Which size spirit levels are the most useful for GP use?

[mtspark]

Hi,
I'm considering buying a new spirit level(s), but I'm bewildered by the sheer number of sizes available.

What sizes do professionals use the most often?

Any recommendations also greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Mark.

 

[JohnD]

What do you want to use it for?

 

[kevplumb]

levelling doctors going by the title


i keep an 12"" in my toolbox and a 36"" in the van and a laser cos i'm a flash git

 

[Hitachimad]

I use a 6' for very long pieces, great for marking lines etc.
Everything else is done with a 8"

 

[noseall]

we use two levels, one 1200mm and one 600mm. both are invaluable.

 

[Scrit]

levelling doctors going by the title

I keep an 12"" in my toolbox and a 36"" in the van and a laser cos i'm a flash git

In that case I'm a flash git, too. 300mm in the kit, 1m builders level in the van...... and a rotary laser level, too Frequently use both the 300mm and 1m together to level kitchen carcasses - saves loads of time

Scrit

 

[mtspark]

You guys aren't helping me much, there doesn't seem to be any kind of consensus, everyone has a different pick!

BTW, GP = "general purpose" for the person who asked what I'm going to use it for. For example, leveling window cills, checking tiles are level, worktops, etc.

 

[noseall]

You guys aren't helping me much, there doesn't seem to be any kind of consensus, everyone has a different pick!

BTW, GP = "general purpose" for the person who asked what I'm going to use it for. For example, leveling window cills, checking tiles are level, worktops, etc.

i think a 1m level would suit most scenarios.

 

[^woody^]

I use a piece of timber with "Bang on" written on it.

Any size will do

 

[noseall]

I use a piece of timber with "Bang on" written on it.

Any size will do

..yeah, i suppose you've got a brummie screwdriver too.

 

[JohnD]

You guys aren't helping me much, there doesn't seem to be any kind of consensus, everyone has a different pick!

BTW, GP = "general purpose" for the person who asked what I'm going to use it for. For example, leveling window cills, checking tiles are level, worktops, etc.

For a windowboard, you want it no longer than the window or it won't fit in the reveal.

For a curtain rail, it must be very light and say a metre long.

For switch and socket boxes, a 100mm level that fits in your short pocket is handy.

For building a roof, as long as is managable, with some angle-adjsutable vials.

For bricklaying, it needs to stand up to hard use.

For dados and pictue rails, a laser is probably unbeatable.

So maybe start witha long one and a short one.

 

[Scrit]

You guys aren't helping me much, there doesn't seem to be any kind of consensus, everyone has a different pick!

The problem is that ther is no such thing as "GP". Each trade or sub-trade has it's own particular requirements, so if you'd care to prioritise maybe you'd get a more consistent response - though probably not (although at least two of us did actually agree, and mine was for kitchens/built-ins/general interior joinery)

Scrit

 

[JohnD]

I like to say, What's best? A Rolls-Royce, a tipper truck, or a milk float?

 

[dav]

If you can get to a Costco then they are doing a blinding deal on 3 Stabila levels 200, 600 and 1200mm for 18 quid you'd have all the sizes required for most jobs and some nice quality levels to boot.

 

[Timmyturtle]

600mm and 1200mm is what i carry.
got a pocket 10 incher too