Feeler gauge

Feeler gauge

A feeler gauge is a simple tool used to measure gap-widths. The feeler gauge was first patented in 1954 by Andrejs Muiza, a Latvian immigrant to the United States (Nashville, TN) following WWII. Feeler gauges are mostly used in engineering to measure the clearance between two parts.

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. It's common to have two sets for imperial units and metric measurements although the pictured set has both measurements recorded on each blade.

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.

The lengths of steel are sometimes called "blades", although they have no sharp edge.

Types of feeler gauges

Taper feeler gauge

A taper feeler gauge is a feeler gauge of tapered, as opposed to parallel, shape. The blade of the gauge is of a constant thickness, and the two types of gauge are used in a similar way.


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Look at other dictionaries:

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  • feeler gauge — A thin strip or blade of hardened steel, ground to an exact thickness, that is used to check clearances between parts. Thicknesses increase by 0.001 inch. Also see step feeler gauge …   Dictionary of automotive terms

  • feeler gauge — noun Date: 1925 a thin metal strip or wire of known thickness used as a gauge …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • feeler gauge — noun a gauge consisting of a number of thin blades for measuring narrow gaps or clearances …   English new terms dictionary

  • feeler gauge — /ˈfilə geɪdʒ/ (say feeluh gayj) noun a gauge consisting of thin strips of steel of known thickness, usually fixed like penknife blades; used for measuring small distances, as the gap in a spark plug. Also, feelers …  

  • step feeler gauge — A feeler gauge with metal feeler blades; the thickness of the blade increases from one end of the blade to the other …   Dictionary of automotive terms

  • gauge — This is the British and Canadian spelling while in the United States it is sometimes spelled without the u (gage). It is becoming standard to use gage for wire size and gauge for an instrument. [1] An instrument that registers the quantity of a… …   Dictionary of automotive terms

  • Gauge (Technik) — Solch eine Messuhr wird im Englischen oft als „Gauge“ bezeichnet ebenso wie das damit zu messende Maß Auch solch …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • feeler — /fee leuhr/, n. 1. a person or thing that feels. 2. a proposal, remark, hint, etc., designed to bring out the opinions or purposes of others: Interested in an accord, both labor and management were putting out feelers. 3. Zool. an organ of touch …   Universalium

  • feeler — n. 1 an organ in certain animals for testing things by touch or for searching for food. 2 a tentative proposal or suggestion, esp. to elicit a response (put out feelers). 3 a person or thing that feels. Phrases and idioms: feeler gauge a gauge… …   Useful english dictionary

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