Tool Review: Ultra Steel TR30206D Magnetic Pocket Level with Clip

You might have a heavy-duty foot-long level at home, one that you could brain a burglar with if you had to, but that level isn't the most practical tool to be carrying around with you everywhere you go. There are many different types of smaller, more portable levels.  One such portable level is the Ultra Steel magnetic pocket level with clip (model #TR30206D).

This plastic level (distributed in the USA; made in China) is compact and bright yellow, and it can fit in the palm of your hand. It is actually two levels in one, each set at 90 degrees from the other, and you can use them both for improved accuracy. The level is flat on two sides, so it will sit flush on any flat surface or in a 90-degree corner.

The level is small enough to fit in your pocket — about the size of a miniature stapler, a little larger than a stubby screwdriver. If you don't want to risk sitting on it and breaking it, however, it comes with a belt clip so you can attach it to your belt, toolbag strap, or the outside of your pocket. It also comes with a short ball chain so you could attach it to your key ring if you wanted to (though it's too big to carry it that way with much practicality).

Part of the underside of this level is magnetic, so you can stick it on your fridge or other metallic surface when it's not in use. It uses two straight magnets for added support, but the magnets are of varying strength. One of the magnets easily stuck to the tip of a screwdriver and clung there without dropping, while the other wouldn't even attach briefly before falling.

The Ultra Steel magnetic pocket level is probably not as reliable as a larger level from a more well-known company — it gave similar, but not identical, readings to a Stanley Pro I-Beam level — but it's a good value for a cheap, portable level.  This level gets 3 out of 5 stars.  It can be especially handy for someone who doesn't have a lot of room to carry around a larger level, but who may need to level something out from time to time.

This level sells for $1.00 in-store at Walmart. Online, it can be purchased from Amazon for $5.99.  It's very similar in appearance and features to the Stanley magnetic pocket level, which is listed at $16.38.

(Originally published on Helium.com, February 2013)