The problem isn't that today's box beam levels, I‑beam levels, or digital levels aren't accurate. The problem is that they are stubbornly, unapologetically one‑size‑fits‑one. A 78‑inch level is magnificent for a 72‑inch rough opening but becomes a clumsy liability when you need to plumb a 35‑inch cabinet side. A torpedo level disappears in your pouch but offers zero help when you're striking a master tile line above a standard 60‑inch bathtub. You end up carrying four, five, even six different lengths, cluttering your work area, inviting damage to precision instruments, and forcing mental gymnastics every time the dimension you face falls between the sizes you brought.
Empire Level - a name that has lived in the top tray of professional tool boxes for decades - looked at this daily inefficiency and asked a simple question : What if two levels could cover virtually every straightedge need on the job? Their answer arrives in the form of the Empire eXT Extendable Levels, and it rewrites the rules of jobsite portability without sacrificing a single thousandth of an inch of the accuracy that professionals demand.
Meet the Empire eXT Family : Two Tools, Infinite Reach
The Empire eXT Levels launch as two distinct products that together form a complete leveling system, covering everything from short‑span cabinet jambs to full‑length tub surrounds and beyond. At first glance, they look exactly like the premium box beam levels you already trust. The signature blue anodized aluminum body, the robust rubber over‑molded end caps, the large, easy‑read True Blue vials - everything about their visual identity says "heavy‑duty, no‑nonsense professional tool." Then you unlock the extension mechanism, and the level reveals its secret.The two models are :
Empire eXT 24‑40 inch Adjustable Level - Closed, it's a nimble 24‑inch box beam level that fits easily into a tool bag or between studs. Extended, it smoothly telescopes out to a full 40 inches, giving you incremental control over every inch in between. This is the level that replaces your 24‑inch, 28‑inch, 32‑inch, 36‑inch, and 40‑inch fixed units, all within a single tool that weighs less than two of those combined.
Empire eXT 48‑78 inch Adjustable Level - Here is where the jobsite flexibility truly shines. In its collapsed 48‑inch form, it's already a full‑size level suitable for door frames, standard upper cabinet runs, and framing layout. Extend it out, and you gain a true 78‑inch span, capable of tackling the notorious 59‑inch tub mark, 60‑inch vanity mirrors, 72‑inch window openings, and every odd size that usually sends you hunting for a custom‑cut length. The extension isn't stepped; you lock it at exactly the dimension you need, millimetre by millimetre.
Don't confuse these with gimmicky adjustable gadgets that wiggle at the lock point. Empire engineered the telescoping action with a rigid internal rail system and a locking mechanism that clamps the extended section solid as a single piece of extruded aluminum. Once locked, the level acts, reads, and withstands pressure like a fixed beam. You can bump it against a stud, drop it in the bed of your truck (with the end caps on, of course), and rely on it maintaining its factory‑set accuracy.
Why "Extendable" Matters More Than You Think : The Core Benefits of the eXT System
It's easy to look at an extendable level and see a convenient party trick. But dig into daily workflow on real job sites, and you uncover four profound benefits that transform how you approach layout, installation, and quality control.1. Unmatched Portability That Shrinks Your Load‑Out
Seasoned pros develop a sixth sense about what tools to carry from the truck for each phase of work. Even with that sense, the unpredictable nature of renovation and custom builds means you almost always need one more level than you carry. With the eXT system, you grab the 24‑40 for tight work and the 48‑78 for everything else. Two levels. That's it. Immediately, you shed the 28, 32, 36, 48, 59, 72, and 78‑inch dedicated levels that otherwise eat space in your van, truck box, or gang box. For the independent contractor who works out of a smaller vehicle, this is a game‑changer. For the large crew, less clutter on the cart means fewer misplaced tools and faster setups.2. No‑Compromise Accuracy Across Every Span
