Stabila LD250 Bluetooth Laser Distance Measurer

Stabila LD250 Bluetooth Laser Distance Measurer

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Stabila
Model number: LD250 BT
Price: $133.00
Power source: AA batteries (2)

A good laser measure can be a beneficial addition to the toolkit of a variety of professionals, including builders, contractors, architects, surveyors, tilers, kitchen fitters, flooring contractors, and many other professions that require precise measuring.

Sending a pulse of laser light to a designated target and then measuring the time it takes for the refection to return is how an LDM gets the most accurate measurements. This enables incredible precise readings, even at long distances.

Stablia LD250 Features

Stabila LD250 Laser Distance Measurer Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

STABILA Type 80 AS-2 Contractor Spirit Level

The origin of the spirit level goes way back in history. The Romans used water filled vessels as primitive spirit levels when building their aqueducts. By observing the water surface level in the vessel, the Romans could determine if the base was completely flat or at an angle. To spirit level, as we know it, started becoming more popular in the 18th century. Nowadays, every contractor uses a spirit level, of some kind, in their daily operations. this article is about the newer STABILA Type 80 AS-2 Spirit Level.

New Look

Stabila recently introduced a slim, compact profile, lightweight, easy to grip, set of spirit levels.  The STABILA Type 80 AS-2 Spirit Level performs just like we expect from a Stabilia. It’s accurate, built with a reinforced frame, and is reliable! Reliability is probably what I think of when I heat the name Stabila.

STABILA Quality And Warranty

The STABILA Type 80 AS-2 Spirit Level are assembled with the vial cast into a vial block holder (which STABILA developed) so that the vial is free from stresses, but totally immoveable.

The vial block holder is then inserted into the spirit level profile in a way which prevents any movement. The vial and profile are permanently aligned with each other, ensuring accuracy.

The levels are made in Germany and offer a 10-year / lifetime accuracy guarantee on all their spirit levels – not too many folks do that.

STABILA Precision Vials

We’ve been using the STABILA Type 80 AS-2 Spirit Level kit since March in our remodeling and carpentry operations . What we like most about these these levels is that they are lighter, and thinner than our older levels.  While this may translate into “less beefy” construction, we would argue that they are perfectly sized and positioned for the finish carpenter and remodeler looking for lighter, easier to use levels.

We’ve used these levels for window installs, custom bookcase projects and light framing on remodels. They’ve become my go-to levels, and I leave the heavier levels in the trailer.

The black zippered carry bag is essential. I now walk into any job with five levels, pretty much every level I’ll need.

Final Thoughts

As a remodeler, I appreciate the reliability of the STABILA Type 80 AS-2 Spirit Level both now and after years of use, after I’ve dropped them, or they’ve fallen off step ladders, or have been bouncing around in my trailer. Longterm use is where the Stabila reliability comes in.  I’ve talked to may “Carps” and they all tell me that as as you don’t bend the level, you can return it for a new one should it go out of whack.

Best part – I’ve yet to have one go out of whack. These newer slim line levels are highly recommmended.

Price

You need to call a Stabila or an authorized dealer to order this kit, the price is $299.99.

STABILA Type 80 AS-2 Spirit Level Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Green Laser Comparison

Laser and plumb levels are becoming more and more popular in the residential and commercial construction world these past few years.  As a remodeling tool, laser and plumb levels, save time and improve accuracy by stepping up precision in your projects. This article is a cross line green laser comparison Dewalt vs. Bosch vs. Stabilia.

We recently took a sample of three industry leading tool companies, and compared their entry-level  lasers. All three of these lasers use AA Alkaline batteries.

1. Dewalt DW08CG
2. Stabila LAX 300 G
3. Bosch GLL 100 G

Additionally, for alternative comparison, we looked at a fourth higher priced laser, the Dewalt DW088 LG, sells for $330 and comes with a rechargeable 12-volt battery to give you a sense of what an upgrade, battery-platform laser might look like.

Let’s look at the three AA alkaline battery powered Green lasers.

Green vs Red Laser Color

Why did we choose green lasers? Studies show that our eyes see green better than any other color in both day and night. So is the green laser better?

