Best levels according to redditors
We found 103 Reddit comments discussing the best levels. We ranked the 63 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 103 Reddit comments discussing the best levels. We ranked the 63 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
I've got a level that has sliders on it for just this type of task, no pencil mark needed.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UKMWMO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
He's got skills, but for the perfectionist.
http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-43-511-Magnetic-Resistant-Torpedo/dp/B000BQR7TU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395009294&sr=8-2&keywords=torpedo+level
Yes ones like these are badass.
Amazon link
I've witnessed this. I am an electrician and thw industry is flooded by tools made by Klein in North America. They are a premium priced tool company and make their PLIERS in the USA. However anything they put their name on like a tape measure or level is usually made in China by a different company. You can usually find the exact same model of tape measure or level on Amazon by for 1/2 the price made by the company who actually designed the tool. Sometimes you can find things rebranded 5 times over on Amazon.
Klein Level - $42
Swanson - $23
... There are slight machining differences and colors, but the same company made it. It makes sense though, because Swanson specializes in levels, Klein does not. With the Klein name they can charge so much more because so many electricians trust the brand to make good tools. Klein can also do this because if you go to an electrician wholesale company, they are more likely to have just Klein as their tool line and not Swanson.
FYI, if you read this far and are an electrician; I personally don't even use Klein - I use german made Knipex pliers and Wera screw drivers.
>It is god damn hard to mount and adjust 50" tvs like this on their own, let alone 100% perfect.
No it's not. A cheap level will get the job done.
> the autists
Awesome. Using autism as a derogatory term. Shall we belittle cancer victims next?
One failure point I can see in this test before it even happens... leveling the laser.
He shows two levels: the cheaper one on Amazon states that its accuracy is 0.1^o while the more expensive one on MicroMark is accurate to 0.01^o. That is perfectly adequate for checking level over short distances, but over three miles the error balloons considerably.
With an accuracy of 0.1^o the potential error at three miles would be 110.6 inches. With an accuracy of 0.01^o the potential error at 3 miles drops down to 11.1 inches... still considerable.
More to the point... the casing of the laser is not guaranteed to be perfectly parallel to the laser beam itself. Using these levels to level the laser will only tell you if the casing is level, not the beam itself.
Right away I can tell this guy has not really understood what he's trying to do, because he states that an error of six feet could only occur if the earth's surface is curved and did not mention accuracy at all when discussing which level to choose - saying that two less accurate levels would somehow be more accurate than one more accurate level.
As for this guy's retarded thought experiment: on a curved earth level is defined as "equidistant from the center of earth" as he admits earlier in the video. Water flows from higher levels to lower levels as any child knows. If the water is level at both ends - that is, it is equidistant from the center of the earth, water will not flow because neither end is further from the center than the other. The water can't flow from higher to lower levels, because both are the same height. The fact he can't grasp this simple point shows why he's a flat earther - he's an idiot.
Why not just get one of those rulers with the level inside it?
https://www.amazon.com/Tool-Bench-Hardware-Yellow-Plastic/dp/B00MDSX3XS
Countersink bit.
Metal file.
Magnetizer (for screw bits).
2^nd pare of wire strippers (for when you misplace the first).
2^nd flat head screw-driver.
#2 Robertson screw-driver.
Checkpoint Level.
Multibit.
Knock-out Punch.
Southwire Marksman.
SDS Ground Rod Driver (for soft dirt areas, only).
7-in-1 Nut Driver.
This might save your ass from a good shock. Most people treat the NCVT like a must have. Although it’s good to make sure it’s working before trusting it. The plug tester is nice to have for diagnosing problems.
KLEIN TOOLS NCVT2KIT Basic Voltage Test Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IX6DIVK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_J3w1Ab0HH2CEN
You’ll want to get some nutdrivers too. I’ll list the most used sizes.
1/4”
5/16”
3/8”
1/2”
7/16”
9/16”
You’ll want to get a knife too. This is the one I have. I found it for $14 at my local Home Depot.
Milwaukee 48-22-1985 Hawk Bill Folding Knife https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IQCDWIG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_wcx1AbE52QB22
A wrench set in standard sizes is nice to have. You can apply the sizes for nutdrivers to what you’ll want for this.
A tape measure is a must have
Klein Tools 86216 Double Hook Magnetic Tape Measure, 16-Foot https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1O7BG4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_hhx1AbNJPCNH9
I went through 3 different levels because I didn’t want to pay more for one with nice magnets. I would recommend just spending the 10$ extra and not have to buy another one.
