Levels are one of the most important tools in a carpenter’s kit. There's not much worse than finishing a hard day on the tools to stand back and notice your hard work isn't plumb! With a range of digital, spirit, or torpedo levels, check out our top 10 picks for the best carpenter levels to ensure your work stays true.
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- Professional: Stabila Heavy Duty Level
- Cost-effective: Irwin Tools 2000 Box Beam Level
- Easiest to read: Craftsman Torpedo Level
- Strongest magnet: Klein Tools Sprit Torpedo Level
- Solid construction: Swanson 11-inch Savage Aluminium Torpedo Level with Neodymium Magnets
- Best 24-inch: Craftsman 24IN I-Beam Level
- Best small level: Sola Mn Magnetic Torpedo Level
- Best pitch and slope level: Johnson Level & Tool 750 Pitch & Slope Locator
- Best digital: Klein Tools Digital Electronic Level and Angle Gauge
- Best foldable level: Saker Multi-Function Foldable Level
How to check your level
- Place the level on a level surface and see where the bubble is positioned.
- Next, flip the level end over end.
- If the level is correctly calibrated, the bubble should return to the same position.
- For levels with replaceable vials, you can make adjustments if necessary
- In cases where the level cannot be adjusted, it may be advisable to replace the flawed level or, at the very least, cover the problematic bubble with tape.
1. Professional: Stabila Heavy Duty Level
The easiest way to prove you’re a professional? Roll up to the job carrying not one, not two, but six of the best levels money can buy. This set’s not for the casual DIY’er, the Stabila heavy-duty level set is for carpenters dead set on maintaining a perfect level, no matter what the project throws at them. As an added bonus, the removable end caps make it easy to use in tight spaces. Plus, The large metal hang hole makes them easy to neatly store when not in use.
Product Dimensions:
- Varies from 10 inches to 78 inches.
Pros:
- Electrostatic enamel finish
- Strong magnets
- Rib-reinforced frame
- Multiple sizes
- Double bridged centre vial (larger models)
Cons:
- Relatively pricey
Review: "I'm a cabinet installer (finish carpenter), and I've used just about every level on the market. These levels are, by far, the highest quality on the market!"
2. Cost-effective: Irwin Tools 2000 Box Beam Level
The Irwin Tools 2000 Box Beam Level is known for its precision and featherweight construction, making it a solid choice for a wide range of tasks, including general carpentry, framing, and finish work. Available in a variety of sizes and offered at an affordable price point, Irwin's level is an excellent choice for carpenters seeking dependable and straightforward solutions.
Product Dimensions:
- Available in 6 and 18-inches
Pros:
- Accurate levelling
- Lightweight
- Durable construction
Cons:
- The plumb-level dial that shifts to give you degrees is a throwaway.
Review: “If you're in my trade and laughing to yourself reading this, I don't blame you. I would think a 30-buck six-foot level must cost ten times what it saves because of its inaccuracy but this thing is DEAD NUTS--at least the one I got is."
3. Easiest to read: Craftsman Torpedo Level
This torpedo level is great for jobs like levelling frames and household projects. It's super accurate, easy to read from the top or sides, and durable thanks to its milled aluminium base. Plus, it comes with two built-in magnets for easy use on steel objects like washers, dryers, and stoves.
Product Dimensions:
- 9-inch, 24-inch or 48-inch models available.
Pros:
- Shock-absorbing end caps
- Non-marring design,
- Easy-to-read vial.
Cons:
- No measurements on the level.
Review: “This is a very nice torpedo level. It's well-made, solid and accurate.”
4. Strongest magnet: Klein Tools Spirit Torpedo Level
The Klein Tools Spirit Torpedo Level is perfect for carpenters who work in low-light conditions. It has strong magnets and a built-in light-up screen. The level has large, easy-to-read vials at four different angles (level, 90, 45, and 30 degrees) for accurate measurements. It also has a V-groove design that fits securely on round surfaces like conduits and pipes. Plus, their patented magnet design keeps Rare-Earth magnets firmly in place.
Product Dimensions:
- 8 inches
Pros:
- Strong magnetic grip
- V -groove design
- Comes in a standard or lighted version
Cons:
- The lighted version has a very small button
Review: “It's like all of the Klein tools I own - sturdy and very practical/useful. I enjoy its orange colour, which is one of my favourites and easy to see/find when you are working. Very good level, strongest magnets of any level I have used.”
