Two months ago to the date, we shared with you our very positive first impressions of C.H. Hanson’s Precision Ball Level. Since then, we have used the level quite a bit for various projects and tasks, and not only has it not disappointed us yet, it has exceeded our most demanding expectations.
Following is our comprehensive review of the level – keep reading for all the fine details or skip ahead to the summary.
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Feel, Appearance & Build Quality
The absolute first thing we noticed about C.H. Hanson’s precision ball level is that it is NOT a lightweight level. The level has considerable heft to it, but in a good way that makes it feel strong and solid.
At the heart of the level is the encapsulated weighted ball, enclosed by what seems to be a polycarbonate shell. Although the plastic casing feels a bit thin, we’re not at all concerned that it could crack or shatter.
The entire level is constructed from aluminum – one piece of aluminum, to be exact. The edges have a textured/machined finish, probably to provide greater precision, but it looks and feels nice as well.
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Between the edges, the aluminum body is concave inwards on both sides and is very smooth. We are not sure about what gives the aluminum its flat black color, possibly anodizing, but whatever it is, it works very well. The incredibly smooth texture is very easy on fingertips, and the concave shape makes the level very easy to securely grip.
On opposite ends of the level are thick rubbery endcaps that protect the level from minor dings and drops.
Use
This level is incredibly quick and easy to use. As claimed, its main advantage is its ability to check the level of two dimensions at once. When used on its side, you can measure angles in either degrees or pitch.
When used horizontally, a small air bubble gathers and settles in a depression at the top of the ball. If the crosshairs align with the center of the bubble, the surface being tested is level. If not, then the surface must be adjusted until the crosshairs align with the bubble.
The enclosed ball is dual-colored, with the top being silver and the bottom being black. When the level is used in its vertical position, the line of separation between the silver top and black botton of the ball should perfectly align with the level’s red crosshairs. If the tested surface is not level, the deviation becomes apparent, and can be measured with relatively good accuracy.
Concerns
There are two major concerns that we have heard numerous times that we would like to address.
Can/will the plastic covering the ball break?
We highly doubt that the plastic can ever crack or fail, but we can imagine that a heavily used or abused level may become scuffed up over time. However, levels are often (or at least should be) treated gently.
An interesting note – it appears that the level’s ball can be replaced. We popped off the front piece by removing two screws at the back of the level, and the internals were revealed. We would have expected a more permanent mounting system, but perhaps the fixtures allow for either ball replacement or calibration.
How quickly does the ball settle? I can read a bubble in a few seconds, and don’t want to wait long.
The ball actually stabilizes very quickly. Based on our observations, it appears that the fluid surrounding the weighted ball provides a dampening effect – perhaps it is a light mineral oil or similar. Don’t just take our word for it – take a look at the following video clip where we disturbed the level as violently as we could to test its settling times.
This is one heck of a level. The build quality is great – the level feels strong, solid, and reliable. C.H. Hanson’s innovative ball design definitely meets their claims of the level being quick and easy to use. We love that the level can be used to check two dimensions at once, and also appreciate that it can be used to measure angles as well. At the end of the day, the level works, and it works well.
We must also point out that it may be a while before the long-term durability of the level is determined. Are you the type that throws levels around as if they were scrap 2x4s? If so, then this one probably isn’t for you. But, if like us and you treat your level with a bit of care, than there’s absolutely nothing to worry about.
C.H. Hanson’s precision ball level is available for $35 online and in stores.
Lastly, a big thank you to C.H. Hanson for providing the level for review.
Buy C.H. Hanson Precision Ball Level via Amazon
More Product Info via C.H. Hanson
Chaim
First of all, if this level has been in use for two months (since the last review), it’s gotten very little use–it still looks brand new! Not a good sign that it’s actually making it into the tool bag.
Secondly, as other have pointed out, but this review does not, it is HUGE (not long, I mean it is bulky). Think of a level the size of a 2×4. Go to Lowes and you can tell right away–if you want a level that big, go for it.
This would be an amazing product if it was a much lighter/slimmer design.
Stuart
As mentioned, we take good care of our levels – a dinged or dented level quickly loses its reliability. That, and we don’t use the level on a daily basis or in a construction environment.
Out of these two months, four people (myself and three colleagues currently working on home repairs) used the level for a number of projects.
As for the level’s size, it’s not extraordinarily bulky. While it is slightly thicker than ordinary levels, we have not encountered any issues or problems because of this. I would much prefer a sturdy yet bulky level than a frail paper-thin aluminum one.