An extendable level invites the question : does sliding the rail introduce slop? Empire answers with a best‑in‑class accuracy rating of 0.0005 inches per inch in all working positions. That's the same precision you'd expect from a premium fixed box beam level. The secret lies in the machined dovetail guide system and the locking cam that exerts even pressure along the rail, pulling the moving section into perfect planar alignment. Whether you are setting a 31‑inch window stool fully extended or checking a 50‑inch run with the level partially collapsed, the bubble tells the truth. You never have to second‑guess your level because you changed its length.3. Eliminates the Need for "Specialty" Custom‑Cut Levels
Walk into any tile setter's trailer and you'll likely find a 59‑inch level. That isn't a standard off‑the‑shelf length; it's a 72‑inch level that someone cut down with a chop saw and re‑capped. Why 59 inches? Because a standard bathtub measures 60 inches, and your backer board or drywall laps over the tub lip, leaving you a finish opening of roughly 59 inches to strike a master layout line for tile. That custom level cost $80‑$120, took time to modify, and now can't be used for anything else. The eXT 48‑78 gives you that 59‑inch solution on demand, plus every other length between 48 and 78 inches that a remodeler encounters. No saw, no sacrifice, no single‑purpose tool cluttering your inventory.4. Speed That Translates Directly into Profit
Time yourself. Walk to the truck, find the right level, return to the work area. Even on a small residential lot, that round trip burns two to three minutes. Do that six times a day, and you've gifted the jobsite half an hour of non‑productive time. Multiply over a week, and you've lost half a day's labour. With eXT, you extend to the needed length in under five seconds, lock it, use it, collapse it, and move on. The tool stays with you. The flow remains unbroken. In an industry where project timelines tighten every year, the speed advantage of not having to swap tools is a competitive edge you can take to the bank.True Blue Vial Technology : The Eyes of the Level That Work As Hard As You Do
A level lives and dies by its vials. Empire didn't just grab any off‑the‑shelf acrylic block and call it a day. The eXT Levels feature the company's legendary True Blue vials, a proprietary design that has earned a cult following among trim carpenters, concrete form setters, and mechanical contractors alike. Here's what makes them special in the context of an extendable tool that gets used in everything from bright daylight to the dim cavity under a staircase.Superior Contrast Fluid: The vial liquid isn't a simple tinted alcohol. It is a custom‑mixed, UV‑resistant fluid that remains colour‑fast and bubble‑stable across temperature swings from sub‑freezing winter mornings to broiling summer attic spaces. The fluorescence of the fluid creates a vivid contrast against the white backing, making the bubble edge crisp even in low‑angle light.
Dual‑Sight Readability: Each True Blue vial is set in a large, over‑molded bezel that acts as a light gatherer. Natural light enters through the front and top window of the bezel, illuminating the vial from multiple directions. The result is a bubble that you can read from both the front and the top without shifting your head into an awkward position. When you're working inside a cabinet box, head tilted at 45 degrees, that top‑view readability saves your neck and your patience.
Permanent Accuracy Assurance: The vials are set at the factory using precision jigs and locked in place with a shock‑absorbent epoxy bridge that isolates the vial block from frame twists. Empire guarantees that if the vials ever come out of adjustment under normal use, the level goes back. But ask any longtime True Blue user, and they'll tell you - they rarely need to test that guarantee. The vials stay true, year after year, drop after drop.
Glow‑Capable Viewing Windows: Both eXT levels incorporate the familiar rubber‑rimmed vial housings that are compatible with the Empire Glow‑In‑The‑Dark inserts (sold separately). If you frequently work in pre‑dawn concrete pours or interior spaces without temporary lighting, popping in a glow ring lets you read the bubble without holding a flashlight in your teeth. It's a small detail that shouts, "designed by someone who actually builds things."