Regarding the brightness of red versus green lasers, red lasers are most visible in low light conditions. The human eye naturally detects green with great ease, allowing it to appear brighter in conditions and environments with higher ambient or natural light.

Accuracy

We tested all four lasers for accuracy at 30-feet confirming both their plumb and level lines with a Stabilia level that was also checked for accuracy prior to this test. All four lasers were spot on at 30-feet.

Laser Durability

In this article will be referring to IP ratings to indicate laser durability. What is an IP rating, and what’s it really mean?

The IP Code or International Protection Rating, consists of the letters IP followed by two digits. It classifies the degrees of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects, dust, accidental contact, and water in electrical enclosures.

The standard was designed to provide users with more detail on the products durability in the elements.

• The first digit represents protection against ingress of solid objects
• The second digit represents protection against ingress of liquids.

The larger the value of each digit, the greater the protection. For example a rating of IP54 means:

• 5 = Limited protection against dust ingress.
• 4= Protected against splash water from any direction.
  

  IP TABLE:

  IP..	First digit: Ingress of solid objects	Second digit: Ingress of liquids
  0	No protection	No protection
  1	Protected against solid objects over 50mm e.g. hands, large tools.	Protected against vertically falling drops of water or condensation.
  2	Protected against solid objects over 12.5mm e.g. hands, large tools.	Protected against falling drops of water, if the case is disposed up to 15 from vertical.
  3	Protected against solid objects over 2.5mm e.g. wire, small tools.	Protected against sprays of water from any direction, even if the case is disposed up to 60from vertical.
  4	Protected against solid objects over 1.0mm e.g. wires.	Protected against splash water from any direction.
  5	Limited protection against dust ingress. (no harmful deposit)	Protected against low pressure water jets from any direction. Limited ingress permitted.
  6	Totally protected against dust ingress.	Protected against high pressure water jets from any direction. Limited ingress permitted.
  7	N/A	Protected against short periods of immersion in water.
  8	N/A	Protected against long, durable periods of immersion in water.
  9k	N/A	Protected against close-range high pressure, high temperature spray downs.

Class 2 Lasers

All of these lasers are listed as a Class 2 laser. Lasers are classified for safety purposes based on their potential for causing injury to humans’ eyes and skin.

Class 2 lasers’ output power is below 1 milliwatt. All Class 2 lasers emit visible light only. Lasers in this rating normally would not harm an eye unless a person deliberately stared into the beam. Laser protective eye-wear is normally not necessary. A Class 2 laser is not a skin or materials burn hazard, which is a plus on a job site with a lot of flammable combustible around.

Dewalt Laser DW088 CG

The DW088CG is a comparable but less expensive than both the Bosch and the Stabila. It also has an integrated bracket and full time pulse mode which allows the line to be picked up by a line-detector. The DW088CG Cross Line Laser emits a green beam and has a great range that projects bright crossing horizontal and vertical lines.  A laser like this is ideal for various leveling and layout applications, such as, drop ceilings, cabinets, remodeling and tile work.

Dewalt Laser Features

The DW088CG is powered by three AA batteries, and has an accuracy of +/- 1/8” at 30-feet. The bottom of the laser allows a tripod mount of ¼”-20 threaded insert. The mounting bracket allows the laser to rotate 180 degrees and has two magnets. It can easily sit on the floor, and has an included suspended ceiling grid clamp.

This laser has a working range of 165 ft with a detector and a 65 ft visible working range. There are two switches on the DW088CG. One switch is for a level line and the other is for the plumb line. There is a small low battery indicator LED as well. The battery compartment is located on the lower rear of the unit. A simple, easy to pull down tab exposed a gasket protected battery compartment. The battery configuration is subtly indicated on the battery compartment lid.

There is no lock for the laser pendulum, the laser line will flash when out of level or plumb. The The Dewalt DW088CG is rated for drop protection for 1 meter [3-feet] and has an IP54 Rating.

