I’ve got a Johnson’s brass bound mahogany masons level my then fiancé bought me 30+ years ago. Two of the vials have leaked and there is no liquid in them. I contacted Johnson’s to see if they could repair it to no avail. Vials are available on the web. The vials are set in plastic with no screws visible. Any clue on how to take them out? I’d like to fix it instead of tossing it.

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I told you not to use Lifebuoy

Maybe a photo would help visualize what you are dealing with. I suspect the plastic is set with glue. You could try applying some adhesive remover such as Goop Off.

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

Often the vials were set with plaster of Paris, at least the glass ones. To replace them you would chip out the old PoP and clean it up good. Now, find a second level that you trust. Find or creat a level area. Mix up you PoP and get ready. Place the level to be repaired on the level surface. Slop in the PoP and insert the replacement vial. Work quickly, make sure the replacement vial reads true. Let the plaster cure. Remove whatever needs to be removed to replace the cover glass.

If it is the plumb vials much easier. Use a plumb bob to find the true.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

Its definitely some type of plastic.
Here’s what I’m working on.
The other side is the same. No screws.

Attached Images

IMG_0274.jpg (46.9 KB, 102 views)

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I told you not to use Lifebuoy

The rubber gasket holds the glass in place. It pops out easily with a thin putty blade. Once you get it out, you will see what needs to be done.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

There’s no gasket. Just hard plastic on either side, but the part that holds the vials is a different color. I may put a little heat to it to see if it softens up.

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I told you not to use Lifebuoy

Any luck?

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

Looks like it presses into place.
Wooden dowel and judicious taps?

courtesy fyi - may want to contact them too
| Johnson Level & Tool Mfg Company

As I said I did contact Johnson’s but they said being my level was old they may not have parts to fit let alone a repair service.

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I told you not to use Lifebuoy

Ah I'm sorry, missed that part.

Break down and get another ... no matter what you do chances are it'll never be right again.