Testing the STABILA WARRANTY! Part 1

We have been using this $130 Stabila level for over a decade with no problems.... But, just the other day we noticed that fluid in the one of the level’s viles was empty! This means no bubble and no using this level to plumb! Jaime decided to call Stabila and see if their lifetime warranty was “for real,” and we made this video to report our findings to you!
Just to be clear... we have been very happy with the durability and function of this level up until now!
This is what their web site says:
"As a result of the unique STABILA vial assembly process we are able to give you a lifetime guarantee on all our spirit levels. The distinguishing feature of our assembly system is that the vial is cast into a vial block holder (which was developed by STABILA) so that it is free from stresses but totally immoveable. The vial block holder is, in turn, inserted into the spirit level profile in a way which prevents any movement. The vial and profile are permanently aligned with each other, thus consistently guaranteeing accuracy of measurement."
Stabila 37448 48-Inch builders level, High Strength Frame, Accuracy Certified Professional Level
amzn.to/2UAXB21
Stabila 78496 Type 196 Heavy Duty Complete 6 Level Kit - 78"/48"/32"/24"/16"/10” Die Cast Magnetic Torpedo Level Includes Nylon Carrying Case
amzn.to/2YrU2vU
ad: we get a small percentage of sales from these amazon links
IF YOU AREN'T... follow us on Instagram for lots of behind the scenes footage and photos!
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Check out our online store!
You'll get cool merch and our kids will get to eat.
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Danner Boots has generously offered a percentage of profit to help Jaime with his recovery... just use this code. Thanks you guys!
Promo code: SupportBryson
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#stabila
#warranty
#test

[@jarodreebel6686]

I used to sell Stabila in a masonry supply store. When customers brought a level in for replacement. We would call Stabila, and they would ask us to verify the level was not "used as a pry bar" if the answer was no. We would give them a new level off the shelf. Stabila would take the numbers off the old, and new level. On the next Stabila order the store would receive a free replacement. The customer didn't have to wait at all

[@clintmanning4004]

Their warranty sucks. Just tried sending mine in. They claimed the bottom 12 inches had a 1/8th inch bend. It doesn't or at least it didn't when I sent it. They also said because of the small scuff marks, they wouldn't warranty it anyway.

[@robertmartinez3145]

@@clintmanning4004Are you telling me if my level has scuff marks they wont replace it ? I bought the complete set about 6 months ago and my 78” is already out of whack. Ive dropped it a few times, but isnt that to be expected on a job site ? I would think if i spend $600 on some levels they would be way more durable

[@clintmanning4004]

@robertmartinez3145 They didn't warranty it for me. Cost me $115 to ship it to them and they told me it was bent and sent me pictures with it against a steel beam showing a 1/8" gap at the bottom. I figured shipping may have damaged it. So I had them return it to me and checked it myself with a laser and mutiple straight edges. It's perfectly straight. Still use it every day thankfully, just can't use the horizontal dial. I emailed them back my own pictures, told them they need to get a different straight edge to test levels on. They said they wouldn't have warrantied it anyway with the small scuff marks. I've had it 2 years, bought the door set. Course it's been dropped a few times but nothing that I would consider too bad. I won't buy Stabila again. Thinking Sola maybe. Or cheaper brands like empire. I have an empire the same length that is a couple years older that is still good.

[@robertmartinez3145]

Yeah thats complete BS ive been hearing wonders about stabilas for years and finally got me some. Only had them for about 6 months and my 78” is already out of whack horizontally.Yeah i dropped it a few times but nothing crazy. I do cabinets so my levels have to be precise which is why i went and spent $600 but am now regretting it. thanks for sharing your experience

[@iannlb]

They warranteed my 4’er two times now. I bought the 1st one over 20 years ago. A+ service in my opinion. Good luck man

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I happened to luck into a free Stabila 10’ level, just used it for the first time yesterday plumbing in walls! The thing is awesome!

[@stevegoesout7535]

Stabila make great Tool's 👌 greetings from Germany to the Perkins team 👍

[@brayan9274]

Just send the apprentice to get the bubble for the level...

