Several months back, I posted to the list-serv, an inquiry about where
to get a device to measure the SLOPE of existing ramps.  Marcus and
others sent me information about an expensive Bosch device, and a second
brand of expensive device --  which I could not afford.

Last week I happened to be in a store that sells "remaindered" goods,
and found the cheap & affordable version of this tool, which this
manufacturer calls an "ANGLES LEVEL" on the package, and on the tool
itself they call it a "LEVEL / ANGLE FINDER".

The manufacturer's Trademark is "Slaymaker" ("Quality products since
1888".... this is the same company that makes locks?), and in find print
on the back of the package it says "Made In China, for Oxford Products,
South Plainfield, New Jersey, 07080, USA."  The package of this "4 Pc.
Level Set" says "Product Number 200826".

This "Angles Level" is remarkably simple, and I love this -- it does NOT
require the user to set any sort of "level" or "vertical" reference
line, first.... (which is impossible to accurately do, with a water
bubble device small enough to carry in a breifcase).  This tool contains
no water.

It looks like a compass that stands on edge, vertically, with a
straightedge attached across the bottom of it (plus one "vertical edge
on one side, too; I guess that's if you want to check the angle on
something that's sloping closer to vertical than to horizontal.

The "compass" part has 360 degrees on it's face.  The "Needle" always
points up, by a large plastic counterweight that is 180 degrees to the
opposite side of the pivot point, as the long pointer.  So if you set
the straightedge on a ramp with a 4 degree slope, the entire dial is
rotated 4 degrees off horizontal, and the rotary needle, by it's gravity
counterweight, still points straight up... to the point on the dial
that's 4 degrees away from the horizontal marking in the "noon" position
on the dial.

I may have a finished woodwork shop glue an extension onto the
straightedge part, to increase it's accuracy.  ANd of course one still
has to convert the angle in degrees -- to the rise over the run.

This device is lightweight plastic, about a quarter pound, so it's
possible to carry it around in my breifcase, daily, so I will have it
handy to spot-check existing ramps, and begin to not only see -- to what
extent local codes are being complied with.... but also to hopefully
teach myself over time, what various slopes "feel like".

With it's other 3 types of plastic levels in the 4-piece package, this
tool was being "dumped" in this remaindered-product store, for the
bargain price of three dollars.

I salute the anonymous unknown industrial designer at Slaymaker
Corporation, who got the job done with such simplicity, at such a low
price!
I am posting this info, so that perhaps others  interested in
accessibility.... will let this manufacturer know, that there is a
merket for a cheap simple slope-angle-measuring tool... so that they'll
be encouraged to keep making it.

Jim Davis



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