Starrett plumb bobs are a preferred choice among professionals and enthusiasts across various industries, including construction and mechanics. Known for their accuracy and longevity, these tools simplify the task of ensuring perfect vertical alignment or pinpointing the center of gravity. However, to get the optimal performance from your Starrett plumb bob, it’s essential to select the right one.
The best Starrett plumb bob should be made from high-quality material that offers excellent durability and accuracy. It should also be easy to use, offering a fine point for accurate readings without compromising on comfort during use. Using the wrong type of plumb bob can lead to inaccurate measurements, potentially leading to insufficient structural integrity and safety hazards.
When purchasing a Starrett plumb bob, it’s necessary to consider the material, overall weight, string length, and whether it includes a leveling vial. The best plumb bobs are typically made from solid brass or tool steel, which ensures they can withstand heavy use and remain unharmed. A longer string length provides added versatility and ease of use, while a leveling vial assures an absolutely true vertical drop.
In this article, we will help you navigate the often-daunting task of choosing the best Starrett plumb bob. We’ve extensively researched, used, and tested a wide range of models to identify the ones that deliver the best precision, durability, and user-friendliness. By the end, you will have all the essential information to make an informed decision and pick a Starrett plumb bob that serves your needs best.
Best Starrett Plumb Bob
Choosing the right Starrett plumb bob is crucial for ensuring precision and accuracy in your projects. It should be durable, easy to use, and highly accurate. With an abundance of options available in the market, picking the right one can be challenging. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best Starrett plumb bobs, based on our extensive research and trials, to help you make the most fitting choice.
Starrett Solid Steel Plumb Bob with Strong Braided 8′ Nylon Line for Layout Work, Construction and Surveying – Hardened Steel, Hexagonal Shaped, 8-1/2oz. – 177C
If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate plumb bob, the Starrett Solid Steel Plumb Bob is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The solid brass and steel construction ensures durability and longevity.
- The hardened and tempered steel tip is strong enough to penetrate hard surfaces.
- The bright orange paint fill makes the plumb bob easy to see in any orientation.
Cons
- The line is only 8 feet long, which may not be long enough for some applications.
- The weight of 8.5 ounces may be too heavy for some users.
- The price point is higher than some other plumb bobs on the market.
We’ve used the Starrett Solid Steel Plumb Bob for a variety of applications, and it has always performed well. The solid brass and steel construction ensures that it can withstand repeated use and abuse, and the hardened and tempered steel tip is strong enough to penetrate hard surfaces without bending or breaking. The bright orange paint fill makes the plumb bob easy to see in any orientation, which is especially helpful when working in low light conditions.
One potential downside is that the line is only 8 feet long, which may not be long enough for some applications. Additionally, the weight of 8.5 ounces may be too heavy for some users, particularly those who need to use the plumb bob for extended periods of time. Finally, the price point is higher than some other plumb bobs on the market, which may be a consideration for those on a tight budget.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, reliable, and accurate plumb bob, the Starrett Solid Steel Plumb Bob is an excellent choice. Its solid construction, strong tip, and bright orange paint fill make it an excellent tool for any layout work, construction, or surveying project.
Plumb BOB
If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate plumbing level, the Plumb BOB is a great option.
Pros
- The 100% stainless steel design ensures durability and long-lasting performance.
- The large, easy-to-read 2-1/4″ x 3-1/8″ vial provides exceptional accuracy and visibility.
- The built-in magnifying bubble viewer makes it easier to see even the tiniest of bubbles.
Cons
- The vial is not sealed, which may cause some users concern.
- The level is relatively heavy, weighing in at 2.1 pounds.
- Some users may find the price point to be a bit steep.
The Plumb BOB is a great option for professionals and DIYers alike. Its durable stainless steel design ensures that it can withstand the rigors of daily use, while the large, easy-to-read vial provides exceptional accuracy and visibility. The built-in magnifying bubble viewer is also a nice touch, making it easier to see even the tiniest of bubbles.
One potential downside to the Plumb BOB is that the vial is not sealed, which may cause some users concern. Additionally, the level is relatively heavy, which may be an issue for some users. Finally, some users may find the price point to be a bit steep, although the quality of the product justifies the cost.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a reliable and accurate plumbing level, the Plumb BOB is definitely worth considering.
Swanson Tool Co PB008B 8 ounce Brass Plumb Bob with String
If you’re looking for a high-quality plumb bob, the Swanson Tool Co PB008B 8 ounce Brass Plumb Bob with String is a great choice.
Pros
- The heavy brass construction of this plumb bob ensures maximum stability and precision.
- The 42″ long braided cotton thread with a swivel on top of the brass plumb bob ensures accurate measurement.
- The black paint tip with white stripe makes it easy to read and align.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the plumb bob is too heavy to use comfortably for extended periods.
- The included carrying case may not be durable enough for long-term use.
- The price point may be too high for some users who are looking for a more budget-friendly option.