[@SimonASNG]

I once saw a video where they had the apprentice pouring water on the the level to "fill it up". "Can you still see any bubbles?" "Yup." "OK, pour on some more until it is full..."

[@petep8828]

I strive fir this kind of hazing, one day...

[@Charlotte_TSilva]

I hope you get a brand new level. It’s good to see you back in the swing of things. G d bless you, Jaime.

[@scottcurtis1887]

Hi Guys. Have had a 4’ stabila for years. It’s had a tough life, but not abused. One of the plumb bubbles, the actual bubble in the vial got bigger. It was really weird. The bubble was actually wider than the lines on the vial. Sent the level to stabila, they checked it and said it was still accurate and sent it back. I was kinda disappointed cuz having a bubble wider than the lines is kinda tough to read consistently. Not sure if this helps or not, but thought it worth sharing. I’m still a big fan of stabila. Great tools. The accuracy and durability are worth the cost, no doubt. Great to see you getting your game back Jamie. Keep rockin it Guys. Scott Curtis Custom Carpentry Mt. Wolf PA

[@natej6671]

By the time USPS gets done playing hockey with the level, your warranty would be shot. Hope you insured it.

[@jongarcia4546]

I was a framing contractor, and hav had stabila levels for yrs. My local lumber yard replaced them with NO question. J.O. NJ

[@calbert1735]

Ha! I also had to learn to use the trigger lock on a cordless drill, but my lesson came with the extra embarrassment of driving to a mechanic to find out why my passenger's side rear wheel was "humming", but only on left turns. Turns out the momentum of the turn was shifting the drill in my tool bag which was in my trunk near the wheelwell. I felt about 2" tall that day.

[@DIMENSIONALCRAFTSMAN]

Jaime, I have returned 3 Stabila levels for the same problem. 2 were the 45° bubble and 1 was the main level bubble. Every one was replaced with, not a new bubble vial, but a brand new level. Stabila, in my opinion, are the BEST levels hands down! I also had trouble with the laser on my LAR200 after 19 months of use. They replaced it with a brand new unit as well. I highly recommend Stabila. I have used Stabila since the early 80s, and while I have other levels (those are the levels I let others use,) my Stabila 4’, 6’ and 8’ levels are the only levels I use, with the exception of my Empire and Bostitch torpedo levels.

[@Nahum17good]

If they are so good, why did 3 of them fail?

[@andrewschafer8986]

Finally bought my first set of stabila’s. Happy to have them. Guys I worked with over the years have had great things to say about their warranty. I’m guessing they will send you a new level. I’m in Clayton NC. Happy to watch your Chanel and see guys from NC.

[@jamesfitzgerald4755]

It's filled with an alcohol solution. The old bricklayers used to call them whiskey sticks.

[@sblack48]

James Fitzgerald ok THAT’s the problem. One of their guys has been sucking out all the vials trying to get a buzz on!

[@kevinquick6866]

I have the Stanley titan fixed blade knife. It by far is the best utility knife I have ever owned.

[@LeeBMusic]

I loved when Bryson City came to life in the spring and early summer. Man, I miss that warm fontana water.

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

Hi guys, In the past; I have collected old wooden carpenters tools. I still have a Milwaukee aluminum level @1970.

[@terryrobbe7008]

I sent back a 15 year old Stabila four foot level three years ago that had one vile that was out of level for repair. It cost me $25 shipping, Stabila sent me a new current model level in about two weeks. I was at a tool show talking to the Stabila rep. I told him that I had a Stabila torpedo level were one of the magnets had come out. He said Stabila would replace it. I went out to my truck and got the level and he replaced it on the spot.

[@maciejskowyra]

In high spirits, I see you guys, right on. Cheers From Gdansk, now google where that is :p

[@doncoffin9572]

Poland

[@getreal1175]

Just making sure you guys are on the level!

[@masonman88]

I did this through a store I buy building supplies from! and the rep said it was not covered. I am a mason and I guess I was a bit rough ruff on it lol ! GL Jamie

[@AlexRides808]

I learned the hard way (twice) about leaving my battery in my drill in the back of my truck.

