Feeler gauges

[Cummins_Tech]

Looking for a fairly nice set of feeler gauges to replace my old rusty set that are currently residing in the scrap bin. Budget is about $50, less than would be nice. The Matco 26 blade set seems too good to be true at $17 and has mixed reviews. Haven't priced SO yet.

Open to suggestions.


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[Cahark]

I don't spend any more than 10 bucks on feeler gauges. I use them daily in the machine shop for very accurate work. As long as they measure at the labeled size, they are good enough for everything I need.

Is there something special about these expensive feeler gauges?



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[APEowner]

What are you using them for? Do you need certs?

 

[ihateminimumwage]

The $17 Matco FG275 is a rebadged LANG/Kastar, which is around $11. At that price difference I'd take the warranty on the Matco. The Blue Point sets will be the same as Matco, Craftsman, Lisle, and most other truck brands. The actual Snap-on sets are crazy expensive.

I replaced an old rusty Kastar set with the USA Craftsman branded ones (straight and bent) a couple years ago and no complaints. I could see that doubled set being a PITA adjusting valves in some situations for the extra size and weight.

 

[speed bump]

Personally, I buy $10 sets at the auto parts store or from an industrial supplier. If it is critical I throw a caliper on the feeler gauge right beforehand. Unless you need something special I can't see spending $50 on a set of feeler gauges.

 

[Cahark]

Personally, I buy $10 sets at the auto parts store or from an industrial supplier. If it is critical I throw a caliper on the feeler gauge right beforehand. Unless you need something special I can't see spending $50 on a set of feeler gauges.

This^


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[rlitman]

Looking for a fairly nice set of feeler gauges to replace my old rusty set that are currently residing in the scrap bin. Budget is about $50, less than would be nice. The Matco 26 blade set seems too good to be true at $17 and has mixed reviews. Haven't priced SO yet.

Open to suggestions.


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I have the Snap On bent blade set. It's a whopping $18 for 25 blades.

https://store.snapon.com/Bent-and-S...des-006-thru-030-Blue-Point-reg--P635153.aspx

I don't know if they still do it, but my blades have both SAE and metric markings. That's something I find quite handy.

...Unless you need something special I can't see spending $50 on a set of feeler gauges.

Neither can I. But even Snap On gauge sets aren't that expensive.
In fact, you can get yourself a cheap straight blade Snap On set for something like $12, so why would you buy the $10 parts store set?

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Neither can I. But even Snap On gauge sets aren't that expensive.
In fact, you can get yourself a cheap straight blade Snap On set for something like $12, so why would you buy the $10 parts store set?

The Blue Point feelers are the affordable ones you linked.

Actual Snap-on is $87 for a plain-Jane flat set.
https://store.snapon.com/General-Use-Feeler-Gauges-Feeler-Gauge-31-Blades-P806598.aspx

 

[larry_g]

I have two sets of these but they were job specific and near jo-block accuracy.

http://www.starrett.com/metrology/m...isplayMode=grid&itemsPerPage=24&sortBy=wp/asc

If you need certified Starrett is one way to go. It depends on what your doing if you need a $5 set or a $50 set. We used to stock Proto sets in spares to use as shim stock as needed.

Look here to see all that Starrett offers. Not saying buy Starrett, but understand what is available and if one particular style meets all you needs then shop around for that style.

http://www.starrett.com/metrology/m...isplayMode=grid&itemsPerPage=24&sortBy=wp/asc

If you only use one or two sizes then 12" stock and a holder may suit you better.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[bpjr]

I have 2 Snap Ons, 2 Kastars, 1 AmPro and don't see much difference except Snap On's sells feeler blades` and the holder unscrews to replace them. The Snap On holders are a tad more friendly to pulling feelers out. I just looked and my old Snap On "combination" set looks identical to the current Blue Point for $13. I also have a few cheap ones from autozone, etc and use them to make shims or bend the blades for specific engine work. I can't see paying big bucks for a feeler set after using all these...but I don't make my living turning wrenches either so your mileage may vary.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Blue-Point here... Good quality, stamped in imperial and metric, made in US and inexpensive.

 

[Cummins_Tech]

Thanks guys. I'll pick up the BP set off the truck on Monday.

For those that were asking, no they don't have to be certified. Just using to for valve lash and to check tolerances on parts.


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[rlitman]

...Just using to for valve lash and to check tolerances on parts...

The $12 set will be fine for most things, but I recommend the $18 bent set for valve clearance. The angle can make it much easier to take a measurement in tight places.

My toolbox has a set of Snap On feeler gauges that came in a tool roll with five sets of gauges. Two circles of wire based spark plug gap gauges (one standard, and one high energy), one normal feeler gauge set, one angled feeler gauge set (my favorite), and one brass feeler gauge set.

Found it:
https://store.snapon.com/Feeler-Gap-Gauge-Set-Set-Feeler-and-Gap-Gauge-5-pc-Blue-Point--P635165.aspx

And that still comes in under your $50 budget. Whether it is worth it or not depends on whether or not you can use the other included stuff...

If you add up the prices, if you were to buy the two steel feeler gauges and two plug gap wire gauges, you'd get the brass gauge set and the roll for free, buying it together.

 

[Cummins_Tech]

That is a good deal. Buttt... there isn't a single spark plug on anything in here. Lol


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[rlitman]

That is a good deal. Buttt... there isn't a single spark plug on anything in here. Lol


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LMAO, gotcha. Makes a lot of sense from your screen name.

 

[Cummins_Tech]

We do have natural gas stuff, but we don't ever mess with them in our dept.


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[anndel]

I got a bunch of Lang's and 1 set of Snap On which I paid $50 for them. I dropped the SO set and bent some gauges. My driver took 'em and gave me a new set at no extra charge.

 

[rlitman]

Yeah, that about sums it up. If you have a Snap On driver, it makes sense to get feeler gauges from them. That's not one of those items that Snap On rakes you over the coals over.

 

[Cummins_Tech]

I've actually had great dealings with my SO driver. I've never paid retail for anything, and I have a truck acct, so no interest.


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