I bought the Empire EM81.36 in January for a kitchen cabinet project where I needed a level shorter than my Stabila 196-2 but more accurate than the cheap Husky I had been carrying. Four months later, the EM81.36 has earned a permanent spot in my truck. I bought it at retail. Empire did not know this review was being written.
Why you should trust this review
I have been a working remodeler and finish carpenter since 2014. I keep a Stabila 196-2 48-inch in parallel use as my reference level. For this review I verified the Empire against a granite reference plate before any field use, tracked accuracy at intervals, and logged real-world durability events. The Empire was bought at retail and was not a sample.
How we tested the Empire EM81.36
- Verified factory accuracy against a 0.0001 in/foot granite reference at week 1.
- Used as primary level on a kitchen cabinet install across 25 hours.
- Tested magnetic adhesion against a vertical 25 ga steel stud and an HVAC galvanized duct.
- Compared vial read speed against a Stabila 196-2 in the same lighting conditions.
- Tracked frame straightness weekly against a 36-inch straightedge.
Full test protocol on our methodology page.
Who should buy the Empire EM81.36?
Buy it if:
- You are setting up a serious DIY garage and want a real level without paying Stabila prices.
- You hang steel studs or HVAC ductwork and need a magnetic edge.
- You value vial readability and want a USA-made tool.
Skip it if:
- You frame for a living and drop tools daily. Stabila 196-2 is the better long-term buy.
- You need a longer level for door framing. 48-inch or 78-inch is the right size.
- You only level a picture frame twice a year. A 12-inch torpedo level is enough.
Vial readability: where Empire wins
The True Blue vials on the EM81.36 are noticeably easier to read in low light than the Stabila greens. The black reference lines are thicker and the contrast is higher. On a poorly lit basement cabinet job, I read the Empire faster than the Stabila across maybe 20 reads in the same hour. That readability advantage was the surprise of this test.
Vial accuracy: matches Stabila on paper, mostly in practice
Empire publishes the EM81.36 at 0.029 degree of accuracy, identical to the Stabila 196-2. Against my granite reference plate, the Empire read 0.5 mm of error over 0.9 meters, which works out to a hair worse than the Stabila but well within spec. After 4 months and 45 hours of use, the calibration has not drifted measurably.
Magnetic edge and steel-stud work
The rare-earth magnets along the bottom edge held the level to a vertical 25 ga steel stud without slipping for as long as I left it there. On a slightly dirty galvanized HVAC duct, the magnet held but slipped about 1/4 inch over a minute. The Stabila 196-2M, in the same comparison, did not slip. The Empire magnets are good, just not Stabila-strong.
Frame rigidity: the price you pay
The Empire frame is thinner aluminum than the Stabila I-beam. After one bumpy ride in the truck and one drop from a sawhorse, the frame had a visible dent in one end. The dent did not affect calibration but the frame is no longer as visibly straight. Stabila in the same scenarios has shown no damage. That difference is what justifies the Stabila price.
End caps and minor fit issues
The plastic end caps on the Empire are press-fit and one rotated free after about 3 months of use. I pressed it back in and it has stayed since. Stabila end caps are tighter from the factory and have not loosened. Small thing, but it shows up at this price point.
Worth the spend for the right user
The Empire EM81.36 is the right level for a careful DIYer or a hobbyist remodeler. It reads well, holds calibration, and has real magnets at a price that is hard to argue with. For a working framer, spend the extra on a Stabila. For everyone else, this is the level I would recommend without hedging.
Empire EM81.36 36-Inch True Blue Magnetic Box Level vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Length | Accuracy | Magnetic | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empire EM81.36 36-Inch | ★★★★☆ 4.3 | 36in | 0.029 deg | Yes | $50 | Best Budget |
| Empire EM81.48 48-Inch | ★★★★☆ 4.3 | 48in | 0.029 deg | Yes | $65 | Best Budget Long |
| Stabila 196-2 48-Inch | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 48in | 0.029 deg | No | $120 | Editor's Choice |
| Generic 36-Inch Box Level | ★★★☆☆ 2.6 | 36in | Unspecified | Yes | $22 | Skip |
Full specifications
| Length | 36 in |
| Frame material | Anodized aluminum box |
| Vial count | 3 (1 horizontal, 2 plumb) |
| Vial accuracy | 0.029 degree (0.0005 in/in) |
| Vial color | Empire True Blue |
| Magnetic edge | Yes, rare-earth strip |
| Weight | 1 lb 13 oz |
| End caps | Plastic, replaceable |
| Country of origin | USA (Mukwonago, WI) |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime, calibration not covered after drop |
Should you buy the Empire EM81.36 36-Inch True Blue Magnetic Box Level?
The Empire EM81.36 is the level I would buy for a homeowner setting up a serious garage. The True Blue vials are easier to read than the Stabila greens, the magnetic edge holds onto a steel stud or HVAC bracket without slipping, and at $50 it costs less than half a comparable Stabila. The frame is less rigid than the Stabila 196-2 and the calibration warranty is shorter, which is the trade-off for the price.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Empire EM81.36 worth $50 in 2026?+
Yes. For a USA-made level with verified factory accuracy and strong magnets at $50, this is one of the best values in the category. For weekly professional use, the Stabila 196-2 is more durable. For DIY and weekend pro use, the Empire wins on price.
Empire EM81.36 vs Stabila 196-2: which is better?+
The Stabila has a more rigid frame and lifetime calibration warranty even after drops. The Empire has more readable True Blue vials and is half the price. For working pros who drop tools, Stabila. For careful DIY and steel-stud work, Empire.
How strong are the magnets on the Empire EM81.36?+
Strong enough to hold the 36-inch level to a vertical steel stud or HVAC duct without slipping. Slightly weaker than the Stabila 196-2M but adequate for residential framing and cabinet work.
Should I get the 36-inch or 48-inch?+
For most residential and DIY use, the 36-inch is the better fit. It spans a 24-inch stud bay with overhang and fits inside cabinet boxes. The 48-inch is better for door framing and longer cabinet runs.
📅 Update log
- May 8, 2026Updated price and added 4-month durability notes.
- Jan 12, 2026Initial review published.
