Meh. I was expecting the dial at the end to rotate the degree so you can get an accurate measurement of the degree of angle. Instead it’s to screw lock the degree once you manually rotate the dial, which is hard to do to get an accurate measurement because it’s stiff to move and you over rotate. It’s also very expensive for what you get.

Essential Kit

First impression of this level was the well-made solidity of the metal case and the smooth operation of its adjustable vial and enclosure, which is marked in degrees. The magnified vial is very easy to read and that translates into quick to read with just a glance. The lock wheel can be activated with a few turns to lock in a degree value. The powerful amplified rare earth magnets and the 'V' format of the underside easily hold to pipes, bars and other ferrous metal surfaces. This tool has very quickly become essential kit for me. It can be used to measure any angle or check / replicate any angle quickly and accurately. It slips easily into and out of my pocket and is always to hand. Milwaukee's famous lifetime guarantee seals the deal.

HORRIBLE. Very disappointing because it could have met or exceeded my expectations with a couple ...

HORRIBLE.Very disappointing because it could have met or exceeded my expectations with a couple simple features, and for $25, one would have expected them.PROS+ Milwaukee product(?)+ Versatile+ CompactCONS- The alignment of the arrow and scale marks cause severe parallax (see photos) making this product inaccurately worthless.- There are no detents at any of the major angles (0, 45, 90) which would partially solve the accuracy issue (at least at the major angles), but would still not solve the parallax issue.I set this product on a perfectly leveled milling machine vise, and set it to "zero" and compared it to a bargain basement carpenter's level- see pictures.I cannot trust this (neither should you)- currently used as refrigerator magnet.

Handy - pocket friendly

This review is for the Milwaukee Pocket Level, Model 48-22-5102, which I’ve been given a chance to check out.The degree dial surrounds the bubble vial and has two views, one with 180 degree marks (0-90 then 90-0), and the other with marks at 15, 22.5, 45,75 and then 75, 45, 22.5, and 15 degrees. The level can be used in portrait or landscape mode; see the photo to get a better idea.Put the compass on an object, turn the degree dial so that the bubble is centered in the vial, and you can read the off-plumb amount in degrees. There is a small locking knob that screws in/out to tighten/loosen the amount of friction that holds the degree dial in place. The knob has raised finger grips which make it easy to loosen/tighten the knob.On the bottom side of the ... MoreThis review is for the Milwaukee Pocket Level, Model 48-22-5102, which I’ve been given a chance to check out.The degree dial surrounds the bubble vial and has two views, one with 180 degree marks (0-90 then 90-0), and the other with marks at 15, 22.5, 45,75 and then 75, 45, 22.5, and 15 degrees. The level can be used in portrait or landscape mode; see the photo to get a better idea.Put the compass on an object, turn the degree dial so that the bubble is centered in the vial, and you can read the off-plumb amount in degrees. There is a small locking knob that screws in/out to tighten/loosen the amount of friction that holds the degree dial in place. The knob has raised finger grips which make it easy to loosen/tighten the knob.On the bottom side of the Milwaukee pocket level there’s a Rare-Earth magnet which can hold the magnet to a magnetic surface even when it’s completely upside down or on a severe angle.The vial itself measures 1” across x 1/2” wide, while the entire device is only 3” x 2” x 3/4”. The degree dial is 1 and 13/16” wide. Milwaukee calls the vial “Sharpsite Vial Technology”; whatever you call it, it’s pretty easy to see the bubble and the markings.Readability on the degree dial is good, the degree measurements are white on a black background. They do not, however, have an “engraved” feel; they appear to be painted on. Over time the degree measurements may wear down with use but I’m fairly confident that Milwaukee has allowed for that in the method of construction of the dial.The level weighs 5.2 ounces. I’d really like to see a belt holster for this thing. Being a homeowner DIY’er, not a Pro, I tend to wear jeans when on projects and the Milwaukee can be a tight fit in jeans pockets when also carrying keys, a cellphone, pocket knife, etc. A holster or pouch (even if out of strong fabric, if leather is too expensive) with a belt loop would be welcome. Of course, it’s designed and marketed as a “Pocket” level so the lack of a pouch isn’t a downgrade; I’m just wishin’ here. (While I’m wishin’ – I wish Milwaukee would make the clamshell packaging on some of their tools easier to open! You’ll need a knife or scissors on this one.)The level has, however, no sharp corners or edges that will snag or tear your clothing – everything is rounded off. Even the magnet is recessed into two metal bars molded into the bottom of the level (see photo).Fit and finish is excellent.The unit is not made in the U.S., but comes with a limited lifetime warranty from Milwaukee and, of course, the 90-day return guarantee from Home Depot.Some engineering team at Milwaukee spent some time figuring this gadget out, how to make it work efficiently and comfortably. I’m really glad I got a chance to try one of these things – my old pocket level was a plastic el-cheapo and its best feature was that it could be carried in a shirt pocket like a pen. This Milwaukee 5102 is going on my “stocking stuffer” list for the kids and grandkids.HTHRegards,Jim