Stabila Laser LAX300 G

The Stabila LAX300 G is specifically designed for interior construction projects. Stabila uses a technology they call STABILA GREENBEAM. This technology provides for a razor-sharp, extremely bright, laser line. We tested this in our shop and agree! The laser also gives you clear lines from the floor to the ceiling, provides two plum-line dots, and has a laser range is rated 90 feet.

The LAX300 G is designed to be placed on the floor, mount on a tri-pod, or can be attached to receive ¼”-20 thread. The rear of the laser also has magnets for mounting on metallic objects and round pipe. There are also inlets on the base that would allow a strap to be threaded around a pole or object.

The base of the laser has a vertical sliding adjustment allowing micro height adjustments.  The laser swivels 360 in its base, and allows laser coverage for approximately 300 degrees on its base – a really nice feature! A metal plate is provided to screw to a wall and allow the laser to slide vertically via its magnets.

Stabilia Laser Features

The Stabilia is powered by three AA batteries and has a 15-hour runtime. The power switch is a sliding mechanical switch with a positive registration. It’s has an on or off feature and locks the laser pendulum when placed in the off position. Both plumb and level lasers come on with switch. On the opposite of the switch is a multi -function push button switch, that allows the user to cycle through horizontal, or vertical lines. Both the laser line, and  small LED flashes when the unit is out of plumb.

The Stabila battery change compartment requires a two-handed operation. The battery compartment does not have a rubber gasket, but does have molded indicators for proper battery placement. The Stabilia laser is IP 54 rated.

Bosch GLL 100 G Laser

The Bosch GLL 100 G Green-Beam Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser uses green-beam technology, and has a working range up to 100 Ft. The GLL 100 G produces vertical, horizontal and cross-line modes, and the tool can project two lines independently or together, for a broad array of alignment and leveling applications. It includes Bosch-exclusive VisiMax technology, which allows for outstanding line visibility in standard working conditions. It constantly monitors the laser’s temperature so the diodes are always driven to maximum line visibility, while protecting the laser diodes from overheating.

Bosch Laser Features

The tool has a working range up to 100 Ft., and it offers an accuracy of ±1/8 In. at 33 Ft. and ±3/8 In. at 100 Ft.

The Bosch Smart Pendulum System self-levels and indicates out-of-level condition by flashing the laser line. The laser pendulum will lock after the laser is switched off for secure transport. The laser is built with an IP54 rating.

The power switch on the GLL 100 G is a two-position, sliding mechanical switch with a positive registration. It’s has an on or off feature and locks the laser pendulum when placed in the off position. Both plumb and level lasers come on with this switch.

The Bosch laser can be locked to allow for the diagonal laser line applications. On the back side is two buttons that independently control the plumb or level lasers. There is also an LED indicator to indicate low battery and pendulum lock conditions.

When mounted on the base the Bosch laser can achieve approximately 270 degree of rotation coverage. A tripod mount allows both 1/4-20, and 5/8-11 threaded attachment.

The included BM3 Positioning Device offers quick setup in ceiling grid applications, and can also be screwed to a stud or wall and has a micro fine height adjustment. When using the BM3 positioning device [base] and attached to metal objects via magnet the Bosch is not as stable as the Dewalt and Stabila. The laser base, in free-standing mode, has retractable feet to give it additional stability.

Changing the battery is a one-handed operation. The battery compartment does not have a rubber gasket, but does have an interlocking ridge around the lid. The battery position indication is molded into the case.

Dewalt Laser DW088LG

The DEWALT DW088LG 12v Green Cross Line Laser is part of the 12V lithium-ion rechargeable power tool battery platform. This line laser is designed for extra-long run time and the convenience of rechargeable power tool batteries. Allowing the end user to save on battery purchases.

It features self-leveling cross lines that projects bright crossing horizontal and vertical lines. It also features an integrated magnetic bracket; rear mounted magnets allow flush attachment to metal track and steel. It has a full-time pulse mode that allows for use with detector, over-molded housing and IP65 water/debris resistance, a locking pendulum to help prevent damage to internal components.

Dewalt DW088LG Features

A mechanical slide on the front of the laser locks the pendulum, and the power switch will not operate if the lock is engaged. There are two switches on the DW088LG. One switch is for a level line and the other is for the plumb line. A fuel gauge near the switches indicate the level of charge in the battery. The laser allows for diagonal placement but blinks twice approximately every 5-seconds.