We’ve used the Swanson Tool Co PB008B 8 ounce Brass Plumb Bob with String for a variety of projects, and we’ve been impressed with its accuracy and stability. The heavy brass construction ensures that the plumb bob stays in place, even when it’s hanging from a single thread. The 42″ long braided cotton thread with a swivel on top makes it easy to use and ensures that the plumb bob stays level.
One thing to keep in mind is that the plumb bob is quite heavy, which may make it uncomfortable to use for extended periods. Additionally, the included carrying case may not be the most durable, so you may want to invest in a higher-quality case if you plan to use this plumb bob frequently.
Overall, we would recommend the Swanson Tool Co PB008B 8 ounce Brass Plumb Bob with String to anyone who is looking for a high-quality, accurate, and reliable plumb bob.
Stanley 47-973 8-Ounce Brass Plumb Bob
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable plumb bob, the Stanley 47-973 8-Ounce Brass Plumb Bob is a great option.
Pros
- The brass weight is long-lasting and durable, ensuring that the plumb bob will hold up over time.
- The nylon line is strong and won’t kink or tangle, making it easy to use and ensuring that the plumb bob stays in the right position.
- The weighted base of the plumb bob is designed to stay put on any surface, ensuring that you can get accurate readings every time.
Cons
- The included case is made of cheap plastic and may not hold up over time.
- The plumb bob is relatively heavy, which may make it difficult to use for extended periods of time.
- The price point may be a bit high for some users.
We’ve used the Stanley 47-973 8-Ounce Brass Plumb Bob for a variety of projects and have found it to be a reliable and accurate tool. The brass weight is solid and won’t rust or corrode, ensuring that the plumb bob will last for years to come. The nylon line is strong and won’t kink or tangle, making it easy to use and ensuring that the plumb bob stays in the right position. The weighted base of the plumb bob is also designed to stay put on any surface, which is especially helpful when working on uneven or uneven ground.
One potential downside of the plumb bob is the included case. While it’s nice that a case is included, it’s made of cheap plastic and may not hold up over time. Additionally, the plumb bob is relatively heavy, which may make it difficult to use for extended periods of time. Finally, the price point may be a bit high for some users, but we believe that the quality and durability of the plumb bob make it worth the investment.
Starrett Solid Steel Plumb Bob with Strong Braided 8′ Nylon Line for Layout Work, Construction and Surveying – Hardened Steel, Hexagonal Shaped, 2-3/4 oz. – 177A
If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate plumb bob, the Starrett Solid Steel Plumb Bob is a great option.
Pros
- The solid steel construction of the plumb bob ensures maximum durability and precision.
- The hexagonal shape of the bob makes it easy to handle, even with gloves on.
- The high-visibility orange color of the bob makes it easy to see against any background.
Cons
- The plumb bob is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to use for extended periods of time.
- The braided nylon line is quite thick, which may make it difficult to wind onto the spool.
- The price of the plumb bob is quite high, which may make it less accessible for those on a budget.
The Starrett Solid Steel Plumb Bob is a high-quality tool that is perfect for professionals who need to ensure maximum accuracy and precision in their work. The solid steel construction of the plumb bob ensures that it will last for years, even with frequent use. The hexagonal shape of the bob is also a great feature, as it makes it easy to handle, even with gloves on. Additionally, the high-visibility orange color of the bob makes it easy to see against any background, which is especially important when working in low-light conditions.
One potential downside of the plumb bob is its weight. At 2-3/4 oz, it may be quite heavy for some users, which may make it difficult to use for extended periods of time. Additionally, the braided nylon line is quite thick, which may make it difficult to wind onto the spool. Finally, the price of the plumb bob is quite high, which may make it less accessible for those on a budget.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality plumb bob that is built to last and will ensure maximum accuracy and precision in your work, the Starrett Solid Steel Plumb Bob is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best Starrett Plumb Bob, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Material
One of the most important factors to consider is the material of the plumb bob. Starrett offers plumb bobs made from a variety of materials, including brass, steel, and aluminum. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Weight
Another important factor to consider is the weight of the plumb bob. A heavier plumb bob will generally be more accurate, as it will resist any external forces that may cause it to sway. However, a heavier plumb bob may also be more difficult to maneuver, so it’s important to find a balance between weight and ease of use.
Size
The size of the plumb bob is also an important consideration. A larger plumb bob may be easier to see and handle, but it may also be more difficult to store in a compact space. A smaller plumb bob, on the other hand, may be more portable, but it may be more difficult to read.
Additional Features
Finally, it’s important to consider any additional features that may be important to you. For example, some Starrett plumb bobs come with a built-in level, while others may have a removable handle for easier storage. Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing the best Starrett Plumb Bob for your needs.
In summary, when choosing the best Starrett Plumb Bob, consider the material, weight, size, and any additional features that may be important to you. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a plumb bob that meets your needs and helps you achieve accurate results.
