Empire Level 12-Inch Magnetic Tool Box Level for Steel Studs and Conduit – Hands-Free Job Site Productivity
Empire Level 12-Inch Magnetic Tool Box Level for Steel Studs and Conduit – Hands-Free Job Site Productivity
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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
Will the magnetic edge really stay attached to steel studs so I can mark and fasten with both hands?
Yes. The full-length magnetic edge runs the entire 12 inches of the frame, giving you a strong, slip-resistant hold on steel studs, conduit, and ductwork. Electricians and HVAC techs use it to free both hands for marking, drilling, or driving fasteners without clamping the level in place.
How does the vari-pitch vial help me check drainage slope faster on the job?
The vari-pitch vial reads slope directly in 1/8-inch increments, so you can verify drainage run without reaching for a separate inclinometer or doing the math yourself. You sight the bubble, read the number, and keep moving.
Can the True Blue vials really be read in a dim basement or attic?
Yes. True Blue vials are engineered for high contrast and visibility in low light, so the bubble reads cleanly under a single work light, in a basement ceiling cavity, or in a dark mechanical room without you squinting or repositioning.
Is the 12-inch size long enough for framing and finish work without feeling bulky?
The 12-inch length is the most versatile size in the trade: long enough to plumb a shelf or check a 2x4 run, short enough to fit in a tool box drawer, belt pouch, or back pocket. It is the grab-and-go length most pros reach for between tasks.
Does the lightweight frame cause hand fatigue on overhead work?
No. The extruded aluminum body weighs about 6.2 ounces, so holding it overhead against a ceiling joist or up on a duct run does not tire your arm the way heavier levels do during a full day on the tools.
Will this level hold up to daily job site abuse from a working tradesperson?
Yes. The 12-inch extruded aluminum frame is built for daily crew use, and Empire backs it with a lifetime warranty. It is designed in the USA for the kind of drops, scuffs, and truck-bed reality that disposable imports do not survive.
Is the magnetic edge strong enough for vertical pipe and conduit work?
Yes. The full-length magnet is engineered to hold the level vertically against steel pipe, conduit, and ductwork, so you can read plumb on a riser or down a chase without holding the level yourself.
Does the compact 12-inch size slow me down on long runs?
For most plumbing, electrical, and finish tasks a 12-inch level is the right size, and many pros keep it as their primary level because it is faster to position. For longer runs, it is the perfect everyday companion you grab between longer reference checks.
Will the level stay accurate after months in my truck or tool box?
Empire True Blue levels are manufactured to tight tolerances and the vials are designed for long-term durability. Stored in a tool box or belt pouch, the level will hold its accuracy job after job, and the lifetime warranty covers any manufacturing defect.
Can I check a 45-degree miter joint with this level, or do I need a separate square?
You can check 45 degrees directly. One of the four vials is set at 45 degrees specifically for miter joints, trim returns, and angle layout, so you do not need a speed square for a quick angle check.
How is this different from a non-magnetic 12-inch level I already own?
A standard level requires you to clamp it, hold it, or balance it on metal. The full-length magnetic edge attaches hands-free to steel, which is the single biggest productivity gain on steel stud, conduit, and ductwork jobs. You also get the vari-pitch slope vial that most levels do not have.
Is this overkill for basic picture hanging and shelf leveling?
Not at all. The plumb and level vials handle everyday household leveling with the same accuracy pros rely on, and the magnet is a quiet bonus for any metal shelf bracket, HVAC register, or garage steel surface. It is the level that grows with the work you take on.
Will I need to recalibrate or check accuracy before each job?
It is good practice to spot-check any level on a known flat surface, but Empire levels hold their calibration well under normal use. The lifetime warranty covers any factory defect, and the vials do not drift the way cheaper liquid-filled vials tend to.
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.