[@ThisTall]

My local tool shop had a stabila level a customer left behind for warranty and it either clearly got run over by a train or was used as a bat and stabilla still replaced it. They actually had to send pictures of it to head office in Germany to prove it was even a stabila because it was so old that Stabila had changed ownership a few times since it was made. And yet they still replaced it.

[@drjeniusqwaq6502]

Jamie's half a bubble off!😁

[@frankortolano5886]

I remember the days of Sears,,I had a 35years old level they gave me a new one,no questions ask

[@ryguy898]

I'm about to drop 500 on a 6 piece set and the results of this service test will dictate my decision

[@13aspen21]

I used to make the call on Stabila levels at my old place of employment Economy Lumber Co in California. Yours level does look a little rough but no major damage from what I can tell except you’re missing the end caps which does cushion the end of rail against dropping and banging around in the bed of your truck. If I was making the call, I’d check the level for straightness and inspect that vial, of everything was good I’d hand you a new level and file a claim with Stabila for a replacement for our stock.

[@13aspen21]

Incase you missed it, I didn’t work for Stabila I worked for Economy Lumber Co as a buyer. The inspection process of the level was simple, look for damage to the rail and cracks in and around the vials. If nothing was found to be wrong with the level give the customer a new one and file a claim with Stabila. Not to many companies offer that kind of warranty now days and this doesn’t just apply to new levels it applies to all their levels including discontinued models. I bet you can’t say that about any of those cheap levels out on the market.

[@zackfishle1009]

Stabila makes good stuff. I like my Sola levels.

[@9mmkahr]

Ive introduced the 6' level to the carpentry company I work for (beat up 4 footers is all we had).. Went through 4 home depot / Lowes levels in 2 years.. They bend too easily and often arent very straight to begin with. Bought an R Beam from stabila going on over a year and is still "dead nuts" as we call it in the bizz! Just for fun I checked my personal 6' Johnson box level against the stabila... Sure enoigh, it dips by the vials.

[@bobsmith-ru7xp]

Saw some concrete guys using a stabila level for a grade rod the other day. Expensive ass level to serve a purpose that a 2x2 would work equally well.

[@robertbeirne9813]

2 x 2 not guaranteed true

[@danielnapast4955]

Robert Beirne Although thats true they did in fact already have a straight edge they could check the 2x2 against

[@texascraftsman7215]

I have four stabila levels you need to get one of the Rbeam series they are great

[@thelasthomestead3112]

I am a buyer for an Industrial Tools Distributor and we're a distributor for Stabila. Definitely push for them to replace with a brand new one. As long as it wasn't dropped or ran over you should be fine. They may make you pay freight charges not always the case. I'll be following to see how the out come goes. In addition see if the local supplier you purchased from can get involved. As with many things squeeky wheels get the grease.

[@brianworley7705]

I bought a door jam set about 16 years ago. Seems it has gotten a little off with use, but nothing that can't be compensated by rotating or flipping the level to verify with another vial. Be watching to see the response.

[@lucianocataldo274]

cool video, you should also try the sola 30 years warranty though, thats sick!

[@craigmellott6339]

Milwaukee sends you a pre-paid packing slip, whether they fix it or not they pay the cost both ways. I have a Stablia also

[@dshurak827]

Hopefully it all works out, I know it's an expensive level, hopefully goes better than the Stiletto Warranty.

[@nickbrannon3251]

Stiletto suuuuucks

[@vinnypinatelli221]

Man they are great levels i love them thats awesome they have good customer service

[@wilkinsoncarpentry6278]

They are gonna get a massive influx of levels after part 2 if they come to the party , one of mine was an “outa” level after I dropped it , I wanted to get warranty but felt guilty cos I know I did it haha, if you get a new one I’m sending mine back 🤙🤙

[@ChrisLoganToronto]

Real service would have been to send you a paid shipping label or just swap it out at a authorized dealer. You could buy a DeWalt Carbon Fiber 4 ft level new for the cost of shipping to see if they might fix your very expensive level. And really, what is the deal with Stabila level prices. They are not more accurate. It's either level or its not!

[@clintontsang1546]

That’s one way to do it.

