A level comprising: a level body defining a base surface configured to engage a workpiece; a level vial located within the level body; a vial support surrounding and supporting the level vial, the vial support located within an opening formed in the level body, wherein the vial support is rotatable within the opening such that the level vial may be oriented to a plurality of angular positions relative to the base surface; and a locking system comprising: an actuator; a brake component having a first surface facing the vial support and a second surface facing the actuator; and a spring element located between the actuator and the brake component such that the actuator compresses the spring element when the actuator is moved from an unlocked position to a locked position in which the actuator causes the first surface of the brake component to engage the vial support with a force sufficient to restrain rotation of the vial support; characterized in that a retainer is between the actuator and the brake component, the retainer and the brake component each having a reduced diameter post (44, 46) extending within the spring element in a longitudinal direction, the reduced diameter post of the retainer facing the reduced diameter post of the brake component, wherein the retainer retains the spring element in a position during locking and unlocking. a level body defining a base surface configured to engage a workpiece; a level vial located within the level body; a vial support surrounding and supporting the level vial, the vial support located within an opening formed in the level body, wherein the vial support is rotatable within the opening such that the level vial may be oriented to a plurality of angular positions relative to the base surface; and a locking system comprising: an actuator; a brake component having a first surface facing the vial support and a second surface facing the actuator; and a spring element located between the actuator and the brake component such that the actuator compresses the spring element when the actuator is moved from an unlocked position to a locked position in which the actuator causes the first surface of the brake component to engage the vial support with a force sufficient to restrain rotation of the vial support; characterized in that a retainer is between the actuator and the brake component, the retainer and the brake component each having a reduced diameter post (44, 46) extending within the spring element in a longitudinal direction, the reduced diameter post of the retainer facing the reduced diameter post of the brake component, wherein the retainer retains the spring element in a position during locking and unlocking. an actuator; a brake component having a first surface facing the vial support and a second surface facing the actuator; and a spring element located between the actuator and the brake component such that the actuator compresses the spring element when the actuator is moved from an unlocked position to a locked position in which the actuator causes the first surface of the brake component to engage the vial support with a force sufficient to restrain rotation of the vial support; characterized in that a retainer is between the actuator and the brake component, the retainer and the brake component each having a reduced diameter post (44, 46) extending within the spring element in a longitudinal direction, the reduced diameter post of the retainer facing the reduced diameter post of the brake component, wherein the retainer retains the spring element in a position during locking and unlocking.