Gage Tip of the Month

March 2017

When using an MRP to inspect a coupling’s Pitch Diameter, mark the location of the MRP on the face of the 1st machined part, and record the gage reading. Leave this 1st machined part nearby to verify between each additional machined coupling that the gage is still set properly.

Gage Tip of the Month

January 2017

Functional thread rolls are manufactured in matched pairs offset by one-half pitch to allow them to sit in a thread’s helical path (groove). Sometimes inspectors or machinists are unsure if they have properly positioned the rolls in the correct helical path. To avoid such issues, simply use a blue Sharpie® to draw a line in […]

Gage Tip of the Month

December 2016

While a certified Gagemaker setting standard is the preferred practice for Straight Threads, in a pinch,  you can use gage blocks to set a two-point Gagemaker lead gage without a proper standard. Create a gage block stack-up for the necessary interval then place between the points. Hold the face of the stackup against the fixed […]

Gage Tip of the Month

November 2016

A quick check will prevent an easy to avoid incorrect measurement with any ball point gage. Before inspecting, always verify the appropriate ball contact points. As you can do this when the points are on or off the gage, Gagemaker recommends checking points before setting up the gage or if you did not set up […]

Gage Tip of the Month

October 2016

It is good practice to quickly verify repeatability on a MIC TRAC™ 3000 at frequent intervals between calibration periods. This simple verification process involves zeroing the MIC TRAC using TF-1F fixtures (anvils). This procedure will ensure the unit repeats to a resolution of 0.0001″ or better. Simply use the Coarse Adjust Knob to open and […]

Gage Tip of the Month

August 2016

When inspecting external functional size on a straight thread (ACME, ISO Metric, UN, etc.), some have a tendency to force the RG-7000 external roll gage onto a part. Keep in mind overly aggressive placement can cause the roll to move or completely slip from the part. Sometimes, this can slam the gage and/or hands on […]

Gage Tip of the Month

July 2016

Achieve fast repeatability and reproduceability between operators by utilizing t wo TF-1F and two TF-SV MIC TRAC™ fixtures for setting ball mics and certain indicator style gages. Set the MIC TRAC to the desired setting distance and adjust the gage accordingly. Properly install a TF-SV on each TF-1F. Then, set the gage’s contact points into […]

Gage Tip of the Month

June 2016

An easy adjustment of your rails during assembly of an MRP-2001 will help you see the indicator better when inspecting external crest diameter, pitch diameter, or ovality. During setup, you simply position the rails so that any excess rail over-hang exists on the “fixed end”(the end not holding the indicator). Below you’ll find video instructions […]

Gage Tip of the Month

April 2016

Typically, if an internal threaded part is cut too large (too much material removed during threading), it ends up being rejected or scrapped. Because API RSC threads are tapered, moving the shoulder back makes the “over-sized” thread essentially “smaller.” When cutting/inspecting an internal API box rotary shouldered connection, it is not necessary to scrap the […]

Gage Tip of the Month

March 2016

Typically, if an external threaded part is cut too small, it ends up being rejected or scrapped. Because API RSC threads are tapered, moving the shoulder back makes the “under-sized” thread essentially “larger”. When cutting/inspecting an external API pin rotary shouldered connection, it is not necessary to scrap the part if the thread is measured […]