The 10 Best Torpedo Levels of 2024

Photo: Empire

A professional understands the value of the tools that can offer maximum accuracy. With the best torpedo level, you get exceptional accuracy, excellent visibility, and great strength.

It is a type of spirit level that perfectly tells about the alignment of things from different angles such as 0, 90, 45, or 30-degrees. Most of these tools have 4 vails.

Whether you have to hang a picture or need accuracy in installing a shelf, a torpedo level can help in getting the job done correctly. 

This review will guide you with the best models on the market and help in establishing a better understanding of the product.

10 Best Torpedo Levels – Review

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES
	1. Klein Tools 935AB4V (Best Overall)	4 vials with excellent visibility Robust construction V-groove and magnetic track Excellent accuracy
	2. Empire EM81.9G (Best Budget)	Most budget-friendly High visibility Comes with magnetic edge Overhead viewing slot
	3. Skil LV941801 (Best High-End)	Comes with digital LCD screen Easy to use leveller Single-handed convenience Dual measuring
	4. Empire EM71.8 (Best Small)	8 in torpedo level for small spaces Improved readability Heavy-duty construction Top reading window
	5. Johnson Level 1435-1200 (Best Large)	12 in large torpedo level Powerful grip tight V-groove High visibility Top read window
	6. Stabila 25100 (Best Magnetic)	High-strength flush-mounted magnets Compatible with tool pouch holster High quality vials
	7. DeWalt DWHT43003 (Impact-Resistant)	Over-molded rubber caps for impact-resistance Extruded aluminum body High accuracy Magnified center vial
	8. Swanson Tool TL043M (Most Durable)	Solid billet aluminum construction 4 levelling vials Enhanced visibility Suitably priced
	9. Stanley 43-511 (Water-Resistant)	Water-resistant construction Non-marring feet for finished surfaces Top-read vial Sturdy and durable
	10. Swanson Tool TL002M (Standard Product)	Easy to read vials Extruded aluminum construction Reasonably priced

1. Klein Tools 935AB4V – Best Overall Torpedo Level

Photo: Klein Tools

• Vials: 4
• Angles: 0, 90, 45, 30 degrees
• Material: Aluminum
• Overall Length: 9 inches

The impact-resistant 4 glass vials with excellent visibility are among the many features that make it the best overall product on the list. It can work with multiple angles including 0, 90, 45, and 30-degrees, giving exceptional accuracy of +/- 0.029.

This model is much talked about for its robustness as well that comes with aluminum construction. The orange colored body gives exceptional brightness and further enhances the prominence of vials from far away. Not to forget the large top-view window for enhanced readability of the angles.

Furthermore, this model features thumb screw that attaches with a conduit for measuring angles and the rare earth magnet track holds the tool in place. Then there is V-groove track to fit contoured surface.

This product is among the most accurate torpedo levels on the market. The drawback will be the high maintenance of the magnet track. You will have to be watchful enough while placing it on different surfaces.

Pros:

• Glass vials with excellent visibility
• Great sturdiness
• Suitable for contoured surfaces
• Durable

Cons:

• Magnetic track will need maintenance

2. Empire EM81.9G – Best Budget Torpedo Level

Photo: Empire

• Vials: 3
• Angles: 0, 90, 45 degrees
• Material: Aluminum
• Overall Length: 9 inches

For the ones who do not plan to spend a lot of money on a torpedo level, this model is the best budget product with great features.

To begin with, it comes with high contrast vial surroundings in bright while circles on blue background. The combination will certainly enhance the visibility of the product.

There is an overhead viewing slot built into the top of this level, allowing you to see from the above with a lot of ease. You can read plumb, level, and 45-degrees angles from the three brightly designed vials.

We can say that this model is carefully curated for pipes as it comes with a pipe groove for convenient sliding of the level underneath or top of pipe for accurate measurements. Also, the magnetic edge attaches to the pipe for handsfree operation.