Brian
Where’s it made? What is the sensitivity of the level? Over the years, I’ve seen all kinds of gimmicky mechanical takes on the spirit level come and go. At the end of the day, I have no trouble with a normal spirit level and really don’t see the big improvement over them with this tool.
uthscsaedu
That video had me cracking up, I don’t know why.
I shook one violently in the store and the ball seemed to settle faster than in your video. I wonder if it’s because yours has been used, and something changes inside over time. I don’t know.
Stuart
The level is made in China. I’m not sure what you mean by how sensitive it is, but the ball is fairly damped, and vibrations or minor oscillations won’t noticeably disturb it.
Also, the stabilization time of the ball doesn’t seem to have changed since day one. It could just be that I was shaking it VERY violently, more so than I would feel comfortable doing in public.
Brian
Thank you for the reply Stuart! A level’s sensitivity is the degree to which the level indicates level. When this level indicates that it is level, just how level is it guaranteed to be? Normally, a level’s sensitivity is indicated in inches per foot, or mm per meter, but it could also be specified in degrees. Sensitivity really is one of the most important specifications for any kind of level. A good example of the way the specifications normally read can bee seen on Sola’s Web page.
http://www.sola.us/1824_EN.0
Stuart
Brian, that’s a great question. I am not currently aware of any official values regarding just how accurate the level is guaranteed to be, but I will definitely look into it. Until we can dig up some numbers, it should be safe to say that this level would be adequate for most homeowner and DIY needs.
When checked against our other levels, the ball level copy that we received was spot-on.
Would I use this level for projects where extreme accuracy is crucial? Probably not, only because I would instead favor a 24″ Stabila level.
uthscsaedu
Regarding the textured/machined finish on the edges – doesn’t it keep the level from sliding off the surface you are trying to level?
Or maybe that’s how they get the edge to be as straight and flat as possible.
Stuart
I believe that the mini-grooved finish is to ensure maximum flatness of the surface.
uthscsaedu
These things are moving very slowly at Lowe’s. In their big box of these levels, I noticed that the red crosshairs were wearing off on most of them (mostly in the middle where they intersect).
Stuart
I haven’t noticed any wearing away of the red crosshairs, but I did notice a pile of the levels at Lowes. It looks like they were planning on a holiday rush for these items, but if so, how come there aren’t any special displays? If they want the levels to be noticed, they’re going to have to place them at an endcap or similarly prominent placement.
Jason Osborne
I just bought one from Lowes, redlines are worn off in the middle and was wondering if ch hanson will sell a new center or cover such a thing in warranty… if not, i am disappointed in the condition in which they are being sold at Lowes. other than that the level seems to be a good buy. Maybe if the crosshairs were etched into the plastic then painted, it would ensure a longer existence of the red color.
Stuart
I checked the stack of ball levels at a local Lowes a few weeks and can confirm that the red crosshairs were a bit won on some of them, probably due to mishandling or careless stacking or movement.
I just took a look at the sample copy, which has seen some light duty use since it was reviewed, and at the center of the plastic dome the intersecting crosshairs are worn and rubbing off a little bit.
This does seem like it could hamper the otherwise robust level’s durability, and hopefully CH Hanson will roll out a revised edition with color-filled etched or engraved crosshairs. Unfortunately, that may not happen soon if there are still piles of unsold levels at Lowes and other stores.
JML
I was in a local Fastenal today, and spotted one on the main desk. The salesman told me that the new production of that level will have the red lines on the inside of the ball.
I think the ball is still very vulnerable to damage and marring, however. That level is so huge that I wonder why they didn’t make the ball smaller, so it doesn’t stick out past the edges of the level. Maybe a sliding cover or shield would also have been nice.
Stuart
JML, that’s great news, thanks for sharing!
The ball cover is made from what appears to be polycarbonate, and cannot be easily marred at all. I don’t think that the ball could really have been made any smaller, nor could the body have been made larger.
I considered that perhaps it would have been better if the ball was positioned symmetrically, but that would have greatly reduced the functionality of the the level.
Dave
I recently bought one from Northern Tool & Equipment. The first thing I also noticed was the heft and solid feel of the tool. I laid it on a bench and as I slowly lifted one end the ball did not move, did not move, did not move, then suddenly would pop to a new angle. Pretty useless as a level. I contacted Northern Tool and they are sending a replacement. I do notice that the air bubble in the unit I received seems quite a bit larger than the air bubble in the videos I looked at so perhaps a defective unit. Hopefully the replacement will work better.