Milwaukee recently introduced several new Milwaukee Torpedo Levels in the from of 10-Inch Block and Compact Billet Torpedo Levels for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical contractor professionals. The levels contain Milwaukee’s amplified rare earth magnets that focus and redirect the magnetic field for greater strength when working overhead or on lifts, scaffolds, and ladders.
They’re also the beneficiary of Milwaukee’s SharpSite vial. This vial is constructed from high impact acrylic and features sharp black lines to create contrast with the vial’s magnified liquid.
Milwaukee Torpedo Levels
Milwaukee 10-Inch Die Cast Block Torpedo Level
The new Milwaukee 10-Inch Die Cast Block Torpedo Level is designed with a new locking 360° adjustable vial that secures the vial in place so users can identify and repeat angles. It also features level and plumb vials. This model will give you accuracy down to 0.0005 inch.
Specifications
- Model: Milwaukee 48-22-5210
- Length: 11.73 inches
- Weight: 0.96 pounds
- Accuracy: 0.0005″
- Vials: Level, plumb, 360-degree rotating
- Price: $54.99
Milwaukee Compact Billet Torpedo Level
The new compact billet torpedoes include a 2-inch dual pitch, high impact acrylic vial which can measure slope in 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch increments per foot in any direction. Available in both imperial and metric, it features a laser-etched ruled edge and a built-in weld clearance to measure over pipe joints. Either model is a bit more accurate than the level at 0.0001 inch.
Specifications
- Model: Milwaukee 48-22-5107 (Imperial), 48-22-5207 (Metric)
- Length: 10.51 inches
- Weight: 0.46 pounds
- Accuracy: 0.0001″
- Vials: Level, plumb, 360-degree rotating
- Price: $29.99 (Imperial), $34.99 (Metric)
“Torpedo levels are unbeatable for use in tight spaces and confined access points on the jobsite. Unfortunately, today’s electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and MRO professionals have been limited to options that don’t provide a complete feature set for their needs. The new Milwaukee torpedo levels are designed to perform in challenging environments and provide a dedicated feature set for measurement during slope, metalworking, pipe fitting, and overhead installation applications. Our user-focus & commitment to industry leading performance and durability will propel expansion in the layout category and we will continue to develop premium, innovative solutions for the professional trades.”
– Ryan Schwoegler, Group Product Manager
Our Take
Milwaukee is taking on the high end of the level market even with ownership of Empire Level under their belt for the mid range sector. We’ve seen the first box levels hit the market and torpedo levels are the next logical move. With the Milwaukee Torpedo Levels being small and inherently rigid, there’s not the need for the metal backbone we saw in their Pro Tool Innovation Award winning RedStick Box Levels.
What we do see is the continuation of their SharpSite vial in the line. Managing Editor Kenny Koehler is a fan of Empire’s True Blue vial system, but Milwaukee’s vial definitely has an advantage over most with sharp black line creating excellent contrast and acrylic construction. To help matters, the vial is magnified to make it easier to read.
The locking feature on the block level is something we’re excited about along with the solid construction. It’s looks like a great all-around design that should easily allow you to transfer angle measurements without fear of knocking them slightly out of place between points.
Accuracy is better in the Billet Torpedo Level, exceeding even what we see from Empire at 0.0001 inch. With standard markings for 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch per foot to ensure proper slope along with level and plump positions, it should be popular among pipe fitters.
