Accurate feeler gauges.... preferably metric "first"

[VolvoRyan]

What do you guys recommend for a set of feeler gauges? Bonus points in they're in a "metric-first" (metric friendly numbers instead of round thousandths).... but I'll go with anything accurate at this point.

I have three sets of feeler gauges, and I'm getting different numbers as I set the valve lash for a new camshaft. One set of feelers is Craftsman from 15 years ago, one is a relatively new set from SK (2018-2019-ish), and one is some mystery brand. Maybe my micrometer can figure out who's best. Shrug.

Thanks as always guys.

-Ryan

 

[AJHD]

I have the Snap On set with the 4 soft grip handles... I don't know about their accuracy, but I assume they are spot on.

I think they also come with something like 80+ individual blades and different angles. Hard to beat that. Not a terrible price either.

 

[Dave455]

Any “reputable” maker should offer what you need. I’d probably consider the “no name” suspect till proven otherwise!

I think most rebranded U.S. made feeler gauges come from the same manufacturer (probably Eastern Gauge) and they will all be spot on.

Starrett also spring to mind, and they offer exactly what you need, albeit probably to a higher level of precision than you need.

I suspect that you are correct though, and that the problem is that you have imperial sized feeler gauges with metric “equivalent” sizes printed on. Perhaps one of the three is metric…?

 

[goldtang]

I have Moore and Wright , Snap on and Starrett some about 40 years old so a bit worn so due to the age some of the numbers are not so legible and if I am using multiple gauges I just grab a micrometer , I am retiring next year so my tools are as well

 

[F-22]

With the way feeler gauges are used, eventually they always start to wear out.

 

[RoninB4]

-I'd be surprised if any name brand feeler gauge set is inaccurate. I've got several different brands, some I've never heard of, and none of them were off unless surface rust was present. Also, most of them had inch and metric markings on them. The only time I've had a bad reading was when two of the leaves stuck together from oil. Feeler gauges should always get a thin wipe of oil on them after use to prevent rust.

For the decades I worked as a tool/die/mold maker I always bought this set:

PRECISION BRAND 19G20 .001

ApplicationsUsed in manufacturing and maintenance operations wherever checking tight tolerance is required.Each blade is clearly etched with its size.Ends are rounded and edges are smooth for safety.Includes(20) Blades

www.travers.com

For machine building and some automotive work I have another set by them that's 12" long if the standard set isn't long enough. I used this brand because they were local to me and everybody used them. Precision Brand also makes them in SS. You can also just buy a less expensive set and replace them when they begin to rust, I do that too.

 

[dnschmidt]

World's Greatest Toolmaker = Starrett.

 

[dnschmidt]

You can get anything you want with respect to feeler gauges from McMaster-Carr (aka the source of all good things.)

 

[VolvoRyan]

Thanks, all!

I gotta start following up on these leads.

I looked at my feeler sets again this AM with a fresh set of eyes.... and a micrometer.... and everything started making sense. I sort of wonder if I was simply "out in the sun too long" and misread something with my aging eyes yesterday.

Thanks again!

-Ryan

 

[scooby074]

The thing about feeler gauges is feel. Being consistant takes time to develop.

As to quality, any of the major brands should be on spec or close to spec, considering how much using a feeler gauge relies on the person doing the work.

I have Lisle, Snap-on, Bluepoint and Napa branded gauges. Im pretty sure the Lisle, BP and Napa are all coming from the same source, just the stamping on the cover is different. The snappys with the handles are awesome

 

[BillK]

The best kind to get for setting valve lash is the "step" type that you use as a go-no go gauge.

Performance Tool W80524 Valve Lash Feeler Gauges

This precision feeler gauge from Performance Tool features 3" long blades with a .002" step for setting valve lash. The feeler gauge has 22 blades and measures from .004" to .025".Item Details with .002" step

www.speedwaymotors.com

On some of the OHC heads you really need the ones with the angled ends to get in to the cam.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009OR94M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Dont sweat the accuracy that much. The lash will change as soon as you start the engine the first time anyway. All of the sets I have show Metric and SAE on the blades. I dont even know if they make a metric set. Really no need for it. Every valve lash specification I have see shows both the Metric and SAE numbers.

 

[ronkz650]

Mitutoyo for metric, starrett for SAE. Can't go wrong with these, but I have cheap USA made Craftsman guages from the 70s-80s that still work just fine.