5. Solid construction: Swanson 11-inch Savage Aluminium Torpedo Level with Neodymium Magnets
This level features an aluminium frame created with Swanson's unique Brightview technology, which improves vial visibility by allowing more light to enter and reflect. The vials are marked at 0º, 30º, 45º, and 90º with both US and metric graduations. These vials are highly accurate to within 0.029 degrees (0.0005 inches), and you can read them from any angle with top-read vials.
Product Dimensions:
- 11 inches.
Pros:
- Sturdy aluminium construction
- Strong magnets
- Enhanced visibility
- Available in standard, lighted or digital models
Cons:
- Small button size on the digital version
Review: "This level is tank-like solid. Has 4 strong magnets on its base. I absolutely love this level. I would recommend that time and time again. I needed an in-between-sized level, this looked like it should fit the bill. "
6. Best 24-inch: Craftsman 24IN I-Beam Level
Craftsman 24 IN I-Beam Level is built solid and is perfect for levelling frames or large projects. It's large in size, but it's also high quality. It offers multiple angles and measurements with a 180-degree rotating vial and a level accuracy of 1 mm per metre. You'll find it easy to use because its 360-degree vials are set directly into the frame and never need adjustment. Plus, it's built to last with heavy-duty aluminium I-beam construction.
Product Dimensions:
- 24 inches.
Pros:
- Solid metal construction
- Rotating bubble for different angles.
Cons:
- Cannot be recalibrated
Review: "The size is perfect for most jobs around the house. It’s built solid and has a nice weight so when I level items, it rests without falling. It also has a rotating bubbler for different angles.”
7. Best small level: Sola Mm Magnetic Torpedo Level
This level stands out for its easy readability with a large cutout and a reinforced aluminium frame. It has a strong magnet, while the vial simplifies setting a 2° slope. Designed for portability, it is budget-friendly, European-made, and lightweight. The horizontal vial features four rings for 2% measurement accuracy.
Product Dimensions
- 9 inches.
Pros:
- Compact size
- Multiple measurements
- Sturdy aluminium body.
Cons:
- Less magnetic strength than competitors
Review: "Love all my Sola levels, this one is an inexpensive level for carrying on the belt or in the toolbox.”
8. Best pitch and slope level: Johnson Level & Tool 750 Pitch & Slope Locator
Proudly made in the USA, this pitch and slope locator is super durable and perfect for tough job sites. The acrylic lens makes it easy to read, with markings from 0 to 90 degrees. The printed scale shows pitch in inches rise per 12-inch run and is great for carpenters who need accurate pitch and slope readings.
Product dimensions:
- 0.88 x 4.75 x 8.75 inches
Pros:
- Durable moulded body,
- Accurate pitch and slope measurements.
Cons:
- Very lightweight
- Flimsy backing
Review: "I recommend this Johnson to anyone that can hold it in their hand. This Johnson is so accurate! I use it on roofs, fence posts anything I can do to take this Johnson out and put it on something I will.”
9. Best digital: Klein Tools Digital Electronic Level and Angle Gauge
The Klein Tools Digital Electronic Level and Angle Gauge has gained recognition for its impressive accuracy. Its user-friendly design means you can use it right out of the box, without setup or calibration. With strong magnets and a bright light-up screen, this handy and compact digital level is a worthwhile addition to the toolbox.
Product dimensions:
- 2.36 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches
Pros:
- Accurate angle measurements
- Light-up screen
- Magnetic base.
Cons:
- Users recommend avoiding drops from large heights.
Review: “I wanted a level without using a longer level. This is deadly accurate."
10. Best foldable level: Saker Multi-Function Foldable Level
The Saker foldable level comes with four clear blue acrylic vials, delivering accurate readings within a 0.5mm/m range. Made with high-quality oxidised aluminium, it resists rust and scratches, while ABS connectors and TPR end caps protect against accidental drops. The hinged design allows for multi-angle measurements, making it perfect for intricate tasks such as pipes, stairs, and corners. Additionally, the set includes a matching pen!
Product dimensions
- 6.02 x 5.2 x 2.2 inches
Pros:
- Allows for multi-angle measurements
- Durable design
- Comes with pencil and sharpeners
Cons:
- Doesn’t lock into a straight position
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