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It's shocking to see such rummy quality in a tool stamped "Starrett Made in USA" even if it IS polystyrene plastic. The blister-packed one I received "free" is off level by nearly 1/8 inch per foot. The plumb and 45 vials are so loosely fitted they rattle.
The quality is OK, but I wouldn't pay over $5 if I had to buy it.However, I got the item free, so it was well worth the price.
I have only broken one of these levels over the years and that was dropped from several feet onto a concrete floor during very cold weather. The Hi-Viz color makes it easier to keep track of in a dimly lit work area so you spend less time hunting around for it. For everyday general-purpose use, the accuracy of the plumb and level vials is quite good.Even though they are not rated or listed as an insulated tool, the fact that it is nonmetallic makes it safer for me when using it to lay out conduit entries on energized electrical panel boards than the conductive aluminum torpedo levels I used in the past, at least on lower voltages anyway. This is the best of all the plastic torpedo levels I have used so far. Overall, considering how it's made and the reasonable price, I feel this is a good little general-purpose level. This level really comes into it's own for interior finish work because it does not leave the black oxidation marks on freshly painted walls that aluminum framed torpedoes do when used for things such as leveling electrical wall plates or light fixtures. It is sturdy, lightweight and has a strong magnetic strip. Because its lightweight, it's also much less likely to cause damage if it accidentally falls out of your tool pouch while up on a ladder and lands on a countertop, tub/shower, finished hardwood, vinyl or ceramic floor.
Defintely as handy as the folding rule we all return to when the aggravations of tape rules become frustrating.jb First I just tossed it in the tool box, 'cute, but not that handy' until I realized that I was using it for a lot of quick check things, like getting switch plates mounted plumb and vertical and rhe same for mouldings in tight corners. Perfect for those trial fits before you have to drag out the 'jamber' levels and begin final nailing.
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