Stabila Levels, What Ya Think?

DrewD

Does anyone really make a level worth buying besides Stabila? It doesn't pay to buy subpar levels.

Toothpick

I remember when I got into this game 20 plus years ago the Johnson brass bound and I-beam levels were the standards, now most people use around here are the stabilas. Very worth the money, my old Johnsons I would have to replace every couple of years it seemed.

TempestV

when the local store here started carrying stabila, they put on a promotion where they set up a ring toss- if you could throw a 4' stabila though the ring, you won a new 4' stabila. After a day of getting chucked across the parking lot, the level that was being used for the toss was still dead on and quite useable.

KentWhitten

I bought the 78" and 32" together and I like them alot...but the one I have does not read true. I don't know where it went wrong, but I am always flipping to make sure I've got it right.

I know there's a lifetime (?) warranty, but not really sure how to go about trading it. It looks brand new. One of my only tools that I don't abuse to death.

dayspring

I own Five of 'em so far and I absolutely love them. If you have problems with them

As far as using the warranty. From Stabilas website:

All Stabila returns require a Returned Goods Authorization (RGA). Please contact our Customer Service Department to have an RGA issued.
You can also visit your nearest Stabila Distributor to process your warranty return.

You should be able to go Here to get your questions answered about the proccess

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Teetorbilt

I still work old Craftsman Professionals that can be adjusted. They take a trip to the local machine shops surface plate at least annually. Adjustment, when needed, is free as I DIY it and a friend owns the shop. Checkups are also free, spell 'dropped' here. I take it in and whirl it around.

My 74" is so old that Sears has lost the number. I also use a machinist's level for counter tops.

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You can't solve you're problems with the same level of thinking that created the problems.

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2ndGen

My dream Level list?

Stabila 5 Pack...59", 32", 24", 16" & 10" Torpedo w/case!

Next, 78"/32" Magnetic Jammer Kit + case.

Finally, the 7'-12' Extendable Level.

$800. of pure indulgence, but nothing else will do.

The 5 pack alone is a must for any Carpenter.

Milhaus

You guys take Stabila over Crick? I've always thought Crick was top of the line....

TempestV

I didn't think it was possable, but I actually have seen a stabila level go off level. Last week, I was working with a guy that had a stabila torpedo level. his wasn't agreeing with mine, so I checked both of them by marking a spot on a window sill and checking the level at that spot, then spining it 180 and checking to see that it read the same. My level was dead on, and the stabila was off. At least he should be able to return it.

Bill

The right tools make for a more professional finish. I never settle for second best. Stabillia all the way

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Dansbell

We set cabinets all day long with Stabila. There is nothing worse than finding out that you trusted a bad level. I remember a few years ago I had to reset an entire kitchen that had been set by an employee using a Johnson. Stabila is all we use now.

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Daniel S. Bell
Belbuilt, LLC
Install Cabinets Medford, Oregon
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wetpaintbrush

When I visited Australia, all the tools went for a premium. with the exception of the Stebila levels,(of which I have a couple, because there is just less fussing around with them.) In Australia they go for about half the price, and in my opinion they get the better ones - with no handle slots in them, {the handle slots make them weaker (mine bent at the slot, just by falling over sideways into a block of wood.)

emersonhomes

I've had my stablia levels 8 years. It is still money even after a lot of MAJOR abuse. I had my johnsons about 2 years....they are all out. Stab=good investment. Johnson and any other level=money wasted. Unless ofcourse you like having a truck full of bed levels you replace every year.

Tscarborough

Doh!

pwrbildr

I've had mine for at least 8 years, might even be closer to 10. It's been dropped numerous times and its still right on. I paid 70 or 80 for it when they first came out(at least when I first saw them anyway). Last summer I was working in my garage on a scaffold over the stairs. I had it hooked on the scaffold frame pin and when I jerked the scaffold around, it slipped off and I all I saw was a yellow streak go down the stair well, bounce twice on the stair and then shoot across the concrete slab out into the driveway. I figured it was a done deal and I'd be replacing it. Picked it up and checked it against two other levels that I knew to be accurate due to checking them against the stabila. It read dead on still after that, not that I needed another reason to justify a 10 year old purchase.

chippy uk

in the uk its all most carpenters will use as they are very rated and i own the boat level, 4ft,6ft. and swear by them

Quiglag

I have a Stabila that seems to be out. Ive done the 180 test, but I just cant believe that its out. Did you find out the process for getting it exchanged?

Thanks

daArch

Face it, Stabila can't be beat for a bubble stick. But, FYI, most paperhangers I know have gone to laser levers. I would think many other professions would realize the benefits.

Pacific Laser Systems, IMO, make the best laser levels.

I bought a four foot Stabila about five years ago. LOVED it. Bought a PLS 2 about six months later. My Stabila has remained untouched in my store room ever since.

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Wallcovering Installations by Bill Archibald|paperhanger|Eastern Mass|Greater Boston Area|Dover|Wellesley|Franklin|Sharon|MA

Nigel S. Shorts

Yep, went to the PLS2 as well, but we do interior work. How does the Laser level work outside, especially with framing and such? And Setting up my laser isn't my favorite activity. Too much extra stuff to bring in after everything else. I only use it now if I have a paper that has a complicated pattern where level/plumb is crucial. I find myself using the Stabila more often now, especially in tight quarters.