The laser swivels 360 degrees in the base and give you approximately 300 degrees of laser coverage.  The base is heavy duty can sit flat on a surface. It has two tripod mounts [1/4-20 and 5/8-11 threaded inserts] Additionally, it has the ability to be mounted with screws and a wall mount / ceiling grid bracket allows the laser to be slid up and down via the laser base magnets.

Which Laser Was Brighter?

The Dewalt DW088LG 12-volt laser was by far the BRIGHEST laser both vertically and horizontally, but the laser lines are definitely thicker. This may bother some contractors that are sticklers for super fine lines.

The second brightest was the other Dewalt, followed closely by Bosch and Stabila.

Which Laser Was More Focused? [Cleaner Lines]

The cleanest, thinnest line was the Stabila LAX300 G. This is the line that will give you the MOST ACCURATE indication. Second to the Stabila, was the Bosch GLL 100 G laser which was also very clean.  The Dewalt lines were super bright, thick and a bit fuzzy.

Best Storage Case

The Dewalt DW088LG 12-volt laser uses a T-Stak box, thus giving it the “best case award.” Second was the Bosch case, which resembles their older jig saw cases. All of the lasers, with the exception of the Stabila come in hard cases. The Stabila come with a soft nylon Velcro enclosed bag and offered the LEAST protection.

Price

1. Dewalt DW08CG sells online for $157.00
2. Stabila LAX 300 G sells online for $350.00
3. Bosch GLL 100 G sells online for $230.00

Our Choice

Ok this is easy. If money and brightness are your concerns, then the Dewalt DW088CG is your laser. The Bosch will give you a cleaner, more accurate, better quality laser for a eighty dollars more. The Stabila is extremely well-made and gives you a ceiling and floor plumb dot but comes in at double the price

If you’re already using the Dewalt platform, like me, that 12-volt is my 1^stchoice. It comes in at $330 and uses a rechargeable battery. I have other 12-volt Dewalt tools which allow me the option of using my other 12-volt batteries, if needed.

Cross Line Green Laser Comparison Dewalt vs. Bosch vs. Stabilia is a post from Tool Box Buzz

48 Inch Construction Level Head to Head Comparison

Who makes the best construction levels? In this head to head we’re putting several 48″ construction levels to the test to see who makes the best!

One of the most fundamental tools required by all trades in construction is a level. Whether you’re building something plumb and level, or sloped, the only way to verify the slope of any surface is with some type of level. 48 inch construction levels are the most predominantly used size of level in the construction industry so we reached out to some of the leading brands and asked them to join our head to head comparison. For this comparison article we evaluated 7 different levels from 4 different manufactures. The manufacturers included:

• Empire Level
• Irwin Tools
• Stabila
• Stanley

While there are certainly many other level manufacturers to choose from we think this is a great assortment of levels. Over the last few months we’ve used these levels on job sites and tested them in the shop. The evaluation and testing was performed by three members of the Tool Box Buzz crew including myself, Rob Robillard and Jeff Williams. This evaluation consists of the following sections:

• Features and specifications
• Fit, Finish and Quality
• Vial Visibility
• Strength Testing
• Durability Testing
• Accuracy
• Cost & Value

48 Inch Construction Levels – The Lineup

The seven levels that we tested included the following (in alphabetical order):

• Empire Level – e75 Series 48″ TRUE BLUE® Box Level – Model E75.48
• Empire Level -e95 Series 48″ TRUE BLUE® UltraView LED Box Level – Model E95.48
• IRWIN Tools – 2000 Box Beam Level – Model 1794077
• IRWIN Tools – 2500 Box Beam Level – Model 1794067
• Stabila – Heavy Duty Level Type 196 – Model 37448
• Stabila – R Beam Type 300 – Model 41048
• Stanley – 48 in FATMAX® Premium Box Beam with Hook – Model FMHT42400

Six of the levels are box levels and one is a “beam” type level (which is still a box in our opinion).

