We learned at NPS16 that Milwaukee was planning to compete in the premium box level market with their new Redstick box levels.
The time is here, and they’ve officially announced the release of the Redstick line. This release includes box and compact box levels in both magnetic and non-magnetic versions.
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These levels are slated to be available in January 2017, but several retailers have ship dates of late November and early December.
All Redstick box levels incorporate two different technologies: an all-metal Backbone, and Sharpsite vials.
Sharpsite is the name of Milwaukee’s vial technology which focuses on accuracy, visibility, and durability. The vials are made from high-impact polymer acrylic and are touted to be 10x more durable than competitive block vials.
The vials are accurate to within 0.029° and come with Milwaukee’s lifetime accuracy guarantee:
In the unlikely event that the end user experiences an issue with vial accuracy, the level can be replaced.
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The vials have black bands for high-contrast edges and a magnified bubble that can be read from the top, side, or anywhere in between.
Backbone is an internal rib structure that sits in the center of the cut away section, but it doesn’t run the entire length of the level because it would make it too heavy. It protects the open vial and reinforces the frame to prevent frame deformation.
The top and bottom of all the levels are precision milled. The levels also have high-density, removable endcaps. While in place they protect the ends of the level from damage, but they can be removed for use in tight spaces or corners.
Shown here are the Redstick compact levels, missing from the photo at the rop of the page. The compact levels don’t have hand-holds so they aren’t as tall as the full box levels.
The compact levels are also thinner and lighter. According to Acme Tools, the box levels are 1.20″ wide, while the compact levels are 0.95″ wide. As for weight, a 48″ Redstick compact box level weighs about 2.6 lbs while a standard 48″ box level weighs about 3 lbs.
The magnetic version of the box and compact box levels will have amplified rare-earth magnets.
Milwaukee will sell the both the non-magnetic and magnetic Redstick box levels in lengths of 16″, 24″, 32″, 36″, 48″, 59″, 72″, 78″, and 96″. They also are selling combination sets with two different sized levels. The first contains a 24″ and a 48″ level, while the second has a a 78″ and 32″ level.
The compact Redstick box levels will come in both magnetic and non-magnetic versions in 24″, 48″, and 72″ lengths. They will also sell a set with 24″ and 48″ levels — you can buy either a magnetic or non-magnetic set.
These levels aren’t going to be cheap. For instance ACME Tools has a 48″ Redstick box level listed for $129.
Preorder:
Buy Now (via ACME Tool)
Buy Now (via Home Depot)
If you want to see the presentation on the Redstick levels I saw at NPS16, check out this video from our friends at CopTool.
Stuart’s Note: It shouldn’t be a surprise that Milwaukee came out with their own levels. They first came out with small levels in 2012, and then in 2014 Milwaukee Tool purchased Empire Level. They’ve been pumping money into Empire, revamping a lot of their existing products and launching new ones. Milwaukee bought a level company and then launched a full line of premium box levels. Makes sense to me!
Milwaukee RedStick Sizes and Models
Non-Magnetic
16” REDSTICK Box Level (MLBX16)
24” REDSTICK Box Level (MLBX24)
32” REDSTICK Box Level (MLBX32)
36” REDSTICK Box Level (MLBX36)
48” REDSTICK Box Level (MLBX48)
59” REDSTICK Box Level (MLBX59)
72” REDSTICK Box Level (MLBX72)
78” REDSTICK Box Level (MLBX78)
96” REDSTICK Box Level (MLBX96)
24”/48” REDSTICK Box Level Set (MLBXS48)
78”/32” REDSTICK Box Level Jamb Set (MLBXJB)
Magnetic
16” REDSTICK Magnetic Box Level (MLBXM16)
24” REDSTICK Magnetic Box Level (MLBXM24)
32” REDSTICK Magnetic Box Level (MLBXM32)
36” REDSTICK Magnetic Box Level (MLBXM36)
48” REDSTICK Magnetic Box Level (MLBXM48)
59” REDSTICK Magnetic Box Level (MLBXM59)
72” REDSTICK Magnetic Box Level (MLBXM72)
78” REDSTICK Magnetic Box Level (MLBXM78)
96” REDSTICK Magnetic Box Level (MLBXM96)
24”/48” REDSTICK Box Level Set (MLBXSM48)
78”/32” REDSTICK Box Level Jamb Set (MLBXJBM)
Compact
24” REDSTICK Compact Box Level (MLCM24)
24” REDSTICK Magnetic Compact Box Level (MLCMM24)
48” REDSTICK Compact Box Level (MLCM48)
48” REDSTICK Magnetic Compact Box Level (MLCMM48)
72” REDSTICK Compact Box Level (MLCM72)
72” REDSTICK Magnetic Compact Box Level (MLCMM72)
24”/48” REDSTICK Compact Box Level Set (MLCMS48)
24”/48” REDSTICK Magnetic Compact Box Level Set (MLCMSM48)
Ray
Looks like they are made by Stabila. And priced accordingly.
