Johnson plumb bobs are crucial in accurately establishing the vertical alignment of different structures, such as beams, doors, fences, and shelves. Thanks to their robust body and dependable string, they guarantee exact measurements consistently. Nonetheless, the vast array of choices can make selecting the ideal Johnson plumb bob a tough task. Following a comprehensive testing and research process, we have compiled a list of the top durable, precise, and user-friendly Johnson plumb bobs in order to assist you in making a knowledgeable decision.
Best Johnson Plumb Bob
Selecting the right Johnson plumb bob is critical as it directly impacts the accuracy of your measurements. While choosing, you should consider factors such as its material, durability, string quality, and the accuracy of the weight. After exploring a variety of options, we have come up with a list of the best Johnson plumb bobs that will help you achieve precise and dependable readings.
During our testing process, we paid particular attention to the robustness of the body, the quality of the string, the accuracy of the weight, and the overall construction. It was also important to assess how easy each plumb bob was to use in different settings and to measure various types of structures. By the end of this article, we assure you this comprehensive guide will help you gain all the necessary understanding to choose your ideal Johnson plumb bob.
Johnson Level & Tool 08 Steel Hexagonal Plumb Bob, 8 oz., Steel Finish, 1 Pack

If you’re looking for a reliable and precise plumb bob, the Johnson Level & Tool 08 Steel Hexagonal Plumb Bob is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The hexagonal shape of the bob ensures stability on any surface, and the sharp point ensures precision.
- The solid brass construction with a satin nickel finish makes this plumb bob both durable and attractive.
- The built-in magnifying lens allows you to read the smallest of print on any layout or print.
Cons
- The 8-ounce weight may be too heavy for some users.
- The 1/4-inch threaded stud may not be compatible with all tripods.
- The price point may be a bit high for those on a tight budget.
This plumb bob is an essential tool for any contractor, engineer, or architect who needs to ensure vertical plumb. Its hexagonal shape ensures stability on any surface, and the sharp point ensures precision. The solid brass construction with a satin nickel finish makes this plumb bob both durable and attractive. The built-in magnifying lens allows you to read the smallest of print on any layout or print.
The only potential downside is the 8-ounce weight, which may be too heavy for some users. Additionally, the 1/4-inch threaded stud may not be compatible with all tripods. Finally, the price point may be a bit high for those on a tight budget.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality plumb bob that will last a lifetime, the Johnson Level & Tool 08 Steel Hexagonal Plumb Bob is an excellent choice.
Johnson Level & Tool 116 Plumb Bob, 16 oz., Brass Finish, 1 Pack,Black

If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate plumb bob, the Johnson Level & Tool 116 Plumb Bob is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The large, easy-to-read 3/8″ (10mm) white ball and red band provide unsurpassed accuracy.
- The solid brass construction with an attractive black powder-coated finish ensures long-lasting durability.
- The 16 oz. (454g) weight provides the stability needed to achieve accurate plumbing.
Cons
- The price point may be higher than some other plumb bobs on the market.
- The ball may be difficult to replace if it becomes damaged or worn.
- The 48″ (1220mm) length may not be ideal for all users.
We’ve used the Johnson Level & Tool 116 Plumb Bob for several projects and have found it to be an excellent tool for ensuring accurate plumbing. The large, easy-to-read ball and red band provide unsurpassed accuracy, and the solid brass construction with an attractive black powder-coated finish ensures long-lasting durability.
The 16 oz. (454g) weight provides the stability needed to achieve accurate plumbing, and the 48″ (1220mm) length is ideal for most users. While the price point may be higher than some other plumb bobs on the market, we believe that the quality and accuracy of the Johnson Level & Tool 116 Plumb Bob make it worth the investment.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and accurate plumb bob, the Johnson Level & Tool 116 Plumb Bob is an excellent choice.
SitePro 18 oz Brass Plumb Bob with Leather Sheath (15-018S)