Where the eXT Levels Dominate : Application by Application
Generalists marvel at the flexibility. Specialists buy the eXT for specific, mission‑critical tasks they face every week. Let's walk through the real‑world applications where these extendable levels transform frustration into effortless precision.Tile & Stone : The 59‑Inch Bathtub Masterpiece
Any tile installer reading this just nodded. The standard alcove tub is 60 inches wide. After you hang moisture‑resistant drywall or cement backer board over the tiling flange, the inside‑to‑inside dimension between the finished walls lands at approximately 59 inches. Your master horizontal line - the line from which you stack the entire wall layout - needs to span that exact distance so you can scribe it in one continuous stroke. No splicing a 48‑inch level plus a square. No hooking a tape measure at one end while your helper holds the other (and inevitably introduces 1/16‑inch sag). You extend the eXT 48‑78 to 59 inches, lock it, rest it on your pencil marks, and strike a perfectly straight, dead‑level reference line across the entire back wall. Collapse the level, and instantly you have the 30‑inch or 36‑inch length you need to plumb your end wall layouts. One tool, seamless workflow, flawless layout.Window & Door Installation : One Level Fits Every Rough Opening
A typical new construction home contains windows ranging from narrow 24‑inch bathroom units to massive 72‑inch picture windows, plus patio door openings that push 80 inches. The eXT 48‑78 handles every single one. For the small windows, the 24‑40 model slips inside the frame to check head, sill, and side jambs for level and plumb. For the large openings, you extend the 48‑78 to exactly match the sill width, check for crown, and verify that both side jambs are plumb relative to each other. Adjusting shims becomes faster because you aren't holding a too‑short level and shifting it back and forth, hoping you're catching the high spots. The level spans the entire member, revealing the true plane in one glance.Cabinetry & Millwork : From Base Cabinets to Crown Molding
Installing a run of kitchen base cabinets demands a level that can sit across two adjacent cabinet tops to ensure they are flush and level before fastening them together. The eXT 24‑40 fits the 24‑inch depth of a base cabinet perfectly in its collapsed state, then extends to 30‑36 inches to bridge a standard 30‑inch or 36‑inch cabinet box. When you move to upper cabinets, the 48‑78 extends to match the width of a double‑door wall cabinet, letting you level the entire hanging run. Later, when you're installing crown molding, that same 48‑78 extended to the ceiling corner helps you transfer level lines around the room, eliminating the tedious process of using a short level and a straightedge.Concrete Formwork & Deck Building
Pouring a concrete patio or setting grade beams requires long, straight reference lines. The eXT 48‑78, fully extended to 78 inches, gives you a rigid aluminum edge to screed small sections or to check the pitch of forms before the truck arrives. When you're framing a deck, the ability to extend from 48 to 78 inches means you can check the level of your beam spans, rim joists, and intermediate blocking without dragging a 6‑foot level through wet grass and mud. The sealed, over‑molded end caps keep moisture and grit out of the rail mechanism, so the extension remains smooth even after a day of ground‑level work.Metal Stud Framing & Drywall
Framing interior partitions with metal studs often involves building soffits, bulkheads, and mixed‑width walls. The eXT levels allow you to plumb a 38‑inch stud bay, level a 66‑inch soffit, and align a 54‑inch header - all with the same tool. When hanging drywall, you can quickly check for bowed studs by extending the 48‑78 across three or four stud spaces and sighting the gap. The rigid body won't flex under its own weight, so you get an honest read of the framing plane.HVAC & Mechanical Installations
Setting air handler units, condensing units, and large ductwork often happens in tight mechanical closets or on rooftops where lugging multiple long levels is dangerous and impractical. The eXT 24‑40, collapsed to 24 inches, gets into tight corners. Extend it to 40 inches for verifying the level of a furnace plenum. The 48‑78 handles outdoor condensing unit pads on uneven ground. Because the levels maintain accuracy after extension, the mechanical contractor can dial in the exact slope required for condensate drainage without guesswork.Built for the Real World : Construction, Materials, and Durability
Empire didn't just attach a sliding rule to a box beam and call it done. Every component of the eXT system is engineered to survive the abuse that separates professional tools from department‑store trinkets.Frame: The main body is extruded from high‑grade aluminum alloy, precision‑machined after extrusion to create the dovetail guide channels. This ensures the telescoping section slides with zero side‑to‑side play. The anodized finish resists corrosion from mortar, stucco, and the general dampness of job sites.
Extension Rail: The sliding rail is not a flimsy insert. It is a full‑profile aluminum beam with a reinforcing rib that resists bending even when fully extended. The locking cam engages a stainless‑steel friction plate that grips the rail without marring the surface, allowing thousands of extension cycles without wear‑induced slop.
End Caps: Over‑molded, shock‑absorbent rubber caps protect the edges and the rail ends during drops. They are removable for cleaning dried mud or thinset out of the rail channel, a critical maintenance feature often overlooked in lesser designs.
Grip Zones: The eXT levels feature a textured, non‑slip grip surface along the main handhold areas, which is crucial when your hands are wet from cutting tile or glazed with drywall dust. The grip doesn't peel or degrade even after prolonged exposure to solvents like mineral spirits.
