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 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 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 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. <EOS>