A feeler gauge is a hand-held precision measuring tool used to measure small gaps. It contains several thin metal strips or "leaves" of specified thicknesses, labeled in millimeters or inches. Feeler gauges can measure gaps from 0.02mm to 5.08mm and are useful in tight spaces where other tools won't fit. The most common types are straight, tapered, and offset feeler gauges.
2. WHAT IS A FEELER GAUGE?
• A feeler gauge is a hand-held measuring tool.
• It has a number of folding metal strips (also known as blades, or leaves) which are machined to specified thickness
levels.
• Measurements are given in millimetres or inches and can be found in a central location on each individual strip.
• A feeler gauge fits into small gaps, often less than 5.08mm (0.200").
• The gauge gives you an idea of how wide a gap is by physically filling the space with metal strips which have a
known thickness value.
• Feeler gauge sizes
• Feeler gauges can take measurements as small as 0.02mm (0.0008") and as large as 5.08mm (0.200").
• The size of a feeler gauge as inscribed on the tool refers to its thickness.
3. HOW DO FEELER GAUGES DIFFER FROM OTHER
MEASURING DEVICES?
• A feeler gauge is different from many other measuring devices as it provides you
with a visual clue of how wide the gap you are measuring is by physically filling
the gap with metal strips.
• Feeler gauges are ideal for use in spaces where other measuring devices, such as
a tape measure or caliper could not fit.
4. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT
TYPES OF FEELER GAUGE?
• There are 6 types of feeler gauge available:
1. Go No Go feeler gauge
2. Straight leaf feeler gauge
3. Tapered feeler gauge
4. Double ended gauge
5. Offset gauge
6. Feeler strip.
6. USE
• A similar device with wires of specific diameter
instead of flat blades is used to set the gap
in spark plugs to the correct size; this is done by
increasing or decreasing the gap until the gauge of
the correct size just fits inside the gap
7. MATERIAL
• High carbon (C1095),
• Close grain,
• Spring steel
• High carbon content ensures that the material
does not compress, producing consistent accuracy,
which is the most important aspect of this
precision measuring tool.
8. PRICE AND MANUFACTURER
• Price is vary from 200 to 2000 rupees as per the accuracy.
• Leading manufacturer of feeler gauge is as below,
• Mitutoyo
• Stanley
• Jcb
• Power grip
• Genric
10. ADVANTAGES
• Simple and easy.
• Can be performed in restrictive environments.
• Cheap to buy.
11. DISADVANTAGE
• Not very accurate - relies on personal inspection using eye and touch.
• Not recommended for high RPM machinery.
12. STORAGE
• Feeler gauges should be cleaned with an oily cloth before storage to prevent
rust.
• penetrating oil is used for protecting against the rust.