What you may not like in this model is that the vials are not impact-resistant. This model won’t be able to take outdoor beating.

Pros:

• Suitably priced
• Great visibility
• Comes with a pipe groove
• Overhead viewing slot

Cons:

• Not impact-resistant

3. Skil LV941801 – Best High-End Torpedo Level

Photo: Skil

• Vials: 3
• Angles: 0, 90, 45 degrees
• Overall Length: 12 inches

This is an advanced and high-end model on the list for all the unique features it brings for the buyers. First of all, unlike other torpedo levels, this one has a digital LCD screen to read the exact angles, without making a mistake. The screen auto-adjusts the orientation of the way you hold it.

The product shows high accuracy through blue vials. It shows both vertical and horizontal levels.

The leveller is very convenient to use. There are up and down indicators to give real-time assistance and levelling guidance. Furthermore, there is an optional audible tone to let you know when the level hots different angles.

The other features include a magnetic edge for single-handed convenience and you can enjoy the feature of dual-measuring where the measurements can be read in centimeters and inches. The complaint with this model is of magnets that they are a little lousy.

Pros:

• Comes with digital display
• Extremely accurate
• Shows horizontal and vertical levels
• Comes with levelling guidance

Cons:

• Magnets are a bit lousy

4. Empire EM71.8 – Best Small Torpedo Level

Photo: Empire

• Vials: 4
• Angles: 0, 90, 45 degrees
• Material: Aluminum
• Overall Length: 8 inches

The Empire EM71.8 comes in overall length of 8-inches, making it suitable for the ones who work in confined spaces and need accuracy of work. It offers 0.005 inch-per-inch precision in all working positions.

The Blue-Branded vials of the level highlight the bubble edges and enhance readability. Also, you get 300-degree view of the vials through top-reading window.

The durability is ensured with Aircraft-grade aluminum construction and the vials made of acrylic material to resist breaking, leakage, and fogging. The vials are 400% stronger than other materials.

This is definitely one of the greatest models but its body is not scratch-resistant. Therefore, while working outdoors, you might end-up with the scratched exterior of the torpedo level.

Pros:

• Suitable for small spaces
• Very durable
• 300-degree view
• Super strong vials

Cons:

• Body isn’t scratch-resistant

5. Johnson Level 1435-1200 – Best Large Torpedo Level

Photo: Johnson Level

• Vials: 4
• Angles: 0, 90, 45 degrees
• Material: Aluminum
• Overall Length: 12 inches

For someone who is searching for the largest torpedo level, this one is available in 12-inches size with impeccable accuracy and to target larger spots.

It has a solid aluminum frame that lends great strength to the product. Another best thing about this model is high visibility that comes from the surround-view vials that reflect ambient lights for maximum readability. The vials have multi-pitch center to read slopes in 1/8-inch increment.

For further convenience, you get a top-read window. Now, about the stability, there is a grip-tight V-groove magnet to hold on to the flat or round ferrous metal surfaces.

Another greatest thing about this model is price suitability which will impress a lot of potential buyers. However, you may not like the extra demanding maintenance of the magnet to increase usability of the product.

Pros:

• Suitable for larger spots
• Decently priced
• Comes with top-read window
• Durable

Cons:

• Magnet needs maintenance

6. Stabila 25100 – Best Magnetic Torpedo Level

Photo: Stabila

• Vials: 2
• Angles: 0, 90 degrees
• Material: Die Cast Aluminum
• Overall Length: 10 inches

The flush-mounted high-strength rare earth magnet track makes it the best magnetic torpedo level. It immediately attaches to the metal surface and stays firm.

You will appreciate the durable construction of the product with die-cast aluminum material. It is scratch-resistant and non-oxidizing. Also, this one will be able to take the beating of outdoor use.

The vials are made of high-quality material and will not fog or break under any circumstances. The top-view window will increase the readability of the vials. However, they are not greatly visible from a distance because of the poor foreground and background contrast of the product.

