Tool Torture: The Milwaukee REDSTICK Level Gets Put to the Test

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Milwaukee REDSTICK levels come in many sizes, from 16 to 96. In long, the vials are rated for an accuracy of 0.029° when read from either direction, but we will not be testing that. We will let you be the voice of reason. We wanted to see how challenging this level is and if it would take the day-to-day abuse, many levels take on the job site without becoming just another straight-edge.

Many trades use levels are by far the toughest on their levels. The consistent banging from their trowels and being knocked around by bricks and blocks will take a toll on normal levels, and they often work at extreme heights.

• With this, we begin our Tool Torture of the Milwaukee REDSTICK Levels.

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Drop Test

Many tradespeople work at heights all day, and accidental drops of tools are bound to happen. One of the worst things to happen while on the job is witnessing your level freefalling to the ground while your outstretched hand is not in time.

• How will your level perform when dropped from 8 Feet to 15 Feet?

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Not knowing how the level would take the fall, we dropped it horizontally and vertically from 8 Feet. When contacting the concrete, there was some cosmetic damage. One trim piece came off the level but snapped back into place. The integrity of the level body was intact and did not show signs of bending or bowing. Knowing that many workers are above 8 Feet, we decided to double that distance.

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With our scissor lift raised to a working height of 16 Feet, the REDSTICK level was again dropped horizontally and vertically. The results were like those of our lower height drop tests: no physical damage to the body of the level and only cosmetic damage that was quickly corrected when the vial trim was snapped back into place.

Feeling defeated, we decided to increase the intensity of the drops and throw the unit to the ground. This did not damage the level’s body but left some scars on the rails when dropped horizontally. When dropped vertically, the rubber end caps absorbed the shock and protected the level.

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Tough Test

Milwaukee Tool has added an All-Metal Backbone to the level’s interior, making it one of the most robust and most durable frames on the market. Let us see how it handles our building block test.

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The REDSTICK level was put through two tests. The first had the support blocks close and the weight evenly supported across the top of the level. This did nothing to the integrity of the level. The second test had the support blocks moved out to the end of the level and the weight concentrated in the middle. The All-Metal Backbone of the REDSTICK level held up. There was some bowing of the level during the second test, but when the weight was removed, it returned to its original position and remained faithful.

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Weight Test

Having been beaten by the level in the drop test and the weight test, we decided to see how durable the Milwaukee REDSTICK was. We know this test would never be done in the real world, but that is half the fun. What would happen if you forgot your home ramps when you picked up your new golf cart? Do not worry; place 2 REDSTICK 48-inch levels against your trailer and drive it up.

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Now that your golf cart is safe at home let us see if you can get your new Kubota RTV loaded.

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Well, that is where the limit is drawn. The REDSTICK levels held the Kubota RTV front tires off the ground, but the level buckled when they rolled over the hand holes.

• We knew there was a breaking point to these levels.

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Milwaukee REDSTICK Level Passes the Test

Although the levels did not hold up to our final test, we were overly impressed with how it matched our drop and weight tests. The drop test simulated an occurrence that could happen while using the level on a typical job site. Knowing that the level could withstand the abuse and with the Limited Lifetime Warranty on the performance of the 0.029° vials, we agree with Milwaukee’s claim that they produced the most robust, most durable frame that ensures long-life accuracy of the level.

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