Measuring automotive rims question

[Jim 68 cuda]

I need to measure the width of some wheel rims that have tires mounted on them. Can't seem to find a caliper that looks like it will work at any local stores. Any suggestions on the best way to get an accurate measurement? I'm looking at 14" steel rims and need to determine if they are 5" wide or 5.5" wide. Its just a bit more difficult since there are tires of various sizes on the rims.

 

[Bogie1632]

Sure the rim isn't stamped on the reverse somewhere? Most I've seen are stamped, usually in an inconspicuous spot, very small. Can't think of any offhand that haven't been stamped somewhere.

V/R
Bogie

 

[Hammer1963]

In case you do not find the width stamped in the back side, the proper way to measure the width is from the inside edge to inside edge where the tire mounts. Kind of tricky with the tire on, but it can be done

 

[MikeF2316]

Tire shops have a "caliper" that is designed for this. Probably worth a shot trying to borrow one in a parking lot.

 

[Stooge]

its not as exact without a tire, but accurate 'enough' with the tire on, 2 straight edges on both sides of the wheel, and a ruler through the center bore , (i took a picture for some reason when i was measuring a wheel a few weeks ago )

2020-10-05_03-14-04 by Dan Haas, on Flickr

 

[lilredex]

Something like this is what you are looking for.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/253696222125?roken=cUgayN

 

[Mikeybc]

its not as exact without a tire, but accurate 'enough' with the tire on, 2 straight edges on both sides of the wheel, and a ruler through the center bore , (i took a picture for some reason when i was measuring a wheel a few weeks ago )

2020-10-05_03-14-04 by Dan Haas, on Flickr

Good idea, and if the straight edges are actually straight It should be every bit as accurate as a calliper

 

[Jim 68 cuda]

Something like this is what you are looking for.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/253696222125?roken=cUgayN

Thanks. I couldn't find a caliper that would work with the tires mounted. I like the two straight edge option. If I can find a couple straight edges or rulers that will rest on either side of the rim like that, the arangement should work perfectly.

 

[Jim 68 cuda]

its not as exact without a tire, but accurate 'enough' with the tire on, 2 straight edges on both sides of the wheel, and a ruler through the center bore , (i took a picture for some reason when i was measuring a wheel a few weeks ago )

2020-10-05_03-14-04 by Dan Haas, on Flickr

Something like this is what you are looking for.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/253696222125?roken=cUgayN

Thanks. I couldn't locate a caliper locally that would work with the tire mounted. If I can find two straight edges or rulers that will rest on the inside lips of the rim as shown, that should work perfectly.

 

[Qualitytools]

Something like this is what you are looking for.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/253696222125?roken=cUgayN

Yup, that's the one they use at tire shops to measure the width of the rim in order to enter it in their electronic balancing machine