Finding the Lev
Independent Review
by Peter Brett
Levels – is it a Choice between Good value or Accuracy? Just about every tool supplier has a level or two on
its stocksheets, and predictably they can be cheap and nasty or more expensive and good. In my experience buying as good a level as you can afford does pay off.
The one I bought from a well-known builders’ superstore was so bad that, years on, it still raises my hackles despite the fact that it was dumped soon after purchase. The Conundrum Having done masses of end user research for a major tool company on spirit
levels a few years ago, I found out that end users generally want rugged, accurate, easy to read and easy to maintain tools. But making these tools to a demandingly high specification and at a market-beating price is pretty well impossible. Hence the dominance of the bright yellow German brand of levels, despite the high price tag attached. They have reached the level of trust in quality and accuracy where the brand reputation alone is enough to ensure sales. But as ever, there is always room for competition, and since end users are as various as fish in the sea, good quality, value and accuracy can always be judged in different ways for different needs. Some of the Draper Line-up Exclusive to Draper Tools and available in increments up to 2000mm, Draper’s
Expert range of OPTIVISION™ spirit levels is not only well priced, but ticks all of the main consumer demands mentioned above. Just a quick examination of the alloy extrusion and finish will tell you that they
are well made and protected against the rigours of the worksite by a baked-on highly visible white finish. Opinions seemed to vary on the colour – the chippies liked it better than the brickies! Unlike some levels, it has a wide levelling surface that is 35mm wide and milled to a fine, easily cleanable finish. On the magnetic version 600mm and 900mm
QUESTION: What is Peter Brett waiting for?
levels, there are two sets of magnets set into the levelling surface so that it can be attached to metal scaffolding poles, RSJs etc or stored within a van. Some might argue that the magnet settings might be a cleaning problem, but again, users make their choice – which is handier for you? The rounded top
ANSWER: To independently test & review YOUR products!
For more information contact Anne at Tool Business + Hire 01444 450071 or email:
annehall@airstream.co.uk
12 ToolBUSINESS+HIRE
side of the level houses the shockproof OPTIVISION™ vial that comes with a lifetime warranty. The highly visible red vial is UV resistant and accurate to within 0.5mm per metre. Each vial also has a red surround that makes the bubble definition stand out and easy to read. Another interesting feature, and one that divided opinions when I showed it to various trades, was the multiple lines in the centre vial so that users can read the gradient of 1 and 2% depending on need. Again – you pays your money and you makes your choice. I personally thought that it would be a feature that I might use
www.toolbusiness.co.uk
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