A feeler gauge is a tool used to measure small gap widths, typically between two parts in engineering applications. It consists of a set of thin, flexible steel strips or "leaves" of progressively increasing thickness. Measurements are marked on each strip in thousandths of an inch or hundredths of a millimeter. To use it, the strip with the thickness matching the gap is inserted to measure clearance. Feeler gauges come in sets and are available for both imperial and metric measurements. They allow precise adjustment of machinery parts by matching the gauge thickness.
A feeler gauge is a tool used to measure small gap widths, typically between two parts in engineering applications. It consists of a set of thin, flexible steel strips or "leaves" of progressively increasing thickness. Measurements are marked on each strip in thousandths of an inch or hundredths of a millimeter. To use it, the strip with the thickness matching the gap is inserted to measure clearance. Feeler gauges come in sets and are available for both imperial and metric measurements. They allow precise adjustment of machinery parts by matching the gauge thickness.
A feeler gauge is a tool used to measure small gap widths, typically between two parts in engineering applications. It consists of a set of thin, flexible steel strips or "leaves" of progressively increasing thickness. Measurements are marked on each strip in thousandths of an inch or hundredths of a millimeter. To use it, the strip with the thickness matching the gap is inserted to measure clearance. Feeler gauges come in sets and are available for both imperial and metric measurements. They allow precise adjustment of machinery parts by matching the gauge thickness.
A feeler gauge is a tool used to measure small gap widths, typically between two parts in engineering applications. It consists of a set of thin, flexible steel strips or "leaves" of progressively increasing thickness. Measurements are marked on each strip in thousandths of an inch or hundredths of a millimeter. To use it, the strip with the thickness matching the gap is inserted to measure clearance. Feeler gauges come in sets and are available for both imperial and metric measurements. They allow precise adjustment of machinery parts by matching the gauge thickness.
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FEELER GAUGE
A feeler gauge or thickness gauge is a tool used to measure gap
widths. Feeler gauges are mostly used in engineering to measure the clearance between two parts. It is common to have two sets for imperial units (typically measured in thousandths of an inch) and metric (typically measured in hundredths of a millimetre) measurements. They consist of a number of small lengths of steel of different thicknesses with measurements marked on each piece. They are flexible enough that, even if they are all on the same hinge, several can be stacked together to gauge intermediate values. The lengths of steel are sometimes called leaves or blades, although they have no sharp edge.
How to use it Each of the blades of the thickness gauge has a different measurement on it, e.g. .025, .0015 (very thin), etc. Separate the one you want and fold the rest away. Slide the measuring blade in to the gap you want to set, then move the machinery you are adjusting so that it just touches the gauge, then move it out just slightly. Dont grip the measuring blade too much tight, it should be able to just slide in and out. Don't use the machinery to clamp it in, as that will actually be too small a gap and also you'll dent the soft metal of the blade. Once you have the gap set so you can just get the blade out, tighten up the machinery a bit, but not to full tightness. Now double check you can get the blade in but it doesn't rattle, and you can't get the next size blade up in the gap. If it's still right, tighten up the machinery the rest of the way. Don't forget to fold away the blade before putting the thickness gauge in your toolbox, as they're easily bent. NOTE: There are many types of feeler gauges, each with a specific application. Feeler gauges usually come in sets with a number of blades. The thickness of each blade is marked in thousandths of an inch and hundredths of a mm. A marking of 0.040 indicates the feeler is 40 thousandths of an inch thick. It may also indicate a measurement of 1.02 millimeters. A feeler marked 0.005 indicates the thickness is 5 thousandths of an inch. It may also indicate 0.12 millimeters. Some sets contain feelers made of brass. These are to take measurements between magnetic components. When measuring a spark plug gap, it is preferable to use wire feeler gauges. These feelers use accurately machined pieces of wire instead of metal strips. If the feeler gauge feels too loose when measuring a gap, select the next size larger and measure the gap again. Repeat this procedure until the feeler gauge fits snugly in the gap. If the feeler gauge is too tight, select a smaller size until the feeler gauge fits snugly in the gap
Safety check Never use feeler gauges on operating machinery. Feeler gauges are strips of hardened metal that have been ground or rolled to a precise thickness. They can be very thin and will cut through skin if not handled correctly. Select the part you wish to check, and make sure its clean. Finish the job by cleaning the feeler gauge set with an oily cloth to prevent rust when you put the set away.
