48 in. to 78 in. True Blue Extendable Box Level

Empire has done it again! They have come out with a 48" box level that extends up to 78 inches. Crafted of finely machined hard tempered aluminum. Highlighted with a white viewing ring, their trade mark blue colored level tube making the bubble easy to read. The extension can be set at any length up to 78 inches and locked in place with a set screw. Extension bar is raised approx 1/16" for easy scribing and marking. Storage end cap is easily popped out for precise measuring.

OK - I admit I am a tool junkie. But I find that this level fits a need for me. My home was built in 1906. It has 76" doors. The house has settled over the years, and some of the doors are out of plum. So I need to re-shim the jams. With modern doors, I can use my 78" level. But it is too long for the old doors. This level expand to the length of the jam, letting my shim it plum and even. Sure, I could use my 6' level and move it to cover the part of the jam I am working on, but having a level that goes the length of the jam makes things a lot easier. I am sure it will see more uses in the future, but it is definitely filling a current need. As an added bonus, it is easier to store them my 6' and 78" levels!

This is a review on a 24 to 40 inch expandable box type aluminum level use it a couple times so far seems to work rather well just wouldn't think you don't have enough links on it you can extend it out to 40 inches and it dusty pretty true the whole way through I'm I'm really impressed with it I would recommend this to anybody that is replacing the box level looking for something to give you a little bit of expansion that works great on doors would recommend

Overall I’m happy with the product but my biggest complain is that it’s not magnetic like the rest of my Empire levels. I do like how there is measurements on the level when extending. Extends nice, level works good. Weight is not bad, it’s not light, I think my 6’ might weigh less actually but still I’m happy with it and would recommend it. I wish they made it magnetic though.

I have been a builder remodeler for 49 years, and as such I have many opportunities to use a tool like this EMPIRE 24 IN. TO 40 IN. TRUE BLUE EXTENDABLE BOX LEVEL. These Empire levels are of very high quality, the slide extensions have zero play, so are very accurate when extending them to measure longer spans. I have Empire’s 8’ level as well, and I am more than satisfied with it. But these extendable levels are a another step forward, and I love them!

This is a chunky 1 ½ inches wide level that provides a good, solid measurement platform and that means stability. Heavier than most similar 48 inch levels because of its ability to extend out to a huge 78 inches it is still lighter and much more manageable than carrying around multiple fixed levels to cover the same range. The tool is machined top and bottom and painted blue front and back. The plastic end caps protect the level and one is easily removable. The extension piece has a screw to control resistance and, therefore, the ability to maintain the desired length setting. The two fixed vials – horizontal and vertical - are a reasonable size and the bubbles are clear to see.

This is the perfect size level for general use, IMHO. 24" is easy to handle, but you can go all the way to 40" as required. The weight is also great - I've seen some expandable levels that were so heavy that you would probably not carry them with you unless you were sure you were going to need it. There is a scale which shows the overall length of the level and the slide, although I'm not sure I would use that instead of just grabbing a tape measure. The level works both laying down and standing on edge, and laying down you can see level in both the 'X' and 'Y' directions at the same time - a real timesaver.

Fantastic level and an overall great value I have Milwaukee RedStick Levels and so I'll be comparing this level to those. I chose this level because I do custom cabinets and frequently install in places that are between 48"-72". It's nice to be able to extend a line across the space and not have to re-position the level. I think this can replace a variety of levels due to its ability to extend which saves room packing tools for installs. Flatness - the level is perfectly flat compared to my 72" Digital RedStick, I can't see any light between the two even when the Empire is extended to its full capacity. I also don't feel any flex when the Empire is fully extended which makes me very comfortable using it. Extension Size - the extension is the full height of the level. I first thought that wouldn't be the case based on the pictures but was relieved when I saw that it is the same as the body of the level. This is perfect for marking lines above or below the level. Construction - very well built. It is strong and study. It weighs more than my 48" Milwaukee but I expected that. I love my RedStick levels and this is of the same build quality as those. The extension mechanism impressed me. It is a sliding dovetail made from aluminum (at least that's what is seems like) and because the dovetail is very wide, there is no wiggle or flex. I think this will be a very durable mechanism over the life and use of this level and I was impressed that they used this design. Bubble Visibility - this is the only spot where I think the Empire is not on par with the Milwaukee. While the blue vial and bubble is very easy to see, I think the yellow liquid and slightly bigger bubble of the Milwaukee is a bit easier to see, especially in low light. I don't think there is a big difference between the two, but the RedStick has the advantage. I also think the RedStick bubble vials are protected a bit better than the Empire. I don't think that will make a difference for what I do and I cannot see myself breaking the vial. The Empire is still very stout and protects the vial from damage, but again, advantage RedStick. Overall, I am very impressed with this level. I love its simplicity, durability, features, construction, and ease of use. I highly recommend this product; especially for saving space and money by having a single level that can do many jobs.

Sometimes when you get a tool you just know that it is well made, that's the case with this level. You can feel the quality. I got this level because I kept finding myself needing more than my 36 inch I-beam level could do. I am building a man-cave in my basement and in the framing of the studs and the installation of the door I needed more. Sliding my shorter level up the stud or up the frame of the door just wasn't giving me satisfactory "plumb-ness". I got this professional grade tool and found myself using it more than I thought I would. It gives my work a more finished look. It can be used for cabinets, doors, windows, pipes, floors; just about anything that needs to be long and level. Any professional would do well to invest in this high quality box level.

The Empire level is ideal for diyer or pro. The level site glass is constructed with a strong covering to protect the 'bubble' in the event you drop the level. The level is 24 inches long and easily extends to 40 inches. I am very impressed with the quality of the materials. Not much plastic on this tool. It is a bit on the heavy side, but a small price to pay for having quality metal construction rather than plastic.