[@Quietvibes07]

They actually slap it up against a straight I-beam in their warranty department I believe. Love Stabila!

[@clintmanning4004]

I just tried it and they wouldn't warranty it. Their warranty sucks. They claimed there is a 1/8th inch bend in it on the bottom foot of the level. That wasnt the case when i sent it. I literally just installed windows and doors in a new house and used the level to plumb and straighten those doors windows. The horizontal dial was out and that is why I was sending it. They also told me they wouldnt warranty it because of the scuff marks.

[@cabbyhubby]

I'm not a Stabila fan ... I like the BMI levels .... And even the newer Johnson levels . I've been trim carpenter for almost 40 years ... I'm Still working, just a bit slower now.

[@l-townboy700]

Stabila levels are well worth the $$!!

[@SimonASNG]

I once saw a video where they had the apprentice pouring water on the the level to "fill it up". "Can you still see any bubbles?" "Yup." "OK, pour in some more until it is full..." "OK boss."

[@stephanieray6587]

LOL! You guys always make my day!

[@cmm170526]

They're great levels. Buy once, cry once.

[@scottpolk1698]

gotta love shipping prices!!

[@torreyintahoe]

I just got a 5 set of stabilas and they are sweet.

[@T.E.P.]

be nice Jaime .... your brother lost his bubble a long long time ago! HI ERIK

[@tain-uwelemmer4489]

short translation ;-) "Stabila" is a Nickname, comes fron the word "stabil", wich means "riggit" 🙂

[@areabum]

My warranty on a stabila laser was rejected. It was about 500 bucks and bad out of the box. I was working out of town, tried out the new laser and it was over an inch out of level across a 20 ft room. I tried to return it and the lumber yard sent it to the stabila warranty center. They rejected the warranty because they claim it had physical damage. It looked mint and brand new at least on the outside. I imagine it was dropped or something in the showroom before I bought it. Pretty touch pill to swallow, both the lumber yard and stabila refused to give me another one or fix it. I would have been willing to pay to have it recalibrated just to avoid throwing away a $500 brand new laser. They said it wasn't possible. I do have a set of stabila levels that I love. No issues with them, but I do take good care of them.

[@nicpedia2432]

Sweet outro music!

[@royharkins7066]

Can’t seem to find the number ??

[@lmilne4859]

Stabila best about.

[@amsohn1]

Coolbeans... great info

[@wilkinsoncarpentry6278]

My luck I’ll have to send mine to Germany haha from Australia

[@landmarkcreations1183]

Hmmm...might be getting a new level soon..

[@joelethalcruz4417]

My boss would just bbuy another one..!!!!

[@dragonwaterforge]

I think they're called spirit levels but don't quote me on that but i think you're gonna get it fixed ,fukin shipping prices i hate it

[@KP0117]

Paid $100 for my 4’ and 16” with lights

[@bwrightaway2877]

I'd warranty it for ya.

[@torreyintahoe]

Try shipping a guitar amplifier.

[@roger_is_red]

lol fun stuff

[@northwoods2728]

Lol, he hacked that cardboard

[@lohengrinknight]

Pronounced [shtabila] in German. Hope you get a new one!

[@Grunt49]

Great company.Hope they replace it.

[@drymoonproperties]

They make a damn good level but I don't think I care for the warranty much written to screw people.

[@santiagodominguez2522]

Omg lm impressive

[@adriaan7627]

Don't kill those trees. They also have rights. 😡🧘‍♀️🌲

[@lindalakota38]

Shiping is a money making machean thay makes no one send levil in

[@markblewden6188]

Why did I watch this video?

[@SkilsawDoctor]

They didn't honor the warranty for me. They told me that I am a bricklayer and the warranty does not cover the level being in the sun all day. I will NEVER buy their levels EVER AGAIN! Stabila warranty sucks!

[@cockerluver]

In sun all day ? WTF!

[@mykalimba]

If the level is 4 feet exactly, and the packaging extends past the level (which it has to, by virtue of being something that contains the level), how do you not understand that the package is now greater than 4 feet? Are you trying to pull our chains, or do you always act like a Karen?