You can use plug and pin gauges to compare hole and slot dimensions of your components. The types of pin gauges are go and no-go gauges, double-ended gauges, progressive and step gauges. The go gauges measure the minimum hole-diameter, and no-go gauges measure the maximum hole-diameter. Double-ended gauges have a go-gauge at one end and a no-go gauge at the other end. Progressive or step gauges have stepped pins for go and no-go measurements on the same side. Thread measuring gauges have external threads with go and no-go tolerances for the component.

Tugsten carbide, ceramic and steel are some of the materials that manufacturers use to make pin gauges. Steel and tungsten carbide tipped gauges are suitable for industrial measurements, whereas companies that provide calibration services use ceramic gauges.

Some of the important parameters you must consider before purchasing pin gauges are:

1. Measuring range
2. Required accuracy of the pin gauge
3. Tolerance class such as Class X, Class XX and Class ZZ
4. Repeatability of the measurement

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

Choose an appropriate gauge from a range of pin gauges available with manufacturers

Once you have identified your requirements, look around for different industrial pin gauges available in the market. Select pin gauge manufacturers that have a broad range of products.

I recommend: Automation and Metrology, a manufacturer of ACME gauges, offers steel pin gauges. Micron Company provides metric pin gauges such as thread gauges, ring gauges and plug gauges. Sterling Mfg. & Eng. is a pin gauge manufacturer that also designs gauges suitable for automotive and aerospace manufacturers. Meyer Gage is one of the reputable suppliers of pin gauges and the company specializes in pin gauges that provide tolerance of ZZ grade.

Buy pin gauges from a retailer

You can buy pin gauges from a reputable retailer who can provide you with various types of pin gauges at attractive prices.

I recommend: Inspection Equipment is a retailer that sells various measuring devices and accessories including pin gauges. MeasureNOW is another source to buy pin gauge sets from various pin gauge manufacturers. GlobalSpec provides a list of pin gauge suppliers and information about pin gauges.

Buy a customized pin gauge

If products by various pin gauge distributors do not meet your requirements, opt for a customized pin gauge set for your application.

I recommend: Dow Gage designs and manufactures pin gauges for hydraulic fitting measurements. Birdsall Tool and Gage is another customized gauge manufacturer that specializes in inspection and gauging accessories. Gage Assembly provides customized precision gauges with chrome finish. Vermont Precision Tools manufactures customized pin gauges in addition to its class X grade pin gauges.

Calibrate your pin gauge

As pin gauges are measurement and inspection tools, make sure you calibrate these gauges by expert calibration service providers. This is very important as the smallest inaccuracy of a pin gauge may result in rejection of all the components you have produced.

I recommend: Pennoyer-Dodge provides calibration services for various gauges including pin gauges. Thread Check can calibrate your pin gauges with short turnaround time of just two or three days. WESTport offers various calibration services such as dimensional calibration and electronic calibration.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Clean the components before gauging, as dust hampers the performance of a pin gauge.
• •  While storing pin gauges, keep them clean and oiled.
• •  Avoid handling gauging surfaces, as fingerprints may cause rusting of the device.