|
|
04-27-2024, 06:16 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: North Huntingdon Pa.
Posts: 4,560
Likes: 7,724
Liked 10,053 Times in 2,968 Posts
|
|
Spirit level vial leaked
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.
__________________
I told you not to use Lifebuoy
|
04-27-2024, 06:25 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Tincup, CO
Posts: 3,706
Likes: 6,304
Liked 7,506 Times in 2,298 Posts
|
|
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.
__________________
Some collect art; I shoot it!
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-27-2024, 08:22 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Ashtabula County, Ohio
Posts: 6,146
Likes: 9,440
Liked 13,936 Times in 4,083 Posts
|
|
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
__________________
Unshared knowledge is wasted.
|
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-28-2024, 06:53 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: North Huntingdon Pa.
Posts: 4,560
Likes: 7,724
Liked 10,053 Times in 2,968 Posts
|
|
Its definitely some type of plastic.
Here’s what I’m working on.
The other side is the same. No screws.
__________________
I told you not to use Lifebuoy
|
04-28-2024, 07:02 AM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Ashtabula County, Ohio
Posts: 6,146
Likes: 9,440
Liked 13,936 Times in 4,083 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by ACORN
Its definitely some type of plastic.
Here’s what I’m working on.
The other side is the same. No screws.
|
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
__________________
Unshared knowledge is wasted.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
05-03-2024, 05:08 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: North Huntingdon Pa.
Posts: 4,560
Likes: 7,724
Liked 10,053 Times in 2,968 Posts
|
|
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.
__________________
I told you not to use Lifebuoy
|
05-03-2024, 07:37 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Ashtabula County, Ohio
Posts: 6,146
Likes: 9,440
Liked 13,936 Times in 4,083 Posts
|
|
Any luck?
Kevin
__________________
Unshared knowledge is wasted.
|
05-04-2024, 05:02 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Hollywood
Posts: 10,781
Likes: 16,696
Liked 25,826 Times in 7,958 Posts
|
|
Looks like it presses into place.
Wooden dowel and judicious taps?
|
05-04-2024, 05:10 AM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Virginia Blue Ridge
Posts: 508
Likes: 983
Liked 943 Times in 301 Posts
|
|
courtesy fyi - may want to contact them too
| Johnson Level & Tool Mfg Company
|
05-04-2024, 08:16 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: North Huntingdon Pa.
Posts: 4,560
Likes: 7,724
Liked 10,053 Times in 2,968 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike0251
|
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.
__________________
I told you not to use Lifebuoy
|
05-04-2024, 08:32 AM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Virginia Blue Ridge
Posts: 508
Likes: 983
Liked 943 Times in 301 Posts
|
|
Ah I'm sorry, missed that part.
|
05-04-2024, 09:54 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2023
Location: The Dells, WI
Posts: 163
Likes: 159
Liked 211 Times in 92 Posts
|
|
Break down and get another ... no matter what you do chances are it'll never be right again.
|
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|