Johnson Level & Tool 1760-4800 Digital Box Level, 48", Orange, 1 Level

Great level for setting drainage slope

As a lead and QC controller for our firm this shows exactly if the forms or level or not. Then one concrete exposed recheck and record for submission.

I have used dozens of digital levels over the last ten years. Most of them go out of calibration quickly and are always difficult to re calibrate. Thus one is a breeze. Press CAL 1. Turn it over. Press CAL 2. Done. We install glass railings and need accuracy to .1 Deg.

Well built. Easy to calibrate. Maybe a tad on the expensive side. Found one tiny issue. It seems when I place it vertically to test for plumb it displays 89.9 then flips to a reverse 89.9 as I move it, but it hardly ever indicates 90.0 It will on the odd occasion show 90.0 but it's totally random. It's the not the behavior I expect and it totally messes with my brain. Calibration feature is easy to use and quite an unique feature.

This is a well-made classic box level, with horizontal and vertical liquid vials that are easy to read. I wanted that. There's also a large electronic module with a big, illuminated lcd display: I wanted to try this. A few months in I don't look at the bubbles: the digital display is much easier to read, has got several modes, and audio feedback. It's a game changer: you can now think in a number of tenths if a degree away from flat, instead of "a bit off". The electronics auto-shutdown after 5 minutes, so batteries will last awhile. Johnson levels have a pedigree, and this one feels like it'll be going strong for a decade.