The rare-earth magnets are very strong, as tradesmen have come to expect from high-end magnetic levels. The inspect mode is made specifically for checking ramps around a building or a similar, repeatable measurement that must be precise. Select the mode and you can immediately calculate the pitch and the angle. The degree measurements – for floors and roofs – quickly displays the degrees you’ll need to accommodate. We have a particularly challenging job right now where an enclosed, second-floor porch is pulling away from the main house. Fortunately, you can turn it off at the press of a button. If your work is out of level by what is really an imperceptible amount, the alarm squawks at you. Some reviewers have generally found the tolerance to be so tight that it’s annoying. This alarm helps you be that good as the sound changes as you get closer to perfect.
![smart tool digital level smart tool digital level](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51OX97QYs-L._AC_SY355_.jpg)
Acceptable tolerance is within 1/8-inch, but we build within 1/32 when possible. Nothing in the US is measured to that tight of a tolerance. It’s almost a European level of tolerance at 0.0005-inch. The audible level alarm is great for the times when you can’t see the display and/or when you need complete precision. The level also tells me by how much it’s out so we can precisely fix the problem. When we were leveling floors, I can remove a slat, insert the level between the floor joists, and see what’s out of level. Not only can you backlight both displays, but they allow you to use the level in many orientations because you can see them easily. You get a large side view and the smaller top view. Turn it on and you’re ready to accurately level, plumb, and measure. That’s not necessary with the Empire Level Digital Box Level. Some of them ask you to calibrate each time you turn it on or just every so often, but it takes you finding a level surface to begin with, hitting a calibration button, and then spinning the level 180-degrees to repeat the process and find the average.
Smart tool digital level manual#
One reason experienced tradesmen might be slow to adopt other digital levels is the complete annoyance of manual calibration. But if the skeptic will give it a chance, I think they’ll find, as I found during this review, that the benefits are worth it. They know the slope when the bubble hits one line, the slope when it hits the other line, and that’s all they need. Now I know some guys out there just won’t like it. It has a traditional feel, look, and operation with respect to the bubbles in vials augmented with the precision, audible help, and speed of a digital level. I love the idea of the dual functionality of this Empire level. Suffice it to say, there’s no shortage of times where I need a level.
![smart tool digital level smart tool digital level](https://smarttoollevels.com/content/uploads/2015/04/smartlevel_backlit1.jpg)
It might also be in the middle of the night since we offer emergency services. We have many different jobs in process simultaneously, so I might be helping a crew frame one minute, and putting in sprinklers, building a ramp, or installing shingles the next. Our business spans the spectrum of landscaping to new construction and everything in between. But let’s see how this Empire Level Digital Box Level measures up. It’s not just the attractive color combination, either! They are just well-made, tough, and accurate – not mention easier on the wallet. But I often pass over even my Stabila for one of my Empire levels.
![smart tool digital level smart tool digital level](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RotAThTRbyg/sddefault.jpg)
Of course, every tradesman owns or has owned many different brands of levels including what has for a long time been considered the gold standard – Stabila. I already prefer Empire Levels and own the company’s 2-, 4-, 6-, 8-foot regular box levels. Stop, Auto-Calibrate, and Listen On the Level It’s all quite impressive – and there are even a few more minor features you can see in the list below. In addition to the two e-Band vials, two backlit digital displays (one top read and one side read) indicate levelness and plumbness in 7 measuring modes. Precision Modes are Degree Tenths, Degree Hundredths, MM/M, and Percentage along with Rough-In Modes of Degrees, In/Ft Fractional, and In/Ft Decimal.ĭigital arrows also indicate what direction the level needs to move to find level or plumb and an audible indicator emits a continuous tone when you hit the sweet spot.Ī hold button locks measurement for verification, an inspect mode make repeat measurements easy, four power save modes shut the level off to save the two AA batteries that power it, and the whole package is IP65-rated for dust and water protection. That means it’s designed to power up and be ready to measure accurately without additional checks. The most important one must be the auto-calibration – it’s the industry’s first digital level to auto-calibrate.
![smart tool digital level smart tool digital level](https://www.ubuy.vn/productimg/?image=aHR0cHM6Ly9tLm1lZGlhLWFtYXpvbi5jb20vaW1hZ2VzL0kvNTFDODBFcGFGR0wuX0FDX1NMMTUwMF8uanBn.jpg)
We weren’t kidding when we said that the Empire Level e105.48 is loaded with features. Clint, Kenny, and Adam had the distinct privilege of touring Empire Level’s Wisconsin during Milwaukee’s NPS 2017 – you can read and see all about the tour here! First Impressions