Weather Resistance: From freezing temperatures to direct sun on a black roof in August, the vial liquid and the locking mechanism are rated to operate without binding. Empire tested the extension lock to 10,000 cycles under thermal extremes, far beyond what a normal career would demand.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
Below is a quick‑reference chart for the two eXT models. Keep this bookmarked in your mind when you're ordering or stocking your trailer.| Specification | Empire eXT 24‑40 | Empire eXT 48‑78 |
|---|---|---|
| Collapsed Length | 24 inches (610 mm) | 48 inches (1219 mm) |
| Extended Length | 40 inches (1016 mm) | 78 inches (1981 mm) |
| Continuous Adjustment Range | 24" - 40" (infinitely variable lock) | 48" - 78" (infinitely variable lock) |
| Accuracy (all positions) | 0.0005" per inch (0.5 mm/m) | 0.0005" per inch (0.5 mm/m) |
| Vial Type | True Blue block vials, dual‑sight | True Blue block vials, dual‑sight |
| Vial Positions | Level (180°), Plumb (90°) | Level (180°), Plumb (90°) |
| Frame Material | Anodized aluminum box beam | Anodized aluminum box beam |
| End Caps | Shock‑absorbent rubber, removable | Shock‑absorbent rubber, removable |
| Weight | approx. 2.2 lbs | approx. 4.8 lbs |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime (manufacturing defects) | Limited Lifetime (manufacturing defects) |
| Release Date | September 2019 | September 2019 |
A Smarter Way to Stock Your Truck : How Many Levels Can You Eliminate?
The economics of the eXT system become crystal clear when you look at what a typical tradesman carries versus what two eXT levels can replace. While the initial cash outlay might be higher than a single fixed level, the space savings, tool reduction, and efficiency gain create a compelling return on investment. Let's break that down.Common Levels in a Trim Carpenter's Trailer:
- 24" box beam level (cabinet jambs, short runs)
- 32" I‑beam level (window stools, mid‑span checks)
- 48" box beam level (door frames, base cabinet runs)
- 59" custom‑cut level (tub surrounds)
- 72" or 78" box beam level (large windows, long runs)
- Torpedo level (quick checks, but not a replacement for longer spans)
That's at least five dedicated levels occupying around 25+ linear inches of shelf or box space combined, with a total investment that can easily exceed $400‑$500 for quality brands. Now, replace all of them with the two eXT levels. The 24‑40 covers the 24", 28", 32", 36", and 40" span. The 48‑78 covers 48", 54", 59", 60", 66", 72", and 78" spans. You keep a torpedo level in your pouch for rough‑in work, and you've just trimmed your level inventory by 60% without sacrificing a single measurement range.
For companies that outfit multiple crews, the savings multiply. Fewer tools to inventory, fewer to replace when lost, and less time wasted by employees searching for the "right" level. The extendable system standardizes the leveling workflow across all employees, reducing the need for ad‑hoc solutions that compromise quality.
Accuracy Guaranteed : The 0.0005"/inch Promise and How Empire Backs It
In an industry where a 1/16‑inch deviation over 8 feet can cascade into lippage, racked cabinets, and callbacks, accuracy isn't a luxury - it's a contractual obligation. Empire certifies that every eXT level leaves the factory with an accuracy of 0.0005 inches per inch, which translates to approximately 0.029 degrees over one foot, or only 0.006 inches deviation across a 12‑inch span. In real‑world terms, when you level an 8‑foot span fully extended at 78 inches, the maximum potential error is approximately 0.04 inches - thinner than a credit card - and that's before you apply your own skill in reading the bubble.To maintain this accuracy, Empire employs a multi‑step calibration process. Each vial is individually adjusted under laser guidance and then locked. The assembled level is tested on a certified granite surface plate traceable to NIST standards. A technician extends the level to maximum, locks it, verifies the bubble zero, collapses it, and repeats the check at multiple extension points. Only after the level passes the full range of positions does it receive its serialized inspection sticker. This isn't batch testing; it's unit‑level verification that you can trust when your reputation depends on a straight line.
What the Pros Are Saying About the Empire eXT Extendable Levels
We spoke with contractors who have put these levels through the wringer since they hit the market. Their feedback underscores the real‑world impact of a tool designed to eliminate friction on the job."I've been setting tile for 22 years. I've cut more dedicated 59‑inch levels than I can count. The first time I extended the Empire 48‑78 to 59 inches on a tub surround and struck my line in one shot, I just smiled. That level paid for itself in saved time on the third job."
