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Drill Gauge question again?

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johninct

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I posted last week on this topic. One of the responses recommended Starrett but at $85, it is too much for me. Can someone recommend one that is ok for bolts and drill bits, won't ream out with just a few uses say up to $20?
 
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lilscorpion

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I suggest getting a set of calipers. Learning to measure drills bits with calipers gives you the ability to measure anything up to the capacity of the calipers (0-6” typically) and if you get digital calipers, you can switch to metric should you need to go there. Combined with a drill chart, you’ll have everything you need glowing forward. You might even be able to buy a cheap set of digital calipers in the $20-$30 range.
 
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johninct

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lilscorpion said:
I suggest getting a set of calipers. Learning to measure drills bits with calipers gives you the ability to measure anything up to the capacity of the calipers (0-6” typically) and if you get digital calipers, you can switch to metric should you need to go there. Combined with a drill chart, you’ll have everything you need glowing forward. You might even be able to buy a cheap set of digital calipers in the $20-$30 range.
Click to expand...

I have calipers and mikes and know on how to use them. Their precision isn't needed to measure a bolt. Example, dirty SAE bolt won't fit in 3/8" hole, but fits in next size up hole. It is a 3/8" bolt. I do know that in some special situation, there could be some odd OEM special bolt and thread but not worried about that special case.
 
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DFB

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johninct said:
I have calipers and mikes and know on how to use them. Their precision isn't needed to measure a bolt. Example, dirty SAE bolt won't fit in 3/8" hole, but fits in next size up hole. It is a 3/8" bolt. I do know that in some special situation, there could be some odd OEM special bolt and thread but not worried about that special case.
Click to expand...

John just curious but do you often use your drill gauge to size threaded fasteners? I have always found those plastic/nylon nut and bolt gauges handier for things like that. I keep one in my tool drawer at all times. The drill index I generally just keep with my drills and taps
 
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matt_i

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johninct said:
I have calipers and mikes and know on how to use them. Their precision isn't needed to measure a bolt. Example, dirty SAE bolt won't fit in 3/8" hole, but fits in next size up hole. It is a 3/8" bolt. I do know that in some special situation, there could be some odd OEM special bolt and thread but not worried about that special case.
Click to expand...

But a dial caliper is the most foolproof single source tool to do them all....

The only gage I even mess with is a thread pitch gage, well, and a gear tooth pitch gage but that's a little different beast.
 
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johninct

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DFB said:
John just curious but do you often use your drill gauge to size threaded fasteners? I have always found those plastic/nylon nut and bolt gauges handier for things like that. I keep one in my tool drawer at all times. The drill index I generally just keep with my drills and taps
Click to expand...

I use it all of the time. If it fits, why not use it? I only have the one gauge and have used it for everything. I want another because I am lazy. Say one is at the tool box with drills and taps, it would be nice to have one at the work bench to measure the bolt.
Last week I needed to build another drill bit set out of the many drill bits I have. Pick a bit, put it in the gauge, get the size and then stick it in a standing drill bit gauge/ stand as a double check and place to put the bits. I built an almost complete set very fast.
Need to measure a dowel pin, just stick it in and done. Unknown tap, take a quick measure and good to go. I think I even measured brake line tubing once.
A lot of things I measure, close enough is more than ok. It doesn't matter if a 3/8 bolt is .374".

Now that I think of it, I also wouldn't mind a gauge 1/2" to 1". I know it would be easier to measure a 3/4" bolt with a gauge than a tape measure even though it only take a second.
 
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jmarkwolf

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I bought a couple of those bolt/screw gauges from Brownells, the firearm supplies vendor, for identifying small SAE vs metric threaded screws and bolts.

I discovered that some metric bolts will screw into SAE holes, and vice versa, because these "gauges" are so thin that the threads on some screws will have only a single thread in the gauge. Similar thread pitches will cause an SAE screw to mimic a metric screw, and vice versa.

So, if you have these gauges, beware you don't make a trip down to the local hardware store to buy screws mis-identified by these too thin "gauges".
 
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bugnut

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This works for your conditions but it is pricey ~50$

The Gorilla Bolt Sizer & Thread Pitch Gauge: Inch
Part Number A98
 
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DFB

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johninct said:
I use it all of the time. If it fits, why not use it? I only have the one gauge and have used it for everything. I want another because I am lazy. Say one is at the tool box with drills and taps, it would be nice to have one at the work bench to measure the bolt.
Last week I needed to build another drill bit set out of the many drill bits I have. Pick a bit, put it in the gauge, get the size and then stick it in a standing drill bit gauge/ stand as a double check and place to put the bits. I built an almost complete set very fast.
Need to measure a dowel pin, just stick it in and done. Unknown tap, take a quick measure and good to go. I think I even measured brake line tubing once.
A lot of things I measure, close enough is more than ok. It doesn't matter if a 3/8 bolt is .374".

Now that I think of it, I also wouldn't mind a gauge 1/2" to 1". I know it would be easier to measure a 3/4" bolt with a gauge than a tape measure even though it only take a second.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the response John. The only reasoning behind my inquisitiveness was to try to understand a bit more why the fractional drlll gauge was "wallowing out" as you described that's all.
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I'll just tag this on here instead of making two posts.

This is one of the other types of quick fastener sizers and just like the one I most often I use. There are other variations on the market.

Works for me. I just find it handy, cant really damage it by forcing threads thru as it is sized for thread OD. And the shoulder posts are stepped to discern fine thread from coarse. Mine has held up to a lot of general abuse and easy enough to clean off to if it does gets covered grease and grime. The one I have owned is a white color with black markings.


It DOES NOT read any thread bolt pitch though and I do use a pitch gauge for that if there's something I'm not quite sure of (especially metric fasteners :wtf: SAE sizing is usually is fairly easy for me :D)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B07B8TH62D/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new


What I also kind of neat about it has cut notches to align bolt screw heads for proper length measurements

I have some very similar ones to what is in this link this at my flea mkt tool tent those are also black with white markings :lol:

Geez I only get $5 :spit:


https://www.ebay.com/itm/153214417678
 
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matt_i

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jmarkwolf said:
I bought a couple of those bolt/screw gauges from Brownells, the firearm supplies vendor, for identifying small SAE vs metric threaded screws and bolts.

I discovered that some metric bolts will screw into SAE holes, and vice versa, because these "gauges" are so thin that the threads on some screws will have only a single thread in the gauge. Similar thread pitches will cause an SAE screw to mimic a metric screw, and vice versa.

So, if you have these gauges, beware you don't make a trip down to the local hardware store to buy screws mis-identified by these too thin "gauges".
Click to expand...

Thats a good point. An M5 x 0.8 and a #10-32 are very close, it takes 3-4 threads before you feel the bind.

#10 major diameter ~0.190"

M5 = 0.196"

0.8mm pitch = 0.0314"

32tpi pitch = 0.0325"
 
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Biomed

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johninct said:
I posted last week on this topic. One of the responses recommended Starrett but at $85, it is too much for me. Can someone recommend one that is ok for bolts and drill bits, won't ream out with just a few uses say up to $20?
Click to expand...

Huot has a fractional drill gauge that covers 1/16" to 1/2" x 64ths on their website for $4.95. Vendors that sell Huot should also have them. I have one but have not used it much. I would link to the website photo but the photo they show is for the 12280 and the fractional gauge is P/N 12250. Besides the photo is lousy.


cptn_zippy said:
PEC blem from eBay or Epstein’s.

Jeff
Click to expand...

Epstein's does not have any right now.
 
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