Good torpedo level?

[Photojosh]

I've got two nice Johnson box levels (2ft and 4ft) and at some point I'll probably get an 8 if I end up doing any more serious framing/home renovation. No, the Johnson's aren't the most expensive out there, but they are solid and accurate.

However, what I don't have is a good torpedo level. I'm still using the $2 plastic one I ended up with years ago. I had hoped to find a johnson to match the set, but they don't seem to make a box torpedo any more and all their torpedos are in the $10-12 range. Which makes me suspicious even if I have liked and trusted their other products.

So, what's a good torpedo level? Am I stuck getting the weird shaped Stabila torpedo for something quality?

[LarryG]

I have this not-at-all-weird shaped Stabila and cannot fault its quality or accuracy. Price when I bought it nearly five years ago was a very reasonable $19.99. As you can see, amazon.com is showing it as currently unavailable but perhaps you can find it elsewhere.

[Photojosh]

I have this not-at-all-weird shaped Stabila and cannot fault its quality or accuracy. Price when I bought it nearly five years ago was a very reasonable $19.99. As you can see, amazon.com is showing it as currently unavailable but perhaps you can find it elsewhere.

A quick search of Google shopping doesn't show it as available anywhere. I'll look a bit further though.

A shame as that is exactly what I'm looking for.

[LarryG]

I checked Stabila's web site and they don't show it, either. Must have dropped it from the line.

Although I've no personal experience with them, I've read several good reviews for Irwin spirit levels. Their torpedo level might be worth your consideration.

[tseavoy]

Try a Stanley at

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRHM

Just search torpedo level.

I would have posted the full URL, but it is too long. At less than eight bucks, it seems to be OK.

Tom

[cabinetman]

If your torpedo level has to be dead accurate look for a digital one. I don't give bubble torpedo levels much credence. If you find one you like, try it out using both edges. See if the second edge levels the same as the first edge. For the times I need a level and my 2' one is too long, I may try my torpedo, but my best level is a very simple one that you can make.

Use a clear nylon or clear flexible PVC tubing, 1/2" in diameter (ID is OK), and the length really doesn't matter. I have them in various lengths. If you cut a 36" section, make some knife marks on one side about every inch from the edge. Make 3 or 4 on each end. To use it as a level, fill with water with the loop down, so the water level reaches the same mark on each end.

Take it to the piece to be checked and put one end to one side, and the other end to the other side and the water level will tell near the marks. It's not as easy as just setting a level on a surface, but it as accurate if not more than a bubble level. This type level will give a reading around corners.

Here's more on single tube and reservoir levels.
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[Photojosh]

The water level is interesting, but to be honest, that's not really what I'm looking for. At the moment, I'm plenty satisfied with the accuracy that my Johnson's give me. I just want a torpedo level for small stuff that is close to as accurate as my larger levels are.

[sd]

Checkpoint makes some nice torpedo levels. If you want extreme accuracy in a small level look for a machinist's level like this one from SPI.

[Photojosh]

Checkpoint makes some nice torpedo levels. If you want extreme accuracy in a small level look for a machinist's level like this one from SPI.

Whoa, for $153 it had better be accurate!

[pecker]

I bought this one recently...as an afterthought actually, since I was ordering some other things from Lee Valley. It seems sturdy and accurate.
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...64&cat=1,44047

[BigguyZ]

I think my good level is a johnson one, but I've also had no problem with my brother's Empire level.

[Tom Slick]

the nicest one I've used was made by Klein. You'll find it with the electrical tools at the BORG.

I wouldn't think twice about the odd shaped Stabila, when/why would you need 2 parallel sides?

If you want a real level check out a Starrett No. 199

[Uncle Cracker]

I gots this one, and I likes it...