I'm sorry this took me so long to post! I was putting it off because I don't know how to do an article and wasn't feeling inclined to do each step as a post.

This post has the materials list and hopefully the picture of the materials. The following posts will be each step with a photo of how to do it. I can e-mail you a word document with the instructions if you'd prefer but I have a slow connection so if I have several requests I may have to space them out over a few days.

Hopefully we did this clearly but if you have questions let me know and I'll try to get you an answer.


Materials List

Tools:   Needle nose pliers
  Diagonal cutters
  Pliers
  Hack Saw
Parts:  Large Wilton Leveler
Ring Terminals (#22-#18 AWG; for electrical wires)
Wire: Picture hanging set (metal cable type) or PVC Pipe
cable saw (found in the hardware store by the PVC pipes.
(Any small, fine wire will work just be sure it strong enough.)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Removing the Blade

1. Remove plastic height adjusters from both sides of large Wilton leveler.

2. Reduce the tension on the leveler by bracing leveler on your upper thigh while putting pressure on the other end. (Youre pushing the ends toward each other; toward the center of the leveler).

3. While the blade tension is relieved, remove the keeper pin from inside the tube *CAUTION: Blade will fall away from the leveler*

4. Remove second pin from the other side and set blade aside.

Step 2: Wire Assembly

1. Using the hack saw enlarge the blade slot only enough to fit the ring terminal. Do both sides.

Check ring terminal in widened slot to be sure it fits (remember not to make it too wide!)

2. Place a ring terminal on one end of a wire cable and crimp firmly with pliers.

(Be sure you do it hard enough that the wire is secure.)

3. Slide another ring terminal down the opposite end of the wire; do not crimp yet! *Be sure the ring terminals are facing away from each other; i.e. circles point in opposite directions.*

4. Stretch the wire out on top of the Wilton blade

...with the ring terminals just touching the inside edge of the hole in the Wilton blade on both ends. (Adjust the loose ring terminal to fit).

5. Crimp the loose terminal in place. *Be very careful that you do not move the ring terminal or the tension will not be tight on the leveler.*

6. Trim off excess wire using the diagonal cutters and carefully cut away insulator shield (plastic part.)

Step 3: Reassembly

1. Slip ring terminal into the blade slot on one end of the leveler.

2. Replace keeper pin. (Simply drop pin into the hole in the ring terminal to secure.)

3. Place tension on the leveler as before and place ring terminal in the other end of the leveler.

4. Replace Pin as in step two. *This step will require two people*

5. Replace adjuster legs.

Phew!!! I think I got it all!! I'm on dialup so it took me awhile!

Darn it! I was so close to getting another star too! I should have made up another step or something.

If you have any questions let me know otherwise, there you go.

Thanks Fran!! We are headed out to Lowes in just a bit and I am going to get the supplies!!

I'm sorry this may sound stupid but exactly what is adapting it this way supposed to do??

It removes the blade that I hated and replaces it with a wire. When I used the blade it always climbed and tore up my cake. Since my dh adapted the leveler I have perfectly level cakes with minimal amounts of crumbs.

If you love your leveler the way it is, leave it. This is for those who requested I post the instructions.

Thanks You did a great job on the instructions.

I just bought a Wilton leveler and about cried when my cake was not even close to level! I couldn't believe it. I was so MAD!
Thank you so much for posting this I will be putting it to use SOON!

I don't have a leveler, I Have always just used a knife wielded by my DH : : I have the worst eye for leveling. I really should get a leveler. They only have the one for small cakes at my WalMart. I don't live near a cake supply store. Thank you for the instructions though. I will have to remember them when I do get one!

Wow, great instructions. Can't wait to try it and see if I can actually use my leveler. Thanks so much for posting.

I don't understand why anyone had problems with the large wilton leveler. The only time i've had problems with the blade is when the cake is frozen. I've just learned to be patient and wait until the cake thaws. Maybe I don't have problems because I use the seran wrap method for cooling my cakes, and my cakes are soft (no hard edges)? I would think the wire would move too much, but maybe not. I know I didn't like the small wilton leveler because of that.

I guess it's just one of those things. Some of use like it as is, some of us don't. After wrestling mine, I commend you on being able to make yours behave.

Thank you so much for posting this, I have been waiting and watching, as have a lot of other CCers who hate the Witlon leveler. Thanks so much for taking the time to show us how to do this!!!

Thank you so much for taking the time to post these instructions! I have had the same frustrating problem with my large Wilton leveler and I'm excited to try your solution.

Well I'll be darned. Just threw mine into the garbage in a fit of rage last weekend.

Yes - thanks for posting the pictures and instructions!! I too have been waiting. Now I will go buy the large leveler and have my DH adapt it for me.!!

Kudos to you DH for such an inventive design.

Thanks again for sharing . ..