There are metric thread gauges, standard measurement thread gauges, Imperial thread gauges, and thread gauges just for nuts. When you have a toolbox full of tools, and you work in an industrial setting, you should have all the possible thread gauges you can buy. Here is why.
Machinery and Fasteners from Around the World in Your Plant
A lot of industrial plants have machines manufactured in other places around the globe. This means that there are all kinds of fasteners in these machines, and when it comes to replacing a fastener, you are going to need to test a screw, a bolt, or a nut with the correct thread gauge. You cannot possibly do so if you do not have all the possible thread gauges in the possible sizes available to you. Second-guessing the correct size and type of measurement only results in fasteners that will not fit, or worse, fasteners that slide in and out of position every time a machine moves or vibrates.
You Cannot Measure a Hex Nut's Threads with a Bolt/Screw Gauge (and Vice Versa)
A nut thread gauge is made to fit inside the opening of the nut while trying to fit the nut by screwing it onto/over the gauge. You cannot use the same sort of gauge to measure the threads of a screw or bolt. Conversely, the "teeth" of a bolt/screw gauge will not fit inside a nut, so the nut cannot be measured with a bolt/screw gauge.
People Often Lose or Misplace Tools
Despite the fact that you would carry these tools in your toolbox at work, you may still lose or misplace your gauges. If that happens, it is nice to know that you have some backup options, and that you have additional gauges in your toolbox that you can try and can use. Having all different types, sizes, and measurement types provides you with enough options that if you occasionally lose or misplace a gauge, you have others that you can try.
Stock Up
Companies that sell these gauges will help you stock up on every gauge you do not have, and then some, if you choose. Most gauges are quite inexpensive in terms of cost, which means that you really do not have much of an excuse not to buy them. You would probably spend less than $50 and definitely less than $100 on all of the possible gauges available.
For more information, contact a company like WESTport.
