If you are a mason, you know how important it is to have a good spirit level in your toolbox. It is one of the essential tools you need to have for bricklaying, as one of the for examples. Being a mason, you would not like to compromise on the quality of your spirit level as your work quality depends on it.
Though it is a simple tool, if you buy the right spirit level, it will last a lifetime like many other masonry tools. But selecting the perfect spirit level is not easy at all. You will find a variety of levels, all with different sizes, materials, and other specifications and even feature.
In terms of masonry level, the mortar resistance material, rubberized strike pads, and the easy-to-read vial from the above are some important considerations for masonry purpose.
Through this article, we will share spirit levels that we consider great to use for masonry jobs. Our selected choices are excellent quality spirit levels that are not only very reliable but are also recommended by professionals. After that, we are trying to provide you with a buying guide to help you choose the best spirit level for masonry.
Top 6 Best Spirit Levels for Masonry in 2024
| Products | Pictures | Length | Pros | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Stabila 37424 [Best Overall] |  | 24" | Unbreakable, leakproof, and fog-resistant vials for guaranteed durability | CHECK THE PRICE HERE! |
| 2. Bethal Bamboo Level for Masonry Applications |  | 24" | Resists mortar adhesion and is easy to clean | CHECK THE PRICE HERE! |
| 3. Stabila 196-2-K Masons Spirit Level |  | 48" | Very stable and secure hold while working | CHECK THE PRICE HERE! |
| 4. Kapro 930 SmartCast Professional Mason's Level |  | 16" | Lightweight aluminum profile for easy and comfortable use | CHECK THE PRICE HERE! |
| 5. STABILA 196-2K-36424 Level |  | 24" | Durable structure and precise reading make it ideal for columns, corner built-outs, and chimneys | CHECK THE PRICE HERE! |
| 6. Kapro 920 shark Mason Level |  | 32" | Comes with a plumb-level vial for easy reading | CHECK THE PRICE HERE! |
1. Stabila 37424 Masonry Level [Best Overall]
The Stabila 37424 level is our first and best overall choice for masonry level. In masonry, you can use it to get these jobs done perfectly such as bricklaying, tile applications, and framing.
In terms of feature, you get oversized rubber hand holds that ensure a comfortable and easy grip. This is important for the masons to hold the level. More importantly, the strong and wide aluminum frame is resistant to mortar adherence and corrosion, which means the mortar will not easily stick on it and cleaning this level is effortless.
No matter your masonry projects, this level is available in two variants, one is 24 inches, and the other is 48 inches long.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 2.38 x 24 x 1.06 inches
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Yellow
- Accuracy: ±0.029°
Pros:
- Electrostatic epoxy coating for easy cleaning
- Hang hole for storing
- Resistant to corrosion
- High Accuracy
Cons:
- A bit pricey
2. Bethel Bamboo Level for Masonry Applications
Other types of spirit levels that masons prefer are the ones made from pure wood. The Bethal Bamboo Level is made from high-quality pure bamboo wood. The wooden structure not only makes the vial durable but also makes it environment-friendly. The vails are cast with dual curved acrylic, which ensures accuracy. One of the best features of this spirit level is that it resists mortar adhesion. As a result, it s very easy to clean. You also get a hanging hole and two grip hoes in the spirit level, making gripping easier.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 24.4 x 3 x 1.6 inches
- Material: Bamboo
- Color: Wood textured (pale yellow)
- Accuracy: 0.75mm/m
Pros:
- Durable
- Environment friendly
- Fog and leak-resistant
- Resists mortar adhesion
Cons:
- No warranty
3. Kapro 930 SmartCast Professional Mason’s Level
One of the impressive features of the Kapro 930 SmartCast Professional Mason’s level is that it guarantees lifetime vail accuracy with receipt. So, if you want a professional spirit level that gives precise results even after decades of use, then the Kapro 930 SmartCast spirit level would be the best for you. This spirit level also comes with a strike pad. Its high contrast provides optivision that is 8x higher than any traditional spirit level and its aluminum frame makes it very lightweight and easy to carry.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 16 x 1.2 x 2.2 inches
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: White
- Accuracy: 0.0005 per inch
Pros:
- Lightweight
- High contrast visible vials
- Lifetime vail accuracy guaranteed
- Ideal for both professional and DIY uses
Cons:
- No in-built holes for holding the level
4. Stabila 16406 Masons Spirit Level (48″) with Finger Grip
A significant, sturdy spirit level with finger grip openings can make the bricklaying task effortless. The Stabila 196-2-k Mason spirit level is an ultra-rigid 48-inch level that comes with two-finger grip openings for a secure hold while working. In addition, it is equipped with Stabila installation technology that ensures high accuracy in the long term. The level is covered with a plastic shield that makes it damage-resistant even if you hit it with a trowel.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 48.03 x 1.46 x 2.6 inches
- Material: Aluminum and plastic
- Color: Yellow
- Accuracy: ± 0.5 mm/m
Pros:
- Immovable casted vial
- High readability
- Rubberized grips for better handling
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- It does not provide magnetic attachment
5. STABILA 196-2K Mason Spirit Level (24″) No Finger Grip
Being a mason, you know the struggle of being careful while using sensitive tools. Surprisingly, with the Stabila 196-2-k spirit level, you don’t have to use soft hands. You can hit it with a tower while leveling the walls, and it won’t get damaged. This is because it has a strike shield on it that can withstand the hit. You get three vials on it, one horizontal vial in the middle and two vertical vials on the left and right ends.