- Mark T., Licensed Tile Contractor, Phoenix AZ
"We install high‑end windows and doors in custom homes. Every opening is a different size. The eXT 48‑78 replaced three fixed levels on my install cart. It locked rigid, no play, and the guys stopped fighting over the 72‑inch because the 48‑78 does everything. I bought a second set for the trim crew."
- James R., Owner, Precision Window & Door Inc., Denver CO
"As a general contractor who works alone out of a short‑bed pickup, space is at a premium. The eXT duo lives behind my seat. I've built entire bathroom remodels from rough‑in to tile to trim using just those two levels and a torpedo. Game changer for solo operators."
- Derek S., Renovation Contractor, Nashville TN
Proper Technique : Getting the Most Out of Your Extendable Level
Extendable levels reward good habits and punish carelessness. Follow these pro tips to ensure you get accuracy that matches the tool's capability every time you lock it open.- Extend and Retract Smoothly: Always release the locking lever fully before extending or collapsing. Forcing the rail against a partially engaged lock can score the aluminum and eventually introduce play. The mechanism is a precision slide, not a friction fit.
- Lock with Intent: After setting your desired length, apply firm, even pressure to the locking lever until you feel a positive snap or stop. A half‑locked level may feel solid initially but can creep under the weight of the level itself when held horizontally.
- Check the Bubble in Both Orientations: When verifying a level that you suspect might be out, rotate the level 180 degrees on the same surface. If the bubble reads differently, your surface or the level may need recalibration. (Empire's warranty covers defects, but many "unlevel" complaints turn out to be debris on the work surface.)
- Clean the Rail Channel Regularly: Tile thinset, drywall dust, and concrete splatter will find their way into the extension rail. Blow out the channel with compressed air or rinse with water and dry thoroughly. A gritty rail wears the slide pads and compromises the smooth telescope action.
- Store Collapsed and Clean: When the level isn't in use, collapse it fully and wipe down the rail. Storing it extended invites accidental knocks that can damage the exposed rail. The rubber end caps protect the rail ends, so always ensure they are seated before tossing the level in the truck.
- Use the Right Level for the Job: While the eXT 48‑78 can handle a 24‑inch span, it's overkill and more tiring. Use the smaller 24‑40 for tight spaces; it's lighter and faster to adjust. Keep both handy, and you'll naturally gravitate to the correct size.
Comparing the Empire eXT to Conventional Fixed‑Length Level Solutions
To help you visualize the efficiency gain, here's a side‑by‑side comparison of how many tools you need to cover common job site scenarios versus what two eXT levels provide.| Jobsite Dimension / Task | Conventional Fixed‑Level Solution | Empire eXT Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 24" cabinet jamb check | 24" box beam level | eXT 24‑40 (collapsed) |
| 32" window stool level | 32" level or 24" + block | eXT 24‑40 (extended to 32") |
| 36" base cabinet top alignment | 36" level | eXT 24‑40 (extended fully) |
| 48" door rough opening | 48" level | eXT 48‑78 (collapsed) or eXT 24‑40 |
| 59" tub surround master line | Custom 59" level or tape + straightedge | eXT 48‑78 (extended to 59") |
| 66" vanity mirror level | 72" level (oversized, awkward) | eXT 48‑78 (extended to 66") |
| 72" picture window sill | 72" or 78" level | eXT 48‑78 (extended to 72") |
| 78" extra‑long header | 78" level | eXT 48‑78 (fully extended) |
As the table makes plain, the two eXT levels cover nine distinct measurement tasks that would otherwise require a minimum of five different fixed tools, including a custom‑cut length that most retailers don't even sell. The versatility is not theoretical; it's the exact spread of tasks a renovation carpenter or tile setter encounters on an almost daily basis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Extendable Levels
We anticipate the questions that pop up when a new category of tool challenges decades‑old habits. Here are the honest answers.Q : Will extending the level compromise its straightness over time?
A : Only if you abuse it. The internal dovetail rail and locking cam are machined to maintain alignment. Empire tested the system for thousands of cycles without measurable straightness deviation. Avoid hanging heavy objects from the extended rail or using the level as a prying bar (never do that with any level), and it will stay true.
