Building Trades News

The Level Best

click to enlarge Stabila showed its advanced new series of nonmagnetic TECH Type 196E boxbeam levels (below), including five models ranging from 14 inches to 78 inches long. Like other top-shelf Stabila levels,TECH levels feature rugged vials that can be read upside down with no change in accuracy (great for overhead work). But TECH levels add a rugged, easy-to-calibrate digital display on the top and front that makes it easy to establish any slope or pitch. The display reads in degrees, percentage, inches per foot (in decimals or fractions), or millimeters per meter. Turn the level upside down, and the front display flips automatically for an easy read. At the push of a button, you also can activate an audio signal for leveling or sloping your work without looking at the level, thank you. The levels already are popular with concrete contractors working to ADA design standards, not to mention the building officials who inspect them. Be prepared to pay about $160 to $280 for one, depending on the size. Pacific Laser Systems makes several compact and economical lasers that are also popular. The new self-leveling PLS90E is designed for 90-degree interior and exterior layout. The laser projects two vertical planes that meet at a right angle, which means you can use it for laying out foundations on slopes as well as for laying out slabs, decks, fences, framing, tile floors, and more. The laser ships with universal base (so you can set it on a tripod, batter board, or straight edge), detector, floor target, and case.

 

< Prev		Next >