Do you want to measure the thickness of a small gap? Or do you want to set and modify the gap to a certain thickness?
Well, doing so with a conventional precision like a caliper will be difficult! Especially if the gap is very small or in hard-to-reach places. That’s why you need to have one of the best feeler gauge sets in your possession.
So, whether you want to set valve clearances or even check the spark plug gaps, a feeler gauge will come in handy. Besides, you can also use a feeler gauge to measure the flatness of various engine surfaces.
With that in mind, you’ve decided to get yourself a feeler gauge. But, do you know the best one to invest in?
If you don’t, make sure you check out these 5 best feeler gauges we’ve highlighted below. And rest assured, you can never go wrong with one of these products!
Top Picks
In Hurry! Then here are our top 3 feeler gauges.
1. High Quality – uStarrett 66B Thickness Gauge Set/u
2. Best Budget-Friedly – uHotop Stainless Steel Feeler Gauge/u
3. Best valve adjustment – uProto J000TL 25 Blade Long Feeler Gauge Set/u
Best Feeler Gauge: Review 2021
Now, let’s get right into it!
1. Starrett 66B Thickness Feeler Gauge – Best Overall
When it comes to quality, very few feeler gauges can compete with this Starrett 66B Gage Set. But that’s not surprising seeing that the unit is made in the USA. Besides, the set comes with a complete blade set and features accurate thickness.
This product also features locking devices that hold the 31 gauge blades together. You can tighten these locking devices to secure the blades in the steel body. Besides, you can also loosen that locking mechanism with a thumbscrew to retrieve the blades conveniently during use.
The unit is crafted from superior tampered steel, with each blade measuring ½” wide and 3 1/32” long. Besides, each blade is well-tempered and very flexible. As such, it will not bend permanently or even break.
Regarding the thickness size, these blades range from 0.0015” to 0.035”. The only issue with this unit is that the thickness size is only engraved in inches. But if you don’t have any problem with that, you’ll love this feeler gauge set!
Pros
- The locking device secures the blades while working
- Complete 31 blades
- High quality
Cons
- Only calibrated in inches
2. Hotop Stainless Steel Feeler Gauge – Budget Friendly
Want a feeler gauge you can use in both non-magnetic and magnetic environments? Then this Hotop feeler gauge set might be the best option for you! This is because one of its blades is crafted from brass. Thus ensuring the blade doesn’t stick on the magnet while you’re measuring gap thickness.
Also, this feeler gauge set is one of the products with the most blades; 32 blades to precise! These blades are held together in a blade protector while in the toolbox. Hence protecting them from falling apart since the protector features a lock nut.
Each blade has a width of ½ ” and a length of 3 ½”. Plus they have both metric and empirical size engraved on 1 side for easy identification.
Furthermore, this thickness feeler gauge set is highly affordable. Not to forget that it’s very versatile, thanks to its several blades.
Apart from the brass blade, the other blades are made up of high-carbon steel. Unlike stainless steel, if you don’t oil high-carbon steel before storage, it tends to rust. This is one of the few limitations of this gauge feeler set.
Other than that, if you want a versatile, accurate, and affordable feeler gauge set, Hotop is a budget-friendly option. It’s great for 3d printing collaboration too.
Pros
- 0.01” Brass blade
- Oily blades to prevent rusting
- Locknut keeps the blades together
- Highly versatile
Cons
- Blades aren’t made of stainless steel
3. Proto J000TL 25 Blade Long Feeler Gauge Set – Best Feeler Gauge for valve adjustment
Measuring objects in far-to-reach areas has never been an easy task, right? But now, you don’t need to worry anymore! Stanley Proto offers you this J000TL feeler gauge set to help you in such situations. Thanks to the 12 inches long blades that you can use for flange gap measurement, valve adjustment, and more.
Moreover, each blade has a width of 1/2”. As for the thickness size, they’re laser-engraved on the blades in both metric and empirical units. In total, the set comes with 25 blades, with their thickness size ranging from 0.0015” to 0.04”. Thus, with this unit, you’ll be able to handle various measurement needs.
Out of the 25 blades, the 0.04” blade is the most unique one. Apart from being the thickest blade in this set, very few feeler gauges have blades with such thickness.
The only issue with this product is that it’s a bit costly. However, considering how useful it is when measuring gaps in tight places, it’s definitely worth the price tag! And it’s even considered as one of the best feeler gauges for guitar as well as hard-to-reach areas in the market today.
Pros
- Long blades are ideal tight places measurements
- Steel blade holder
- Thumb slot
Cons
- A little expensive
4. ZUZUAN 1 Pack Feeler Gauge
When you’re checking critical measurements like point gaps and valve tolerance, you need a tool like a feeler gauge. And if you prefer a tool with a unique design, ZUZUAN feeler gauge offers you just that!
It has a thumb notch design that makes it easy to select and expand the blades. Even better, you can rotate it up to 360 degrees, and disassemble the blades to use them individually! To safeguard the blades, you can keep them together in the chrome blade protector.
