Customer Reviews

M-D Building Products 92379 24-Inch SmartTool with Module And Case

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Macklanburg-Duncan 24" SmartTool is the fastest, most accurate way to measure slopes and cross slopes of ramps, walkways, and parking areas for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. One big improvement over the older SmartLevel instrument is that the calibration function is much simpler and much faster. Since it takes less than a minute, I can ensure maximum accuracy by recalibrating the SmartTool at the start of each survey job. Also, I particularly like the hold function which allows you to freeze a measurement, then pick up the tool to take a reading. If you do a lot of ADA survey work, this tool will pay for itself quickly.

I was familiar with their older product. I used a friends a few times and liked it, so I bought this. They changed the design in in doing so, have made it of a cheaper quality. The old design was a brushed aluminum with grips that were very useful. The new design is flat bar type aluminum that is painted.

I put the level on my table saw top to calibate it. I noticed a gap under the level. The frame of the level was not flush. The reason is the end of the level had a small ridge on it causing the level not to sit flat.

I called their customer service and they were friendly. However, I would have to pay shipping to return it, and then pay a shipping and hadling fee to have it returned to me. I would think they should pay for their error, not me.

As a building contractor/remodeling carpenter, my advice to anyone is,,BUY THIS THING NOW !!! I often work alone and the audible beep feature is fantastic. As I approach dead level, the beeps get faster till it changes over to a solid tone. Accuracy is exellent. I did sand off 1 paint knob but for a tool that I use so often, those 2 minutes of "set-up" were well worth the time. Most of the finish is still on the tool. Fair for 8 years of use. It measures in 3 modes % grade, inches of rise per foot and 90 degree scales level or plumb. Automatic compensation for reading upside down, for overhead work. Display is aways right side up. Calibration is simple and quick, usually when I check it though, it's still dead-on. GREAT TOOL , BUY ONE NOW!!!

I am a home owner and handyman. I needed something to help with chores around the house. Laying out walls and working in my garage. I have a standard 3' level that serves me very well. It came to me after reading the reviews on this level how nice it would be to add the sound so you don't have to stare at the bubble.
One review made mention of the end caps or lips on the level. I found a very small build up of paint on one end. Once the unit is put through the zero setup procedure, this build up should not come into play. A piece of sand paper on a flat work bench to "lap" the end would fix it. Agreed, this would "blemish" the looks of the paint, but it would make it true from one end to the other. I for one, could not send the tool back because of this.
I am impressed with the quality of the level. It's easy to zero in and accuate once set. I found that even the pitch was very accurate. I can see that if I was a builder by profession, this would be a great addition to my daily used tools.

Nice Product...

We have used the SmartTool for over 10 years in our analysis of ramps, curb ramps and walking surfaces for access to people with disabilities. This has been the 'tool of the century' for us to be able to accurately measure the slope and cross slope of an accessible route as it relates to the American's with Disabilities Act. Furthermore, with it's reasonable price, we can easily recommend it for purchase by contractors, architects, and facility managers to assist them in assuring the proper construction within the required design parameters of the ADAAG [The ADA Accessibility Guidelines]. Our hats off to Maclanburg Duncan for their product.

Included in the description should be that this comes with a case. We purchased an additional case because we didn't know that it came with one and when we returned it we only received a $5.00 credit and we paid $14.99. You charged us to return the product which we should not have had to purchase but it was no clear that it came with a case. So please change the description so that no one else purchase a case they don't need. Thank you for your time.

After I bought it I happened to be at Sears and saw the same tool for $69 and the Sear version of the tool incorporated 2 neat features

1. Laser level - so that you could use it to draw a line

2. Tripod mounting so that you could use it to set up level lines

Needless to say I wish I had seen the Sears unit first

The 24" SmartTool is the best available device for measuring ramps and slopes for ADA Compliance. The 48" is a little cumbersome to carry on a full day of surveying, the 24" is much better: the stand alone module is ideal, but requires later measurements with a longer base level. This product is highly recommended! Thomas Schmokel - ADA Consultant

The level works great however we thought that the module could be removed for use without the long level for long distance trips since it can be purchased separately, but it does not have a housing for the 9v battery.

I purchased the 24" Smart Tool for our architectural office to ensure that all grades and ramps installed in our projects meets all ADA requirements. It is the same one that our compliance reviewer uses so it was an easy choice.