Customer Reviews

Empire e70.48 48-Inch Professional Aluminum Box Level

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this 48" and a 24" e70 Empire level.
The NEW e70.24 Level is the best I have ever used. I build garages for a living and a level is a very important tool. I have been a carpenter for 40 years and this level is light weight (good for my old body) and easy to read the blue vile (good for my old eyes). I looked at the e70 at Home Depot and then orderd it from Amazon. Free freight and NO TAXES!
The young bucks on the job are going to purchase them too. They know better than to touch my tools!!
If you need a level BUY THIS ONE!!!!!!!!!

I was a professional carpenter for 13 years and still do my own home improvements.

In my opinion there are two design flaws that limit this level's usefulness. The first flaw is the chamfered edges. Aside from checking the plumb and level of a surface many times a carpenter has to draw a plumb or level line. For all of its supposed accuracy, trying to sight in that last 1/8"-3/16" where the chamfer begins can be a source of inaccuracy. At least the edges of one side of the level should have been left square. The second flaw is having the level vial at the top of the level. This prevents drawing a continuous level line when the vial is in the most readable position, upward. Lastly the "shock bumpers" are narrower than the metal portion of the level which reduces the working span of the level.

I am really surprised the engineers didn't see these two errors before manufacturing the product. As it is, the person using this level almost has to have two levels, one with which to draw the line and this one to check it. This level and a straight edge would perform the same function but why should one have to use two tools when one should do?

Super level with unbeleivable accuracy. The only drawback to this level is: there's a small bevel on the leading edges that seems to cause a bit of difficuty when using a carpenter pencil for your line, just takes a bit of getting used to, the issue is that when drawing level lines for cabinets you must hold a consistant angle on your pencil( a thinner pencil will do just fine). That being said, I would'nt trade it for a stabilla.

Why pay up for Stabila when you can have the same or better accuracy for a lower cost? I have 2',4' & 6' levels for less than I paid for my last 4 footer. Thanks

I own a 72 inches version. It is the best one I have had. It might not as good as Stabila, but it hand down beats all other in its price range. Very sturdy and rigid.

Very strong, sturdy level. I have had mine for 2+ yrs and have put it through the nine levels of remodelers Hades.

It is a little strange at first to get used to the bevels on the edges, as formerly stated in another review, but if I need a really precise line I use a straight edge anyway.

Vials are guaranteed forever so if one goes katywompus on ya just send it to the manufacturer.

The only thing I don't like is that they are made in China. That's why it is a 4 instead of a 5 star level.

The Empire e70.48 is the best level I have every owned. I used to be a Stabila user by I have seen the "True-Blue" and converted. There is hope for all you other German level users. Along with being easier to use these cost alot less if you buy them from Amazon.com.
Thanks Empire for making me see "Blue" , True Blue!!!

Unless I am buying a top of the line level, I like to test it first by doing the 180 degree test. Basically, an accurate level should show the bubble in the exact same place when turned 180 degrees.

So I bought one of these levels about 2 years ago at a big box store when one "disappeared" from one of my work vans. It tested fine. About a year later, it was about 1/4" off on 4' (1" off on 16' !! NOT acceptable). I called Empire and they sent me a new one no questions asked. This one tested fine. A year later, and it's about 1/8" off on 4'. Again, not acceptable. They are sending me another one. This one will see limited use as a backup to the many Stabilas my company owns.

Two stars for great warranty on a shoddy product.

I like this level because it's solid, easy to read and gives me accurate readings. I would give it 5 stars except for the edges are not square. On a daily basis we run a knife or pencil along the 48" edge of this level and it's a little tricky when it does not rest fully on the surface you lay it on. Other than that it's a 5 star item although I probably would not buy another one. My older Empire "yellow" box level we use more often for lines and cuts but keeping 2 levels of the same size on the job is a little nutty.

Bought this to upgrade from an 8 yr old level that was starting to give suspect readings. Tested the e70 on a flat level surface and did not get consistent readings when flipping it over and end to end. Supposed to give stated accuracy (less than 1/32" for 4 feet) in all directions. Sounded good, but didn't live up to expectations.