Whether you're a professional, or a DIY enthusiast, you want to choose the right level for your needs, and then get the most out of it. To guide you through the process, here are six essential things you need to check out before you buy:
Is it a cylindrical or solid acrylic vial? What is the manufacturer's stated accuracy?
Levels incorporate different kinds of vials. Injection molded cylindrical vials are the most basic, typically for DIY projects where absolute accuracy is less important. The industry standard is 0.001 inch per inch (1mm/m), which means that even when it seems to be perfectly level, the measurement could be out by ±0.001 inch for every inch of the level's length. Solid acrylic vials are usually twice as accurate - 0.0005 in/in (0.5mm/m). Kapro's solid acrylic vials are individually calibrated within the level frame, with the latest computer technology.
Has the stated accuracy been independently verified?
There is only one trusted source for verifying if the manufacturer's stated accuracy is true - the German VPA standard. Kapro's professional box-section,
I-Beam and Supercast™ levels are the only levels worldwide to carry this prestigious mark of quality.
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Are the reading lines inserted into the vial, or painted inside?
In cylindrical vials, the reading lines are painted on the outside. Most level manufacturers who use solid acrylic vials have the reading lines (thin strips of metal) inserted into the vial. Kapro's solid vials are painted inside, which makes them the most parallel in the industry - vital to minimizing parallax error.
Are the vials epoxy-locked in place?
The vials in most levels are usually set with ultrasonic welding. Epoxy locking of vial housings and vials guarantees that they will better withstand the rough treatment of the workplace, and retain their factory-calibrated accuracy for the life of the level. Kapro's 720, 920, 981, 985 and 990 all feature epoxy locking.
Are there magnified or illuminated vials?
Magnified vials give improved readability. Illuminated vials improve readability in low-light. The new Kapro Zeus™ 990 incorporates a magnified horizontal vial, and is available with illumination.
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What options are available for setting slopes?
Kapro has invented a unique multiple vial system for setting slopes. The patented 105 Topgrade™ Gradient Level is a box section level that incorporates permanently calibrated solid acrylic vials, at 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% (48"/120cm model). To use, just place the level on the surface, and look for the vial that has required pitch or slope.
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What is the warranty on vial quality?
Vial warranties typically range from one year, to the lifetime of the level. All Kapro's solid acrylic vials are guaranteed for life against fogging, leakage or breakage.
Accuracy Test
There's a simple way to test the horizontal accuracy of a level. First, place it on a level surface and check that the bubble is exactly in between the reading lines. Now swing it around 180°. Is the bubble still centered? If it's not, then the vial hasn't been properly calibrated.
To test vertical accuracy: Place the level vertically against a wall, checking that the plumb vial's bubble is exactly between the reading lines. Turn 180º (not end to end) so that the opposite measuring surface faces the wall. Check whether the bubble is still centred.
Important: surfaces must be level
2. Plumb Site® Feature
Is there a Plumb Site® feature for an easy and accurate plumb reading?
The Plumb Site® Dual-View™ vial is a patented Kapro invention, designed for vertical leveling jobs so that the tradesperson can see the plumb vial from the front. Instead of the user having to stand squashed up against a wall to see the vial from the side, they can stand in front of the level and see its reflected image.
That means a perfect line of sight (no parallax error) for more accurate leveling, and no back or neck strain. And time saved on the job, of course.
The Plumb Site® Dual-View™ vial is an integral part of all Kapro's professional levels - because every serious professional needs one.
The Kapro Zeus™ 990 features two Plumb Site® vials, one at each end of the level. Many of Kapro's Toolbox levels incorporate this feature, too.
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3. Profile Construction & Coating
Is it a Box-Section profile, an I-Beam, a Cast body, or a polymer extrusion?
Box-section profiles are made from a reinforced aluminum extrusion. These levels are the least likely to twist or bend. The profile of Kapro's new Zeus™ 990 has a concave design for even tougher twist and bend resistance. Box-section construction also makes these levels ideal for housing solid vials, and allows for milled surfaces.
