The batteries in this item leaked and the light did not work probably caused by the corrosion. Amazon quickly sent me another level, however the batteries leaked in it too. I was able to clean the contacts on this one and installed fresh batteries and it worked. I added a star for the quick replacement.

I bought the 6' and 18" version of this level. I can't speak to the shorter one because I haven't used it enough but, my god, the 6' is INCREDIBLE! I am a carpenter and do some framing but mostly finish work. If you're in my trade and laughing to yourself reading this, I don't blame you. I would think a 30 buck six foot level must cost ten times what it saves because of its inaccuracy but this thing is DEAD NUTS--at lease the one I got is. You should check and ensure that your level is calibrated correctly (Find a level and a plumb surface, check it and flip the level around and check it again--if the bubble reads the same in both directions, you are all set. If it doesn't read the same, return the POS and write a negative review demanding they make them the way they did when I bought it {you can also check it with another level you know to be plumb and true if you want to get all anal about it}).

This level is light! This makes working with it a pleasure. My theory is that this is also what makes it incredibly resilient when falls occur. Because it is so light, the force it creates hitting the ground doesn't act towards shifting the bubble as much as it would with a heavier level. The hard drop also doesn't pain your heart as much because you know at the end of the day you spent 30 bucks on it rather than the 200 you spent on that Stabila.

The plumb level dial that shifts to gives you degrees is a throwaway and the worst part of this level. It may prove remotely useful in some esoteric, shotty calculation performed once in the level's lifetime. But please, fellow carpenters, I suggest you at least make this your second level. Use it as your framer for a little. Slowly it will grow on you. You'll see you 'accidentally' grabbed it for the kitchen you're doing. Suddenly it will take prime real estate in your truck or van, and that Empire or Stabila you had, when it finally craps the bed, won't be replaced because you'll know when you drop this one from a third story roof that it will either be OK or you'll have another shipped straight to your door in a couple days for a quarter the price a "real carpenter" would have paid for a new level.

I purchased the 1050 Magnetic I-beam in 48 inches. I've used this level a few times around the house and it's generally fine to get the job done, but I don't have much faith that it will be durable enough to last decades (maybe that's not the intention). The plastic end caps don't seem sturdy and the magnets don't work well at all, I can't get this to stick to anything. I was hoping it would be strong enough to stick to studs in the wall hands-free (like my C.H. Hanson studfinder), but I realize now that that was wishful thinking. For the price I paid on sale, I kept it and will use it until it breaks. It will likely be fine for light homeowner duty, but nothing beyond that.

Bends easily. Build a case for it. If it bent this easily in shipping, it will bend on the job. Like any level take good care in handling and storage, especially if it is a long level. Box levels seem to be less likely to get bent.

It's a shame, but Irwin is now making their tools in china. It was out of level from day one. Just not the same quality that the original designer/builder of this level use to make. My old one lasted 19 years. I didn't get one day out of this one. Really disappointed, as I need this type of level working on the Front Range of Colorado.