Wheeler Level Level, All junk?

Craig0ry

Craig0ry

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Picked up a set of these today, I had always been borrowing my buddies, Now I'm second guessing a few of my scope mounts!

Lined things up and leveled them according to the wheeler level level's. I just tightened one ring top just enough so the scope wouldn't cant and I could pick it up and look through, Crosshairs were noticeably canted!
The action level wouldn't really work as intended being it was a rimfire rifle, I set it on the flat opening of the action and it lined up with the bubble level in the base mount so I figured it was good. The turret level was a different story, I had a 2' level on my loading bench that was sitting perfect, I set the level on and it was quite a bit out, went to the garage and grabbed 3 more level and sure enough, its out quite a ways. Th action level seemed good but not 100% either.
These aren't expensive so I was wondering if this is the norm or not, I'll be taking them back regardless.

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Yep. Absolute junk. The kit mine came with (wrench/lapping bars etc) is ok, but these levels are just trash. You’d be suprised how easy it is to set it true by eye/plumb bob and a little swearing.
 
I use them with a Tipton vise. Issues I have is if using a non-magnetic base its a little trickier, and of course tightening the rings can move the scope if your not watching. The levels are certainly not something your going to list in your will, but mine at least were true. As scope bases are less than an inch wide, using a larger level on there will only get in the way IMO and not give a more accurate reading.
 
I was shown many years ago to check / verify a level by setting it - take a reading - does not have to be true dead level - now swap ends - needs to read the same. If not, just a waste of time. I found some similar in a Weaver brand scope mount kit about the same as OP - set them side by side to each other on the same surface and they were not reading the same to each other. We did that "swap ends" check on 28" and 48" builder's levels virtually every day at first use - waste of time to depend on it, if it does not read true.
 
I was searching Ali express.. I was able to find the Wheelers scope leveling kit, for a fraction of the price of the Brand name. I really only wanted the barrel clamp level.
 
The Kurgan said:
I've had better luck doing it by eye. It's virtually impossible to have it perfectly aligned anyway.
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A laser level on a wall at a distance might be a good way to do it, I've done it using corner edges before, took a quick look for my reciept before I left for work and didn't see it, if I can't find it I may just modify the bases of the levels so they sit at a true level, a few different types of sand paper and the proper pressure should do the job.
 
"laser level" - still need or want to verify it is true. Three doors away, a neighbour has a three bay car garage - about 5" different in height from West end of concrete to East end. Forms were installed "perfectly" using his "laser level", that had not been verified before or during use ...
 
Potashminer said:
I was shown many years ago to check / verify a level by setting it - take a reading - does not have to be true dead level - now swap ends - needs to read the same. If not, just a waste of time. I found some similar in a Weaver brand scope mount kit about the same as OP - set them side by side to each other on the same surface and they were not reading the same to each other. We did that "swap ends" check on 28" and 48" builder's levels virtually every day at first use - waste of time to depend on it, if it does not read true.
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You are correct. Perfect level would be the center point between the bubbles positions after checking it from both ends.
 
rifleman338 said:
Starrett levels at KBC Tools
Buy once, Cry once
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...and I had a Starrett that wasn’t true. Had to exchange it.

To test your level to see if it’s level:

Place it on a surface and note it’s EXACT location, (maybe outline the sides with tape). Carefully note where the bubble is. Now, spin the level left to right, and place it in the EXACT same space as it was before. The bubble should read the same.

This method works if the surface the level is sitting on is sloped, because one direction you may see the bubble 1mm from the line. Spin it 180 degrees, and it should be 1mm from the line. If it shows something different, the level isn’t right internally.

(Edit: just saw potashminer’s post) :)
 
Yup, mine are junk too. If I use them the scope is noticeably crooked. Give the turret level a 180 and everything changes..... honestly, how hard would it be to make a small level actually read level....
 
Found the same issue with the Wheeler kit. Went through a several of them on the shelf at P&D before I got one that was close to being centred and level. I do not trust the piece intended to balance on the feed rails. I use the smaller level on the top of the receiver, rail, or rings, and lock the rifle down tight. I don't trust the reticles in the scopes to be properly matched to the top of a turret. To compensate I have a perfectly horizontal line drawn on my shed across the yard to which I align the reticle.
 
I've been looking for a better solution for this for a while now as well... bought some small 'precision' bubble levels off amazon... same issue. Still getting the best results by levelling the rifle either using a built in level on a rail or chassis, or by levelling with a bubble level and taking readings both ways, then aligning the reticle to a plumb bob down the hallway in my basement. Have to double check as you go as sometimes the scope will rotate slightly as you tighten down the rings.

I think the next one I'll blow money on will likely be a wedge style levelling kit like the Arisaka Defense levelling kit... Will it beat the plumb bob? Who knows.
 
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