Eric
I agree, they look strikingly similar. Which is a great thing, as Stabila are the best levels I personally have used.
Cr8ondt
I saw a write-up that directly compared them to Stabila and Milwaukee’s own press release and packaging mentions how they believe they are better than Stabila.
OverkillBill
This literally look nothing like stabila
Pete
TTI milwaukees parent company purchased Empire. I doubt theyre made by stabila..,. More than likely TTI told empire to create a level they can brand as a milwaukee level to compete with stabila.
fred
If these are truly better than Stabila’s that’s saying something. Maybe Stuart or Ben can do a side-by side on some of them for us. When I worked – we used mostly Stabila’s – with the exception of torpedo levels where we liked Checkpoint, We also had some Sola 2300 (118 inch long) screeding levels. We really liked the functionality of the Stabila plate levels for some wall construction. I personally have a set of 6 Stabila box levels – from 32 to 96 inch – but still use an old Johnson mahogany mason’s level for work around the yard.
fred
Here’s a link to one of the plate levels:
https://www.amazon.com/Stabila-35610-Extendable-Plate-Level/dp/B001LRQUT6
and to the sola screed level”
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Sola-118-in-Screed-Level-with-Hand-Grips-SLG2300/203312964
Iron-Iceberg
I set tile and I really like the BMI robust levels from Germany. They are the strongest levels I have found. Literally the last level you will buy. They are made to beat on with a rubber mallet with no hand holds to weaken them and fill with thin set.
They are hard to get here though.
I will take a look at these.
KL
What’s the logic behind a 59″ length? Why one inch less than 5′?
fred
I think that the logic is that it will fit lengthwise in standard tub enclosures – but maybe that’s apocryphal – and its just that they wanted to make it 150 cm long. Anyway – I have a Stabila 37459 – which is 59 inches long – but more often use a 32 inch (38632) and a 78 inch (38678) that are sometimes sold in pairs as a “Jamber’s Set”
RKA
It’s probably sourced from a European manufacturer. As Fred states, 59″ is not coincidentally 150cm.
Bremon
Are these made in USA? I would expect them to be if they want to price to match Stabila. I’m very happy with my German levels.
KL
I randomly called up the MLBX78 at Acme and it lists COO as CHN
Bremon
Thanks, for the price it’s easy to stick with Stabila then despite how cool a red level looks
R.P.
Stabila’s are gurenteed for life, Milwaukee states will last a life time?
Jim Felt
They’ll color coordinate nicely at the local HD. Where there’s not a German made yellow to be found. Probably ever. Kinda like Stihl and all the usual German suspects: MIA.
And that’s exactly where and why the better local speciality tool vendors excel and need to be searched out and supported.
fred
Amen
While we may love the promos and pricing that comes with size (HD, Lowes, Amazon etc.) the local suppliers fill and important spot too.
Here is one, I’ll give a pitch:
http://www.awmeyer.com/
Jim Felt
Coming from you, Obi-Wan fred, I’ll take this as a serious thing. 10-4
Corey
Seems an odd market to jump into given tti owns empire
fred
When they announced the purchase of Empire – I believe they said that it was Milwaukee making the acquisition – not the parent TTI. Anyway – maybe they think that the Milwaukee name will sell better in competition with Stabila than will Empire. Or maybe they think that Milwaukee levels will not cannibalize sales of Empire levels but rater grow their combined market share at the expense of other manufacturers.
Jim Felt
Yep. Marketing 101. Brand extension and shelving/display placement deals. I’d imagine a good part of it for HD. Maybe a tad for Amazon and Lowes too.
And protection thereof.
RKA
At that price I see no reason to stray from known good quality brands like stabila. I’m not saving anything and I’m certainly taking a chance on Milwaukee. The nail gun and light tower I purchased from them this year have been disappointments. I’ll hand it to them for trying, but they have to understand their competition at this price point has a well earned reputation.
Michaelhammer
Does no one else find an open vial a pain in the rear? As a carpenter I won’t buy a level without the bridge over the vial. They are surprisingly difficult to find. It’s like level makers don’t want you to draw lines with their levels.
Jay J Levan
@Michaelhammer can’t you draw your line on the bottom of the level?