A level and level-straightedge system is provided. The level may include one or more slip-resistant structure. The slip-resistant structure may be a collar formed from a high friction polymer material that at least partially surrounds a level vial. The collar may be co-molded with the material of the vial surround. The level may be a relatively small level having a length less than 14 inches and may include a groove for receiving a straightedge. The groove design alone or in combination with the collar may allow for a relatively short level to support a relatively long straightedge.

A level and level-straightedge system is provided. The level may include one or more slip-resistant structure. The slip-resistant structure may be a collar formed from a high friction polymer material that at least partially surrounds a level vial. The collar may be co-molded with the material of the vial surround. The level may be a relatively small level having a length less than 14 inches and may include a groove for receiving a straightedge. The groove design alone or in combination with the collar may allow for a relatively short level to support a relatively long straightedge.

A tool, such as a level, including one or more magnetic coupling device is provided. The magnetic coupling device may be a magnetic circuit including metal components surrounding a magnet, such as a permanent rare-earth magnet.

A tool, such as a level, including one or more magnetic coupling device is provided. The magnetic coupling device may be a magnetic circuit including metal components surrounding a magnet, such as a permanent rare-earth magnet.

A level including a rotating level vial is provided. The level includes a locking mechanism that utilizes an actuator that engages a brake to lock the rotating vial into the desired position. The locking mechanism may include a spring element that is compressed by the actuator during locking, and the spring element in turn pushes against the brake facilitating control of the normal force that the brake applies to the vial surround of the rotating vial. The rotating level vial may engage the level body such that the rotating level vial is permitted to rotate 360 degrees in both the clockwise and counter clockwise directions.

A level including a rotating level vial is provided. The level includes a locking mechanism that utilizes an actuator that engages a brake to lock the rotating vial into the desired position. The locking mechanism may include a spring element that is compressed by the actuator during locking, and the spring element in turn pushes against the brake facilitating control of the normal force that the brake applies to the vial surround of the rotating vial. The rotating level vial may engage the level body such that the rotating level vial is permitted to rotate 360 degrees in both the clockwise and counter clockwise directions.

An expandable level that is configured to extend from a first length to a second length in order to identify a vertical or horizontal plane across a greater distance. The level of the present invention includes a body wherein the body has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and second portion are axially aligned and secured together in the first position of the level with a fastener. The first portion and second portion of the body have telescoping support members operably coupled therebetween. The telescoping support members include a plurality of segments that facilitate the expansion of the length of the level wherein the first portion and second portion are moved away from each other. Sight windows and level bubbles are in both the first portion and second portion.

An expandable level that is configured to extend from a first length to a second length in order to identify a vertical or horizontal plane across a greater distance. The level of the present invention includes a body wherein the body has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and second portion are axially aligned and secured together in the first position of the level with a fastener. The first portion and second portion of the body have telescoping support members operably coupled therebetween. The telescoping support members include a plurality of segments that facilitate the expansion of the length of the level wherein the first portion and second portion are moved away from each other. Sight windows and level bubbles are in both the first portion and second portion.

A handrail installation device, including a first arm removably connected to at least a portion of a stair tread, a second arm pivotally disposed at a first end on at least a portion of the first arm to rotate from retracted in parallel with the first arm in a first position to at least partially extended away from the first arm in a second position, and rotate from extended away from the first arm in the second position to retracted in parallel with the first arm in the first position, and a bubble level disposed on at least a portion of the second arm to identify a level surface based on a position of at least one of the first arm and the second arm.

A tool, such as a level, with magnets embedded in a working surface is provided. For example, the magnets assist in coupling the level to magnetic workpieces. The magnets are placed in a chamber with a floor having a periphery and internal walls extending from the floor periphery. Flanges extend from internal wall of the chamber toward a central axis or point and partially further define the chamber volume. Flanges may be created by depressing surface of the level near the chamber, thus deforming the level body surface to create a channel and a flange from the material displaced from the channel.