This product comes with a set of 32 stainless steel feller blades and 16 offset feeler gauge blades. Each blade has good elasticity, wear resistance, and high precision.
You can easily distinguish the blades since they’re engraved with both imperial measurements.
The stainless steel feeler gauge blade measurements range from 0.00015 inches (0.04mm) to 0.035 inches (0.88mm). While the offset feeler gauge blade measurement ranges from 0.005 inches (0.127mm) to 0.02 inches (0.508mm).
So, with this kit, be ready to obtain quick and precise measurements! Besides, it’s also the best feeler gauge for guitar.
Pros
- Wide application
- Unique design
- Long-lasting feeler gauge sets
Cons
- Not ideal for magnetic areas
5. CAMWAY (32 Blades) Steel Feeler Gauge
Durability is something that crosses the mind of every feeler gauge user. So, why not buy this CAMWAY feeler gauge set, with its hardened tempered steel build and lube oil coating, this product is free from corrosion and pitting.
Besides, it’s ideal for wide applications and it can, therefore, be used by mechanics, engineers, and even designers! You can use it to determine the thickness of spark plug gaps, piston ring gaps, tappet clearances, and bearing clearances.
This feeler gauge comes with a set of 32 blades that are held together in a blade protector by a nut and screw. Notably, 31 blades are made with 65 manganese steel, while one is crafted from brass. This brass blade is also known as a non-ferrous blade. The stainless steel blade protector features a thumb notch that helps in blades removal.
With the unit measuring 9.5 cm long, you’ll find this blade useful in various hard-to-reach areas. Similar to most feeler gauges on our list, these blades are also engraved in both metric and imperial units for easy identification.
Pros
- Precise and easy to read calibration
- Durable construction
- Wide application
Cons
- Not ideal for regular use
How do you measure a spark plug with a feeler gauge?
Measuring narrow gaps in a spark plug with a feeler is a very simple process. You just need the spark plug, your favorite feeler gauge as well as lubricating oil. Got them? Now follow these steps!
Step 1: Determine the gap or clearance you want to measure in the spark plug
Maybe you want to measure the cylinder head surface, piston ring end, valve clearance, or even the spark plug gap. In this case, we’ll focus on the spark plug gap. This refers to the gap between the spark plug’s center electrode and the ground electrode.
Step 2: Look at the repair manual/ specification sheet
A repair menu/ specification sheet displays the precise measurement of the place you want to measure. Unless stated otherwise, a spark plug gap barely exceeds 0.055”. Besides, you can look for the specification on the manufacturer’s website.
Step 3: Select the ideal feeler gauge set
After determining the gap size, choose the feeler gauge set with the ideal measurement. If you’re working on a larger gap, choose a product with various blades.
Step 4: Slide the feeler gauge blades into the spark plug gap
Take your blades and pass them through the spark plug gap one by one. If a certain blade slides through the gap smoothly, use the next gauge up. Contrarily, if the blade is snug, select the next measurement down. The perfect blade is the one that results in drag when you move it through the gap back and forth.
Step 5: Check the size of the feeler gauge
Once you get to the ideal feeler gauge blade, read the engraved measurement. The measurement can either be in imperial units, metric units, or both. If the gap is too large that you had to use more than one blade, add their measurement sizes.
Step 6: Oil the feeler gauge after use
Most feeler gauge blades are vulnerable to rust and corrosion. For that reason, it’s a good practice to oil them after use. In addition to protecting them from rusting, doing so will increase their durability.
Frequently Answer Questions
1. How does one clean feeler gauge sets?
Using a soft, clean cloth, wipe each feeler gauge blade with oil on both sides. It’s recommended that you clean your feeler gauge blades. This will protect them from rusting and increase their durability.
2. What’s the importance of a feeler gauge?
A feeler gauge set checks gaps and spacing of machinery during repair or set-up. It’s also used to determine the precise critical clearances of various manufactured parts.
3. What material is used to make a feeler gauge?
Most feeler gauge leaves are mainly crafted from high carbon steel. However, some blades are made from brass material to help you work near magnetic areas.
4. What is a thickness gauge?
The thickness gauge is another term that is used to refer to a feeler gauge. It is a mechanical measurement tool that is used to determine the precise size of a gap between 2 parallel surfaces. For instance, you can use it to measure the clearance between 2 machine parts.
5. Can you gap spark plugs with a feeler gauge?
Yes! But you’ll need other tools like pliers to bend the electrode of the spark plug. This is because the feeler gauge blades may bend when you use them to bend the electrode.
Final Words
Just like any other product out there, choosing the best feeler gauge set depends on your needs and preference. Luckily, we’ve only listed some of the best products in the market.
As such, there is no way you’ll not find the perfect feeler gauge set to match your needs on our list! Just go through each product and feel free to choose the best one for you!
Myself Erick R. Jackson, I am a Computer Science graduate by law but a passionately enchanted blogger by profession.
A few years back, it all started with my first blog website. It was about to deal and heal with automotive hand tools. Well, it brought me a good audience base for sure, which then dragged me out of my major and got me to sit and write, and be a blogger. Read more