What the customers will like is a decent warranty, unlike most of the products on the market. Overall, the strength of this model is simply matchless.

Pros:

• High magnetic strength
• Truly durable
• Scratch-resistant body
• Decent warranty

Cons:

• Low visibility

7. DeWalt DWHT43003 – Impact-Resistant Torpedo Level

Photo: DeWalt

• Vials: 3
• Angles: 0, 90 degrees
• Material: Aluminum
• Overall Length: 9.70 inches

The over-molded rubber caps around the vials make it high on impact-resistance. This means, even if you fall it on the ground, there will be minimum shock to the vials, resulting in non-breakage.

The next thing that comes in the picture is the strength of this model. It is constructed with extruded aluminum. The solid block vials also enhance the durability and accuracy of the product to 0.0005 inch-per-inch.

Furthermore, the vials are rotating to identify and duplicate angles of slopes and pitch. The middle vial is magnified for quick and easy reading.

This is one of the best models to carry to the jobsite, without worrying about possible damage to the tool. It can handle some beating. Moreover, the lightweight will offer 100% assistance in convenient carrying of the torpedo level. The drawback of this model is lack of warranty which could have added to its glory.

Pros:

• Impact-resistant level
• Easy to carry
• Durable making
• Rotating vials

Cons:

• No warranty

8. Swanson Tool TL043M – Most Durable Torpedo Level

Photo: Swanson Tool

• Vials: 4
• Angles: 0, 90, 45, 30 degrees
• Material: Billet Aluminum
• Overall Length: 9 inches

The Swanson Tool TL043M satisfies the needs of ones seeking for the most durable vial as it is constructed with billet aluminum material, making it 4 times stronger for lifetime durability. Also, the laser etching and anodized finish will increase the overall strength manifolds.

The vials increase the durability as they don’t break, or fog. This model is rightfully named as “Savage” from its extraordinary 4 vials with compatible angles of 0, 90, 45, and 30-degrees.

The Brightview Vial Surround feature offers enhanced visibility. You can conveniently see it from a distance and thus this model is perfectly suitable for the jobsite.

Furthermore, this model is designed with 4 rare earth neodymium magnets for super strong hold. Overall, the strength of this model and suitable pricing is the key feature to draw more buyers. However, its lack of warranty might scare away some people.

Pros:

• Exceptional durability
• Suitable for jobsite
• High-quality vials
• Comes with anodized finish

Cons:

• No warranty

9. Stanley 43-511 – Water-Resistant Torpedo Level

Photo: Stanley

• Vials: 3
• Angles: 0, 90, 45 degrees
• Material: Aluminum
• Overall Length: 9 inches

The coating on top of this torpedo level makes it completely water-resistant. It is highly suitable to carry along with while going outdoors.

The aluminum construction keeps it non-oxidizing and does not add extra weight to it either. Also, it makes the tool sturdy and durable.

The non-marring feet helps to establish it on any finished surface without causing any damage. There is a pipe groove to make it suitable for rounded surfaces as well. The versatility of this product is exceptional.

For single-handed operations, you get a magnetic base that firmly attaches the level to metal surfaces. This is a highly suitable model except that its visibility is not very impressive.

Pros:

• Water-resistant
• Suitable for single-handed operation
• Versatile
• Durable body

Cons:

• Unimpressive visibility

10. Swanson Tool TL002M – Standard Torpedo Level

Photo: Swanson Tool

• Vials: 3
• Angles: 0, 90, 45 degrees
• Material: Aluminum
• Overall Length: 9 inches

For seasonal users or DIYers, this one is a standard torpedo level with easy to read vials. Interestingly, the foreground and background combinations are very suitable to give you high level of visibility from far behind.

This model works on three compatible angles of 0, 90, and 45-degrees. The extruded aluminum construction makes it exceptionally durable and ready to take the beating of outdoor usage.

