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Thread: Proper Term For Spirit Level Protective Glass Disks

  1. #1

    Proper Term For Spirit Level Protective Glass Disks

    Please educate me as to the proper name for the protective glass disks on a classic spirit level. Those who went before me never taught me during my 83 years this information and Dr. Google can’t seem to understand what I want.

    I have a very solid 24-inch long classic cast aluminum spirit level made by Mays Bros. Manuf. Co. of Port Austin, Mich. It is missing two of its 1-7/8 inch diameter glass protective disks that appear to have been set using plumber’s putty made from linseed oil and plaster-of-Paris or perhaps plaster alone mixed thick enough to hold its shape.

    I will try to add an image. It suggests that the level was made around 1927, so it is almost an antique.

    Please educate me as to the part I want so I can try to purchase one.

    MaysBrosLevel_120123.jpg

    Thanks
    John

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    Millstone, NJ
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    Call Mayes Bros in Tenn @ 423-926-6171.

    Supposedly they have parts for old stock

  3. #3
    I looked up what I thought was the proper name, I got the same results as you.
    Google "watch glass" and or "beaker cover"
    They come in many sizes
    Hope this helps.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Missouri
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    2,152
    I believe the term you are looking for is vial cover.
    Jim

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Location
    Modesto, CA, USA
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    10,007
    On a dial indicator or watch "crystal". Sight glass may work as well.
    Bill D.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
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    Modesto, CA, USA
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    You can cut sheet glass with tin snips. Mark a line with a sharpie and then do it underwater.
    Bill D

  7. #7

    My Apologies For the Misspelling

    In every instance I wrote below Mays and not Mayes. I apologize. I could not find a way to edit the post I created.

    John

    My thanks, also to George Yetka for pointing out the successor company in Tennessee. I used the phone number to discover that the website can be accessed here:

    https://www.greatnecksaw.com/

    Under "measuring" the second entry, "levels" will take you here to see the current offerings.

    https://www.greatnecksaw.com/247-measuring-tools/levels

    ...................

    Quote Originally Posted by John Baum View Post
    Please educate me as to the proper name for the protective glass disks on a classic spirit level. Those who went before me never taught me during my 83 years this information and Dr. Google can’t seem to understand what I want.

    I have a very solid 24-inch long classic cast aluminum spirit level made by Mays Bros. Manuf. Co. of Port Austin, Mich. It is missing two of its 1-7/8 inch diameter glass protective disks that appear to have been set using plumber’s putty made from linseed oil and plaster-of-Paris or perhaps plaster alone mixed thick enough to hold its shape.

    I will try to add an image. It suggests that the level was made around 1927, so it is almost an antique.

    Please educate me as to the part I want so I can try to purchase one.

    MaysBrosLevel_120123.jpg

    Thanks
    John

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    S.E. Tennessee ... just a bit North of Chattanooga
    Posts
    1,018
    This is a sale for 6 lenses, but they are cheap ...

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/35386873425...d2280539a2c2d5

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Lake Gaston, Henrico, NC
    Posts
    9,086
    I have a number of different brands of levels missing those glasses. Some are over 40 years old but still read an accurate level or plumb.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    McKean, PA
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    Blog Entries
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    YOu can purchase glass discs from McMaster-Carr i 1-3/4" dia x 1/8" thick.

    This person will custom cut glass discs Scroll down the page to see the thickness and ordering information
    Lee Schierer
    USNA '71
    Go Navy!

    My advice, comments and suggestions are free, but it costs money to run the site. If you found something of value here please give a little something back by becoming a contributor! Please Contribute

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Northeastern OK
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    Quote Originally Posted by John Baum View Post

    I will try to add an image. It suggests that the level was made around 1927, so it is almost an antique.
    This made me laugh out loud. I hate to be bearer of bad news but your level is an antique.

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