Gages are important parts in any industry to measure the gap-widths. Feeler gages are excellent tool in engineering to measure the clearance. It is required in aerospace industries, industrial equipments and even in consumer goods manufacturing. Gages are available in varied shapes, size, configuration and material. These gages are always tailor made to suit specific requirements and measurements.
Feeler gages
In general feeler gauges are nothing but assembly of metal pieces consisting of different thicknesses. The metal blades are offered protection by metal covering just like how you see in a simple pocketknife.
The feel gauge has its measuring ends rounded, as to be accommodated within tight areas for instance the tip of spark plug, where it can be used to set the ideal gap for accurate ignition. There are various applications, including and not limited to aerospace, electronic, aviation, military and medical industries.
The standard feel gauges are available either in 12 inch strips or 25 foot coils with the feel blades made of the finest quality of carbon steel to withstand corrosion and to provide precise clearance measurement. The feel gages consist of small parts of steel known as feeler blades of varied thickness with marked measurements on each part.
Feeler blades
The feel blades are attached on the same hinge but are quite flexible to gauge the values of measurement. Most feeler gage sets come with a U-shaped steel holder. It is this steel holder that protects the feel blades when the feeler gage set is not in use. For selecting the feeler gage, user can fan out with the help of U-shaped steel holder for easy selection and then again put it back into the holder.
Besides these, customized long feel gauges can be of great help in case of precision measurement. Instead of doing calculations with standard gage configurations, one can also use customized gauges for measurement. The customized feel gage can be made of special material as well instead of stainless steel. There are also heavy thickness feel gages where the main character is superior resistance to wear and tear.
You need to know your gage requirements before you plan for gage selection. Look for quality gages and never fall for cheap gages, cheap does not always go with accuracy should you agree with the cliché you get what you pay for. If you are looking for precision measurements, you will have to use precision tools and gauges.