good level

[Mel Fulks]

When I was a kid I had a helper construction job. Boss had an expensive metal level that was not accurate. Probably dropped too many times.
I asked him if he used it on the tower of Pisa. But got no answer.

[Rod Wolfy]

I have a couple of Stabilas, too. But with my eyes getting older, I like the Empire Blue levels that have a light inside the bubbles for visibility. I checked several of them against each other at HD, to make sure that the one I picked was true. I also have a Dewalt green laser that is the bomb for installing shelves, cabinets and the like.

If I was just a homeowner, the Amazon Huepar green laser level would be accurate enough in conjunction with a level.

[Derek Cohen]

When building in cabinets, I have used two types of aids: a 24" long digital Bosch level, and a laser on a tripod (there are plenty of these around).

This is the Bosch ...



Regards from Perth

Derek

[roger wiegand]

I bought a new Empire level a while back without looking at it closely enough. For some reason they beveled off all the corners, back about 3/16", making it impossible to accurately use the level to draw a line with a pencil using the edge as a guide. I can't imagine what the logic is for that, or what the intended use of the beveled corners is. It's pretty, but not nearly as useful as my beaten up old square-edge level.

For our house project a few years ago I splurged on a Dewalt green laser that projects both level and plumb lines. For tasks like hanging cabinets it is just awesome!

[Prashun Patel]

I have cheap empires and Johnson’s from Home Depot. For a cabinet install you can make them work just fine. Mine have served for 20 years faithfully.

That said. A 4 ft level that also is a reliable straight edge may be useful in other applications too such as tool set up. If I had to do it again, I might upgrade for that reason.

One trick I used repeatedly when I needed a lighter, longer, or skinnier level is to build my own straight edge for the project from lumber and tape a small torpedo level to the top.

[richard poitras]

1st choice would be a Stabila as they are top quality, but if on a budget the Empire .

[Mark Wooden]

Crick Tool- www.cricktool.com

If you want a substantial level that you'll like every time you pick it up

[Peter Kelly]

https://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/sola-lsx482410
1 each 48", 24", 10" Sola levels for $151.80 plus shipping.

-or-

https://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/stabila-22135
1 each 48", 24", 12" Stabila levels for $130.00 plus shipping.

Both seem like decent deals, Stabila set comes with a carrying bag though.

[Ole Anderson]

I second the use of a laser level for setting kitchen cabinets. My son got a Bosch red laser under $150 IIRC. Very useful also for setting steel stud walls in his basement as well as getting a long straight line for flooring without tripping over a chalk line. Many uses. Supplemented with 2' and 4' Johnson spirit levels. I have a 6' aluminum level with milled edges which I find very useful for trimming doors and as a long straightedge, don't remember the brand.

[Jim Becker]

Ole, I'm actually considering investing in a "reasonably nice" laser level when my future new shop project happens. It can be very useful to have.

[Aaron Rosenthal]

Stabila and/or laser levels. Period.
Get the box levels, not the flat ones. My 5' Stabila has a digital readout and the others don't but they're all great.
When you buy ANY level, check it by putting it on a "level" surface and note the centre level bubble, then turn it end for end. They should match, otherwise, try another level.
I also have a 2' Johnson which is a joy.
But I also agree, a laser level for hanging cabinets is the answer for installing cleats.

[lowell holmes]

Go to Lowes and Home Depot. Both stores have them. You will know when you when you find one you like.

[Warren Lake]

have stabila stuff. Still likely can see finer resolution on a bubble than the digital one though digital is easier to see the big numbers. LIke a digital caliper compared to my dial indicator, the dial shows finer resolution than the digital can but the digital is easier to read

[Mel Fulks]

[QUOTE=roger wiegand;3109508]I bought a new Empire level a while back without looking at it closely enough. For some reason they beveled off all the corners, back about 3/16", making it impossible to accurately use the level to draw a line with a pencil using the edge as a guide. I can't imagine what the logic is for that, or what the intended use of the beveled corners is. It's pretty, but not nearly as useful as my beaten up old square-edge level.
Mine is not beveled , Can’t imagine why they would change them. Gonna check the ones available here. You might find a store
with some older stock.

[Warren Lake]

oh, I liked the Pisa comment