STABILA Type 80 AS-2 Spirit Level Review
STABILA Type 80 AS-2 Contractor Spirit Level
The origin of the spirit level goes way back in history. The Romans used water filled vessels as primitive spirit levels when building their aqueducts. By observing the water surface level in the vessel, the Romans could determine if the base was completely flat or at an angle. To spirit level, as we know it, started becoming more popular in the 18th century. Nowadays, every contractor uses a spirit level, of some kind, in their daily operations. this article is about the newer STABILA Type 80 AS-2 Spirit Level.
New Look
Stabila recently introduced a slim, compact profile, lightweight, easy to grip, set of spirit levels. The STABILA Type 80 AS-2 Spirit Level performs just like we expect from a Stabilia. It’s accurate, built with a reinforced frame, and is reliable! Reliability is probably what I think of when I heat the name Stabila.
STABILA 80 AS-2 Notable Features
I’ve been using Stabila levels for almost two decades. One notably observation with the Stabila 80 AS-2 spirit levels is their lack of “hand-hole” handles. The handles, on other levels, protrude slightly and prevent the level from laying perfectly flat – not on these levels.
Another thing that many people notice on the Stabila levels is how easily the two vertical vials can be viewed in any position, which we attribute to a combination of the highly transparent, fluorescent colored, acrylic vial and an embedded rear mirror.
The bubble size and ring spacings are designed to ensure optimum readability
Lastly, the integrated anti-slip stoppers on the site of the levels allow for a firm hold when marking vertical surfaces have always been a favorite of mine when scribing lines on walls.
STABILA Type 80 AS2 Level Accuracy
STABILA accuracy technology ensures long-term accuracy – measuring accuracy in normal position is ± 0.5 mm/m and ± 0.75 mm/m in reverse position.
Plastic end caps protect the profile against impact.
STABILA Quality And Warranty
The STABILA Type 80 AS-2 Spirit Level are assembled with the vial cast into a vial block holder (which STABILA developed) so that the vial is free from stresses, but totally immoveable.
The vial block holder is then inserted into the spirit level profile in a way which prevents any movement. The vial and profile are permanently aligned with each other, ensuring accuracy.
The levels are made in Germany and offer a 10-year / lifetime accuracy guarantee on all their spirit levels – not too many folks do that.
STABILA Precision Vials
STABILA spirit levels are extremely temperature-resistant and are guaranteed exact readings from -4 F to 122 F.
Using The STABILA 80 AS-2 Spirit Level Kit
We’ve been using the STABILA Type 80 AS-2 Spirit Level kit since March in our remodeling and carpentry operations . What we like most about these these levels is that they are lighter, and thinner than our older levels. While this may translate into “less beefy” construction, we would argue that they are perfectly sized and positioned for the finish carpenter and remodeler looking for lighter, easier to use levels.
We’ve used these levels for window installs, custom bookcase projects and light framing on remodels. They’ve become my go-to levels, and I leave the heavier levels in the trailer.
The black zippered carry bag is essential. I now walk into any job with five levels, pretty much every level I’ll need.
Final Thoughts
As a remodeler, I appreciate the reliability of the STABILA Type 80 AS-2 Spirit Level both now and after years of use, after I’ve dropped them, or they’ve fallen off step ladders, or have been bouncing around in my trailer. Longterm use is where the Stabila reliability comes in. I’ve talked to may “Carps” and they all tell me that as as you don’t bend the level, you can return it for a new one should it go out of whack.
Best part – I’ve yet to have one go out of whack. These newer slim line levels are highly recommmended.
Price
You need to call a Stabila or an authorized dealer to order this kit, the price is $299.99.
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About the author
Rob Robillard
Robert Robillard is a remodeler, general contractor, and principal of a carpentry and renovation business located in Concord, Massachusetts, and serves as the Editor of Tool Box Buzz and founding editor of A Concord Carpenter . Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review - Tool and Product Review - Video Channel, , where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the remodeling industry. The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob
http://www.aconcordcarpenter.com/@https://twitter.com/robertrobillardRob Robillard
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