The Best Steel Feeler Gauge

Buying Guide

Whether you are a professional or a do-it-yourselfer, a steel feeler gauge is an important tool to have in your tool bag. It’s used to measure the space between two objects, typically to determine the exact size of a gap. It’s helpful for measuring everything from spark plug gaps to tappet clearances to guitar gaps. If you’re in the market for a steel feeler gauge, this guide has all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Review the construction of the steel feeler gauge first. One made of 65 manganese steel is an excellent choice, as is one constructed from stainless and hardened tempered steel. Both are extremely durable, tough enough to withstand multiple drops and smooth on the surface.

Check that the steel feeler gauge blades are clearly marked with the measurement system you use most often. Most blades are etched with both metric and imperial measurements for your convenience. Make sure the numbers are easy-to-read, as you’ll want to be able to identify the size of the gap at a glance.

Look at the number of blades the steel feeler gauge provides. Some models only offer 16 blades, while others have twice that amount. The more blades that come with the set, the more precise you’ll be able to get with your measurements.

Determine whether you’d like a straight feeler gauge or a bent feeler gauge. Straight feeler gauges are typically designed to be thin and flexible, while bent feeler gauges allow you to access those hard-to-reach spaces.

Examine the design of the steel feeler gauge. There are models that fold up neatly to take up little room in your tool bag. Others have a 360-degree swivel design that allows you to view all of the blades at once. No matter which type you choose, it’s important that you are able to remove individual blades as needed. For example, the blades may be bound together at the bottom by a nut that you simply need to unscrew to release them.

• Most steel feeler gauges come with an anti-rust lube oil coating to prevent pitting and corrosion. It is important that you are aware that if you use the tool as-is, you’re sure to get oil on your hands. You can either wash your hands with a grease-fighting dish soap afterward, wear a pair of gloves or remove the oil coating by wiping the tool down with rubbing alcohol. As long as you clean your steel feeler gauge regularly and dry it immediately after each cleaning, you won’t have to worry about rust forming on the blades.
• It’s a good idea to store your steel feeler gauge in a tool bag or tool chest when not in use, assuming it doesn’t come with its own plastic storage case. Not only will this protect the tool from dust and dirt, but it will prevent accidental misplacement of the tool or loss of any of the tool’s blades.
• There are several factors you’ll want to consider when comparing the price of steel feeler gauges on the market. These include the number of feeler gauges in the package, the number of blades each feeler gauge has and any extra features that make the tool more valuable. The Hotop Dual Marked Steel Feeler Gauge, 16-Blade, 2-Pack is among the most affordable options. The Proto Long Steel Feeler Gauge, 25 Blade comes in with the highest price tag.