DEWALT Transit Level with Tripod, Rod, and Carrying Case, 20X Magnification (DW092PK)

After reading a review made by a user of the CST Berger transit, I decided to try this new DeWalt one. I am very well pleased. Only having been able to find the level version, I decided to order it from Amazon.From my experience, this is a very useful tool, especially for basic surveying and leveling. I have tried laser tools of this sort and have been disappointed.Recently, I used this transit to do a site survey for installing a satellite TV system in a heavily wooded area. Since the transit does not include a magnetic compass, I placed a Silva plate compass on the top of the telescope, while level. Fortunately, there were no iron or steel close enough to affect the compass and to keep it from seeking magnetic north. Having done this, I easily set the base plate to true north. Using the vertical transit and azmuth feature, I knew exactly where to place the satellite mounting pole for the best clearances between the trees.Quality of construction, smoothness of movement and fit is quite good for an inexpensive transit.

my only real issue with it is that the measuring stick is only like 8' not super useful for my purpose.

I am not a surveyor, but this tool is very easy to use and is well made, even though it is made in China. The only improvements I would like to see would be replaceable reticles and perhaps variable power on the scope. There is some lens flare when looking towards the sun, but it is not a significant problem. Maybe the best feature is that the system remains stable and aligned in use. It does not wander around while handling the unit. All moving parts fit snugly, but do not bind so it is easily repeatable. That is very important. My unit did not have a level to pre-level the tripod. The manual seems to indicate one is included. I had a small bubble level and that is working well to rough level the tripod before leveling the transit.

My husband used to do some survey work decades ago during his summer breaks from college. When he saw this tool, he just HAD to have it. No great need for it, but he has used it several times when trying to work with some drainage issues on our property. I figure he's worth it. Plus, it's hard to find gifts that bring so much joy. Contractors doing work at our place have been envious of his owning the tool. Great impact.

It's a nice transit for the money. The calibration adjustment screws were never locked down. I had to drive 40 miles to get it calibrated hopefully under warrenty.

I have always had good luck with Dewalt tools. This ended with this product. I set it up for the first time and noticed the main frame was loose. Went to my shop and got a special metric ball drive allen wrench to tighten both bolts. (no tools are included with unity) Set it up a second time. Now noticed the stop that holds the sighting scope was not tight. Back to the shop and had to use a small wrench and flat screwdriver to tighten the stop. Set up unit for third time. Went through standard leveling procedures that I have used for years to level transits. The unit would not level. Checked in manual for information on what was wrong and it simply said return unit for repair. It appears the level attached to the sight tube was not actully level with the site tube. If you are going to sell precision instruments they must be set up correctly from the factory. A transit that does not shot level is not a working tool. This is the first thing I have ever sent back to Amazon in all my years of buying from them.

I bought this tool for occasional use in professional setting, I am a PE but I do not perform much surveying.Having read earlier negative comments, I still purchased the tool based on a generally positive opinion about Dewalt quality. This tool suffers from both bad materials and bad quality control, but it is usable if you have technical savvy and some surveying experience.- The overall quality is poor, it is die-cast metal with indistinct inclinometer markings and a clunky feel in use.- User's manual (sheet) is unimpressive and has spelling and grammar errors.- One of the thumb knob adjusters loosened from its connection on the bottom plate on the second day of use, meaning it would not tilt instrument vertically, but rather unscrew from the bottom as it was screwing into the top. This required me to remove the bottom plate cover and tighten the threaded nut from the bottom (such a connection should have loc-tite or some other feature to prevent loosening). Luckily I had a flat head screwdriver the same size as the allen key (not supplied).- The tripod is shoddy, lightweight, probably will not last long but at least it's portable.- Initial leveling was a nightmare, as other reviewers have reported. This instrument is not calibrated in the factory. To achieve leveling, you must adjust the bubble level below the site tube. This requires a multi-step iteration which took me about 30 minutes to figure out and perform:1. Get the instrument as level as you can using the three leveling thumb knobs. It will not stay level while you rotate the instrument, because the bubble tube is not level.2. Loosen the set screw for the bubble level while the bubble is in the centered position (i.e. 'level'), rotate the instrument 180 degrees, and reset the bubble level set screw approximately half the distance back toward centered position.3. Iterate this back and forth, including occasional adjustment of the three thumb knobs, until the bubble level stays in the center in both 180 degree positions, as well as perpendicular (90 and 270 degree) positions.In summation, I would return the tool if I was in the States, however I am stuck with it in East Africa, and I will probably buy a nicer Nikon or CST tool on my next project that requires precision. In the meantime, I have fixed this one, until the next manufacturing failure, and I consider it disposable.

This is my second instrument, having been in the construction field for about three years on my own now. I realized the benefits of the Builders Level in site construction so I purchased the Transit Level to work elevations. Great instrument.