The first real Smith Level was developed in 1951 by a conscientious bricklayer named Smith. Other bricklayers noticed it and wanted one. Eventually, it became a family business. Today several levels (8-inches to 7-feet long), including custom-designed ones for all kinds of construction work, are manufactured by the Smith Level Company in Excelsior Springs, MO. All of these levels today have the same quality and toughness as the first one.
Materials used. These multiple-vial levels are made from fine hardwoods, which are tongue-and-groove-laminated and bound around their edges with hardened stainless steel or brass. Their color-fast Pyrex bubble/spirit vials are fixed in non-shrinking, shock-resisting resin which, in turn, are protected by two 1/8-inch thick glass lenses, one on each side of the level.
Shaping and assembly of parts. Precisely controlled machinery mills and shapes the wood pieces and metal strips for the level’s laminated frames and their bindings. The Pyrex bubble vials themselves and their protective glass lenses are third-party manufactured to Smith’s precise long-lasting specifications. Then, with the aid of air-driven tools, these parts are hand-assembled in a manner to guarantee their accuracy and durability.
Options (custom choices available for real Smith levels).
- Hardwood types (Mahogany, Maple, Cherry, Oak etc)
- 3 to 5 laminated wood pieces (the standard level has 3-pieces)
- Extra vial
- Angled vial (45-degree)
- Extra hand grip or hole
- Engraved name plate
- Protective block plate
- Clear or yellow vial color
- Steel or brass binding
- Magnetic edge
- Rubber end-caps
- Hanging hole or hook
- Separate short 8-inch level for tight places
- Reconditioning kits w/raw linseed oil
- Manufacturer testing and/or reconditioning
Cost. The prices for these levels range from about $50 to $130 respectively for the 18-to-48-inch long standard models, depending on which distributors they are purchased from and the quantities ordered. They can also be ordered directly from the company via telephone and the Internet.
Lifetime warranty. These levels have a limited lifetime warranty for remaining straight, not coming apart, leaking, breaking, nor warping provided no evidence of abuse or neglect is present.
Conclusion. No matter how or where I used my level during my home repairs, the dual over-under vials in each window were easy to read all the times. When working outdoors, sudden gusts of wind did not affect its placement or it readings neither. It also remained steadily in place when I had other things else in my hands. Since I am not a professional handyman, I managed to drop mine a couple of times. It resisted or repelled any shock without harming it a bit. This result alone deserves five stars. For information on bubble levels and how to use them, see these sites.