Klein Tools 935AB4V ACCU-BEND Level https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M302QTV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_yjx1AbCSENM8Y
A decent head lamp will also be really helpful. I still need to buy one myself. You can pick one up at most Walmart’s or Home Depot/Lowe’s
Next is a list of tools you can buy pretty cheap at your local hardware/tool store. I typically buy off brand for these.
Hammer
Offset screwdrivers
Allen wrench set
Stubby screwdrivers
Pencils
Sharpie markers
Pencil sharpener
You’ll notice that a lot of my recommendations have been klein brand. That’s because you can take them back for a free replacement if they ever break. A lifetime warranty is definitely something to consider when buying tools. With klein, it’s as easy as walking into Home Depot and presenting the broken tool to the customer service desk. You’ll be out of there in 10 minutes with a brand new tool.
This is all based of my experience working commercial, so your mileage may vary.
> Klein's journeyman series
The klein level is good, but overpriced
I suggest getting two things that helped a ton with my prusa:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BQR7TU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and
http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-01407A-Extra-Large-SAE-Metric-Conversion/dp/B000GSLKIW/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1417042163&sr=1-1&keywords=caliper
Building from scratch is really great because you then have a mental framework for diagnosing when something goes wrong. Have fun.
Here are things from my wishlist (past and present)
Wera Screwdrivers
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0085NTQJK/
Oscillating blade set:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0109SELWA/
Clamp multimeter:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00NWGZ4XC/
Kreg Jig Jr.:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000J43A7W/
Angled Long Nose Pliers:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00N3VSS4S/
Groove Lock Pliers:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000FK1R0W/
11 ft wifi endoscope:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01MYTHWK4/
non contact voltage tester:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001UAHZAM/
claw nail puller:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0015YPJMY/
Workmate portable work bench:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000077CQ0/
Cable snake fish tape:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000BP7WBO/
9 Outlet metal power bar:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00F8ZQY5M/
Spade drill bit set:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00099E7WE/
36" bubble level:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000UKMWMO/
Get yourself a U6V level. They're a game changer. Fantastic tool for all kinds of bends.
Sturdy step stool ($40) - not the rickety tubular kitchen chair ones, I mean one where you can stand on the top. a Buy it for Life item, not inexpensive, but safe. https://www.amazon.com/Louisville-Ladder-AS3002-6966014-2-Foot/dp/B00182TWL2
Leatherman multi tool (around $50), which i keep in the junk bowl because I can never find a screwdriver fast enough. Pricey new, less expensive when you buy it second hand or in a pawn shop. they don't really break, but you do have to clean and oil them once a year. https://www.amazon.com/LEATHERMAN-Wingman-Multitool-Stainless-Steel/dp/B005DI0XM4/
Cordless drill (under $50), mine basically has the screw driver bit in it 90% of the time. the rest of the time I drill lots of pilot holes. pay attention to the battery... if you can get one with a battery that is shared by other tools in the line, then it is easily replaceable and if you buy another tool in that line you can swap batteries. I like to have 1 battery in the charger and one in the device. https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-Cordless-Driver-BDCDD12C/dp/B0111N8L7I/
Spirit, bubble or torpedo level. (under $10) the Hanging kit usually contains just the wires and hooks, but you need a small spirit level for hanging pictures and shelves evenly. doesn't matter the brand they all work the same https://www.amazon.com/WilFiks-Leveling-Resistant-Different-Visibility/dp/B07M62GJYP/
Small tool boxes vary in quality. I don't know if this is for you or someone else. But don't buy anything unless it's a NAME BRAND, cheap metal tools bend and can break with too much torque. Even the Stanley line that Walmart sells isn't fabulous, but it's better than a nameless brand. I don't like SETS of tools, but you need to start someplace, buy GOOD tools one at a time, I love finding $$$ tools at thrift stores. https://www.amazon.com/STANLEY-94-248-Piece-Homeowners-Tool/dp/B000UHMITE/(i bought a cheap socket set 4 years ago to replace my stolen ones and they already have rust)
Bucket organizer. (around $15) If you buy a SET of tools, take the plastic blow molded container and put it in the recycling. You will never bother putting the tools back in and when you get more tools they won't fit. Bucket Organizers are pockets that fit around a 5 gallon bucket. You shove your tools into the pockets and everything else in the middle. And keep it in the bottom of your closet and carry it to where you need the tools. https://www.amazon.com/Bucket-Boss-10030-Bucketeer-BTO/dp/B00GK4TOWK
Tack Hammer. (under $15) You won't need a big 22 oz hammer, but a smaller 16 oz one with a normal handled and then a Tack hammer, these have a narrow head and sometimes are magnetic and hold the nail in place. Tack hammers are easier to use for hanging things exactly where you want them. https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-54-304-5-Ounce-Magnetic-Hammer/dp/B00002X1XD
Stud finder.(under $20) uses a battery, and lets you know where the studs are behind drywall. BEST PURCHASE EVER. https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Stud-Finder-Wall-Detector/dp/B07VLDTVFQ/ any brand will work fine.
