To measure gauge thickness accurately, a caliper is typically used.
Using a Caliper to Measure Thickness
A caliper is a hand tool specifically designed to measure the distance between two points with precision. This makes it ideal for determining the thickness of materials, particularly metal.
Steps to measure thickness with a caliper:
- Prepare the Caliper: Ensure the caliper is clean and properly zeroed.
- Position the Material: Place the material you want to measure between the caliper's jaws or tips.
- Close the Jaws: Gently close the jaws of the caliper onto the material until they make contact without applying excessive pressure.
- Read the Measurement: Read the measurement displayed on the caliper's scale. This will give you the thickness of the material. As stated in the reference, "Just fit the two tips of the caliper around the metal you need to measure to determine its thickness."