Empire e75 Series TRUE BLUE® Box Level Features

• Reinforced vial locking system secures acrylic block vials and delivers long life accuracy
• Tool-free removable, shock absorbing endcaps provide superior protection and scribing performance
• Precision milled edges for guaranteed accuracy
• Surface grippers prevent the level from sliding on flat or angled surfaces
• Ergonomic, grip zones enhance comfort and portability (48”+ only)
• High contrast e-BAND vials highlight the edge of the bubble
• 300° Viewing Window maximizes range of view
• Hang hole for ease of storage
• Powerful rare earth magnets provide superior holding strength (magnetic models only)
• .0005″/inch Accuracy in all working positions
• $50
• Limited lifetime warranty

Empire Level -e95 Series 48″ TRUE BLUE® UltraView LED Box Level Features

• Concentrated, Surround Dual LEDs and UV Activated Optical Brightener provide superior vial visibility
• High contrast e-BAND vials highlight the edge of the bubble
• Reinforced vial locking system secures acrylic block vials and delivers long life accuracy
• IP54 rating protects level from dust and water
• Powerful rare earth magnets provide superior holding strength (magnetic models only)
• Tool-free removable, shock absorbing endcaps provide superior protection and scribing performance
• High contrast vial surrounds improve vial visibility
• Precision milled edges for guaranteed accuracy
• Surface grippers prevent the level from sliding on flat or angled surfaces
• 2X Longer Battery Life – up to 32 hours. (2) AA batteries included
• Automatic Shut-off saves battery life by turning off LEDs after two minutes
• .0005″/inch Accuracy in all working positions
• High impact acrylic e-BAND block vials offer superior durability
• LEDs flash when battery is low
• Ergonomic, grip zones enhance comfort and portability (48” only)
• Press to toggle LEDs between level and plumb positions
• Hang hole for ease of storage
• $75
• Limited lifetime warranty on frame and vials. 1 year warranty on electronics

IRWIN Tools – 2000 Box Beam Level Features

• Continuous Edge increases level durability ensuring accuracy over time, protects center vial, and allows for continuous scribing
• Plumb Site® offers dual-sided, undistorted viewing in the plumb position and easy, more accurate plumb readings
• Retractable end caps allow for scribing into and through corners, increasing work efficiency
• $46

IRWIN Tools – 2500 Box Beam Level Features

• Thick-walled high-grade aluminum frame provides extreme durability and resists jobsite wear and tear
• Continuous Edge increases level durability ensuring accuracy over time, protects center vial, and allows for continuous scribing
• Plumb Site® offers dual-sided, undistorted viewing in the plumb position and easy, more accurate plumb readings
• Over-molded rubber end caps provide shock-absorption, protecting the level’s accuracy upon impact, and are removable for accurate leveling into corners
• $76

Stabila – Heavy Duty Level Type 196 Features

• Crystal clear vials readable in any direction with no change in accuracy tolerance.
• Spring steel hairline indicators in vials.
• Locked vial system, no recalibration needed
• Removable rubber end caps for scribing in corners and for reading tight header and sill openings.
• Rubber end caps grip walls and do not leave marks.
• Metal Hang hole for storing level on site.
• Two rubberized hand holds for comfort and grip (16″ version has one hand grip)
• 59″ and longer have a bridge over the vial for increased strength as well as providing an uninterupted surface for both drawing and scribing over the horizontal vial
• Vials accuracy is guaranteed for life
• One Horizontal (level) and Two Vertical (plumb) Vials
• $130

Stabila – R Beam Type 300 Features

• Ergonomic, user friendly shape
• Precision: 3 Straight Edges
• Grip: Continuous Handle
• Finish: Fender Smooth
• Strength: Over 2X the horizontal strength of our Heavy Duty Type 196 levels
• Locked Vial System – Never needs adjustment
• One Horizontal (level) and two Vertical (plumb) vials
• 48″ Model offers an offset plumb vial for easy viewing from the kneeling position
• Vials are guaranteed for life
• $106

Stanley – 48 in FATMAX® Premium Box Beam with Hook Features

• Magnified center block vial for high readability accuracy .0005-in
• Block plumb vials for accuracy of .0005-in
• Removable end cap for flush and accurate markings
• Fold out rafter hook – on-site convenient storage solution
• $36

Fit, Finish & Quality of Levels

The first impression of any tool that we test is usually the fit, finish and quality of the materials used in the tool. First impressions are important and often help us gauge long term life and performance on tough tasks. While this is quite subjective, we have no doubt that most people would likely rank these in the same order if the levels were all laying on a bench in front of them at the same time. Below is the list of levels with the top of the list being the best fit, finish and quality.

