Content area
Full Text
Stanley Tools
In its price list of December 28, 1936, Stanley introduced a new level for use by mechanics, inspectors, householders, and hobbyists. Called a torpedo level, it was shaped similar to a submarine, making it very useful in close quarters. It was 9 inches long, and the stock was ?* inch thick by lK inches high. The level vials are just as Stanley described them in its advertising - 'The highly accurate 'cat's-eye' type vial was set into a wood block with plaster of Paris." Cat's-eye vials were filled with a yellow-tinted liquid that was supposedly easier to read. Cat's-eye level vials used alcohol, such as ethanol, as the liquid in the vial. The liquid included a yellow colorant, to enhance visibility. Alcohols were generally used because they have a low surface tension and viscosity allowing the bubble to travel in a tube quickly and stabilize with little interference from glass surfaces, and alcohols also do not freeze in normal temperature ranges. The top plates were made of nickeloid, a nickel-plated steel, and were held on by two Phillips head screws.
These levels were made in two models. The no. 259 was made of mahogany and had one level and one plumb glass (Figure 1), while the no. 260 was made of rosewood and had a plumb, level, and miter vials (Figure 2).
At the same time, Stanley's model shop experimented with a no. 260 made with a cherry center and laminated maple top and bottom (Figure 3). Apparently, the cost was higher than anticipated, and the idea was dropped. A no. 26 1 model was introduced on April 15, 1937. Made of rosewood, it had a plumb, a level, and a miter glass like the no. 260 but with a full aluminum top plate (Figure 4).
By April 1 938, Stanley changed these three torpedo levels slightly by adding the "Handy" feature - a groove in the sides of the level meant to make it easier to pick up. The model no. 259 (Figure 5) was imprinted...