CH Hanson Precision Ball Level

Featured | 2009-07-16 | 3 Comments

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The tagline reads “Easier to read than a bubble” on the packaging … and with that we get a feel for what CH Hanson set out to accomplish with this new level design.  You’ll be able to use this tool to set plumb, determine pitch, measure angles, and level.  Made with an aircraft aluminum body, the ball level is light weight and rigid.  The ball level looks like something one might find an airplane, I imagine, and if nothing else is cool to watch (watch out, the kids will want this one!)

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The packaging is simple, yet eye catching.  The meat of this product (the ball level itself) is brightly colored against the grays of the aluminum frame.

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Meet ball level.  Essentially, it’s a floating ball in a clear liquid (water?).  Half the ball if colored silver with a small red circle at the tip top of it, the other half solid black.  As you move the level, the ball stays (relatively) stationary continually pointing up.  Using the contrasting colors on the ball,  you are able to align that intersection with the crosshair lines on the encapsulating bubble

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The level is made of aircraft aluminum which is light weight and very strong.

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In use, the level is a fairly easy to use.  Though it does take some getting used to, for the first couple of uses I found myself more intrigued by the floating ball than anything else (it’s a guy thing, entertained by the simpliest things!).  The level is also capable of measuring in two dimensions at the same time … which was pretty cool when I finally opened my eyes to see it (you can read angle/pitch at the same time).

Overall, it’s a neat tool but I’m not sure I would set out to buy it just because.  If you are in the market for your first level, or looking to replace an existing level, then by all means give it a look.  It’s a nice level with an ultra-modern take on the bubble.  It’s definately more accurate than any bubble level I’ve used and I’ll be keeping this one around for a long time to come.

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3 Comments

Brandon

July 30th, 2009

I feel my inner nerd coming out with the cool silvery ball… Nice review.

Marc R.

December 11th, 2009

I just bought this level today. I thought it would be great for cabinet installations. I have plenty of other levels but percision is best. I set it on my shop bench and saw that my bench was out of level , 1″ in 6′ (NOT!!) so I checked it against 9 different levels from torpedo to 6′ and they all confirmed the percision ball level is wrong. Quality controll problems I think. It isn’t damaged so I must assume it left the factory that way. I don’t think I’ll get another.

Jeff

January 1st, 2010

I saw this heavily touted ball level in Lowes today. Since the level has not changed in 100 years, the world needs new innovation in basic levels. I have used all levels, Box, I-beam, plastic, 2 foot, etc. The Hanson level is truely a revolutionary design, but it has many many short commings. First, it’s too damn big! Second, the main feature (The ball and housing) is cheaply made.
The red line is too thin and was comming off at the X spot. Insted of painting the line on the outside of the ball…the manufacturer should have imbedded a thin red
wire in the inside. Wire, not paint. the ball is wobbly and not really quick read. it makes one dizzy to study in use. ThereI’ve seen another level by an emerging company that will blow this out of the water. What I saw was level to end all levels.

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