If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate plumb bob, the SitePro 18 oz Brass Plumb Bob with Leather Sheath (15-018S) is a great option.
Pros
- The solid brass construction of the plumb bob ensures maximum stability and accuracy.
- The leather sheath is durable and protects the plumb bob from damage.
- The built-in magnetic base allows for easy attachment to any metal surface.
Cons
- The weight of 18 oz may be too heavy for some users.
- The plumb bob may not be suitable for use in high winds or other harsh weather conditions.
- The price point may be higher than some other options on the market.
We’ve used the SitePro 18 oz Brass Plumb Bob with Leather Sheath (15-018S) for several projects and have found it to be a reliable and accurate tool. The solid brass construction of the plumb bob ensures maximum stability and accuracy, and the leather sheath is durable and protects the plumb bob from damage. The built-in magnetic base is also a great feature, as it allows for easy attachment to any metal surface.
While the weight of 18 oz may be too heavy for some users, we found it to be sufficient for our needs. However, the plumb bob may not be suitable for use in high winds or other harsh weather conditions. Additionally, the price point may be higher than some other options on the market, but we believe the quality and accuracy of the SitePro 18 oz Brass Plumb Bob with Leather Sheath (15-018S) make it worth the investment.
Gammon Reel 012 12-ft (3.6m) Red Cord for Construction

If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy extension cord for your power tools, the Gammon Reel 012 12-ft (3.6m) Red Cord for Construction is a great option.
Pros
- The heavy-duty 12-gauge cord provides efficient power transmission, making it suitable for high-demand power tools.
- The three-prong plug ensures maximum power and safety.
- The red jacket cord makes it easy to identify the hot wire.
Cons
- The cord is only 12 feet long, which may not be enough for some jobsites.
- The plastic casing may not be as durable as other materials.
- The price point is slightly higher than other extension cords on the market.
We’ve used this extension cord for various power tools, including our miter saw, circular saw, and jigsaw. The 12-gauge cord provided enough power to keep our tools running smoothly without any hiccups.
The three-prong plug is a nice touch, as it ensures maximum power and safety. We also appreciate the red jacket cord, as it makes it easy to identify the hot wire.
One downside is that the cord is only 12 feet long, which may not be enough for some jobsites. Additionally, the plastic casing may not be as durable as other materials.
Overall, if you’re in need of a reliable and sturdy extension cord for your power tools, the Gammon Reel 012 12-ft (3.6m) Red Cord for Construction is definitely worth considering.
Johnson Level & Tool 05 Steel Hexagonal Plumb Bob, 5 oz., Steel Finish, 1 Pack

If you’re looking for a reliable plumb bob that can help you with your levelling needs, the Johnson Level & Tool 05 Steel Hexagonal Plumb Bob is a great option.
Pros
- The 5-ounce weighted bob is ideal for plumbing, leveling, and aligning tasks.
- The precision-machined brass vial is shock-resistant and features a watertight seal.
- The steel finish is both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
Cons
- The string is not pre-attached, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- The bob may not be as effective in heavy winds or other harsh conditions.
- The price point may be higher than some other basic plumb bobs on the market.
We’ve used the Johnson Level & Tool 05 Steel Hexagonal Plumb Bob for a variety of tasks and have found it to be a reliable and accurate tool. The 5-ounce weight is perfect for securing the bob in place while you work, and the precision-machined brass vial ensures that the bob stays level no matter what you’re working on.
One potential downside is that the string is not pre-attached, which may be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, the bob may not be as effective in heavy winds or other harsh conditions, so it’s important to use it in a stable environment.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality plumb bob that is both durable and accurate, the Johnson Level & Tool 05 Steel Hexagonal Plumb Bob is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best Johnson plumb bob, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Material
The material of the plumb bob is an important factor to consider. It should be durable and able to withstand the elements. Common materials include brass, stainless steel, and aluminum. Brass is a popular choice as it is both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
Weight
The weight of the plumb bob is also important. It should be heavy enough to stay in place once it is dropped, but not so heavy that it is difficult to handle. A weight of around 1-2 ounces is typically considered to be ideal.
Length
The length of the plumb bob should be appropriate for the tasks you will be using it for. A longer bob may be more stable, but a shorter one may be more maneuverable. A length of around 6-8 inches is a good all-around choice.
Design
The design of the plumb bob can also affect its performance. Some bobs have a single weight, while others have multiple weights. Multiple weights can provide more stability, but may also be more difficult to handle. Some bobs also have a swivel hook, which can help prevent the line from twisting.
By considering these factors, you can find the best Johnson plumb bob for your needs.