Deciding which spirit level to buy?

**Lipsmacker01** · 13th November 2008, 10:14 AM

Im looking at getting hubby a spirit level for Christmas and was wandering if they are all much of a muchness or do I get what I pay for? Im looking at getting one approx 120cm long one of the large ones.

I went to Bunnings today and they had the brands:

Empire
Stanley
Trojan
Stabila and
Lufkin

The lufkin was made in Austria and the Empire in USA. Some had carry handles which I thought was convenient and some didnt. We ended up getting a little magnetic Empire one for a small kitchen cabinet job but now Im thinking he will need a larger one for bigger outdoor jobs. They pretty much ranged from around $40-$90 so Im not sure which one to get. I liked the look of the Trojan and the Lufkin.

Apart from the new little magnetic Empire brand one we just bought he only has a large cheap one that he bought from a fleet market and the bubbles break up! so Im guessing he got what he paid for!

Any ideas? Which one would you choose!
Thanks

**rsser** · 13th November 2008, 10:35 AM

Hi Lipsmacker,

I've used a long Stabila for about 30 years now. It's very well made and doubles nicely as a straight edge. The only downside is that the fluid in the vials has faded a bit.

**DavidG** · 13th November 2008, 11:16 AM

Stabila. Almost impossible to destroy.
Mine would be near 30yrs old and still fine.

**rod1949** · 13th November 2008, 12:14 PM

I'd go for Stabila but then I'm a bit bias... I've got 4 of em 2m, 1.2m, 760mm and 600mm.

**Bob38S** · 13th November 2008, 04:29 PM

Any of the brands which is not made in China.

Prefer Stabila but the Lufkin would be good also. Check out some of the local building suppliers as the Green Box is not always the cheapest. DAMHIK.

When you make your selection

a] place it on a surface and see where the bubble is in relationship to the lines

b] rotate the level 180 degrees - is the bubble in the same place - bear in mind that some can be recalibrated but others are fixed.

c] try placing a couple of levels on top of each other [like a wall] - are the bubbles all the same?

d] when placed on a flat surface there should be no gaps or rocking - check a few - if all have a gap or rock then they may be flat and true but the surface probably is not.

e] don't neglect to check the level on a vertical surface as well.

Sounds complicated but in reality it is quite easy. If you choose a good one [and treat it with some care] it will easily last a lifetime.

Hope it helps, regards,
Bob

**Vernonv** · 13th November 2008, 05:28 PM

I'll add another vote for stabila. Very well made and very precise.

**Lipsmacker01** · 13th November 2008, 09:33 PM

Ok, cool, looks like Ive narrowed my search down to a Stabila. Didnt occur to me to check other places other than the one I originally went to so will keep that in mind. Thanks to all that replied, Ill test them out.

**Kyle** · 15th November 2008, 10:15 PM

I've always used Stabila, but they don't like being dropped (ie of a ladder), I've gone through 3 in 12 years. Next one will be an Empire, my work partner has one and they are a very heavy duty unit.
Get it with the hard plastic case if you can (for any brand), keeps its in good nick.

And as Bob38s said check it before you buy.

**Claw Hama** · 16th November 2008, 02:08 PM

Have had a Stabila for many years gets used for many things it shouldn't and stands up well, the last one I got was a Lufkin and it seems just as tuff so far.

**les88** · 17th November 2008, 06:54 AM

Yet another vote for Stabila

les

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