I have 3 different level, 1) an app on my windows phone 2) a little bubble level that i got on Ebay that looks like a Williams "True-Pitch" but is not 3) a little 6" level. Using all three of these I am having trouble getting accurate readings and just want 1 good level that I can use on all games and that will last for a long time. Any Ideas?
The Craftsman Digital Torpedo Level.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-digital-torpedo-level/p-00948295000P
I have one of the Craftsman torpedo levels above, too. It's casing is mostly plastic so it won't take a great fall, but as a pitch finder it seems to work well.
Quoted from kingfishtr:will this level read out the pitch of the playfield? if so, I want it
No, and yes, it will only tell you if the playfield is level side to side (if it is a normal torpedo level). They do make incline levels separately and in combo form tho.
Quoted from kingfishtr:will this level read out the pitch of the playfield? if so, I want it
It does read pitch. The best part of the torpedo is the beeper sound option when it's level. It's nice not having to get up and check after each adjustment.
Quoted from RWH:They do make incline levels separately and in combo form tho.
I must have the combo because mine has a slope indicator.
I use one I got at Home Depot for $39. It seems to do the job well but all the talk of this beeping when its level is making me jealous...
http://www.homedepot.com/buy/husky-9-in-digital-level-thd9403.html#.URKnZ45wZUR
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-digital-torpedo-level/p-00948295000P
I own this Torpedo and it does have the slope option.
Quoted from Kgroff:It seems to do the job well but all the talk of this beeping when its level is making me jealous...
No kidding. I'm off to Sears today.
Inclinometer/Pitch Locator $8.00 & 9" Torpedo Level $2.00 for a grand total of $10.00 prior to shipping from Pinrestore.com.
Economical and works great! 
Ken
Just lay a pinball on the glass above the lockdown bar. If it stays in the middle, it's level (horizontally).
I really want something that can be accurate with the pitch. I dont trust the clinometer on my windows phone at all.
Quoted from Blackjacker:The Craftsman Digital Torpedo Level.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-digital-torpedo-level/p-00948295000P
+1 Great tool
Quoted from mcfly:do you place it on the playfield or top of headbox or where?
Always on the playfield. I usually place it in multiple spots as reading can vary top to bottom. I use mid playfield (about a foot above the flippers) as the primary gauge.
I recommend starting with front leg levelers completely at their lowest settings. Start leveling from the back to the get the pitch, and a general left/right level. Then I finish the final left/right leveling at the front. Not rocket science, but a notable point to realize is that a cabinet flexes a bit - and it's the front levelers that will help neutralize the flex. Hope that makes sense. Practice makes perfect.
Brian
Thanks everyone for the great responses and great thread. I went out last night and bought the craftsman, and got all 3 of my games at a perfect 6 deg pitch and level left to right with ease. The Craftsman level that Blackjacker recommended is a perfect addition to my pinball toolbox!!
Quoted from kporter946286:Thanks everyone for the great responses and great thread. I went out last night and bought the craftsman, and got all 3 of my games at a perfect 6 deg pitch and level left to right with ease. The Craftsman level that Blackjacker recommended is a perfect addition to my pinball toolbox!!
Glad to hear. It's a terrific tool, at a fair price. So much easier than using a separate angle finder and torpedo level.
And I ended up with mine the same way - based on the recommendations of at least a dozen other Pinsiders.
Quoted from 7Warpig7:I use the one in my brain that tells me when the ball is rolling like a pinball should be rolling.
I was just going to ask if everyone has found that how a level reads always reflects on how the ball rolls?
I guess if the pf is warped, you could get a difference in the two.
Dan
Quoted from zippydapinhead:I use this. Don't remember where I got it but wasn't more than $5-6.
Harbor frt has these
Quoted from Liftserv:Harbor frt has these
Yup that sounds right. Lots of handy cheap stuff there.
Quoted from copperpot:I use clinometer for the iphone, but I think the Craftsman referenced above is probably a MUCH better level than an iPhone...
-Wes
I use the same.
Great tool.
Well worth it guys.
Quoted from cireone:The Sears one is actually on sale till tomorrow morning for $27.19
Got mine for that price last week. Nice tool.
Quoted from 7Warpig7:I use the one in my brain that tells me when the ball is rolling like a pinball should be rolling.
It would be interesting to see how far off they are. Not that far I bet.
No level. Back leg levelers raised all the way up and front all the way down. Let's get some speed going!
Quoted from Blackjacker:The Craftsman Digital Torpedo Level.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-digital-torpedo-level/p-00948295000P
Exactly!
Quoted from Travismc:Where are you guys putting the level for left right and slope of the playfield ? Right on the playfield ?
Yes right on the playfield, I go down as far as I can between the slings and if I can on the top of the play field too as i want the entire playfield as level as possible. Then when measuring pitch turn the measuring tool "vertical" so to speak. So "horizontal" to level the game and "vertical" to get your 6-7 deg pitch.
I dont think the hardware ones are any more accutate than say iphone. But they might make a better reading if they are longer and thinner. Plus the app one are a dull for calibration.
Are all wpc playfields mounted the same? It will be advantagous to measure on the glass and subtract a fixed number.
Quoted from soren:I dont think the hardware ones are any more accutate than say iphone. But they might make a better reading if they are longer and thinner. Plus the app one are a dull for calibration.
Are all wpc playfields mounted the same? It will be advantagous to measure on the glass and subtract a fixed number.
I didn't have an I-phone, I have Nokia windows phone with the app called "Another level", its not a bad app but but that phone doesn't have a big enough sweet spot and unless I press it down the readings are off. The $35 I spend for that Craftsman I think in the long run is well worth it, If your constantly buying and selling setting up and tearing down, in the long run I think your better off spending the cash. Plus you can use it to straighten all your wife's pictures and daughter's Justin Beiber posters.
Quoted from RobKnapp:When you put level on playfield how do you know that it is straight .If level is just a tad bit off to the naked eye you get a false reading one would think. Any photos of your methods . Thanks Rob Knapp.
How about a video 
http://www.sternpinball.com/Media/Videos/instructional-series/2342.aspx
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