Measuring and Layout Tools Reviews

This is a very easy to tool to use. It's not as fancy as some models, but it gets the job. I've used my extensively, and its made several home projects much easier. The live circuit detector is also a nice safety feature.

I needed a stud finder to do simple tasks - like hanging pictures and shelves on drywall. It works great!

We want to give the explanation for why Zircon stud finders are not well suited for lath and plaster applications.

Zircon (and all) stud finders measure "density" or "capacitance" behind a wall, floor or ceiling. For them to function correctly, they need to move from a point of lower density to one of higher density. You can think of it as going from a place that is more hollow to a place that is less hollow. Stud finders don't work well in lath and plaster for that exact reason -- because there are multiple pieces of wood (lath), coupled with the fact that plaster inconsistently leaks through the laths to create varying depths (or densities). So, because of the constantly varying depths, the stud finder is constantly trying to recalibrate, and therefore will not find the studs.

They do work in concrete, by the way, because the material is of a more consistent density than lath and plaster.

This is NOT something that is particular to Zircon stud finders, however. Any manufacturer's product will produce the same results. And we do try to alert users to this in the operating instructions.

There is a work-around. If you turn the TriScanner on "Metal" scan, you can locate nails behind your wall. By locating a vertical row of nails, you have a pretty good, although not certain, idea that you've found a stud. Then switch back to "Stud" scan to verify. As I said, this isn't foolproof, but many owners of lath and plaster walls have found it effective.

Dan Harrell, Director of Marketing, Zircon Corporation

This is one of the most ingenious tools on the market. I will never go back to a single beam level again. This tool is like having several levels in one convenient package. It takes care of the short stuff like door frames, and the tall stuff like large balloon walls and goes plate to plate while doing it, alleviating inaccuracy caused by stud warp. It is very durable and easy to use and store. Well worth the money. I'd give it 10 stars if I could.

Just like my cordless drill, I cannot remember what life was like before the extend-o-level. This level allows you to plumb walls without having to touch the studs, which may be warped, bowed, crowned, etc. You extend the level to touch only the top and bottom plates for an accurate reading. It is great on any height walls. It has one flat side so it can be used as a standard 4' level and one inch offsets on the other side for plumbing. You can buy a standard rectangular, padded gun case that works great for a protective case. I recommend this level to any framing carpenter and many have stopped to inquire about mine. It seems expensive until you get it and realize it was money very well spent.

I am finishing my basement and I am having problems with cutting, measuring, and drawing straight lines to cut the sheet rock. I recently was searching the internet for a tool which would help me do this in a timely fashion. I found this product and instantly it saved me time and money. It allowed me to draw a straight line, measure the sheet rock, and cut all at the same time without having to grab different instruments. This is truly a great product.

My wife had purchased the Sabrr as a gift for me. I do alot of hands on work around the house. I remodeled my home and my rental properties and this was a lifesaver when you have absolutely no one to help you cut sheetrock. The built in pencil holder is convenient when you are marking cabinets, walls, framing and ect...I have dropped this numerous times and the Sabrr holds up remarkably well.

Great locking mechanism for keeping your tape in place. Highly recommend this tape measure up against any tape measure I have ever used. Worth every penny!

Been useing one for about a year. A good investment. Very accurate.

Having just recieved the Stabila spirit level laser (#02123), I was eager to try this thing out. Unpacking it, I found that it was ready to go (batteries and all) right out of the box. As a general contractor, I've come to rely on laser-levels for a variety of tasks from installing kitchen cabinets to setting tile and framing decks. In the past, the weak link has been the rotary tripod adapters. They seem to go out of adjustment as you rotate them, making re-leveling necessary. The levels themselves seem to be sufficiently accurate, but the Stabila name has become synonymous with absolutely reliable accuracy (I've got pretty much every size of their spirit levels and trust them completely). First, I checked the level by placing it on top of various other Stabila levels. I then did the end-for-end test. As usual, the level was dead on. Next, I shot a dot at a wall and the dot was crisp and bright. The best thing was the leveling base. Stabila has bypassed the entire problem of making a base that rotates and stays level by making a solid machined base with a pin that the level indexes on and stays attached to by magnets. The base stays put and the level rotates with the pin as it's axis. A simple arrangement that works beautifully. The other nice touch was the addition of a rough "sighting" arrangement that works like a rifle peep-sight to get you "in the ball-park". Thanks again Stabila.

Sure you can get a cheaper level, but if you want a quality level that you will enjoy using, this is the one for you. Actually, all the Stabilla levels are great. I have three now and each one is excellent. You can either buy several cheap ones or just buy one Stabilla and be done with it. Highly recommended for anyone who wants a great tool that will most likely out last the user.

I have owned this level for two years. It has taken the day to day punishment the jobsite delivers and is still as accurate as the day I bought it. Stabilla levels are accurate, durable, and well worth the money.

this level makes hanging doors a snap. I won't hang another door without it.

The Stabila 26960 Electronic level! One of the most accurate electronic tools you will own and..

By far one of the more important tools in your box of building tricks!

No matter how well your job looks... If it aint level...
It aint right!!!

I recall telling my wife some 10 years or so ago that I just could not wait until they come out with a 48" Electronic Level.
Well they have! Wish I had invented it my self!