I bought the Milwaukee Pocket Level to replace a standard inclinometer used to install and/or adj...

I bought the Milwaukee Pocket Level to replace a standard inclinometer used to install and/or adjust flown loudspeaker arrays. This level allows me to set the target angle, touch the magnetic surface to any rigging frame, and center the bubble - super easy! I've broken many old-fashioned inclinometers, but this is built like a tank... I can toss it in a tool bag without worry. My only complaint is that the adjusting dial is quite stiff, and takes some effort to get the correct angle set. Other than that, it's perfect for the job, and I'm recommending it to my collegues.

My first angle level!!

This is such an awesome level to have. Aside from the fact that is a pocket level, the ability to replicate angles is huge!! The markings are very easy to read and lock into place so there is no possibility of the vial from the angle you are working with. The level itself is very well made of durable metal and has strong magnets on the bottom. I also own the 10” die cast level which also has the ability to do angles, both are a great tool to have in your box!!

No tactile feel for degree setting

It's a solid feeling little pocket level but there could definitely be improvements.There is no tactile click or signal of any kind when you move to a particular degree setting. If you're like me you want to know when you are at the calibrated point.The screw lock could be improved to a better system. Could change it to some type of push/pull pin lock with the rotating portion of the level having depressions for it to lock into at degree measurements.

This is a great product by Milwaukee. I struggled for...

This is a great product by Milwaukee. I struggled for a bit to find a perfect size and effective level for my projects. Once I found milwaukees options, I was able to come to a decision with the 4 inch pocket level.

This is a really sturdy and compact cast aluminum pocket level. The design is well thought out, w...

This is a really sturdy and compact cast aluminum pocket level. The design is well thought out, with a machined flat on one side, v-groove for centering on pipe or conduit, and strong magnet to grab onto ferrous surfaces.The level vial is clear and easy to read, and has one-degree increments on one side and common angles marked on the other for less clutter (but for some reason it's missing a 90° tick mark on that side!).I discovered the aluminum arrow doesn't quite line up with the tick marks for a perfect level (it's about 0.3° off), but the white painted/powder coated portion of the arrow does line up exactly. It's not a big deal, since this is only a 4" pocket level and not for super accurate setups, but it's still an imperfection in a premium quality tool, ... MoreThis is a really sturdy and compact cast aluminum pocket level. The design is well thought out, with a machined flat on one side, v-groove for centering on pipe or conduit, and strong magnet to grab onto ferrous surfaces.The level vial is clear and easy to read, and has one-degree increments on one side and common angles marked on the other for less clutter (but for some reason it's missing a 90° tick mark on that side!).I discovered the aluminum arrow doesn't quite line up with the tick marks for a perfect level (it's about 0.3° off), but the white painted/powder coated portion of the arrow does line up exactly. It's not a big deal, since this is only a 4" pocket level and not for super accurate setups, but it's still an imperfection in a premium quality tool, which is why I thought it was worth mentioning.The edges are all beveled or broken enough that it won't snag when being pulled out of a pocket or tool pouch. The set screw dial is also well protected against bumps, which makes it a little difficult to adjust, but not excessively so. I think Milwaukee struck a good balance there.Overall, I think this is a great level for quick applications that don't require a huge degree of accuracy.

could of been the one

This had the potential to be the one. Had used it twice and put it in my tool bags, only used it to find a pitch for parallel pipe runs, and it worked great. The next time I pulled it out a few days later, I noticed the numbers started to rub off.