I-beam levels are generally less accurate, because they are more likely to twist, and can only house cylindrical vials.
Cast levels are made from solid aluminum, and designed for masonry and tiling work. They are generally heavy, tough, and feature solid vials and a milled surface for superior accuracy. The Kapro 920 Shark® also features patented striking pads, to absorb the shock of trowel blows.
All Kapro aluminum levels are electrostatic powder coated with durable epoxy polyester paint for water resistance and easy cleaning. The Kapro Zeus™ 990 is coated with Keflon™, a unique, non-stick, wipe-clean coating that creates a residue-resistant finish for even easier maintenance.
Polymer levels are designed to be lightweight above all, providing basic leveling accuracy.
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What is the wall thickness?
Wall thickness in box and I-beam profiles can vary considerably - the thicker the aluminum profile, the heavier and more heavy-duty the level. The wall thickness of Kapro box-levels ranges between 1.8 and 2.1mm. Its I-beam levels have a wall thickness of between 1.8 and 2.0mm.
What is its post-punch tensile strength?
Once an aluminum profile has been punched, its tensile strength is lowered. This is especially true of the hole punch for the level's horizontal vial. If you're looking for a high-end level that will go the distance, then this will be an issue you won't want to compromise on. On the Kapro Zeus™ 990, the horizontal vial punch doesn't cut entirely through the profile, giving it the highest post-punch tensile strength of any level on the market - more than twice as strong as the strongest level on the market up till now.
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4. Milled Surfaces
Does the level have a finely milled base?
A finely milled base provides a guaranteed flat surface necessary to achieving professional levels of accuracy. All Kapro's professional levels have at least one milled surface. Only aluminum levels can be manufactured with a milled surface.
5. End Caps and Handles
Are the end caps designed to withstand the shock of a serious fall?
Shockproof end caps protect levels from the force of falls, by absorbing the shock, thus maintaining the integrity of the level body and the accuracy of its vials. End caps can be made from a number of materials. The most basic is plastic. Rubber end caps are tougher. Bi-material end caps absorb shocks even more effectively, and are featured on Kapro's new 985 Apollo™ Professional Box Level. Kapro's toughest level, the Zeus™ 990, features even tougher tri-material, air-cushioned end caps, for the ultimate in shock absorption.
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Are the handles designed to accommodate larger hands comfortably?
Many levels on the market have hand grips for easy handling. Most of these are not rubber-coated, however, or don't have big enough apertures to fit large hands comfortably. Kapro's ergonomic handles on its professional box and I-Beam levels are large and rubber-coated. The handles on the Zeus™ 990 are even larger, with soft-feel air-cushioned grips.
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Is there a "non-slip" feature on the level?
When you need to hold a level against a wall with one hand - for marking with the other hand, for instance - you will need a non-slip feature that grips the wall to keep it in place. Kapro's patented Ergo Grip™ handles do the job perfectly, and won't mar the work surface, either.
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6. Magnets
Does the level have strip magnets, ceramic magnets, or rare-earth magnets?
Strip magnets are non-conductive, and are often used in polymer levels, in conjunction with a V-groove for work on pipes or conduits.
Ceramic magnets were the industry standard in aluminum levels up until a few years ago, and are still used in some more basic levels. Kapro has phased them out of its level line completely.
Today, most magnetic aluminum levels use rare-earth magnets, which are up to 10 times stronger than ceramic magnets.
Rare-earth magnets: do they protrude from the base of the level?
Many levels are designed with their magnets protruding from the base of the level, which can scratch or mar the work surface. Kapro's new Tri-Magnet System is designed to prevent this, with three rare-earth magnets imbedded in a polymer housing. Three magnets are usually better than one, because they provide a larger magnetic surface, but don't hold too strong, which can be a problem when you're trying to pry your level off the surface.