The acrylic vials of the level are very durable, and this is overall a very sturdy level. If you like Stabila spirit level and looking for the shorter model for masonry jobs, then this 24-inch level should be your choice.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 24 x 2 x 3 inches
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Yellow
- Accuracy: ±1/32 inches over 72 inches
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Accurate readings
- Very durable
- Covered with strike shield
Cons:
- No in-built holes for holding the level
6. Kapro 920 Shark Mason Level
Many masons find it difficult to view the bubble from the side as they have to twist their heads every time. With the Kapro 920 shark spirit level, you no longer have to face that issue. You get a plumb site view vial on the level, which enables you to take a reading without twisting your neck. You also get anvil strike pads on the level, which are resistant to hammering forces. The manufacturer of the KAPRO 920 shark mason level offers a lifetime vial accuracy warranty with a receipt that proves that the vials are very precise.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 32 x 1 x 1.8 inches
- Material: Acrylic
- Color: Red
- Accuracy: 0.5mm/m (.0005″/inch)
Pros:
- It comes with two strike pads on top
- Individually calibrated vial
- Easy double view vial visibility
- Break-resistant shockproof vials
Cons:
- No in-built gripping holes
Buying Guide for the Best Masonry Level
Here are a few crucial features that you need to consider before buying a spirit level for masonry:
1. Length
You can find spirit levels in a variety of lengths. Some of them are pocket-sized, while others are comparatively very long. If you want to buy a spirit level for bricklaying, then a pocket-sized level would be no use. For masonry work, you need a spirit level that is at least 16 inches long. A good length for a spirit level would be above 24 inches so that you can measure accurately. Note that if you buy a very small spirit level, it would be hard to check the level of two adjacent bricks. Alternatively, the measurement would be much easier if it was long enough.
2. Mortar Resistance
If you are using a spirit level for masonry work, you know it will quickly get dirty from the mortar. Mortar resistance makes the spirit level very easy to clean. You just have to wipe it off, and it is clean. Such spirit levels have a coating on their surface that prevents dirt and mortar from sticking to them, and hence a simple wipe makes it spotless. So, prefer the one that is mortar resistant as it won’t get stained easily.
3. Weight
Being a bricklayer, you will use the spirit level all day, every day. So we would recommend you to buy the lightweight one. It will be very easy to carry and use. Carrying it won’t cause strain on your hands, and marking would be much easier. The weight of the level depends on the material used in the spirit level. The ones that are made from aluminum are the lightest.
4. Number of Vials
For using the spirit level for masonry work, the ideal number of vials would be three, one vertical, one horizontal, and one at a 45-degree angle. These are all the essential angles that you require. Furthermore, if you have a very long spirit level and want it for bricklaying, then go for the one with two vertical vials at the ends and one horizontal vial in the middle. That would be ideal and would give you very precise readings.
5. Material
For masonry work, a spirit level is an essential tool, and the quality of your work greatly depends on it. You will use it all day. And because of that, you should get the one made from high-quality, durable material so you can use it for a long time. For masons, you will generally find spirit levels made from high-quality woods, i.e., mahogany and bamboo. Such spirit levels would last a very long time but are heavy. If weight doesn’t bother you, you can get them. Otherwise, you can get spirit levels made from aluminum is they are lightweight.
6. Grip
The grip is another very critical feature that you need to consider. You would not like your spirit level to slip. Some spirit levels have holes for easy handling and maneuvering. Due to these holes, you can have a tighter grip on the level and get the measurement with the level slipping from its place.
7. Rubberized Strike Pads
Last but not least, you need to check whether the spirit level comes with a rubberized strike pad or not. As the spirit level will be used for bricklaying, you will have to hit it with a trowel every time, to level the bricks. If it comes with a strike pad, hitting it with a trowel or any other tool will not cause any damage neither to the level’s body nor to the vials. That’s why you need to choose the one that comes with a rubberized strike pad.
Conclusion
For masonry, a spirit level is a tool you will use all day, every day. So why not invest in a sturdy spirit level that guarantees lifetime accuracy? This will provide you with quality results and will indeed prove to be great value for your money.
I hope this detailed article has helped you narrow down your choices and resolve your queries about finding an ideal spirit level for masonry. If you are still not sure, then here are our recommendations:
If you are searching for an overall good product that offers both accuracy and durability, then we recommend the Stabila 37424 Masonry Level as it comes with all the essential features. On the other hand, if you prefer a wooden spirit level, this is also suitable for masonry, we recommend the heavy-duty Bethel Bamboo Level for Masonry Applications. Thi spirit level offers high accuracy and would last ages without getting damaged.
There are actually many models of spirit level. In this page, we are sharing the spirit levels that have features considered suitable for masonry works. But if you think they are not fulfilling your needs, take some time to read our other suggestions such as best digital level, best box beam, and best I beam levels. Perhaps, some of them meet your choice.