Restoring an Old Carpenter's Level

Ridger · Feb 14, 2019

I found an old carpenter's level in my dad's barn and would like to restore it. It is marked Stanley No. 0. It has two bubble vials. The one in the center is intact; however, the one on the end is broken and needs to be replaced. It looks like it can be tapped out with a wooden dowel or something but I don't want to damage it. So my questions are how do you remove the bubble vial on the end (see photos) and can you buy replacement bubble vials for these old levels? As always, thank you for your time.

mickeyd · Feb 14, 2019

Here is how to fix it: https://www.hunker.com/13403019/how-to-repair-a-bubble-level

You can purchase new vials to replace broken ones.

85Hokie · Feb 14, 2019

I have had the luxury of getting a hold of the old mahogany 4' masons levels - of which are beat to hell and have mortar all over them.

Placing the entire level through a wide belt sander taking off about 1/64 per pass makes it look almost new. Taping off the vials and a clear coat of lacquer makes them look damn good!

Edit - those are mahogany levels too I believe

Tooljunkie · Feb 16, 2019

I have one too, never thought about restoring it. Its still intact.

dalola · Feb 16, 2019

Very cool! I also have a couple similar that I inherited from my dad, that still work.

Sidebar: was recently in the market for a new 4' level, after doing some research, settled on an Empire e55.48. Empire is one of the few still made in the US, and not outrageously priced (~$30 for the e55.48), & lifetime warranty.

RCW · Feb 16, 2019

Tooljunkie said:
I have one too

Frank - I'm surprised you have one...oh wait, "Tooljunkie..."! Just poking fun.

Hope things are well with you and yours up north.

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Restoring an Old Carpenter's Level

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