Flea Market Find

[lptools]

Hello, I found this at the flea, but am unable to track down any info on it. The label reads ANGLEVEL Resom Industries Beaverton Oregon Pat Pend. There are 2 metal tabs under the top plate, which I am guessing are used to hook onto a board. It was interesting looking, so I brought it home. There is a company selling a modern tool under the same name, ANGLEVEL, but I could not link the two. Any info on this tool would be appreciated. Regards, Lou

[Bill Houghton]

How does it work?

[lptools]

Hello, Bill. I have no idea, just yet. There is what appears to vial at the top, the liquid may be missing. There is also a hold button built into the side, so I am not sure if this uses a mechanical reading.I guess that I will need to take the top plate off to figure something out. Regards, Lou

[Bill Houghton]

Then, of course, the question is whether you pronounce it "Angle-vel" or "Ang-level."  These things matter - when you're asking your assistant to hand it to you from the toolbox, you gotta use the right term.

[lptools]

Hello, Bill. I do believe the name is a play on grammar, most people would pronounce it as 2 words, Angle Level. Thanks for your input, Lou

[john k]

Reading the tag, it seems to mean it is a mechanical level and by pushing the button you set the memory.   Also seen a Stanley with a similar button that turned on tiny bulbs behind the vials. 

[lptools]

Hello, John. Looks like it is time to pull off the top plate & see what is going on!!!!! Thanks for your input, Lou

[lptools]

Hello, John. Good call, there is a graduated wheel under the top plate, still not sure how it functions. Seems to be spring loaded?? I also took off the bottom plate that I thought was wood, turns out it is hardboard (masonite). I think the screws that hold the sides are under the labels, so this is as far as I will go. Still looking for more info!!!! Regards, Lou

[amecks]

The degree wheel must be weighted?  Displaying the degrees from 90?  Cool find!
Al

[turnnut]

 Lou,  can you turn thr wheel to about 45 degrees and lock it with the button ?

  I was wondering if you could preset the degree and the in use the vial would tell you when you are at 45 degrees.

  just an uneducated guess.  Frank

[Northwoods]

So, it is an inclinometer/level?

[lptools]

Hello, Everyone. Thanks for all of your replies!!!! Sorry about the late response, but I had to go back to work today!!!! The wheel seems out of alignment, it will turn, but needs a little prompting. I am still waiting to hear from a local guy who seemed to know what I was proudly carrying around a 6:00 AM. Inclinometer Level???  Early Smart Level???  Great Conversation Piece??? All I have is the name ANGLEVEL, I am still looking for Patent Info. Thanks, Lou

[Yadda]

Interesting link to more inclinometers.


http://www.antiqbuyer.com/all_archives/tools_archive/incli-levels.htm

[Twertsy]

Looks like it came out in about 1947, made by R-D Company out of Flint, MI.  Here's an advertisement from 1951.