Significant inaccuracies found in feeler-gauges

headshrink · April 28th, 2014, 12:33 AM

Although I checked my valve clearances a ton of times at this point, today I discovered something new. I noticed a given gauge from one brand of feeler would not fit, whereas the same sized gauge of another brand would fit. It never occurred to me before this moment that there may be some significant variations in feeler-gauges on the market. I decided to breakout the Excel, micrometer, and all three brands/types of feeler gauges I own, and do some analyzing.

I'll attach a copy of the spreadsheet, as well as a screenshot for the lazy. Feel free to scrutinize my method, formulas, and conclusions.

Note: I had to save the .xlsx down to Excel 03-07 .xls to upload here. Let's hope that didn't mess anything up.

EDIT: Uploaded .xlsx, and deleted .xls

jeffb502 · April 28th, 2014, 12:49 AM

Kind of how I can never get two air pressure gauges to agree when checking tire pressure, but in a slightly more important situation. Good info. What happened with the .0078 and .0084 readings on the kobalt .008? Looks like a measurement error.

headshrink · April 28th, 2014, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffb502

Kind of how I can never get two air pressure gauges to agree when checking tire pressure, but in a slightly more important situation. Good info. What happened with the .0078 and .0084 readings on the kobalt .008? Looks like a measurement error.

The air pressure gauge was a good example. In fact, since you put it that way it should have been more obvious.

I'm sure you're right about the measurement error on the Kobalt. If I go back and fix it, the Kobalt will be even MORE accurate. Way to go Kobalt! LOL. I'm actually really happy with all the Kobalt hand-tools I've gotten from Lowes.

EDIT: I think the go-no-go gauges are probably the least accurate/consistent because the tip is actually ground smaller than the rest of the unit. I would imagine this makes QC more difficult.

Alex · April 28th, 2014, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by headshrink

Note: I had to save the .xlsx down to Excel 03-07 .xls to upload here. Let's hope that didn't mess anything up.

I added the .xlsx extension, so you should be able to load up the original file now.

headshrink · April 28th, 2014, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

I added the .xlsx extension, so you should be able to load up the original file now.

Sweet, thanks. I just assumed it was a software limitation.

Alex · April 28th, 2014, 02:22 AM

No; the site isn't actually doing anything with any attachments other than just putting them here. It checks for the extensions so it knows what image to use for the file, that's really it. If you ever need another type of extension added, just let me know, it only takes a moment.

Racer x · April 28th, 2014, 04:23 AM

This is interesting.

I will measure my snap on gauges. I sometimes use go no go type. They are great. You have every other size and it will be loose then stop. You know it is the size between. But they won't go under the cam cover. Since this is a go by feel process. The reality is you can't feel much at .0000.
I wonder if they are made thick so they are not out of spec after use?

subxero · April 28th, 2014, 05:18 AM

old machine shop guy I worked with years ago used to have a poster I always thought was funny

"Measure it in mm, mark it with chalk, then cut it with an ax"

headshrink · April 28th, 2014, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subxero

old machine shop guy I worked with years ago used to have a poster I always thought was funny

"Measure it in mm, mark it with chalk, then cut it with an ax"

mgentz · April 30th, 2014, 05:08 AM

hmm. I might check mine in the garage now.

good find.

April 28th, 2014, 02:22 AM	#6
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	No; the site isn't actually doing anything with any attachments other than just putting them here. It checks for the extensions so it knows what image to use for the file, that's really it. If you ever need another type of extension added, just let me know, it only takes a moment. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

April 28th, 2014, 04:23 AM	#7
Racer x ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Eric Location: Iowa City Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawmeracchi 350 2010 Project X Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 54 MOTM - Sep '18, Feb '16	This is interesting. I will measure my snap on gauges. I sometimes use go no go type. They are great. You have every other size and it will be loose then stop. You know it is the size between. But they won't go under the cam cover. Since this is a go by feel process. The reality is you can't feel much at .0000. I wonder if they are made thick so they are not out of spec after use? __________________________________________________ Top speed 123.369mph. Ohio mile Worlds fastest 250 ninja

April 28th, 2014, 05:18 AM	#8
subxero dirty boy Name: Joe Location: Johnstown, PA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): I don't even know anymore?? Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '14	old machine shop guy I worked with years ago used to have a poster I always thought was funny "Measure it in mm, mark it with chalk, then cut it with an ax" __________________________________________________ I love the smell of burning pre-mix in the morning I don't think I'm a lot dumber than you thought that I think that I thought I was once.

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April 28th, 2014, 12:49 AM	#2
jeffb502 ninjette.org guru Name: Jeff Location: Santa Maria, CA Join Date: Oct 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 White Ninja 300, 2010 Red Ninja 250r (Sold) Posts: 335	Kind of how I can never get two air pressure gauges to agree when checking tire pressure, but in a slightly more important situation. Good info. What happened with the .0078 and .0084 readings on the kobalt .008? Looks like a measurement error.

April 30th, 2014, 05:08 AM	#10
mgentz Board Member Name: ... Location: WI Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 250R (street), 250R (dirt) Posts: A lot.	hmm. I might check mine in the garage now. good find.