1. Stabila – Heavy Duty Level Type 196: This level really stands out among the levels in this evaluation. This is a very heavy duty level built from quality materials. It features a quality paint finish, milled faces, and very comfortable hand holes.
2. Stabila – R Beam Type 300: While the Type 19 is our preference with the hand holes, this level is just as nicely built as the other Stabila level we evaluated. This level is certainly built to withstand the most severe jobsite conditions for trades like concrete and masonry.
3. Empire – e75 Series 48″ TRUE BLUE® Box Level: The Empire levels also impressed us with the paint finish, milled faces, comfortable hand holes and quality vials.

Flatness of Milled Faces

For this section we also evaluated the flatness of the milled surface on the levels. To do this we placed a machined straight edge on each level and checked for gaps between the two surfaces using feeler gauges. All of the level contact surfaces were very flat. The largest gap between the machined straight edge and a level was 1 100th of an inch. The bottom line is all of these levels come with a very flat surface to start with.

Both the IRWIN and Stanley FATMAX levels are decent levels but more of a consumer grade with regard to fit and finish.

Vial Visibility

One of the key features of a good level is the visibility and readability of the vials. Five of the seven levels in this evaluation use a traditional yellow/green spirit color in the level vial. While two of them (Empire) uses a slightly blueish colored spirit in theirs. After using all of these levels over the past several months we feel the yellow/green color is preferable in most low light conditions. However, the Empire LED lighted vials are very easy to read and definitely a step above the green/yellow non-lighted vials.

In addition to the visibility of the actual vial, the placement of the vial within the level frame also contributes to the overall visibility of these levels. As you can see from the adjacent photo, each of the levels have the vials attached to the frame in much different positions. For example, the IRWIN and Stabila R Beam levels have cut-outs in the frame that creates a “window” to the vial. Whereas the remaining levels have a full notch at the vial allowing for greater visibility of the vial.

Frame Strength Vs Vial Visibility

Obviously the trade off is a strength vs visibility issue. The first three levels mentioned provide a stronger continuity to the level frame and additional protection for the vial. While the other levels provide far superior visibility from different user positions.

From our perspective, the Stabila Heavy Duty Type 196 offers the best visibility to the vial, and the clearest vial with it’s traditional Yellow/Green spirits. We also think the Empire LED has excellent visibility when using the LED light. The Stabila R Beam has the same vial but it’s much harder to see in the small “window” cut-outs vs the full view that the Type 19 offers. The flip side of this is the Stabila R Beam offers superior vial protection for tough jobsite conditions.

IRWIN Tools offers a unique design with an angled mirror built into the frame. This allows users to read the vial from other positions angles. This is extremely useful when working on ladders and other positions that make it difficult to see the vial.

Flexural Strength in Strong and Weak Axis

In order to evaluate how strong these levels are we set up a test rig that allowed us to test the bending strength of these levels in both the strong and weak axis. While we didn’t test them to failure, we did load them with a heavy load and measure the deflection, which allowed us to rank them for flexural stiffness.

The test was a simple point  load bending test. The load was applied to the middle of each level using a sling. A 2nd level was placed on top of the testing level to create a reference point to allow for deflection measurements. A sample of the test setup is shown below for reference.

We also wanted to test the levels to see if any of them were permanently deflected after loading. We measured the difference between the initial no load state and the post load state. In other words, how well do the levels return to their normal shape after the load is removed. We measured this using a feeler gauge. That gives you an idea how small the numbers were.

