No matter what kind of construction you find yourself in, you canโt do your job effectively without a level. Weโve got options these days thanks with lasers moving us beyond the original bubble levels of the last century. Despite the technology, they havenโt supplanted the spirit level (named for the mineral spirits inside the vial), particularly for residential construction and remodeling applications. Given the simplicity of using layout tools like the Empire Level e55 Series, I doubt they ever will.
The Empire Level e55 Series is an I-Beam style of level in the True Blue series. I may be in the minority in thinking a little Gator orange to accent the blue would be nice, but the Wisconsinย based company still manages a very attractive look without it. Itโs Empireโs innovation over the years that makes the e55 special.
When it comes to the levels we use, itโs usually a choice between I-beam and box beam styles. Thereโs not much difference in function between the two. Cut the end off of an I-beam level and youโll see the design is shaped like the letter โIโ. Box beam levels are (you guessed it) box shaped. Box beam levels tend to be a bit more durable thanks to the structural design. I-beam levels get some durability help when high grade aluminum is used, are lighter, andย usuallyย run a few dollars less.
Clint has been dropping subtle hints about getting a larger level for door frames and large window installation, so we brought in the 72โณ Empire Level e55 Series I-Beam Level.
Empire Level e55 Series I-Beam Level Key Features
As long as a level is actually level (along with plumb and square), it all boils down to the features. You need it to be accurate, durable, and visible. This is where we begin to see Empire Level set itself apart. Back in 2004, Empire introduced the True Blue vial that has defined the brand ever since. Clear acrylic vials feature blue linesย and liquid resulting in an easier to read meniscus compared toย traditional yellow ones.
Adding to the visibility factor is a top window on the center vial. This is a huge benefit when youโre checking the level of flooring or other applications when youโre overhead.
When it comes to durability, the Empire e55 Series employs aluminum as a material that is both strong and lightweight.ย Protective end caps help prevent damage and loss of accuracy due to end strikes. The acrylic vial is more durable than glass and is pretty standard in the industry now.
Empire Level e55 Series 72โณ True Blue I-Beam Level Specifications
- Model: Empire Level e55.72
- Length: 72โณ
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Accuracy: 0.0005โณ per inch
- Vials: 2 plumb, 1 level
- Price: $49.99
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
About that Accuracyโฆ
Empire Level e55 Series I-Beam Levels are accurate to 0.0005โณ (5/10,000โณ) per inch. At the 72 inch length, the e55.72 will be no more than 0.036โณ off from end to end when showing a perfectly level surface. Thatโs less than a millimeter over the 6 feet of length if youโre keeping score at home (forgive me for mixing metric and standard measurements).
Levels get knocked and bumped around all the time, especially these long ones. After a fall and any time accuracy is in question, thereโs a simple way to double check it.
On a flat surface set your level down and mark bothย ends. Carefully note where the meniscus is (even if itโs not level). Turnย the level 180 degrees, lining back up with the mark you made and see if the meniscus is in the exact same position. If it is, youโre good to go! Use the same technique on the opposite side. Do the same againstย a wall on both sides to test the accuracy of your plumb vials. It takes less than 5 minutes to know you wonโt haveย to go back and redo your work later.
Wrapping it Up
Accurate, durable, and visible โ it doesnโt get much better than that. Well, it does actually. We can also throw in lightweight to the list of accolades weโre giving the Empire Level e55 Series. While we only tested the 72โณ I-Beam (Empire Level e55.72), several other options are also available. In smaller sizes, you can go for a 24โณ ($18.99) or 48โณ ($26.99) length. If youโre working around steel structures frequently, you can grab an e55 Series Magnetic I-Beam Level in 24โณ, 48โณ, or 76โณ lengths.
If you really need another reason to try Empire Levelโs e55 Series, you can feel good knowing that itโs Made in the USA.ย Youโll be keeping Americans at work while getting your hands on an outstanding product.
