Fine Finish W/o Stabila...

basswood

The Festool thread was so much fun... now back for more.

I have a variety of levels, Mayes Mahogany, Stabila, Empire, etc.

The Empire True Blue levels are my favorite. It is also nice that they cost much less than Stabila, and have a Lifetime warranty.

http://www.empirelevel.com/levels/bo...ls/default.asp

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Warren

Oh boy Bass its on now. I have framed for 25 years and no level comes close to matching the stabila. I have had them for the last 10 years and they still read true. Probably had 1/2 dozen others, empire, johnson etc. Maybe for you trim guys who dont have to worry bout weather,mud,drops,etc others may be close but to us framers its not even a debate.

john5mt

i had an empire blue and hated it!

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loneframer

I have a 6' a 4' and a 2' Empire blue. Loved them for about 6 months, then they started reading differently. Now I'm back with Stabila for good.

basswood

I've had several Stabila and Empire levels and they are all still accurate after a decade or more... so I have not seen any difference except price and color. Just my experience.

They don't get much abuse in my work.

The new Empires seem well made. I've had the True Blue for just a couple of years, no problems so far. I like the vials better than Stabila.

I know how strong the loyalty to Stabila is though (and for good reason).

As I was working today and had several different levels out, I thought this would make for a lively discussion.

By the way, Empire invented the torpedo level and is based in WI... they probably have more of a following here in the Midwest.

basswood

Hi John,

What was it that you didn't like?

Just curious,

Bass

basswood

My Empires and Stabilas agree with each other so far... maybe you just have to be just a finish only guy... working solo might also help.

loneframer

I will say that the reason I bought the True Blues to begin with is the fact that they have a wider measuring surface, which is nice for hanging doors, it's easier to read twisted jack studs. I'll get them out tomorrow and field test them again.

Gus Dering

I never thought the day would come when I part ways with the great Bass, but here we are.
I will not go with any other level cept Stabila.
Call me closed minded, call me a tool bigot, call me a stuck up spirit level snob but don't ask me to install a cabinet job without my little yellow friends.

Sorry Bass, I just trust them so solidly. Can't move off that stump.

greg24k

Old timer said once, its not the level makes mistakes, its the person who holds the level

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Warren

Especially if he's holding something other than a Stabila!

JLTrim

Glad to see the loyalty to Stabila, I've heard nothing but good things about them so I just recently bought a few. I figured it's a worthwhile investment considering their reputation. I was using Johnsons and a couple off-branders, they were accurate enough, but for something I use so often I wanted the best.

greg24k

You would know better

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SLSTech

Greg, your letting me down - I expected to see a cartoon or an obituary about Gus & Bass friendship being ripped asunder due to a level.

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greg24k

You mean something like this? Nah I like this guys, I just like to keep them on theirs toes

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basswood

That does it... it's over.

I've even got a Stanley Fat Max 4' that keeps reading true... so I keep using it. In a changing world, it's best if your levels stay the same.

pappagor

how can u trust a level that is not rigid.
take 2 stablia door hanging levels but a chunk of 20 or 16 ga sheetmetal between them then push on the center of them then try to but a chunk of the same metal between the center. not very rigid =not very good. try same test with a md american 8 or 12 footer u will be able to see the point

basswood

All,

It sounds like the consensus is that though my cheaper levels have worked for me--I might have dodged the bullet on this one. You have collectively convinced me to apply the change jar fund to my next level purchase and trade up to Stabila... now I'm paranoid... gonna have to go check all the levels again.

I'm still not giving up all my tightwad ways... I have a free contractors breakfast to go to now.

Have a great day,

Bass

P.S. How come my Hayes Mohagany level is still accurate after 20 years of being used as a screed, beat with a mallet, and other crimes?

greg24k

Because today they don't make things like they use too and I doubt anybody convinced you to try a new level, don't BS us Bass, you an Old Dog and you not about to stop barking you just due for a new toy.... Before you know you will trade that hoopty in your driveway for a nice caddy now that would be something

Enjoy your breakfast and bring back some leftovers

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KMac

It's hard to buy a level at the store that's true! Half the ones on the rack are out of calibration before you even bring them home - check it out for yourself. Stabila all the way no question best levels you can buy and worth every penny.