Hand Gages Are Not Always the Best Solution

Whenever you use hand gages be aware of some of the pitfalls that can negatively affect your measuring results. Hand gages by definition explain part of the risk. They are completely dependent on the operator regarding tension, inspection location, and working condition. A simple electronic fixture gage can resolve most of these problems and also improve the performance of a GR&R Study. Let's review a few hand gages and their pitfalls.

Calipers are fast and easy to handle but at the same time, the results can vary based on finger pressure, angle of the inspection, and the blades wearing out. A simple fixture gage that holds a part in specific locations and a couple of probes that are mounted at 90 degree angles from the part will give you consistent results.

Height Gages also have their drawbacks. To properly use a height gage, a makeshift staging area is needed. An operator tends to forgets that although the height gage might have been certified, the staging area is usually made up of uncertified V-blocks and surface areas. Many times, an operator will create a clamping system for temporary use that distorts the part and throws off the reading. A fixture gage that is custom built will have all of its components certified, the location areas will be consistent, and the results of your study will improve.

When inspecting production parts, it is not only important to find the bad parts, but it is also important to make sure you are not throwing away good parts that have been inspected wrong.
If you would like further information or if you have an inspection requirement that needs to be evaluated, please contact us and we would be happy to review your application and recommend the appropriate gaging solution.

Visit our page dedicated to the ways Quality Engineers and Production Engineers are using gages to make their lives easier.

Birdsall Tool & Gage Co. designs and builds fixture gages, fixed gages, inspection and gaging accessories, ring gages, plug gages, thread gages, snap gages, electronic gages, mechanical gages, data collection gages, masters and setting gages, CMM fixtures, special tools and tooling with customer satisfaction in mind. Call 248-474-5150 or email us at blog@birdsalltool.com for more information about our company.