Height gauges or height gauging systems come in a variety of types. You can select a vernier height gauge, a micrometer height gauge or a surface height gauge.

Surface height gauges do not have graduations or display units and you can use these height gauges for transferring measurements or marking heights. Vernier height gauges have graduations engraved on a set of linear or drum surfaces and provide accurate readings as compared to other height gauges. For high precision applications, use a micrometer height gauge that has spindle and anvil arrangement for measuring the height of a component.

Like other gauges, height gauges come in different configurations and styles. You can buy mechanical height gauges or electronic height gauges. You can select an analog (or dial) height gauge or a digital height gauge.

Some important parameters you must consider before purchasing a height gauge are:

1. Range of height measurements
2. Type of height gauges
3. Required accuracy and graduation level for the height gauge
4. Type of reading display: digital or dial

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy a height gauge from a reputable height gauge manufacturer

Once you identify your height gauge requirements, evaluate different industrial height gauges available in the market. You can opt for a specialty or customized height gauge if your requirements do not match with the standard gauges. For example, to measure and set the height of tool tip, you can use a tool height gauge.

I recommend: Tresna is a reputable gauge manufacturer that provides height gauges including digital height gauges and dial height gauges. You can buy digital height measuring instruments at Mahr and Hexagon Metrology. Landau Gage, a reputable height gauge manufacturer, supplies customized height gauges for the automotive and aerospace industries. If you need a ride height gauge, evaluate the products offered by Merlin Performance, a reputable manufacturer of height gauges for racing applications.

Buy height gauges from height gauge distributors or retailers

You can compare different height gauges based on their features and prices at distributors or retailers' websites.

I recommend: Tool Savings, a reputable gauge distributor, supplies mechanical as well as electronic height gauges and height gauge accessories. Measure-All is another gauge distributor that provides height gauges from reputable height gauge manufacturers including Mitutoyo, Mahr, Starrett and Fowler. You can also buy height gauges at other gauge distributors such as MeasureNOW and Reid Supply Company.

Calibrate your height gauges periodically

As a height gauge is an important measurement and inspection tool, calibrate height gauges by experts from companies that provide calibration services.

I recommend: Davis Calibration is a calibration service provider that can calibrate height gauges from various manufacturers including Agilent, Ashcraft, Mitotoyo and Fluke. Starrett is a reputable height gauge manufacturer that also provides calibration and repair services. You can also evaluate other calibration service providers such as WESTport and Inspec.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Read manufacturers' instructions about storing and handling the height gauges, as improper handling and storing hampers the accuracy of a height gauge.
• •  For installing and using specialty application height gauges such as a deck height gauge or a tool height gauge, consult an expert in metrology.