The loads we applied on the strong axis were in the form of 60lb bags of concrete (3, 4, or 5 bags), plus the weight of the chain/straps, and plus the weight of the pallet. That gave us roughly 200, 260, 320 lb point loads tested on the strong axis and 200 lb load on the weak axis. The results are below:

Strong Axis Stiffness

The first graph above shows us the deflection of each level when loaded in the strong axis. The strongest (stiffest) level was the Stabila R Beam Type 300 with about 3/16″ deflection under a 300 lb load. Following in a close 2nd place was the IRWIN Tools 2500. Coming in last place was the Empire e95 LED level (the vial housing cracked under this loading condition).

Strong Axis Load – Permanent Deflection

We also measured permanent deflection after the load testing to see if any of the levels would be damaged (no longer straight) due to excessive loading. The graph above shows the measured permanent deflection of each level after the load was removed. Two of the levels showed a deflection that in our opinion would be considered significant. The Empire e95 was the worst one and this is almost certainly related to the cracked vial housing after the 300 lb load. The other level of concern was the Stanley FATMAX. It should be noted that these are still very small numbers with the Empire at 0.02 inches and the Stanley at 0.01 inches.

Strong Axis Load – Permanent Deflection

We also did the same comparison of the weak axis loading permanent deflection. Above you can see the same two levels didn’t fair very well under extreme loading in the weak axis.

So what does all this mean? Ideally no one is “loading” their levels in this fashion. However, it does give us insight into long term durability due to tough jobsite conditions. It gives us insight into how strong these levels are and how well they can take punishment when we abuse them.

Durability Evaluation – Drop Test

Levels are dropped from ladders, scaffolding, and all over the jobsite so we wanted to evaluate how well the levels performed after being dropped from a fixed height. This test was again used to rank the levels based on their post drop evaluation. We built a rig so that the levels would all be dropped in the same way. Jobsites are all so different that there are probably a few thousand (maybe more) combinations of heights, vectors, and surfaces that levels could be dropped. We chose to drop them straight down as a way to best evaluate the end cap protections engineered into the levels.

The drop rig was an 8′ step ladder with a 3″ ABS tube positioned vertically. A trigger pin (long, smooth bolt) was drilled through the pipe section and the lowest point of the level was right at 6′ above the ground. We pulled the pin and dropped them 10 times each and then inspected for physical damage as well as retested for accuracy. The accuracy results are below. A number of 4 for plumb means that the vials read plumb in 4 directions and that the vials were unharmed by the drops. A number of 2 for level means that the vials read level in 2 directions and that the vials were unharmed by the drops. Anything less that than means the vials moved over the course of the drops.

Drop Test Results

After each level was dropped we checked them to see if the vials were still working properly. The results are as follows:

• Six of the seven levels all read plumb from both ends of the level. The Empire e95 only read plumb from one end.
• Four of the seven levels all read level after the drop test including:
  • IRWIN Tools 2000 Box Level
  • Stabila R Beam Type 300
  • Stabila Heavy Duty Type 196
  • Empire e75 Level
• Three of the seven levels no longer read “level” after the test including:
  • Stanley FATMAX
  • IRWIN TOOLS 2500 Box Level
  • Empire e95 LED Level

In addition, we also inspected the damage to the protective end caps. Most did very well in this evaluation with the exception of the IRWIN Tools levels. These levels could benefit from redesigned end caps.

Level Accuracy

Accuracy is obviously important with construction levels. We performed a basic evaluation of the levels to check accuracy. The test involves placing the levels on a fixed surface in both directions and checking the level to see that it reads the same from both sides. Below is an image showing one of the tests. As you can see the bubble on this IRWIN Tools level show the same in both directions (bubble slightly to the right of center).

All of the levels passed this test and showed great accuracy “right out of the box”. We found no signs that any of the levels had an accuracy problem.

Value – Price & Performance

Value is very subjective for an evaluation like this due to the wide range of prices. So for this evaluation we felt it was important to consider the first three categories combined with the price of the tool. After all, if a level that costs half as much as a similar competitors level can withstand the same punishment and remain accurate, then that would be far more valuable from an investment point of view.