I can not say enough about the wonders this level produces every day on the job! When we pull it out of its nice protective well made padded case and lay it on the surface people cringe!

They do... And after seeing just how well it works over theirs we see em order the 86E!

It is so accurate that you can calibrate all other bubble levels with this! Even make money betting on the job! I bet you're off by.....degrees! Serious!

The audio feature is a great sound off for this level, if you can't see the digital read out not a problem! the audio signal is loud and will let you know when your at your grade!

The Price will make most question the need. But I assure you this level will give you solid piece of mind knowing your projects are right on the money every time!

Here are some helpful pointers...


FEATURES OF THE 86E

360? Digital Measuring.
Display always reads upright.
Select from degrees, % slope, or audio (beep) alert.
Certified Vial Accuracy; in top read position: (.029?) 1/32" over 72".
Digital accuracy tolerance: at 0?, 90?= ?.1?, Between 1? & 89? = ?.2?

Patented red pads on endcaps grip walls and flat surfaces.
Audible tone signals plumb and level condition for eye-free installations.
Level accuracy guaranteed for life; vials will never fog, leak or require adjustment.
1year warranty on Electronic module, lifetime guarantee on vials.


Is The Level Accurate?

To check the "level" or "horizontal" vial's accuracy, place the level on any flat surface.

Make a mark on the flat surface at one end of the level.
Read the bubble & remember where it is.
Turn the level 180 degrees (end to end), placing the level right on the line drawn from the original end placement.
Read the level.

If the bubble returns to the same place, the level is accurate. If it does not, it is not accurate.
Do it again, regardless of the reading.
To check the "plumb" or "vertical" vials, place the level against any door frame or wall.

Make a mark on the wall beside the top vial.
Read the bubble & remember where it is.
Flip the level side for side (not end for end!).
Read the level.

If the bubble returns to the same place, the vial is accurate. If it does not, it is not accurate.
Do it again, regardless of the reading.
To check the second "plumb" vial, turn the level end for end.

Repeat all of the steps as done for the first "plumb" vial.
Laser Levels should always be returned to Stabila for warranty evaluation.

We recommend this product at ShowCase Cabinet & Door Co.

We have to give Amazon Customer Service a plug now!
We were not happy with another item's ship delivery date...
Simply put they put it in our hands in 2 days instead of 2 weeks! for FREE!

GO Amazon!... "because it's a jungle out there"

I have installed billiard tables with regular levels for nine years. I used the Stabila Electronic 40" Level and cut my total installation time by 1/3. I would highly recommend this tool, and would buy another.

I've used the aluminum square for the same reason as other reviews. I was a rough carpenter, finish carpenter, cabinetmaker for a long time. Just getting into furniture making. I was trying to square up a new combination miter saw and couldn't get it quite square to the fence. I even used brass shims and couldn't get better than .06".
Finally, I took the square and drew a line across a piece of 16" ply. Then I flipped it and tried to draw over the same line. What I found was, the ends of the square, after years of drawing lines and using as a straight edge and cutting guide had worn off and were slightly rounded. Still, after 15 years of good service, I am ordering another today.

I like steel. It's tough and cheap. It makes life better. But I don't like steel framing squares. They rust and rust doesn't make life better. I like aluminum far more. In 5 years you'll be glad you bought an aluminum square instead.

I almost bought a Berger sight level and then happened to see a David White in use on a friends job site. I was impressed with the quality of the level. Now that I've had a chance to use mine, I'm very pleased to have bought the David White instead of Berger. The top mounted leveling vial on the David White unit is so much easier to use. Sure was a snap to level my garage floor forms.

We have used wood and metal rods for a long time but the fiberglass scared me a bit. Now that we have this rod on the job I would not say that anymore,it is very sturdy and well marked. David White also made the locks easy to use even if you have gloves on! So if your looking for a rod this with this one you can't go wrong!

The B&D Laser Level is a good laser for small areas and short runs. The laser is only projects a bright line to about 15 ft then drops off dramatically. The line is a lot thicker than other laser lines out there. The attachment chasis is a bit confusing to use with the spikes that come out and must be set into the wall. This is difficult on finished surfaces. I should have got the PLS 2.

If you're tiling a wall, I'd consider this an indispensable tool. You can quickly set up the level for an entire row of tiles and check the plumb as you set each tile. It's especially handy around corners, because you can check the level on each wall simultaneously, something you just can't do with an ordinary level. When a wall isn't plumb, you can compensate by simply marking the laser line on the tile and cutting to it rather than taking different measurements up the wall and hoping you get the angle right.

This is a very well engineered product at its price point. The only real drawback I've found is that switching it on or off, or changing between modes, always requires resetting the level when you turn it back on. Better to leave it always on and stock up on 9V batteries.

I absolutely love great design... assuming the guts work accurately. This level fits both requirements.

Functionally: The level is accurate and the laser is bright and projects a long distance.

Design: It was designed but someone who actually uses them. It has a flat base so it can be used by itself. And it also has a base that the level attaches to with a magnet (brilliant). The base itself is flat, so it can be set down, but it also has other options to position it: built-in pins to attach to the wall, a hole for a nail or screw, and a loop to hang it from the ceiling. Once in the base, the level can be adjusted vertically (barely, so place it near the right height), and horizontally with knobs.