Empire True Blue Magnetic Level Gift Set for Homeowners Who DIY – Made in USA, Lifetime Warranty
Empire True Blue Magnetic Level Gift Set for Homeowners Who DIY – Made in USA, Lifetime Warranty
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Why you'll love it
- Magnetic edge sticks securely to metal, freeing both hands for marking and fastening
- Compact 12-inch size drops into a standard tool box or belt pouch for grab-and-go jobs
- Vari-pitch vial eliminates the need for a separate inclinometer on slope-critical plumbing and drainage work
- Made in USA build quality and lifetime warranty signal long-term durability over disposable imports
- True Blue vials offer superior visibility in dim attics, basements, and outdoor job sites
- Lightweight 6.2 oz aluminum frame reduces fatigue during overhead and extended use
Perfect for
- Leveling steel pipes, conduit, and ductwork using the full-length magnetic edge for hands-free attachment
- Checking drainage slope on plumbing runs via the vari-pitch vial (1/8-inch increments)
- Setting posts, beams, and shelves plumb and level in framing and finish carpentry
- Hanging cabinets, pictures, and fixtures accurately on metal surfaces
- Quick 45-degree miter and angle checks for trim and finish work
Product Information
True Blue vials, superior accuracy, durability and visibility Heavy duty 12-inch extruded aluminum frame 4 vials read plumb, level, 45 degree and vari-pitch, vari-pitch vial reads slope in 1/8-inch increments Powerful, full length magnetic edge Made in USA
Product Description Technical Details Brand Empire Material Aluminum Color Silver/White/Blue Product Dimensions 1"L x 12"W Style Heavy Duty,Magnetic Item Weight 6.24 ounces Operation Mode Manual UPC 648152288978 015812811256 015812081123 Global Trade Identification Number 00015812811256 Manufacturer Empire Level Part Number EM81.12M Item Weight 6.2 ounces Item model number em81.12 Is Discontinued By Manufacturer No Finish blue Power Source hand_powered Item Package Quantity 1 Number Of Pieces 1 Special Features magnetic Included Components Empire EM81.12 True Blue 12-Inch Magnetic Tool Box Level Batteries Included? No Batteries Required? No Warranty Description Lifetime warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a good gift for a husband, dad, or friend who is a working tradesperson?
Yes. It is a practical, daily-use tool that electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, and framers actually reach for, and the magnetic edge plus vari-pitch vial make it a step up from the basic level they probably already own. It reads as a thoughtful, useful gift rather than a novelty.
Is the Made in USA build and lifetime warranty a strong gift message?
Yes. Made in USA manufacturing and a lifetime warranty signal long-term quality, which is the kind of message a gift-giver wants to send. It says you picked a tool that will last, not a disposable import that ends up in a drawer.
Would this make a good housewarming gift for a new homeowner?
Yes. New homeowners tackle an unbroken list of small leveling jobs: shelves, pictures, curtain rods, cabinet pulls, and eventually bigger projects. The 12-inch size is approachable for a first-time homeowner and grows with them into real renovation work.
Is it an appropriate gift for someone who is not a professional tradesperson?
Absolutely. Serious DIY homeowners, remodelers, and weekend builders get the same benefit from the magnetic edge and the vari-pitch vial. It is approachable enough for a motivated beginner and good enough to stay in the kit for years.
Does it come gift-ready, or do I need to wrap it?
It ships in standard Empire retail packaging that presents cleanly, so you can hand it over as-is or drop it into a gift bag. For a more formal presentation, a simple wrap and a quick note about the lifetime warranty makes a memorable gift.
Will the person I am gifting to already own a level like this?
Most homeowners own a short bubble level and most pros own a longer one, but very few own a 12-inch level that combines a full magnetic edge with a vari-pitch slope vial. That combination is what makes this a meaningful upgrade gift rather than a duplicate.
How does this compare to gifting a basic 9-inch level from a hardware store?
A basic 9-inch level is a forgettable, commodity tool. This 12-inch level adds a full-length magnetic edge, a vari-pitch slope vial, True Blue vial visibility, and a lifetime warranty, so the recipient can tell you put thought into the gift.
