Spirit level recommendations

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Hi All, I have been researching Spirit levels I need a 1200 and 1800 level.
Up to now I have been using a cheap set of a 600 and a 1200 which have been accurate and generally still are, but feel I need a better set.
I know everyone will probably recommend a Stabila. But as a DIY'er they won't be used everyday.
So looking for something decent quality for occassional use. Is there any other brands other than Stabila that are decent?

Many thanks
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[Stuckinarut]

I have only used a handful of different ones, but Stabila are usually better. Empire are ok, Stanley, DeWalt, Hultafors, Bahco, Draper. I’m sure someone can explain the plus or minus mm.

Plenty on here should be able to recommend, as there’s builders, joiners, tilers et al.

 

[chirpychippy]

Stabila R Type are the ones I will replace my existing levels with.

My existing levels are made by Superior Levels which aren't manufactured anymore because the founder retired and his kids weren't interested in his business.

Stanley Fat Max are good aswell.

 

[yorksbuilder]

Recommend Stanley fatmax.
Ox pro with the little window on the top to see the bubble from end on are good but pricey

 

[^woody^]

For what use? Don't say "leveling".

 

[foxhole]

Happy with Minotaur 1800 level .

 

[cdbe]

I've got a cheap 1800mm from Wickes - it's quite bendy so if something's not quite level you can press the end down and it'll be spot on - proper job!

Unless the fact that you're a diyer means you have low standards I'd invest in a 1200 stabila and an 1800 straight edge.

 

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For what use? Don't say "leveling".

All sorts really, from hanging mirrors to fitting bathrooms. I would keep my current cheap / old levels for garden / outdoor use, these are accurate to within about 1mm per meter, possibly better. Would just like some better ones for indoor stuff mainly.

 

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I've got a cheap 1800mm from Wickes - it's quite bendy so if something's not quite level you can press the end down and it'll be spot on - proper job!

Unless the fact that you're a diyer means you have low standards I'd invest in a 1200 stabila and an 1800 straight edge.

Yes I am a DIY'er but I trained as a tool maker orignially, back then my general tollerance was 0.25mm. If I do a job I believe in doing it properly. My wife says I'm too much of a perfectionist.

 

[Deluks]

Yes I am a DIY'er but I trained as a tool maker...

Why can't you make one then?

 

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Why can't you make one then?

I've never heard that joke before.
I used to make press tools, but not in that field of engineering anymore. They decided to ship that work abroad.

 

[^woody^]

I'd question whether you need both a 1200 and 1800 level for those uses, but that up to you.

For indoor work only, seriously consider something with either illuminated bubbles or a digital level. You don't need super accuracy on paper, but you do need to be able to see the bubble clearly in dim light or at angles - which is where you get the accuracy.

I've only ever used Stabila and Stanley/Fatmax, and to be honest only a very few as they have just lasted. I've seen others with Magnussen (Screwfix), Minotaur (Toolstation) and Wickes Professional, and they have been hefty and accurate and appeared to last.

The choice comes down to box section or hand grips. Each has it's advantages, but its personal preference.

The Stabila R series levels allows drawing a level line across the whole length of the level without the [annoying] gap where the bubble is that you forgot to allow and they are very wide so don't tip over, and have a profile to allow good grip. If I needed an 1800/2000 level this would probably be it.

 

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Thanks Woody for your reply. I wanted the 1800 for things like door frames and stud walls. But i guess for the amount of time I'm going to do that a 1200 will probably do. I was also looking at sets like these Stanleys Fatmax or Stabila sets which include them.

 

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The Stabila R series levels allows drawing a level line across the whole length of the level without the [annoying] gap where the bubble is that you forgot to allow and they are very wide so don't tip over, and have a profile to allow good grip. If I needed an 1800/2000 level this would probably be itit.I do have a

I do also have a 2 foot dewalt level which allows drawing a line across the whole length. The only thing i don't like about it is its 600mm including the bulky rubber end caps. The actual metal part of the level is 540mm which is a bit annoying sometimes.

 

[blup]

Fat max are good, they can be quite a lot cheaper in sets