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Stabila advice
DarrenW - 29/2/08 at 10:24 PM

Any trades in the house. Ive had a diy copy of a good spirit level for a while and always promised myself a good stabila at some time.

Are they worth the money?
A brickie i once contracted in had one, looked well beaten up but worked perfectly. Is there a certain one to go for. I spied some for £30 ish for 900mm in hire shop yesterday, but if im going to get one id rather get a good one and pay the right money.

What model is recommended? I will use it for setting kitchens level, stud walling, baths etc.


tjoh84 - 29/2/08 at 10:27 PM

top sprit but dont buy there cheap hollow ones


DarrenW - 29/2/08 at 10:32 PM

Thats exactly what i wanted someone to say. My builder friend said he paid £100 ish and his felt very solid. It was a while ago now but im sure the ones yesterday were a bit light.
Its probs bad practice but he used his to rest ontop of the bricks and tap them down level, yet when we tested its trueness it was spot on despite several years hard use.

Anyone know what the good ones are (model number, range or name?)


I sem to remember this is the type he had.
http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=10836

The cheaper one i saw was like a square box - probs cheapo hollow box.

[Edited on 29/2/08 by DarrenW]


tjoh84 - 29/2/08 at 10:53 PM

this is a nice one

link


tjoh84 - 29/2/08 at 10:56 PM

lol just re read you last post same one lol


JoelP - 29/2/08 at 10:57 PM

have to say the hollow ones work fine for me, i bought a 3 pack of stabila's, i think it was 300mm, 1000mm and 1800. Ive lost all but the 1000 one but its as true as ever, and ive dropped it countless times and also had it burried in the van under rubbish. Only £30 the set at stax in morley! Seem to remember a keyring level too.

for kitchens its handy to have the 1800 ones as it can cross doorways with ease, or wall units round a window etc.

[Edited on 29/2/08 by JoelP]


DarrenW - 29/2/08 at 10:59 PM

Thanks for that. You have confirmed what i thought. Best to get one with some weight about it that looks like a girder and has machined faces.

Mine looks good but its possible to twist it - ive often had doubts thats its OK. I believe in buying once now and buying properley. Cheaper in the long run if you use stuff a lot.


DarrenW - 29/2/08 at 11:04 PM

quote:
Originally posted by JoelP
have to say the hollow ones work fine for me, i bought a 3 pack of stabila's, i think it was 300mm, 1000mm and 1800. Ive lost all but the 1000 one but its as true as ever, and ive dropped it countless times and also had it burried in the van under rubbish. Only £30 the set at stax in morley! Seem to remember a keyring level too.

for kitchens its handy to have the 1800 ones as it can cross doorways with ease, or wall units round a window etc.

[Edited on 29/2/08 by JoelP]



Thats interesting Joel. I think the HD ones are classed as masons levels and designed to withstand hitting with trowels.


MikeRJ - 29/2/08 at 11:36 PM

quote:
Originally posted by tjoh84
this is a nice one

link


I picked one exactly like that at a car boot sale for a couple of quid. Was covered in dried mortar and a bit scabby but cleaned up fine and I've used it loads. Wasn't aware that it was a posh make though!