RDB85

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Nov 23, 2017
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Liverpool
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I’m looking to buy a set of Spirit Levels. I can’t justify at the moment the likes of Stabilia, or Milwaukee and others that cost a few hundred pounds.

I’ve come across a nice set from Bahco


Magnusson:


I would like something that comes with a bag. For ease of storage and carrying.

I also need a decent Scaffolding Level:


I’ve been recommend a Big Ben but I’ve never heard of the brand. Any suggestions on that also.
 
If money is an issue I'd leave Big Ben out of the running as their torpedo level costs as much as the Bahco and Magnussen sets.

Never used levels from either of these brands, but reviews seem to be favourable and the price for those sets is less than you'd expect to pay for a 1200mm level from leading brands. The one issue with any level is that it's actually true and level, but it takes all of a few seconds to check this.
 
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magnussen from screwfux.. £33 odd for set of 4 levels.
 
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A level is a level , its shows things are level (or not)

I have a small red plastic one in my bag which I got free from screwfix for checking accessories are straight and a longer yellow plastic one (4 foot) which I think is cheapo homebase one for drawing our chasing lines. Had both these for years now.

I have had Klein , Stabilia and other expensive makes but either lost them or they have been half inched on site.
 
The Magnusson Set seems good value. It’s gets good reviews too. Or would you say get the Bahco Set?
 
I use the Magnusson and never had a problem with them. They come with a decent storage case and are well made at a decent price.
 
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The Magnusson Set seems good value. It’s gets good reviews too. Or would you say get the Bahco Set?
Just buy the bloody thing for gawd's sake. You are the most indecisive person I have ever come across🤣
 
Just buy the bloody thing for gawd's sake. You are the most indecisive person I have ever come across🤣

Thanks for your opinion. But keep it to yourself. I’m only asking a question and after some advice.
 
Had a Bahco 1800mm for a few years. Is still accurate, in spite of the way it gets treated.
 
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I’d get a small magnetic one and a long one, as cheap as you can. I’ve had cheap and expensive and honestly it’s a tool that you won’t really have life changing experiences if you get a more expensive one.
Put the remainder towards a laser level.
 
I’d get a small magnetic one and a long one, as cheap as you can. I’ve had cheap and expensive and honestly it’s a tool that you won’t really have life changing experiences if you get a more expensive one.
Put the remainder towards a laser level.

That’s good advice that Tim. Thanks. I think the Magnusson set for £40 is a decent buy. I’ve already priced up a laser that’s been recommended. It’s by Kaiweets.
 
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Most levels are accurate when new, but it's whether they're still accurate after a few knocks that matters.
Also need to take into account what you're using it for. If it's to run a piece of conduit up a wall from bottom to top, then it doesn't matter too much if it's 10mm out overall, but if you're using it to set a door frame, and that ends up 10mm out of true, you're going to be looking for lozenge shaped doors to fit.
 
Don’t do what I did 25 years ago and have the genius idea of G clamping my level overhanging a desk to support 4 x 100m drums of singles…..! Some of the level was level after that idiotic mistake…
I graduated to a broom through a step ladder very soon after that!
 
Whatever you go for, don't forget to get spare bubbles for the level(s), last thing you want is to get caught short when you pop it! 😉
 
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Most levels are accurate when new, but it's whether they're still accurate after a few knocks that matters.
Also need to take into account what you're using it for. If it's to run a piece of conduit up a wall from bottom to top, then it doesn't matter too much if it's 10mm out overall, but if you're using it to set a door frame, and that ends up 10mm out of true, you're going to be looking for lozenge shaped doors to fit.
I never use a level for that sort of work. plumb line is far more accurate. can gauge to 1mm.
 
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That’s good advice that Tim. Thanks. I think the Magnusson set for £40 is a decent buy. I’ve already priced up a laser that’s been recommended. It’s by Kaiweets.
i have had the magnusson set for ages. only 2 left out of the 4. can't fault them for accuraccy or walking ability.
 
I bought the Bahco set and they lasted me less that 6 months. They're not very robust and if you've got a bent level, it's less than useless.
Admittedly they did on occasion bounce around in the back on the van, but no serious abuse.
 
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RDB85

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If you're a qualified, trainee, or retired electrician - Which country is it that your work will be / is / was aimed at?
United Kingdom
What type of forum member are you?
Trainee Electrician

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Title
Spirit Level Set Recommendations
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Electrical Tools and Products
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