Digital Infared Thermometer (under $20) Non-contact Digital Laser Infrared Thermometer Temperature Gun - ALSO BEST PURCHASE EVER... works in the kitchen for food and oven temp, fridge temp, and for locating drafts and cold spots around doors and windows. https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Lasergrip-1080-Non-Contact-Thermometer/dp/B00DMI632G
Toilet Plunger - the sort with the extra bit on the end. https://www.amazon.com/Get-Bats-Out-Plunger-Bathroom/dp/B00ODD5MD0 you do NOT want to be waiting around for someone to unblock your toilet. It may be disgusting but scoop out some of what's in the toilet before you start plunging, it's less disgusting than having to mop it off the floor. You want the plunger that makes a seal around the bottom.
BUCKET. (under $10) mine is constantly in use, i keep it in the tub and toss wet things into it. I have gone through EVERY TYPE on offer...I was so sick of plastic buckets, that warped and stained, where the handles ripped out. But the BEST and cheapest one I have ever found is a flat back duraflex bucket for watering horses. Not kidding. Made of a hard polyethylene these things are designed to be flung around and stepped on by 2000 lb animals. https://www.amazon.com/LITTLE-GIANT-Flat-Back-Dura-Flex-Plastic/dp/B000HHLHPS/ these are cheap if you buy them in a feed store, but even with the shipping on Amazon it is WELL WORTH the money. You will need a bucket when you empty the back of the toilet tank to change the flushing flapper or gasket, and you will need it when you empty the commode itself, if you have to change out the wax seal underneath.
Blanket hangers. (6 for $27) yeah this is obscure, but when I moved I lost a LOT of storage space. These saved my sanity. I use them to hang up quilts and sleeping bags in the back of the closet OFF SEASON. I also use them to hang blankets, sheets curtains and stuff once they come out of the laundry aren't quite dry. I didn't even know there was such a thing before now I wouldn't give them up. https://www.amazon.com/Stock-Your-Home-Comforter-Organization/dp/B00EUG51JU
Flashlight. ($30-50) I've written about these before. Until I bought a GOOD one, I had no idea how bad the others were. Cheap flashlights are great to have scattered about in the cellar, or in the junk drawer. but if you really want TO SEE, get a great flashlight. I gifted myself one for christmas one year and I love it. It hangs by the door and if I am going to be out very late or the weather is bad, I shove it in my bag. It will also illuminate Well past the end of the porch and into the yard if I hear a noise. https://www.amazon.com/Pelican-Carded-SabreLite-Flashlight-Yellow/dp/B01CKAIYV4 any very good brand will do, but I found Maglites to be dangerously useless.
empire has cheaper and easier to use cutting guide. https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Level-E902-98-Inch-Purpose/dp/B0090DGNX6 I like how it's split in half for easier storage. The one I have has a handle and is blue, guess they updated it.
​
//edit - i just read a couple reviews and do not recommend this new version. sounds like they ruined the design. This is the version to look for: https://www.taindustrial.com/product-detail/index/1475191
Contour Gauge
That won't really do much for leveling the scope as it mounts on the tube and can be off level itself.
I bought one of these several months ago after looking for a kit for quite awhile. It works just fine. you set one half on the top knob of the scope and the other half on a horizontal surface on the firearm, usually on the receiver. I used the railed part of the gas block on my AR.
http://www.amazon.com/Wheeler-113088-Scope-Leveling-Tool/dp/B000BYAKDM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345726088&sr=8-1&keywords=wheeler+scope+level
Search for line level on Amazon.
Here's one.
Level level level
something like this
https://www.amazon.ca/Stabila-25100-Die-Cast-Magnetic-Hardware/dp/B00002257X
I have a small bubble level with a magnet that I set on top of the bars and manually turn the z axis motors till it the bubble centers.
I had to do this last week because after 3 weeks of perfect prints I couldn't get a good first layer for shit. I checked the x axis rods and they were off a bit... enough to cause bed leveling hell.