From our perspective the best value for this group of levels is the Empire e75 Series 48″ Model E75.48 level. Priced at $50 it’s a very well built level costing less than half of the Stabila levels that we tested. It performed well in our durability testing and it offers excellent accuracy. Honorable mention in this category goes to the IRWIN Tools 2500 Box Level coming in at $76 dollars.

Unique Features

Levels have been around for a very long time so what could possibly be unique about a level? We love innovation and several of these levels have some unique features that are worth pointing out.

• Lighted Vials – Probably one of the most innovative features we’ve seen are the lighted vials that Empire is using in their TRUE BLUE® UltraView LED Box Levels. This feature comes in handy more often than you might expect. Working in dark areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, and low light situations makes the LED feature invaluable. This is a feature that we feel will end up on lots of levels in the future. The LED light is turned on by pressing a button on the side of the level. The LED turns off after 2 minutes automatically. The LED runs on two AA batteries for up to 32 hours.

• Rafter Hook – Who doesn’t love a rafter hook on their tools? We’re used to them on our power tools and expect them on quality tools to help with working at heights. The Stanley FATMAX® Premium Box Beam Level offers a unique fold out rafter hook on one end of the level. Anyone that’s framed a roof knows how handy this can be, preventing the level from sliding off the roof! We think this is an awesome feature to include in all levels for carpenters.

Overall Results – Best Construction Levels

At the end of the day we all want a winner and a trophy right? Well this comparison sure was tough to do (those of you who have followed this head to head on Social Media should know how hard it was by the time it took to write it!).  For this head to head we’ve decided to highlight three of the best construction levels:

• Best Construction Level – Hands down we felt the Stabila Heavy Duty Level Type 196 was the best level that we tested. The quality, strength, visibility, and accuracy of this level make it easy to name as the best construction level that we tested.
• Best Construction Level Runner-Up – Again Stabila takes the nod on this one. This time we’re naming the Stabila R Beam Type 300 as our Best Construction Level Runner-Up. The quality, durability, and strength of this level make it a tool that sure to last for years to come.
• Best Value Construction Level – The Empire e75 Series 48″ Model E75.48 level really impressed us with it’s quality, accuracy, and durability at a price that’s well over half that of the levels listed above. This level certainly deserves to be ranked very close to the two Stabila levels that we evaluated.

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Best Construction Levels – Level Head to Head is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Stabila Levels

If you’re going to do any serious home improvement projects or framing construction then you need to invest in a really good beam level. Anyone that knows me knows that I like to buy the best quality tools I can afford and that’s why I like the Stabila 37532 Jamber 78-Inch and 32-Inch Aluminum Box Beam Level Set.

Quality Tough Construction

Well if there’s one thing I know for certain with respect to quality tools it’s actions that speak louder than promises. I’ve been around construction my whole life and nothing gets built without accurate ways of measuring and laying out level and plumb lines.

The recognizable yellow and red levels from Stabila are a constant on almost every construction job I’ve worked on. Not only are they accurate but they are built to withstand the rigors of construction. You can drop them, step on them, twist them and throw them in the back of the truck repeatedly and still get accurate results.

Lifetime Warranty

Through a precision manufacturing technique, they secure each vial in the frame using a patented epoxy locking system. Individually calibrated vials are molded permanently to the frame, reinforcing the strength of every STABILA level. They certify the accuracy of every level and guarantee they will maintain their accuracy for life.

Recommended Level

In my opinion Stabila levels are the top of the line. I particularly like the 78-inch and 32-inch level set with features like:

• Set of 2 professional grade levels for door installation contractors; accuracy certified
• 78-inch level for door frames; 32-inch level for headers, sills, and thresholds
• Light, strong, wide aluminum frame; removable rubber caps and oversized rubber handholds
• 2 levels, each with clear vials (vials have spring steel hairline indicators)
• 78-inch and 32-inch; 5.7 pounds combined; lifetime warranty

So if you’re looking to purchase a beam level set that has a lifetime warranty and a tool that you’ll be able to pass on to your grand kids then I suggest you buy the set from Amazon.

• Stabila 37532 Jamber 78-Inch and 32-Inch Aluminum Box Beam Level Set

Stabila Aluminum Box Beam Level Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz