The Best Levels
When doing home improvements or even minor interior decorating, straight lines are exceedingly important. Without them, things look uneven. With a level tool, however, you can ensure that this kind of tomfoolery never occurs in your house. Level tools allow you to draw straight lines, at any angle, down to the last degree. Back in the day, there was only one kind of level tool. Nowadays, though, they're as varied as can be. That's why we've taken the time to separate the wheat from the chaff with this comprehensive list of the best level tools on the block.
Klein Tools Digital Electronic Level
Electronic precision
Sometimes you can’t rely on eyeballing it with a traditional level tool. Certain jobs call for digital precision. That’s where this electronic level tool from Klein Tools comes in. With this level tool, you no longer have to worry about getting that pesky little air bubble to stop swaying left to right. Instead, you can just read the numbers right off the digital LED display. This digital level features a strong magnetic base, allowing it to stay in place hands-free while in use. One of our favorite features is the nifty auto-rotating LED screen. Just like your smartphone, this level will adjust the screen to be right side up from whatever angle you’re viewing it from. Anyone looking to take their home improvement game to the next level (pun intended) should seriously consider snatching up this pick from Klein Tools.
Pros:
- Digital precision
- Magnetic base enables hands-free use
- Auto-rotating LED screen
Cons:
- The readings can be rather slow at times
Craftsman Torpedo Level
Straight as an arrow
If you’re in the market for a no-frills, no-nonsense level tool, you’ve come to the right place. A lot of levels these days have all kinds of fancy functions and laser-precision, but sometimes all you need is the classic. Craftsman’s Torpedo has “classic” down to a science. The tool has three magnified block vials for achieving full accuracy at any angle.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use traditional level
- Three magnified block vials for accurate readings at any angle
- Affordable price
Cons:
- It isn’t as easy to use or accurate as digital/laser levels
WORKPRO Level 3-Piece Spirit Level Set
On the level
Levels are the kind of tool that offers functionality in many situations. That’s why this three-pack of level tools from Winnsty is such a smart buy. With this many levels, you can keep one in every corner of your garage. Also available as a bundle with a tape measurer and carrying bag, these levels make sure you’ll have access to a level tool for every occasion. The three-pack features a 9-inch level, a 24-inch level for laying down beams and plywood, and a medium 16-inch level for everything in between. Durable and made to last, WorkPro level sets are the kind of buy you only have to make once in a lifetime.
Pros:
- Supreme precision
- Built with cut-out grips
- Thoughtful design with magnets and rubbery end caps
Cons:
- The quality aluminum design comes at a bit of a higher price
Qooltek Multipurpose Laser Level
Down the line
In this product line, there’s a pretty stark difference between the traditional level tools and the modern, multipurpose ones. Qooltek’s level tool, however, offers a reliable and affordable option that happily meets you in the middle. This level tool features the traditional magnified block vials for easier jobs, but also laser functionality for more pinpoint precision. Qooltek’s multipurpose level tool also offers a built-in tape measure at the base. If you’re the kind of person who likes one-stop-shop products, this level tool from Qooltek is the pick for you.
Pros:
- Successfully combines the reliability and ease of use of traditional levels with the accuracy of modern laser levels
- Also features a tape measure at the base
- Very affordable price
Cons:
- The tape measure feature can be finicky
Tacklife SC-L01 Laser Level
Laser-focused
With this pick, Tacklife has provided us with the level tool of the future. When propped up by a tripod, this level projects perfectly straight lines onto the wall with laser-like precision. This is the level for people who are tired of fumbling around with magnified block vials and trial and error. Tacklife’s laser level provides pinpoint accuracy projected right onto your wall. That means you can achieve straight placements hands-free. Of course, this kind of functionality comes with a heftier price tag, but for all the features you get, we think it’s more than worth it.
Pros:
- Provides accurate laser projections from a tripod
- Allows you to do home improvement or interior decoration with both hands-free
- The level can also be mounted to a wall
Cons:
- There’s no tripod included with your purchase
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a laser level or a traditional level?
If you’re looking for something to help out with small home improvements or minor interior decorating, traditional levels should be more than enough to accommodate your needs. If you’re a professional contractor, laser levels like the one from Tacklife are better-suited to your purposes. One of our favorite picks is the level tool from Qooltek. Qooltek’s level tool successfully combines the functionality of modern levels with the ease of use of traditional ones. Consider what you plan on using your level tool for and purchase one that best suits your needs.
Are laser levels more accurate than traditional levels?
With traditional level tools with magnified block vials, there is some degree of “eyeballing it” necessary from your end. This is not the case with laser levels, however. Laser levels provide you with a perfectly straight projected line that allows you to work on your project with both hands. Traditional levels can be just as reliable; it just takes a little more finesse to ensure accuracy.
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