consider them as they will last a lifetime and can become hand-me-downs if they are well taken care of. Ppl spend a lot on lasers and often, they fall out of level or plumb or the battery dies rendering them useless. My hand levels have never let me down. And if they did, a new one is easily found anywhere. Actually, I need another level and I think I'll get the 6' model you have.
I am not sure about the new digital ones... adding technology to a tried and true tool seems like asking for trouble. Dropping it surely would make me cringe. Also, slope and gradations can be determined using lasers or a vial level if you know how to use it... or a water level which work tremendously well lolll. Actually, as a supplement to levels, a water level is a lesser known tool... and very precise at that... If you haven't done so in the last, I'd like to suggest if you could look into explaining how to use one in various applications (pools, footings, decking, cement floor dipping, etc.).
Thanks for posting.

[@DanSarahMakers]

I am always amazed at how hard it is to see and even find a laser plumb dot or line outside. I pick up the used clear visor lenses from the welders hoods/masks to help find the laser. the more scratched up the better! I do want to try the newer green beam lasers though. Makita and DeWalt both have models that all of the plumbers and electricians seem to like.

[@ibrazeau3044]

Dan&Sarah Makers - I now have a DEWALT green laser, the model that goes 360 on 3 axis. It is good but because it rotates within a bracket, small adjustments are hard to attain. That being said, green is great for interior work even on a sunny day... no glasses really needed. Outside, you will still need the story pole and the green laser receptor. Drawback? No because it speeds up the process tremendously and the learning curve of the receptor and story pole is short. The only problem is the cost... here, my laser costs $699 (there are much cheaper ones too lolll), the tripod $75, the story pole $75 and the receptor $199. Add taxes and the total cost is in excess of $1200. Goes fast especially if you add another rotary, a few batteries, the bags etc. Compare this to a water level at $50, string lines and hand levels.
But, since I have the green laser and the red ones... I seldom take the reds anymore. Would I go DEWALT again. Not sure because their lines get rather fat after 10' or so whereas PLS/Fluke stay thin much farther. I like the ruggedness and rechargeable batteries of the DEWALT. The PLS/Fluke is nice for precision. The only two problems I have had with PLS, my last one was about 5 years ago, was that the laser flask didn't lock when not in use making it very fragile during transport and the foil that surrounds the laser flask (in the base) eventually unglued and wrapped the flask. I threw two of them away because of these issues. So yah, I just answered my question... I would buy a DEWALT green again for sure lolll
The beam lasers from PLS/Fluke, DEWALT and Makita are all top notch. Used them or seen them and they are all great. I like the 12v batteries because I hate buying single use batteries so I bought a DEWALT lined laser a lot because of that. For the beam (dot), my dewalt came with a green light amplifier plate that I use to see the line or dot in brightly lit conditions and it works great. It will fail in bright direct sunlight though. They have the same plate in red. Get one ordered at any dewalt service center and if you need help I can give you the part number or send you one. I have a service center nearby.
Lolll... All this to say, that for me and a lot of others, GREEN lasers are much better then the red ones. And if you stick to those brands, you go can't go wrong.