Something like this...just make sure it's only like 4-6 inches to fit.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000BQR7TU/ref=mp_s_a_1_23?ie=UTF8&qid=1498609130&sr=8-23&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=bubble+level
Put it wherever you're going to put your devices. For low voltage hole you would cut a hole the size of a regular single gang outlet. You would need these Low Voltage Mounting Bracket
Then the faceplates screw to that.
EDIT- I have one of these to trace and make sure it's level.
Doesn't help your current situation, but if you're looking for a quality replacement level, consider this: https://www.amazon.com/Swanson-TL043M-9-Inch-Magnetic-Torpedo/dp/B002C2SUHY Shame it's made in China, but Klein sells a rebadge of the same model level for 2-3X the price and it has been a quality addition to my tool bag. Rare earth magnets, 30 and 45 degree bubbles, and every bit as durable as a Checkpoint level.
You could use a contour gauge (Empire Level 2754 Contour Gauge https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000TFIBW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SUQACb7D8Y55Y) to scribe it and reproduce it. I've also heard, but not actually done myself, that some lumber yards can reproduce trim pieces based on a profile from a contour gauge. This is something that takes time and likely some decent money. If you are lucky and it is a common, albeit old style, you may find it in their reproduction trim catalogue. Best of luck!
Torpedo Level with a strong magnet
Extension Bit with quick change
Flexible drill bit extension
You might not use this every install or service but it comes in so clutch when you need it
Multi Screwdriver
A couple different size pipe wrenches. 6” and a 14” I recommend Rigid
Copper pipe cutters. You’ll need a Close quarters tubing cutter and a Large tubing cutter
Bulldog Snips
Edit: I’ll keep adding shit
I use "Level, Level, Level"
Linked
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000TFIBW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_akp5AbNAPR2H9
Is this a good contour gauge? Im looking for one for hobby use, but i want to get one that will last.
how precise do you think that arisaka tool is? any better or worse than this?
In the future buy one of these from Labor Saving Devices and then buy ones of these and this will give you a two gang hole, or here is what your would use for a one gang hole , note this is a 10 pack of them but you can buy in singles just google it.
If you're confused what I mean when I say one gang and two gang holes, just imagine you typical electrical outlet with two plugins, thats one gang and if you had two of those side buy side that is called a two gang.
Now last buy not least buy one of these or one of these if you made a one gang hole...note you can buy these with the nose part going in or coming OUT like the one I linked to.
As my father always told me, the right tools get the job done every time and the small in investment in the tool to cut holes will be something that will make future jobs easier and make a LEVEL hole to the PROPER SIZE every single time.
I know as I have used this took to cut hundreds of holes and I use those low voltage brackets after I make the hole as well as the bull nose plates to route the cables through and no customers ever complain, turns out professional every time.
Good luck!
Your friend needs some backup...
That looks like a pain in the ass compared to this and a single or double gang ring/box
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009WE08/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_i_Oxy0DbR0DB2C6
Order a small level if you don't have one (https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-42-291-Magnetic-Torpedo-Level/dp/B000FK73R8/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1502663486&sr=8-12&keywords=stanley+level)
Check floors and walls (especially foundation walls). If the floors and walls are both level in a room you can also be sure they're square.
I have the Empire Straight edge and have no problems with it.
I bought this one on Amazon and it's identical for all I can tell. If you ever need another one it's a lot cheaper than the klein one Swanson torpedo level
Thank you everyone for your help, I am going to post the solution for anyone coming from google with the same issues.
Pictures of fixed prints
First of off, The problems. Pretty much everyone one was right in some way or another.
to fix this, I took a set of cheap rifle sight levels and then got the X-axis bar more level by shutting off the machine and manually rotating the Z-axis rods until the X-axis was level. once my X-axis was back in alignment, everything started to come together again. Next, I bought a set of 0.4mm drill bits and used them to clear the extruder tip by doing a cold pull, and then using the drill bit to clear out the nozzle the rest of the way. after these two major issues were out of the way. I was able to re-level the bed and crank up the printing temperature a few degrees and get a decent print again. hope this helps someone!
EDC- Penlight, Pocket Screwdriver, 6" Scale Rule, Folding Utility Knife, Gerber Artifact, Sharpie, Pen, Lighter.
