Digital angle gauge recommendations

[drummerdimitri]

I'm looking for a small square digital angle gauge measuring about 5cm x 5cm to be used in my metal bending duties.

That being said however, the tool must have the following specifications:

• Have at least one V groove on the magnetic side.
• Display that rotates automatically.
• Quality is a must so no cheap Chinese junk.
• Robust build so not made of plastic.
• Should cost no more than 100$.

The only contender that I found was the Klein tools 935DAG but that thing only costs about 30 bucks.

Can't seem to find better quality ones that are the same size. I have a Stabila unit that is around 400$ but it is too large to attach to small workpieces when bending so that small footprint is a must!

If anyone has any recommendations, I'm all ears.

 

[Gutman]

I've got the klein. Got it as a gift. Works as advertised. Useful for bending on a press brake.

The battery lid is held on by a small screw and I've started removing batteries in electronic tools such as this (voltmeters, contact testers, etc.) due to battery leakage. Only issue I've had was I endef up adding a tiny slice of cardboard in the battery compartment to keep battery seated as it would occasionally break contact in the compartment. Possibly from my battery removal fetish. Idk.

In any case, I'm looking to get another as I've been finding that a second would be helpful for aligning stuff when fixturing. And that's when I saw the price, so I'm with you there.

No idea on pedigree of the klein as I assumed it was made in chyna. I've seen many that look like it so I'm not sure.

 

[Steve_P]

I have the Klein also. Yes, it's inexpensive, but I also wouldn't want to spend $$$ on something like this that is going to get dropped. It feels pretty durable/well made to me and has 4.8* on Amazon with 15K reviews. I know it's the GJ way, but it's best to not overthink stuff like this and just go with the Amazon choice.

 

[GeoBruin]

I also have the klein and use it for the same purpose.

Edit: OP, I was trying to help you spend more money, so did a pretty thorough search, and I don't know if what you're looking for exists. There are a few more expensive little square digital angle finders (Fowler and SPI) but they don't have v grooves.

It's hard to tell if any of them are made from anything but plastic, but plastic definitely seems to be the go-to. The SPO and Fowler could be aluminum or the could just be painted to look that way. As for country of origin, I tried looking at sites like MSC which usually show country of origin, and even for the SPI it said "various" so nothing definitive.

SPI and Mitutoyo both sell "digital protractors" which do have an aluminum face and a grooved aluminum face, and they're even NIST traceable, but they're not magnetic and they're larger than your spec.

Anyhow, let us know what you wind up with.

 

[RTM]

I have a Tiltbox, not sure if I or II. It was a gift that I rarely use. The only thing I think it's missing from your list is the digital tilting display. There is a video comparing the Klien to the tilt box on YouTube.

 

[drummerdimitri]

I also have the klein and use it for the same purpose.

Edit: OP, I was trying to help you spend more money, so did a pretty thorough search, and I don't know if what you're looking for exists. There are a few more expensive little square digital angle finders (Fowler and SPI) but they don't have v grooves.

It's hard to tell if any of them are made from anything but plastic, but plastic definitely seems to be the go-to. The SPO and Fowler could be aluminum or the could just be painted to look that way. As for country of origin, I tried looking at sites like MSC which usually show country of origin, and even for the SPI it said "various" so nothing definitive.

SPI and Mitutoyo both sell "digital protractors" which do have an aluminum face and a grooved aluminum face, and they're even NIST traceable, but they're not magnetic and they're larger than your spec.

Anyhow, let us know what you wind up with.

It's a rare thing to have money to spend and nowhere to spend it. First world problems for sure haha.

Maybe I am just overthinking it, I also did a lot of research and found nothing hence the creation of this thread.

Maybe I should just get myself a Klein and de done with it. Surely it would get the job done. Was just looking forward to owning a fancier toy, I mean tool.

 

[BTL-A4]

+1 for the Klein. I think the display rotates, too.

 

[no704]

It's a rare thing to have money to spend and nowhere to spend it. First world problems for sure haha.

Maybe I am just overthinking it, I also did a lot of research and found nothing hence the creation of this thread.

Maybe I should just get myself a Klein and de done with it. Surely it would get the job done. Was just looking forward to owning a fancier toy, I mean tool.

Just get 3 of them if that would make you feel better? That way you can bend complex pipes and not have to reposition them.

 

[Rabid Badger]

I had the Klein. It survived a few years of use and several drops with no visible wear before meeting it's demise in the jaws of an anxious English lab.

 

[WWheeler]

I got my first Wixey (the O.G. inventer of the digital angle gauge) back in 2008 or so not long after they first showed up. I still have it and it still works great. It doesn't have a V Groove though, and it takes coin cell batteries which are fine if I remember to keep that size handy.

A few years after that I bought a Wixey WR365, which takes AAA batteries and does have a V Groove. I like that it also has a flip-up screen so I can better position it to where I can see it.

Both have been solid AF, but I think both models I have are no longer available and have been superseded by newer ones. I don't suspect I ever will, but if/when I ever do need another I'll be getting another Wixey.

 

[drummerdimitri]

I got my first Wixey (the O.G. inventer of the digital angle gauge) back in 2008 or so not long after they first showed up. I still have it and it still works great. It doesn't have a V Groove though, and it takes coin cell batteries which are fine if I remember to keep that size handy.

A few years after that I bought a Wixey WR365, which takes AAA batteries and does have a V Groove. I like that it also has a flip-up screen so I can better position it to where I can see it.

Both have been solid AF, but I think both models I have are no longer available and have been superseded by newer ones. I don't suspect I ever will, but if/when I ever do need another I'll be getting another Wixey.

I'm glad you posted this as I never knew about Wixey.

Seems like the only model that would suit my needs is the WR365 which you own.

Not sure why they don't put a V groove in all their angle gauges as I find it a must have feature.

Also, does the display rotate when placed upside down?

My only concern with it is the visibility of the display since it is not backlit. Can you comment on this? How is the visibility from different viewing angles? Might for for it if it is great.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Not sure why they don't put a V groove in all their angle gauges as I find it a must have feature.

V groove causes problems on some small flat surfaces such as fixed angle sharpeners because of the small surface.

Wixey is targeting woodworkers. I could put if on a narrow chisel, that's a problem with a groove.

I own three with grooves that I don't use much because of the groove

 

[GeoBruin]

V groove causes problems on some small flat surfaces such as fixed angle sharpeners because of the small surface.

Wixey is targeting woodworkers. I could put if on a narrow chisel, that's a problem with a groove.

I own three with grooves that I don't use much because of the groove

I wss going to say I wish I had one without a groove to compliment my Klein. Sometimes you need it. Sometimes it's annoying.

 

[lolaetype]

I bought a Johnson 1886-0000 maybe 8-10 years ago at Lowes. Works well. Unlike the gauge in the picture, mine has a yellow face.

Johnson's description:

Check and transfer angle measurements easily and accurately with Johnson's compact magnetic digital angle locator. This tool easily and clearly displays angles in degrees from 0° to 90°, in both absolute and relative measurements, making your job go faster and more accurately. It features an automatic LCD backlight for easy visibility, and the reading will automatically invert when you're taking overhead measurements. This angle locator comes with a soft-sided pouch to keep it clean and safe when not in use.

Johnson Level 1886-0000 Magnetic Digital Angle Locator | Johnson Level & Tool Mfg Company

Magnetic Digital Angle Locator 2 Button

www.johnsonlevel.com

Johnson makes one with a V-groove, model 1886-0300 but it generally goes for over $100.

 

[no704]

I have an older one That is pretty good but it’s like 5” long, does have a v groove, but not magnetic.