STANLEY FATMAX Pro Box Beam Level, 900mm/36

Very robust construction. Perfect for verticality. Just a fraction of a millimetre off for level in 592 mm length. Easily corrected with magic tape and marker pen over bubble if you really need to be exact. Rubber boot at one end can be removed so that vertical or level line can be marked accurately on surface normal to axis of level.

By far the best level I’ve ever owned.

There seem to be two main brands on the market for everyday use: Stanley and Stabila. I think this is the only Stanley model that really competes with Stabila. This is the Fatmax Pro version (see the manufacturer’s reference number), and it seems it can come with Extreme written on it or not (latterly not, I think). Currently the Stanley website advertises three types of spirit level: a simple box section level and a girder style, and this one which is the strongest of the three. It’s a reinforced box section, with shoulders and ribs. Stabila does three box section levels (a simple box, a box with shoulders, and a reinforced box with shoulders and ribs), and their girder style levels are stronger (not weaker) than the reinforced box (as you might expect). The Stanley 043624 or 043636 (and so on, according to the length in inches) competes with the Stabila 196-2. The Stanley is cheaper usually. They both have the same accuracy. Whether the metal in the Stabila is stronger I cannot tell, but they both look about the same. I did see a Stanley promotional video which showed a cross-section that seemed to indicate that there was an internal metal “baffle” (the very expensive Stabila R Type has a number of them), a sort of “false floor” running the full length, and that would make the Stanley stronger; but, when I took the handle off to check, it wasn’t there. Personally, I have had occasional problems with the squared vial of the Stabila. I found it difficult to judge exactly where the bubble was when looking at a 45 degree angle (i.e. through the corner of the rectangular vial block), and had to reposition myself (and the work!). The Stanley has a rounded vial, and it looks the same whichever way you look at it. All of the good models are accurate to 0.5mm/m, so I suppose that the issue in making your choice is only how robust you need the level to be for it to maintain its accuracy in the working environment.

I have heard some people mention that the Fatmax Levels have gotten progressively lesser in quality and may not be what they once were, I have never owned one before, I am happy with the accuracy and quality. They are relatively lightweight but not in a negative way as it makes them comfortable to handle. The construction appears to be strong and with care I am hoping to get many years of use from this

De lo mejor que tuve Comparado con nivel digital calibrado - tiene en los extremos 2 burbujas para plomada...fantastico - perfectamente calibrado - perfil robusto y perfecto acabado. - lineas de vision burbuja cerca ceñidas a burbuja. Lo que permite una facil vision

Absolutely spot on level, which oddly enough isnt all that common for a spirit level. After having bought a set of cheap levels, and instantly regretting it, Im very pleased with my Stanley ones.

Very sturdy excellent value. Arrived on time great service

Liked the ease of seeing where the bubble was between the lines

Great fatmax quality

Wish I had found this level sooner as I always had bad results with cheaper versions from other brands. Firstly this is very light weight and feels good in your hand so makes it very comfortable when checking level on the ground, or when on ladders and even hard to reach places. Secondly the clarity is great as you can clearly see if anything is off and correct as you go along. Overall i think this is a must have for Professionals and Diyers as this has helped save me money having to hire anyone else in to carry out small home projects which I have comfortably been able to do myself now! Highly recommend!