LX- 2@ 8" Crescent Wrench w/ safety lanyard, gloves, diagonal cutters, sharpies/paint pens, wire stripper, 5-n-1 screwdriver, non-contact voltage tester. In my gig bag, I have a meter, allen wrench set, c-7's, among other tools I don't really need to lug around on the subway, but then that 1% of the time they come in handy and I accept hauling them around the other 99% of the time.
CARP- Dewalt 12v Impact Driver/Drill set, 7/16"-1/2"-9/16" deep sockets each on an adapter for for use in the impact driver. Same sizes in speed wrench.
Just picked up one of these thumb drive ratchets it has been super useful for working on unistrut and holding bolts when putting together flats or platforms.
Edit: I forgot. Always have my chalk bag handy.
Not sure if this is the place for it but I'm looking to buy a torpedo level and am split between these 2. Any recommendations? The ones at my local tool stores are honestly crap with strip magnets.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B002C2SUHY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&psc=1
https://www.amazon.ca/Empire-EM71-8-Professional-Magnetic-Level/dp/B00LP417N4/ref=sr_1_6?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1518914714&sr=1-6&keywords=torpedo+level
The picture you posted of the existing hanger would not go into concrete. Tiny nail, try hammering it into concrete and it'll just bend. However, it's entirely possible to have both in different parts of the house/apt, exterior walls concrete, interior walls drywall for instance.
So you need to know what the wall is made of where you want to hang the item. If you just tap it drywall will generally sound hollow but about every 16" there will be a stud that it's attached to. That'll sound different, more solid.
Also, how much does this thing weigh? If it's not very heavy you can use something like this, Command Picture & Frame Hanging Strips, no drilling, just peel and stick. When removed later they may pull up paint bit that's easier to fix than filling holes.
Finally, for making sure the item is level, get a small level, like this, Stanley Magnetic Torpedo Level.
Any home improvement store will have both of these.
[Top level comment](https://www.amazon.com/Tool-Bench-Hardware-Yellow-Plastic/dp/B00MDSX3XS "just trust me").
Price History
CamelCamelCamel - [Info] │ Keepa - [Info]
_
Call the Bishop, these prices are sinful.
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but what if it is dark? surely your level needs lights. like this https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-9330RE-Lighted-Electricians/dp/B005GI6QIQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1468285399&sr=8-3&keywords=klein+level
Hack saws are no fun to cut lumber with. The hatchet is fun but slow and will tire you out.
30" bow saw is handy for clearing trees and can be used to cut 2x4s in a pinch. A collapsible model that could easily fit in the bag is expensive though. At the very least add a japanese ryoba. They are some of the fastest cutting wood saws I've used.
Filter masks.
Consider adding a klamper. Mine has been great for improvised repairs.
Heavy wire cutters or bolt cutters.
Some basic electrical stuff. At the very least a neon tester to check if a circuit is live.
Those glowsticks will probably be accidentally activated in their packaging if they are banging around with all the other tools.
A line level is handy if you are trying to make good repairs.
doing that is being a lazy peice of shit, this makes it real easy
During my short time in commercial it was, 30 degree bends were more common than 45 on the site I was on.
Edit: also I am not a fan of the blue vials that Empire uses. My old weak eyes see the yellow a lot better.
This one worked fine for me. I don't use it much anymore. I have a plastic level I use on my wall devices.
Swanson Tool TL041M 6-1/2-Inch Heavy-duty Magnetic Torpedo Level https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QTVWE2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ciBADbDDFN801
You only need a mark for the beginning and the end of the line. Once those are marked, it's best to use a straight edge like this or this.
Bill was using a triangular scale which are really common in the engineering fields.
It is and it isn't, drafting is still taught in most schools as an introduction to CAD to understand the drawing standards. All the engineering programs I've seen stick with CAD or 3D modeling but architectural programs still like hand drawn models.
I can't remember ever else wing what your describing. However, if your looking for aa accurate level, I'd get an electronic one like this
DigiPas DWL80E Mini Pocket Size Digital Level, Electronic Angle Gauge, Protractor, 4 inch 0.1° accuracy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NPJGL0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_4a41xbFD96YMJ
You got downvoted, but it's basically true. I moved my table and assembled the frame myself, then called a mechanic to come level and install the cloth.
It was cheaper than the price Amazon wants for the level he used.
You literally didn't though. As I said, prices change and so does the availability of products when I last bought a level Stabila only had their $50 diecast one on Amazon.
[what about this?](Level-Level-Level https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BYAKDM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_9-YByb1PBTTB1)
Non-mobile: backup
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http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-43-511-Magnetic-Resistant-Torpedo/dp/B000BQR7TU