Q : How do I verify the accuracy after a drop?
A : The simplest field check is the 180‑degree reversal method. Find a flat surface, mark the bubble position, rotate the level end‑for‑end on the same spot. The bubble should read identically. If it doesn't, check for debris on the surface or rail, then contact Empire about warranty evaluation.
Q : Can I use the extended level upside down or plumb?
A : Absolutely. The locking mechanism holds the rail in any orientation - horizontal, vertical, upside down. Many users extend it to plumb tall door jambs. The True Blue vials work in the plumb orientation just as reliably as level.
Q : Is the scale marked on the rail for repeat setups?
A : The eXT models do not have a printed measurement scale; they provide infinite adjustment, but not a visual ruler. For repeated lengths (like 59 inches), it's best to mark the rail yourself with a non‑marring paint pen for instant return to that length. The tool is designed for flexibility, not as a measuring device.
Q : Will the extension mechanism loosen after heavy use?
A : The stainless‑steel friction plate contact surfaces are designed for long‑term durability. If you ever experience loosening, Empire's customer service can guide you through a simple adjustment or warranty replacement. In practice, most tradesmen report the lock feels as tight after a year of daily commercial use as it did on day one.
Empire's Commitment to Innovation : Why the eXT Fills a Critical Gap
Empire Level didn't invent the extendable level - niche manufacturers have dabbled in the concept for years. However, Empire recognized that those early entrants left a huge void in the market. They either compromised accuracy with wobbly locks, used fragile materials that couldn't survive a drop onto concrete, or priced themselves out of reach for the average contractor. Empire entered the space with two decisive advantages : deep manufacturing expertise in high‑volume precision aluminum extrusion, and an existing, trusted brand that pros already rely on for their fixed levels.The result is an extendable level system that sits perfectly alongside the company's popular True Blue box beam and I‑beam levels, not as a replacement, but as a high‑versatility addition for the contractor who refuses to carry excess tools. It fills the gap between portable convenience and heavy‑duty reliability. Where other extendable levels felt like a compromise, the eXT feels like the level you'd choose even if it didn't extend - and then it extends.
Your Next Step : Building a Smarter, Leaner Tool Kit
If you're the type of tradesperson who strips your load‑out down to the essentials, who values every cubic inch of van space, and who knows that speed and accuracy are the only two metrics clients actually care about, the Empire eXT Extendable Levels aren't just a nice addition - they're a strategic upgrade. Start by adding the 48‑78 to your kit and see how many levels it replaces the first week. Chances are, the 24‑40 will follow shortly after, and the fixed‑length collection will start gathering dust on a shelf, waiting for that rare job where nothing else will do.The new Empire eXT Levels came to market in September 2019, and they have been steadily building a loyal following among those who've tried them. With best‑in‑class 0.0005‑inch accuracy, the legendary True Blue vials, and a robust locking mechanism that refuses to give up, they provide a perfect read in any application - whether you're a master tile setter fighting the 59‑inch tub barrier, a window installer moving from a 28‑inch basement hopper to a 72‑inch living room panoramic, or a general contractor who simply refuses to carry a half‑dozen levels when two will do the job better.
Combine the eXT system with a reliable torpedo level and a laser for layout, and you've essentially built a complete leveling arsenal that slips under a truck seat. The days of the "level graveyard" in your trailer are numbered.
Don't Miss Out : Your Complete Bubble Level Buying Resource
If you're evaluating which levels deserve a spot in your tool crib, don't stop here. We encourage you to explore our comprehensive resource : Best Bubble Level Buying Guide for Pros. That guide breaks down I‑beam versus box beam construction, digital versus analog, accuracy ratings, and how to spot marketing hype from genuine job‑site performance. Whether you're a seasoned journeyman or an ambitious apprentice, arming yourself with knowledge before you swipe the company card is the smartest move you can make.The Empire eXT Extendable Levels represent a shift away from the one‑tool‑one‑size mentality that has dominated the level market for decades. They embody the principle that a professional's tool should adapt to the task, not the other way around. Once you experience the freedom of setting your level to exactly 59 inches, locking it, and striking a perfect line in one motion, you'll wonder why you ever settled for less.
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