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Empire True Blue 12-Inch — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Level ToolsEmpire True Blue 12-Inch

Empire True Blue 12-Inch — image 1

Empire

Empire True Blue 12-Inch

$16.97

em81.12Silver/White/Blue Lifetime warranty

Level Tools Measuring and Marking Tools

Expert Review Analysis

The Empire EM81.12 is a 12-inch heavy-duty magnetic torpedo level featuring an extruded aluminum frame and four True Blue vials for precise multi-angle measurements. It is designed for professional tradespeople who require high accuracy in tight spaces, offering a full-length magnet and a unique Vari-Pitch vial for slope calculations.

✓ Best for: Professional tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians, and framers needing precision in confined areas. Specific use cases include leveling pipes, conduit, or fence posts via magnet and V-groove; measuring slopes or grades with Vari-Pitch in 1/8 inch steps; and tight-space work like block walls or toolbox storage.✗ Not ideal for: Tasks requiring measurement of broader surfaces where a longer level would be more appropriate, as the 12-inch length is limited. It is also not ideal for users who prefer digital readouts for slope measurements, as this model relies on analog Vari-Pitch reading.

Pros

✓Exceptional accuracy of 0.0005 inches per inch across all measurement positions
✓Full-length powerful magnetic edge allows for secure hands-free attachment to metal surfaces

Best Seller Rank History

Now#44Best#14Worst#355 -16

Lower = better sales rank

Specifications

Design

Length12 in mm

Width2.938 in mm

Height5/8 in mm

Weight0.46 lbs g

ColorSilver/White/Blue

Features

Vial Count4

Vial TypesLevel, Plumb, 45°, Vari-Pitch

Vial TechnologyTrue Blue with e-BAND high-contrast edges

Vial Window TypeTop-read (Level and Vari-Pitch)

Magnet TypeFull-length powerful magnetic edge

General

BrandEmpire

ManufacturerEmpire Level

ModelEM81.12

Country of OriginUSA

WarrantyLifetime

Performance

Accuracy0.0005 in/in in/in

Vial Technology

True Blue VialsTrue Blue vials with e-BAND high-contrast edges

Vari-Pitch IncrementsReads slope in 1/8 inch increments (e.g., 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 in over 12 in)

Top-Read WindowsTop-read windows available for level and Vari-Pitch vials

Frame Design

Working EdgeV-grooved working edge for pipe, conduit, and fence posts

Color

FinishSilver/blue color

Dimensions & Weight

Height2.0 inches

Width1.0 Inches

Depth12.0 inches

Weight0.39 Pounds

Research Sources

ballardindustrial.com

grovesindustrial.com

hdsupplysolutions.com

empirelevel.com

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User Reviews

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4.6

(1,211 reviews)

✓

Vari-Pitch vial enables precise slope measurement in 1/8 inch increments over 12 inches

✓Durable extruded aluminum frame and impact-resistant plastic vials withstand drops

✓Compact 12-inch size fits easily into tight spaces and standard toolboxes

✓V-grooved working edge provides stable support for pipes, conduit, and fence posts

✓Top-read windows on level and Vari-Pitch vials allow for easy viewing from above

Cons

✗Limited to 12-inch length, making it less ideal for leveling broader surfaces
✗Plastic vials may show wear over extreme long-term abuse despite impact resistance
✗Analog Vari-Pitch requires manual reading rather than digital automated output

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Professional reviewers highlight the utility of the Vari-Pitch vial for exact deviation readings
✓Retail editors emphasize the continuous magnetic strip for reliable hands-free operation
✓High-contrast e-BAND vials provide superior visibility for alignment accuracy
✓V-groove feature is specifically praised for pipe-fitting and conduit alignment tasks
✓Aluminum durability is noted as suitable for demanding wall and block construction projects

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Users praise the compact 12-inch size for fitting into tight spots like base layers of blocks
✓Strong magnet is frequently cited as essential for hands-free leveling on fence posts
✓Clear Vari-Pitch vial is valued for accurate slope and grade checks in drainage work
✓Durable frame and multiple top-view vials are highlighted for general reliability
✓V-groove feature is appreciated for working with pipes and conduit in confined areas

Expert Opinion

Professional sources and tool reviewers consistently praise the Empire EM81.12 for its precision and robust build quality. The Vari-Pitch vial is highlighted as a key utility feature for showing exact deviations, while the strong full-length magnet and top-read windows are noted as standout features for professionals. Retail editors emphasize the visibility of the e-BAND vials and the practicality of the V-groove for pipe fitting, confirming its suitability for wall and block projects.

What Users Say

Everyday users commonly praise the compact 12-inch size, noting its ability to fit into tight spaces where larger levels fail. The strong magnet is a recurring positive for hands-free leveling on posts, and the Vari-Pitch vial is valued for slope checks. Users report no specific complaints, with feedback often describing the tool as 'perfect' or 'great' for niche projects requiring tri-axis readings in toolboxes.

Common Complaints

No specific recurring complaints were found in the available feedback. One minor note suggests that plastic vials may wear over extreme long-term abuse, though this is not a common user-reported issue.

What People Are Saying

“perfect for this project”
5/5 ★User ReviewNov 2025

“great for compact tri-axis readings in toolboxes”
5/5 ★Lowe's ListingNov 2025

How It Compares

vs. Klein Tools 935DAG

Advantages

✓Empire offers analog Vari-Pitch slope reading without needing batteries
✓Empire is a 12-inch level compared to Klein's 7-inch digital focus

Disadvantages

✗Klein provides digital angle and percentage readings for automated precision
✗Klein uses rare-earth magnets which may offer different holding characteristics

Choose Empire for traditional analog versatility and longer length; choose Klein for digital precision and compact size.

vs. Stabila 35112T

Advantages

✓Empire includes a Vari-Pitch vial for slope measurement which Stabila lacks
✓Empire is lighter at 0.46 lbs compared to Stabila's 0.7 lbs

Disadvantages

✗Stabila is a premium brand often associated with higher durability standards
✗Stabila features rare-earth magnets and a groove similar to Empire's features

Choose Empire for slope measurement capabilities and lighter weight; choose Stabila for premium build reputation and basic reliability.

vs. Milwaukee 4822-12

Advantages

✓Empire offers four vials including Vari-Pitch for multi-angle versatility
✓Empire provides analog slope reading without battery dependency

Disadvantages

✗Milwaukee is a major competitor with potentially broader availability and brand recognition
✗Specific technical comparisons for Milwaukee are limited in the provided data

Choose Empire for its unique four-vial analog configuration and Vari-Pitch utility.

Rating Trend

Rating4.6/ 5Reviews1,211+97 reviews

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