stanley levels

[michael a nelson]

hi i have three old stanley levels 2 2ft and 1 3ft they are mahogany and brass does anybody know if these are any good and worth somthing

[Jim Holman]

Vintage levels are much like planes, smaller sizes are valued more highly. Now is one of these was a 9" brass bound Stratton....

[James Taglienti]

probably not michael, stanley levels aren't that great .

are there any numbers on them? do they have brass all the way around the edges or wood?

[michael a nelson]

yes their ends are capped in brass and their is a brass plate on the top and their are numbers i cant remember off the top of my head ill try to post some pics next time im in the shop

[Bill Houghton]

Probably Stanley "0" levels, of which there are lots. I've paid maybe $2 for each of the two I own.

[Gaz Palmer]

Wooden levels are probably good for collecting, but aren't as accurate for working with as they can have a tendancy to shift with variations in humidity.

[James Taglienti]

hey, they worked fine for a very long time. but a lot of them were made to be adjustable. if you're building something out of wood, that probably has a tendency to shift too, eh?

[Gaz Palmer]

hey, they worked fine for a very long time. but a lot of them were made to be adjustable. if you're building something out of wood, that probably has a tendency to shift too, eh?

Hey, sarcasm doesn't suit you. eh? You prefer wooden levels and I prefer metal ones. So what? I don't have any problem with your taste in tools, but you don't need to act like one when referring to my tool preference.

Wooden levels saw use for many years, but were more commonplace because cast metal levels hadn't entered the equation and not necessarily because they were the best tool for the job. Another argument you omitted would have been the use of water and plumb levels, but they were superceded by spirit levels and theodolites. Craftsmanship basically boils down to being as practical as possible and using the best tools and techniques available in order to produce top quality work. Having a guaranteed accuracy to within 0.5mm per metre using a modern cast metal level is far better than the "I'm not quite sure if it's true" problem that's all too often encountered when using wooden levels.

Both are neander tools.

Having a preference for metal levels isn't exactly unorthodox. Test drive daily use of wooden bodied levels against that of metal levels and see which you have most trouble from in terms of variations in accuracy. I'd much rather pick up a level, know it's true and only need to check it occasionally, rather than wonder if it's true or needs checking and adjusting on a daily/twice daily basis. ;)

It's your choice. :)

[Gaz Palmer]

You're the one who is getting all bent out of shape.

Thanks for jumping all over me the first chance you got, which seems to be a theme with you, judging by some of your other posts. Charming!


I don't think so, but you - on the other hand do seem to be getting all bent out of shape. Please feel free to think what you wish and point out the error of my ways. You can begin by explaining this supposed theme you so kindly mention, but let's take it to pm if you've a problem you need to deal with.

All I'd mentioned was my choice being metal levels, whilst justifying my preference for them due to improved stability and accuracy. Nothing more or less.

You've done nothing to disprove the attitude I'd referred to and I'm perfectly fine with your preferences. It's a free world.

[David Keller NC]

It's a free world.

Perhaps, but it's not a free forum, at least from the standpoint of what one puts into posts, and the required civility of tone that one must post with. James didn't give you any reason to jump on him - lay off, dude.

[Gaz Palmer]

Perhaps, but it's not a free forum, at least from the standpoint of what one puts into posts, and the required civility of tone that one must post with. James didn't give you any reason to jump on him - lay off, dude.

David,

My "It's a free world" comment regarded the freedom to choose whichever tools you prefer. Nothing more or less.

Who on earth jumped on who? I certainly didn't jump on anyone, so something must have been lost in translation somewhere along the line.

If someone opens by saying "hey" and closes by saying "eh?" in print it can sometimes be construed as sarcastic. Or do people not refer to one another by name here or simply say "Hi"?

[James Taglienti]

lets just call it quits. Trivialities are boring. researching posts, selecting quotes, arguing points, talking to PM people, contacting my Jr. High school debate instructor for pointers, etc really would give this little disagreement far more gravity than it deserves. I would bet we both have some more constructive things to do.

And I really wasn't being sarcastic in the first post there, hey and eh are parts of my actual vocabulary.

[John Coloccia]

When James says he wasn't being sarcastic, I think he's on the level...


wait for it...



wait....


:D

[john brenton]

hey hey hey, take it over to the "origin of coffin smoother" thread if you're going to argue.


I don't think so, but you - on the other hand do seem to be getting all bent out of shape. Please feel free to think what you wish and point out the error of my ways. You can begin by explaining this supposed theme you so kindly mention, but let's take it to pm if you've a problem you need to deal with.

All I'd mentioned was my choice being metal levels, whilst justifying my preference for them due to improved stability and accuracy. Nothing more or less.

You've done nothing to disprove the attitude I'd referred to and I'm perfectly fine with your preferences. It's a free world.

[Gaz Palmer]

hey hey hey, take it over to the "origin of coffin smoother" thread if you're going to argue.


Behave. :eek::eek:

This means calm down, I'm not arguing with anyone and haven't argued. Here or elsewhere for that matter.

[john brenton]

Maybe it's a simple matter of our "language" and "cultural" barrier. Seriously. When I read the thread I totally see you as being the guy who made it ugly, but maybe to you or another Englishman it would look differently.



Behave. :eek::eek:

This means calm down, I'm not arguing with anyone and haven't argued. Here or elsewhere for that matter.

[Dave Anderson NH]

BACK IT OFF PEOPLE.

I'm going to ask each of you to go back and edit your posts. This behavior is not becoming to anyone here. Lets all take into account the variations in usage and idiom of both sides of the Atlantic.

Further discussion of meanings, motives, etc will causethis thread to be whisked away to never never land.

[steven c newman]

I worked with a LOT of masons, and that IS what they carried around everyday. Us "concrete guys" had the metal ones, the block-layers loved the NEW wooden ones. Depends on what one is building I guess. :rolleyes:

[James Taglienti]

When James says he wasn't being sarcastic, I think he's on the level...


wait for it...



wait....


:D

nice.
im surprised nobody got the bent out of shape reference. too subtle?

[Mel Miller]

Stanley made some high quality levels with laminated wood and adjustable vials. It's a simple matter to check the accuracy of either a wood or metal level by turning it end for end.
Wood levels are more forgiving in a construction environment when dropped or banged around, as they frequently are. And, they are more accurate themselves than the buildings are when completed.

Mel

[Harry Goodwin]

A general opinion would be just check it. Pick out a spot on a relatively flat surface marking the ends and swaping ends of the level and if it shows the same it's OK. Wood, metal or plastic. I have found all materials with problems. It's a good user for someone regardless of material. Harry

[michael a nelson]

i didnt get a chance to get to the shop today but i think 2 are number 3 stanleys and one is a number 98 anybody have a clue what their worth?

[Bill Houghton]

i didnt get a chance to get to the shop today but i think 2 are number 3 stanleys and one is a number 98 anybody have a clue what their worth?

Try eBay completed sales.

[Mel Miller]

Stanley #3 levels are common, while the #98 is one of the better ones.
Post some good quality pictures of the level, and describe any "apologies"
You can always search Ebay to see what comparable levels are selling for.

Mel :)