Gage pins

[Batmanacw]

I just ordered the last two sets of Shars minus gage pins to get to 1". Over the last few years I've come to really enjoy having them. If you asked me 10 years ago if I would invest a lot of money in such a simple tool I am positive I would have thought you were nuts.

There have been times when I questioned my small internal mics or my telescoping gages. I've checked myself with the pin gages many times.

I have all my pin gages on a shelf under my bench so they are not stacked and easy access. Stacking them would be a nightmare every time you needed a bigger pin. Lol.

This has been one of my big goals over the last few years.

 

[WobblyHand]

There have been times when I questioned my small internal mics or my telescoping gages. I've checked myself with the pin gages many times.

Out of curiosity, what did you find out? Were you off? Did the pins save your bacon?

I can definitely see the utility of having them, but am having trouble thinking about investing in a full set of gauge pins. Being retired makes one consider what's super important and what's not.

 

[SouthernChap]

When I get to the stage skill-wise (and thus project-tolerance-wise) where I need to rely on tight tolerance gauge pins, I'll be going the same incremental route.

It's a great way to get a collection of gauge pins of good quality and not bankrupt oneself!

Until then I'll just envy you your collection and make do with my cheap Chinese sets.

 

[Batmanacw]

Out of curiosity, what did you find out? Were you off? Did the pins save your bacon?

I can definitely see the utility of having them, but am having trouble thinking about investing in a full set of gauge pins. Being retired makes one consider what's super important and what's not.

I had a job where my internal mics with the tiny rod points and my snap gages just were not agreeing. The gage pins told me the mics were right. That really saved my butt.

 

[Batmanacw]

When I get to the stage skill-wise (and thus project-tolerance-wise) where I need to rely on tight tolerance gauge pins, I'll be going the same incremental route.

It's a great way to get a collection of gauge pins of good quality and not bankrupt oneself!

Until then I'll just envy you your collection and make do with my cheap Chinese sets.

All my gage pins are Shars Chinese sets and they are as accurate as my Mitutoyo micrometers can measure. Exactly 0.0002" under on every single pin I've measured.

I need to go clean out that bottom shelf now that the last two sets are coming! Lol!

 

[WobblyHand]

I had a job where my internal mics with the tiny rod points and my snap gages just were not agreeing. The gage pins told me the mics were right. That really saved my butt.

I have some half ball internal gauges that I don't quite have confidence in. That would be a good reason for pins, at least in that size range.

Surprisingly, I've gotten pretty consistent with the telescoping gauges, but I've practiced a lot more with them and have a several gauge rings to keep me honest.

 

[SouthernChap]

All my gage pins are Shars Chinese sets

Did they cost $130 (2 sets 0-5mm, and 5.5-10mm at $65 each)?

I suspect your Shars pin gauges are better than my AliExpress specials.

 

[Batmanacw]

I have some half ball internal gauges that I don't quite have confidence in. That would be a good reason for pins, at least in that size range.

Surprisingly, I've gotten pretty consistent with the telescoping gauges, but I've practiced a lot more with them and have a several gauge rings to keep me honest.

I am usually spot on with my telescoping gages. I just could not get them to agree. I really like checking with more than one technology. If a bore is critical I'm definitely double checking.

You don't actually need the full set of gage pins. The smaller sets are cheaper and you can use two pins at the same time.

 

[ChazzC]

I just ordered the last two sets of Shars minus gage pins to get to 1".

I have all my pin gages on a shelf under my bench so they are not stacked and easy access. Stacking them would be a nightmare every time you needed a bigger pin. Lol.

Only go up to 0.250” and have these in a single layer drawer (only about a third are unwrapped - I do this when I need to use). And you’re right, can be a life (and time) saver. When I need lager I’ll get the appropriate set(s).

I do have my typical 81-piece gage block set on a short shelf for easy access.

 

[NCjeeper]

I use my gage pins all the time. Mine go from 11 thousands to 1 inch also. Back in the day Shars sold a gage pin cabinet. I bought one and it is nice being able to open a drawer and grab what size you need.