Swanson Tool Co., Inc48-Inch Magnetic Box Beam Level (Yellow) (BBL48M)

I've found this level to be an excellent choice for a magnetic 48" level.The vials are easily visible against most backgrounds. That being said, they have pitch graduation marks on them for 1/8 and 1/4 inch per foot. So essentially you have 3 vertical lines on each side of the bubble when you're perfectly level. It isn't a problem for me, but for some of the older guys I worked with, they had trouble focusing their eyes at close distances and the multiple lines annoyed them. I thought it would be handy to have the pitch lines, but I haven't really ever used them.I wouldn't buy a level that doesn't have a straight edge on at least one side, which is something I've encountered before with Stabila. The break in the line for the horizontal vial is excusable since the other side is unbroken and can be used for marking lines. It is a little bit annoying to not be able to scribe over the top side, but it does provide a 180 degree view of the vial. Many levels have this same feature.The rubber end caps are pretty resilient and take a lot of the bang out of dropping the level - if it lands on them. They have good grip too, so you can lean the level up and don't have to worry about it sliding down on a smooth floor.A handy feature is the V-groove on the top and bottom of the level, so you can use the level accurately on rounded surfaces or on corners.All this being said, the real reason I bought this level was for it's magnetic hold. I've used Husky, Stabila, and Empire levels, and the Swanson has the best magnetic pull of all of them. This thing sticks wonderfully to steel studs, pipe, whatever. It's difficult to vibrate or shake off, which means it practically never falls (unless you drop it). I got so sick of other levels vibrating off when screwing steel studs; that problem stopped after I got this level. The magnets are housed inside the box-beam level, which is nice, because you have a clean smooth outside.The only real downside of this level is the hand-holds are a bit on the small side, but that is a minor annoyance that many levels have since they don't want a tall profile. Overall, this is a good level with outstanding magnetic pull.

The level was actually just what I was looking for. Unfortunately it was shipped to me with one of the end caps missing. I tried for weeks to get Swanson to send me an end cap and I kept getting the run-around from them. I wish I could rate this higher because it is a nice level but Swanson customer service really dropped the ball.

I will agree with both the other reviews, it is not a high quality level, but for the $17 I paid, I am not too disappointed. When it is at regular price, you can get a much better quality level for only a few extra bucks.But sometimes it is nice having a level around you aren't too concerned about. They tend to get beat up on a job site so it is nice not having to keep one eye on your level all the time. Or one to borrow out to your neighbor without worrying if you will ever see it again.

I got this on sale for less than $20 (!) and for that price, it's a steal. Had I paid closer to $50, I would be a little disappointed b/c the fit and finish of this level leaves a little to be desired. That said, it is sturdy and true, and seems like it will last a long time. I'd have given it 3.5 stars if that were an option.

I love this thing. You can't beat Amazon pricing and it's the same product from the local store. I'm a big fan of buying from small businesses when it makes sense (Home Depot and Lowes do NOT count so I dont' feel bad here) but this was almost half what it would cost there.The product itself is a great value and I'd recommend it to anyone wanting a good solid 24in level. The magnet part is a must because it allows you to store it almost anywhere while in or not in use.

I've been a Union Carpenter for 12 years, specializing in cabinets and commercial doors. This level was packaged well, wrapped in bubble wrap and boxed.Out of box, the level read true in every vial, both level and plumb. The magnets are amazing, there is no way it'll just fall off while adjusting your door frame, my previous level would give way if frame was knocked, not this one.Highly recommend this level, especially for only $15!!

This is a very nice quality product with machined sides, strong magnets, carrying grips, and rubber end caps. Maybe just a shade under Stabila-level quality, but at the time of this review, you could buy several of these for the price of one Stabila.This was an absolute steal from the third-party seller--the 24" Swanson level is still almost 3x the price of this one.

just got the level in the mail today. now i'm always skeptical of buying a level online because i can't check it myself. thought the price was right, so i bought it. put the level on the wall and flipped it around, didn't read true plumb both ways. so i decided to check the bubbles themselves, and lo and behold, one of the bubbles for plumb moved around. i can spin the thing all the way around. magnets are strong, other end reads true so not going to bother sending it back, but not happy at all. exactly the reason i was hesitant to buy it.......

Good level with strong magnet