There are three high-strength rare earth magnets to attach it on metal surfaces. However, its versatility to be used on non-magnetic surfaces is highly compromised. The quality of magnets could have been better too.

Other than that, this is a lightweight design that you can conveniently carry along with anywhere you want. It is also pretty reasonably priced.

Pros:

• High visibility
• Suitable for outdoor use
• Reasonably priced

Cons:

• No versatility
• Magnets could have been better

How to Buy the Best Torpedo Level

Photo: Johnson Level

1. Accuracy

You should know that torpedo levels are inherited from spirit levels known for maximum accuracy due to the size of vials and overall length. The torpedo levels, because of the smaller vials can only do so much. They are suitable for small spaces and cannot deliver accuracy in more than basic angles.

Therefore, it is important to take measurements at different spots while targeting longer pieces. This is where the problem arises because you can’t be sure if the measurement will be correct throughout.

The torpedo level can be best used for small spots. You need to learn to use them correctly to be accurate.

2. Vails

In vails, there are a couple of things you need to understand, starting with the number of vails. Most of the best torpedo levels come with 4 vails with target angles of 0, 90, 45, and 30-degrees, just like the Klein Tools 935AB4V torpedo level.

The next thing to consider in vails is the material. The material of vails vary from plastic, to glass or acrylic. Glass is among the best options as it does not leak, crack, or fog. Also, the material is quite durable.

At the same time, you need to look for shock-proof vials that can take a bit of a beating. Even if you drop the level on ground, the vials must be able to survive the shock.

If you have more work outdoors then prefer buying UV resistant vials that can protect the coloring of the liquid and material.

Some tools come with rotating vials as well in which you simply have to change the position of a vial and measure on different angles.

The clarity of a vial is equally significant. The liquid inside the vial is the key component of a torpedo level. If it is not visible through the vial then the purchase is completely meaningless.

These are some of the essential things about vials and you need to keep all of them in check while purchasing a suitable torpedo level.

3. Length

The length of torpedo level can vary from 7 – 15-inches. As the size of the level increases, it becomes more suitable for targeting larger spots with high accuracy.

Most of the levels come with a minimum of 2 vials and as the number of vials increases, the length also increases simultaneously.

However, if you have a very small area to target and the work area is also confined then go with the smallest torpedo level, the Empire EM71.8 torpedo level with an overall length of merely 8-inches.

However, the Johnson Level 1435-1200 torpedo level, with an overall size of 12-inches will be able to target relatively larger areas with more precision.

4. Magnets

Magnets come in use while working with metals as it lets you work handsfree. It certainly enhances the convenience.

Now, in the magnets, there are two types – rare earth magnets and strip magnets. If you are seeking for better strength then rare earth magnets will not disappoint you

As mentioned before, you don’t need to focus on purchasing a torpedo level with magnets if most of your work is without metal.

Please note that magnets, irrespective of their quality will attract dirt. Therefore, this feature can cause a lot of trouble if you use it on wooden material. Moreover, magnets will scratch and get damaged from other materials. These are not very versatile so unless you work largely with metal, don’t buy a torpedo level with magnets.

5. Material

The material projects the durability of a torpedo level. While there is a wide variety of materials that you get on the market, aluminum is preferred. It is non-oxidizing like steel and fairly stringent than plastic to handle strenuous work environment.  

Most of the leading products you find online are made of aluminum. The only drawback of this material is that it cannot moderate its temperature. In cold weather, you will find it extremely chilling to hold while summers will make it excruciatingly hot and difficult to hold.

Conclusion

Well, while ending the torpedo level review, we would like to give you a play by play of this entire post. Torpedo levels being an essential tool to measure the accuracy of objects on different platforms holds an important place in your toolkit.

With the Klein Tools 935AB4V torpedo level, you get excellent accuracy, and unrivaled durability. However, if you want to go with a budget purchase, without compromising much on the features then the Empire EM81.9G torpedo level is a considerable product.