Top Tool Tip - Feeler Gauge

Here is a handy little tip some people may find interesting

A feeler gauge is a small tool commonly used in engineering to measure the clearance between to components or used within the automotive industry to measure and set the gap with in spark plugs.

A feeler gauge consists of pieces of steel at varying thicknesses, called leaves or blades. They can vary from 1mm right down to 0.05mm (very thin).

I use a feeler gauge in furniture making during a dry clamp up of a piece of furniture. I like to use the feeler gauge, normally the 0.05mm thickness blade, to feel if there are any gaps with in my joinery. If the blade slides in to the joint i know that there is a either debris on the joint face or the clamps are not pulling the joint together.

a feeler gauge is a small compact handy tool which is used to measure clearances between two components

there is a variety of thicknesses of leaves varying from 1mm to 0.05mm

a close up shot of the varying thickness of the blades on the feeler gauge

I hope you enjoyed this handy tool tip and make the most of this handy little tool, you may even have one laying about in the bottom of your tool box, get it out and use it to make sure that all of your joinery is tight.

if you have any more tips you want me to share please get in contact.

Josh Hall