Review - Bostitch Announces the First Line of Clamping Levels

Recently we attended the Stanley / Bostitch Press Event in New York, NY to introduce new tools coming out from Stanley, Bostitch, Porter-Cable, and a couple from Dewalt.  Over the next few weeks we hope to test several of these and bring you the latest information on what’s coming out and if and why you might need it!  Usually, at these events, they give everyone some time to put their hands on the tools, try them, and ask questions about them.  That was the case at this event and there was one in particular I found especially interesting and wanted to give a bit of a “heads up”.I’m quoting straight from the press release:Bostitch® announced the introduction of the world’s first line of clamping levels – models 43-723 and 43-727– during its new product luncheon at the Westin Times Square in New York City. Strategic Business Unit Leader Phil Cox said, “These levels offer the distinct advantage of a hands-free operation while positioning wood to a level or plumb setting.” Until now, users were forced to hold the level in place as they tapped the wood into place, which often led to re-adjustment and incorrect measurements. The new clamping levels by Bostitch® provide a faster, more efficient method for professionals performing applications such as framing, roofing, decking, fencing, etc.I gave the levels a try on the demo that they had set up and found the to be quite innovative, just as they’d said.  I have small hands and often have trouble with things that require clamping, but this was really easy.  Just pull back on the clamping mechanism and put it up to the stud, and release it to let it grip the wood.  The clamp can accommodate 2X (1-1/2”)  dimensional lumber as well as 4X dimensional lumber (3-1/2”).   The body of the level is constructed from aluminum, and there is a bridged center vial so that you can make a continuous mark when using the level for marking.And I won’t claim to be an engineering expert, so here’s another snippet from the press release:“Engineers designed the block vials to ensure an accurate read is always achieved, regardless of the angle from which you view the bubble. This is why Bostitch® machines its leveling lines (or graduations) on the inside of the tubes (or barrels) of the vials. This special machining process prevents parallax, otherwise known as the distortion that occurs when viewing an object from a challenging angle.”Just to make sure you don’t destroy it the first time you use it, the level has shock absorbent end caps to protect it from drops.  And it has a 100 year limited warranty… that’s not bad.The levels are available now, in  a 24” model, and a 48” inch model. .