Is there any risk the recipient will not use it?
Very little. The magnetic edge alone changes how often a level gets used, because it sticks to steel instead of needing to be held or clamped. For anyone who has ever tried to level a metal surface, the magnet is the feature that makes the gift click.
What is the main hesitation before buying this as a gift?
The main hesitation is usually: is this person already a level person? The answer is almost always yes at some level, and the magnetic plus vari-pitch combination is what makes it a step up from whatever they are using today.
Is the price point reasonable for a gift?
Yes. It sits in the sweet spot of a serious, useful tool that does not feel like an impulse buy, and the lifetime warranty protects the gift long after the occasion has passed. It is the kind of gift that gets used weekly for years.
Can I pair this with a small note about the magnetic feature?
That is actually a great touch. A short note explaining that the magnet sticks to steel and the vari-pitch vial reads slope helps a non-tradesperson recipient understand why this level is different from the one in their kitchen drawer.
Will the gift recipient understand how to use the vari-pitch vial?
Yes. The vari-pitch vial is read like a normal bubble vial, just with a numbered scale. A 30-second explanation is enough for a non-pro to use it for hanging pictures straight, checking shelf slope, or any basic project.
Is this a good last-minute gift if I am short on time?
Yes. It is a single, self-contained tool with a clear use case, so there is no sizing, color, or style decision to make. Order it, and you are gifting something the recipient will genuinely use, which beats another generic gift every time.
How do I check if my Empire level is still accurate?
Lay the level on a known flat surface and note the bubble position, then flip the level 180 degrees end-for-end on the same spot. If the bubble settles in the same place both times, the level is reading true. For the plumb vial, repeat the same flip test against a known vertical surface like a door frame.
How do I read the vari-pitch slope vial?
Lay the level on the surface or pipe you want to check for slope, then read the bubble position against the numbered scale printed on the vial. The reading is in 1/8-inch increments per foot, which is the standard resolution for plumbing drainage and deck slope work.
How do I attach the level to a metal surface hands-free?
Simply press the magnetic edge of the level flat against any clean steel surface, such as steel studs, conduit, ductwork, or metal brackets. The full-length magnet will hold the level in place, leaving both hands free for marking, drilling, or fastening.
Will the magnetic edge work on stainless steel or aluminum?
The magnet is designed to attach to ferrous metals like steel and iron. It will not stick to stainless steel in most cases, and it will not stick to aluminum, copper, or brass. For non-ferrous metal, you will need to clamp or hold the level in place as you would a standard level.
Is the level compatible with standard tool box drawers and belt pouches?
Yes. The 12-inch form factor is intentionally sized to fit standard tool box drawers, tool bags, and most belt pouches designed for levels. It is one of the most portable sizes in the Empire lineup.
What is included in the box when I order the level?
The box contains the Empire EM81.12 12-inch magnetic tool box level itself, ready to use. No batteries, accessories, or additional components are required. The level is calibrated at the factory and covered by a lifetime manufacturer warranty.
Is the Empire level safe to use around electrical panels or live wiring?
The level is a passive hand tool and does not conduct or generate electricity. As with any tool used near live electrical work, follow standard jobsite safety practices: de-energize circuits when possible, keep the level dry, and avoid contact with live conductors.
How long will an Empire level last compared to cheaper imported levels?
Empire levels are designed and built in the USA for daily professional use, with extruded aluminum frames, True Blue vials, and a lifetime warranty. Cheaper imported levels often fail within a year or two due to vial drift, frame bending, or rusted components. With reasonable care, an Empire level is built to be the last level you buy.
What is the difference between a magnetic level and a non-magnetic level?
A magnetic level has a magnet built into one edge that sticks to steel surfaces, allowing hands-free use on metal studs, conduit, ductwork, and pipe. A non-magnetic level must be held, clamped, or balanced in place. For any trade that works with steel, the magnetic version saves time and improves accuracy on hands-free layouts.
